Byte Magazine Volume 10 Number 13 - Computer Conferencing

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YOU CAN HAVE MANY WINDOWS ON THE WORLD. The new Turbo Editor Toolbox features windowing, a technique that lets you see several documents—or several parts of the same document—at once. You know best what your needs are. Turbo Editor Toolbox lets you open the windows you want. And to make those windows part of your program.

WITH TURBO EDITOR TOOLBOX YOU CAN HAVE THE BEST OF ALL WORD PROCESSORS IN YOUR WORD PROCESSOR. You can make WordStar behave like Multi-Mate. Support windows just like Microsoft's® Word*" And do it as fast as WordPerfect does it. Incorporate your new "hybrids" into your programs to achieve incredible control and power.

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"This compiler, produced by Borland International, is one of the best programming tools presently available for the PC."

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State-of-the art games that let you be player, referee, and rules committee—because you have the Turbo Pascal source code. Which means that you can play a game or create a game, any time and any way you want

Borland's new Turbo GameWorks lets you combine gamesmanship with craftsmanship. Discover the secret techniques and moves used by the Old Masters. Learn exactly how state-ofthe-art computer games are made—so you can go off and make your own. Since you have the source code, you can always change the game. Or rig the game, if no one's looking. Pure Magic. That's Turbo GameWorks. And part of the "sourcery"—Turbo GameWorks is only $6995. When combined with our new Turbo Editor Toolbox in the Turbo New Pack, it's only $47.50.

SHORT CUTS, SECRETS AND STRATEGIES. The Turbo GameWorks manual takes you step-by-step through all the games. How to play them. How to modify them. How to use the power of Turbo Pascal to write new games.

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BORLAND'S TURBO GAMEWORKS AND SOME OF ITS MASTER PIECES Chess, the ultimate strategic game. A game so old that no one knows its exact origins. Turbo GameWorks lets you play chess at six different levels from the beginner to the sophisticated user. And you have many ways of playing with your Turbo GameWorks. Let the computer solve checkmate problems. Set the time limit for each game. And there's more.

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Address all editorial correspondence to the Editor BYTE POB 372 Hancock. NH 03449 Unacceptable manuscripts will be returned if accompanied by sufficient firsKlass postage Not responsible for lost manuscripts or photos Opinions expressed by the authors are not necessarily those of BVTE

Copyright © 1985 by McGraw-Hill Inc All rights reserved Trademark registered in the United States Patent and Trademark Office where necessary permission Is granted by the copyright owner for libraries and others registered with the Copyright Clearance Center ICCCI to photocopy any article herein for the flat fee of SI 50 per copy of the article or any part thereof Correspondence and payment should be sent directly to the CCC 29 Congress St Salem MA 01970 Soeclfv ISSN 0360-528081 SI 50 Cnnvine done fnrorher than nerennal or miemal reference ,nr wiihour .he nermis

360

CONTENTS

EDITORIAL

New Services

It is now 15 years since Murray Turoff invented computer conferencing as a renegade project in. of all places, the Office of Emergency Preparedness of the Executive Office of the President of the United States. (See The Network Nation: Human Communication Via Computer by Starr R Hiltz and Murray Turoff. AddisonWesley. 1978. for details.) It is seven years since Ward Christensen and Randy Suess invented the electronic bulletin board. Their article. "Hobbyist Computerized Bulletin Board," in the November 1978 BYTE (page 150) describes how they devised CBBS as a means of communications for members of their computer club and as a source of material for the club's newsletter.

Today it is clear that computer conferencing and electronic bulletin boards are the means by which personal computer users form a new kind of community, united by shared interests rather than geography. This month we examine com- puter conferencing in depth. We also extend our services to readers.

Many of you have written us about difficulties in getting program listings that go with BYTE articles. Some listings appear in the magazine, but lack of space prevents us from printing all of every listing in BYTE. The listings are available for downloading from our three electronic bulletin boards or from the BYTE Information Exchange (BIX), but some of you don't take part in telecommunications. Others are outside the U.S. and face technical or financial obstacles to participation.

We've been working hard to overcome these problems and are at last ready to announce some solutions. These include availability of program listings on disk, availability of computer conferencing and on-line listings throughout Europe, and free availability of listings on many bulletin boards outside the U.S.

BYTE Listings on Disks

Starting December 9, program listings for BYTE articles will be available in a great variety of disk formats. The listings are text files of source code and are to be used

Duplication Services, a subsidiary of Control Data Corporation, that will enable us to offer disks containing each month's listings for a cost to you of $5 for most 5!4-inch floppy disks and $6 for microfloppies, high-density 5!4-inch disks, and single-density 8-inch CP/M disks. These prices include postage in North America. Shipping and handling add $1 to the cost of orders from Europe and South America and $2 to the cost of orders from Asia. Africa, and Australia.

Which formats are available? Media Duplication Services has agreed to duplicate, at a cost permitting the prices above, any soft-sectored format that we can give them. We may need time to arrange the downloading of the listings to some osbscure formats if we don't have the target machine here at BYTE. (If you're concerned about availability of your format, call us at (603) 924-9281 and see if we have it. If we don't, we may arrange to pay you a small fee for downloading to your machine and sending us the resulting master disk for your machine's format.) We can't guarantee availability of every format, but we'll make an effort to provide any format requested. You will find an order form on page 60 of this issue if you wish to purchase listings on disk.

BYTECOM:

Conferencing in Europe

Jacob Palme, author of two articles in this issue, is also the principal author of COM and PortaCOM, two conferencing programs that run on a variety of systems. COM antedates and influenced CoSy. the software on which BIX is based. QZ. the same Swedish company that developed and sells COM and PortaCOM, also offers time-sharing in Europe. QZ will be putting BYTE program listings up and conducting computer conferences on BYTE and BYTEinspired topics. Readers in Europe can subscribe to BYTECOM by contacting QZ. Stockholm University Computing Center. Box 27322, S-102 54. Stockholm. Sweden, telephone: 46 8 679280. To reach BYTECOM via telecommunications network, you must first obtain a modem, establish an account with your local telephone ad

giro 184070-1 for the equivalent of 200 Swedish crowns (about S2 5). Hourly connect-time charges at night for BYTECOM will be the equivalent of $6. Note that telecommunications charges themselves are billed directly to the end user by the local telephone administration. Europe lacks the kind of billing to vendor that is normal in the U.S. The telecommunications charges by telephone administrations vary from country to country but are in many cases approximately $10 to SI 5 per hour in the evening. See page 60 for further information on BYTECOM.

Listings on Bulletin Boards Outside the United States

There's nothing quite like the interactiveness of computer conferencing, but if using BYTECOM is difficult, you can also obtain BYTE program listings free of charge from electronic bulletin boards in many countries. We owe thanks to the many readers who responded to our request for bulletin boards outside the U.S. to carry BYTE program listings so that all readers have a means of obtaining them. Page 60 contains a partial listing of these bulletin boards. We're also making arrangements with more bulletin boards and will announce them in a future issue.

We hope these new services make BYTE more useful and valuable to many of you.

Query for Interest

We have looked at Cauzin Systems' interesting new Softstrip system. This system encodes data in graphics patterns printed on paper, and a special reader available from Cauzin reads the data into a computer's serial port. The Softstrip format packs a lot of information into a small space. We ran a test of a Softstrip on page 392 of our October issue, and the data proved readable. The disadvantage of the system is that you must purchase the Cauzin reader for approximately $200 in order to take advantage of the strips. As a means of distributing program listings, Softstrips would be an alternative to telecommunications and disks rather than a substitute for them. Please let us know whether you would like us to use Softstrips

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MICROBYTES

Ultre, Melville, NY, announced a laser-printing engine that produces output at a resolution of 2400 dots per inch on photo film. Without a controller or case, the Ultre»Setter will cost OEMs about $5000 in quantity.

IBM announced the Pageprinter, a 12-page-per-minute electrophotographic LED-array printer priced at $7490. The Pageprinter can print text and graphics at a resolution up to 240 by 240 dots per inch.

Nanobytes

Former BYTE columnist Sol Libes has started a new magazine for hardware and software developers. The bimonthly magazine is $20 per year; for information, contact Micro/Systems \ournal. POB 1192, Mountainside, N) 07092. . Hitachi has developed a 2'/2-inch hard-case floppy disk that works with a prototype drive from Suwa Seikosha The disk can hold up to 500K bytes (unformatted), recording on 200 tracks per inch; the drive requires only 2 watts during read and write and weighs half as much as a 3'/2-inch drive. . . . MicroPro announced release 2.0 of WordStar 2000; enhancements will include the ability to directly read Lotus 1-2-3 and Symphony worksheet files, multiple-column printing, on-screen justification, a document-history screen, and support for more than 200 printers. MicroPro also announced that WordStar 2000 will be available for the UNIX PC (running under AT&T's UNIX System V). . . . Texas Instruments is developing a 32-bit CMOS LISP processor chip under contract to the Department of Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency. Roughly 10 times more complex than a 68000, the 40-MHz processor will directly execute a superset of Common LISP with extensions like object-oriented programming and message passing. . . . Waferscale Integration. Fremont, CA, has developed a CMOS 32-bit microprocessor slice for use in standard-cell chips. The processor is rated at between 3 and 5 million instructions per second Hitachi and Motorola expected to sample a CMOS version of the 68000

microprocessor by the end of 1985... SoftKlone Distributing. Tallahassee, FL, announced Mirror, a $50 telecommunications program it says is completely compatible with Microstuf's Crosstalk XVI.... Oki Semiconductor is now shipping production quantities of its 1-megabit CMOS ROMs. . . . Thoughtware Inc., Coconut Grove, FL, announced the Jingle Disk, a Christmas card on a disk for $9.95. Holiday scenes are displayed while Christmas carols are played. The program is available for the IBM PC (2 56K bytes), Apple II, and Commodore 64 and 128. ... Lotus Development Corp. unveiled Signal, a combined software/hardware product that lets users in major cities receive stock quotes via FM sideband radio signals and automatically enter the information into 1-2-3 or Symphony, The cost is $595 plus subscription fees for available exchange services. Lotus also recalled and replaced its initial shipment of Symphony version 1.1 after discovering a serious bug. . . . Drexler Technology Corp. was granted two patents in October related to its wallet-size optical-memory-card recording system. . . . General Transformation Corp., Berkeley, CA, hopes to validate its Ada compilers for the IBM XT and AT early next year. The company says the $1000 XT version will compile 1000 lines of source code per minute and the $1200 AT version will compile 2000 lines per minute. ... To avoid a court battle with Apple, Digital Research agreed to change its GEM programs (currently available on the IBM PC and Atari ST) so they will look less like Apple's Macintosh software. . . . Pacific Bell is now offering public switched-digital service to customers in the San Francisco and Los Angeles areas, allowing direct data transmission within those areas at up to 56,000 bits per second. Cost for the measured service starts at $197 per month. . . . Like AT&T and Hitachi, Toshiba has begun sampling its 1-megabit DRAMs . . . Intel introduced a one-timeprogrammable 2 56K-bit EPROM that can be programmed in less than 4 seconds using a new Quick-Pulse programming algorithm.... Gould AMI, Santa Clara, CA, announced that two chips—its S35213 modem chip and S352I2A filter chip—will perform all signal processing necessary for a Bell 212A-compatible 1200-bps modem. . . . Microsoft is shipping the XENIX System V operating system—a version of UNIX System V for the 80286—to OEMs . . MicroRIM's R:base 5000 database-manager program will be marketed by Microsoft outside North America and the Far East.... Honeywell introduced the XP and AP, two new personal computers compatible with the IBM XT and AT. . . . Tiac Manufacturing announced the PC-320, a $995 signal-processing board for the IBM PC, XT, or AT, using a Texas Instruments 20-MHz TMS320IO single-chip DSP (digital signal processor). . . . Chips and Technologies, Milpitas, CA, announced a 5-chip set that replaces 63 chips on IBM AT-compatible motherboards. The PC AT-compatible CHIPSet is priced at $72.50 in quantity. Another product—the 4-chip Enhanced Graphics CHIPSet—allows EGA-compatible boards to be built with 32 chips instead of the previously required 76.

10 BYTE- DECEMBER I98S

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sales data from the mainframe al headquarters and competitive information from the IBM IV in the regional office with Geneva's optional modem.

With (Geneva's powerful Portable Calc software, you analyze, or ganize, and print the data with the optional printer. Now you're ready to give them the good word. Or the bad news.

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EPSON Geneva

First new 114-inch cartridge since 1971

If you don't have data worth preserving, then

the reasons for buying Cartrex's new 1/4-inch,

high performance, virtually error-free tape

cartridge won't mean anything

But, if you are one of the many 1/4-inch tape cartridge

users that assume 3M's cartridges just have to be "good

enough" for today's high performance tape drives, read these

simple facts to understand why that isn't true anymore.

Pilots have a saying,

"There are those who have made a wheelsup landing — and those who will." You can applv this expression to those ^ who have lost data and those who will. Unfortunately, data loss isn't al ways because users haven't backed-up their hard disk. Sometimes it's because their 1/4inch tape cartridge, where they back up their hard disk, developed hard errors—those insidious errors that tend to increase over time. That's why Cartrex has developed a 1/4-inch data cartridge for today's high performance drives that virtually eliminates errors.

Why a new cartridge

When 3M announced its cartridge in 1971, it was designed for a low capacity tape drive with less than 3 megabytes—2.88 to be exact. The tape was low in density—1600 bits per inch with only 4 tracks and 300 feet of tape.

The tolerances required for the tape drives of the early 1970's were fine for then, but today's tape drives require much tighter tolerance. Today's tape cartridges must work with drives that have 9 or more tracks and bit densities as high as 12,000 bits per inch on 600 feet of tape. That means capacity increases of 2,000 percent packed into the same cartridge.

The reasons that yesterday's cartridge technology simply won't work properly in today's high capacity drives is inherent in the cartridge design.

12 BYTE- DECEMBER 1985

The new Cartrex U4-inch tape cartridge is the first new tape cartridge design in almost a decade and a half. Tape drive manufacturers now have a new cartridge technology which allows them to advance beyond this previous artificial barrier.

With the significant increases in capacity, the three culprits that make cartridge tolerances so important are fluctuating tape tension, redeposit nodules, and instantaneous speed variations (or ISV).

Tape Tension

Any child who has played with a magnet understands that as the magnet is separated from metal, the magnet's ability to work is decreased. So

it's no surprise to find out that the closer the tape drive head is to the tape, the better the reading. This closeness is particularly important when the embedded iron filings get packed tighter in today's high density tape. It's also important with the increase in the ^^^^"^^™ number of tracks. After all, you wouldn't want the head to be reading an adjacent track any more than you'd want it reading more than one magnetic representation of a bit.

Unfortunately, tape tension historically has not been constant. As the tape unwound, the tension increased. What's important is both the amount and range of tension. A fluctuating increase or decrease in tension is as unacceptable as low tension is in the first place. As the accompanying graphs

7711' Cartrex cartridge design (upper left) uses the N2 principle which creates head-to-tape tension by applying a mechanical differential at the rear pulley behveen a stiff transport belt and a stiff tensioning belt indicated in green and yellow in the color schematic (upper right).

The conventional .7Af design applies drag at the rear pulley to create tension, which creates heat, and limits future speeds much above 90 inches per second.

Good head-to-tape tension ensures the highest probability of reliably capturing data. Fluctuating tape tension allows data loss due to head-to-tape separation and smearing redeposit nodules across the tape head. The Cartrex cartridge, compared to the conventional design, creates constant and higher tension.

show, the Cartrex cartridge has higher tension and flatter profile than the 3M cartridge. This means more reliable data across the entire tape.

Redeposit Nodules

Another reason to keep constant tension is to avoid "redeposit nodules" from smearing across your tape drive's head. What are redeposit nodules? They are the insidious flakes of tape media that break off from the edges of the tape and get dragged up to the edge of the tape head. If the tension is low, or becomes low when the tape starts or reverses, the flakes come up over the edge, get smeared over the head, and reduce its ability to read the data.

Even worse, however, is that these redeposit nodules are dragged along the surface of the tape and get embedded and packed over time. When your drive tries to read the data, the redeposit nodules act as a tent pole holding up the tape away from the head. As a result, even the best errorrecognition algorithm can only tell you one thing—you've lost the data.

You might be wondering what causes the flaking in the first place. Again, it is cartridge design. The basic design uses a tape guide, shown in the accompanying illustration. The problem with this approach, is that it presupposes that the tape will always run parallel to the top and bottom caps of the tape guides. At the low speeds of

30 inches per second typical of when the 3M cartridge was designed, it was less of a problem. But at today's speeds of 90 inches per second and more, the tape wanders. When it presses against the top of the tape guide, the tape's edge pressure builds. Not only does media flake off, but you lose data due to the "coining" or "scalloping" effect. Cartrex eliminated the cause of the tape coining or scalloping by developing a barrel-shaped roller placed prior to the tape guide. The laws of physics show that by riding on a rounded barrel, the tape will always seek the middle, reducing the tape edge pressure. This seemingly simple addition causes the tape to always enter the tape guide with zero edge pressure. In this way, the possibility of media flaking off and creating redeposit nodules is virtually eliminated.

Instantaneous Speed Variation (ISV)

Instantaneous speed variations is exactly what it sounds like—small, instantaneous changes in tape speed as it crosses the tape head. At slow tape

You can compare the Cartrex design on top with the conventional 3M design (lower left) and DEI, a 3M licensee (lower right). The omission of "edge tension reduction guides" (indicated in dark blue on the color schematic) on either the 3M or DEI design means that tape edge pressures will increase causing the magnetic media to flake off, smear across the tape head, and cause "redeposit nodules" to become embedded in the tape.

speeds and low bit densities—like the 1971 standard of 30 inches per second and 1,600 bits per inch—ISV wasn't as big a problem. At that time, the bits were crossing the head at 48,000 bits per second.

Today, however, the story has changed. 90 inches per second and 8,000 bits per inch mean that 720,000

bits cross the head every second. A 1,500% increase.

As you may have guessed, speed fluctuations in the 48,000 bits per second made reading data difficult for tape drive electronics. But when the electronics have to guess whether or not the bit rate of 720,000 bits per second is accurate, the electronics can become overwhelmed.

High speed tape without the "edge pressure reduction guide" seldom enters tape guides parallel to the top and bottom. The edge pressure which results creates "scalloping"or "coining"on the tape. The effect is data loss due to head-to-tape separation, flaking media that smears across the head, and "redeposit nodules" that create hard errors.

Never a Single Issue

Your tape drive seldom has the luxury of dealing with an isolated problem. It's usually a combination of ISV, redeposit nodules, and tension problems all together. Now you understand why Cartrex wanted to develop a cartridge for a market that needed a modern alternative.

Where to get it

Not only has Cartrex improved on the industry's 15 year old technology, they have done it for a competitive price.

Now you can have peace of mind when you back up your hard disk on today's sophisticated tape drives.

And you can have it fast. Simply phone:

(619) 485-6603 ext400

and give Cartrex your credit card number and they will send your cartridges by return mail.

^BP

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^V

C/SRTREX

CARTREX CORPORATION

MARKETING HEADQUARTERS

Inquiry 52 for End-Users. Inquiry 53 for DEALERS ONLY.

11590 WEST SAN DIEGO

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619-485-6603

DECEMBER 1985 'BYTE 13

LETTERS

More Travesty

Murray Lesser's "Travesty Revisited" (July, page 163) is the second BYTE article to present a compiled-language version of Brian Hayes's random text generator (the first was "A Travesty Generator for Micros" by Hugh Kenner and Joseph O'Rourke. November 1984. page 129). If the subject is really that interesting, an interpreted BASIC generator would make it available to a larger number of casual programmers. Lesser's program is too loopy to run well in an interpeted language, but a usably fast version could be derived from his listing if lines 86 through 106 were replaced with those shown in listing 1.

My code embodies a small variation on the Hayes algorithm but is functionally equivalent to it. It requires a BASIC interpreter that allows long string variables, and LETTER(k) should be dimensioned to 2 5 5, which is large enough to handle input files of 10,000 characters or so as long as the scan order is greater than 2.

A generator using this stragegy and written in MS-BASIC (1.0) on a Macintosh runs a 1000-character in/out benchmark in 90 seconds. This compares well enough with the 130 seconds reported by Kenner and O'Rourke for the same test on a Heath H-89 with the original form of their Pascal generator. This is 5 to 10 times faster (depending on scan order and input-file size) than an interpreted generator using the Hayes algorithm as given.

Travesties become tiresome very quickly, but the method itself can lead to valuable insights into written language if one has the patience to follow up some of its formal results. For example, the generator allows the computation of several constants that measure aspects of the text in

the input file. The easiest of these to handle is linear convergence, which is given by (E(l/T))/C. where T is the number of matches to each gram and C is the total number of output characters. Linear convergence measures the tendency of the source text to reproduce itself through the generator. At high scan orders (greater than the number of characters in the longest recurring string in the text) its value is 1, and for lower orders, less than I. It can be approximated very well by adding the function T = T+ 1/LETTER(0) as the second line under the WHILE statement above, and then dividing T by the total number of output characters at the end of the run. If the convergences measured for orders 3 through 8 are plotted and the curves compared for different kinds of text and for different authors, some very interesting things suggest themselves. It is fascinating to realize that so nebulous a quality as "literary style" can be formally measured, and that there is a numerical aspect to the comparative study of literature.

Robert Green Annapolis. MD

Murray Lesser replies: In response to Mr. Green's letter, I offer a few comments. First, the program as published does an order-4 verse scan of 'Jabberwocky'' (1013 bytes) with 1000 bytes output in 33 seconds on my IBM PC. Time is by stopwatch, files are on memory-mapped virtual disk.

Second, the intent was to make minimum changes to the program structure established in the original article by Kenner and O'Rourke. The purpose of the piece was to show the effect of a more

Listing 1: Reader Green's modification to TRAVPC1.BAS.

LET l = INSTR(STRING,PATTERN)

'Scan for first match

LET LETTER(0) = 0

'Initialize match count

WHILE l>0 AND l< =LEN(STRING)-N.PAT

'Set loop conditions

LET LETTER(O) = LETTER(O) + 1

'Increment match count

LET LETTER(LETTER(0)) = l

'Record match location

LET I = INSTR(I + 1,STRING,PATTERN)

'Scan for next match

WEND

'Repeat

LET L = INT(LETTER(0)*RND) + 1

'1 < random mteger< = match count

LET OUTCHAR = MID$(STRING,LETTER(L)

+ N.PAT.1) 'Record selected letter

suitable language, not to monkey with the algorithm.

A major performance improvement for very long input files lover 5K bytes) is to eliminate the repeated input string concatenation with every character accepted. This can be done with a couple of assembly-language subroutines to write the entire input string into string space only once, albeit one character at a time. I leave this as an exercise for the interested reader.

If the technique is to be used for anything other than a stunt, the program should be restructured in a major way. For example, if one were to implement Mr. Green's suggestion of using it to compare "literary style,'' the program should run all the desired outputs from a single reading of the input, gather the appropriate statistics, and then move on to the next input file.

Finally. I wouldn't use an interpreted language for anything. In addition to the performance improvement, it is much easier to write and debug long programs for a compiler than it is for an interpreter. Try it: you'll like it.

Hope and Pascal Recursion

I would like to respond to Roger Bailey's article A Hope Tutorial" (August, page 23 5). In comparing Pascal with Hope on the mult function, he only showed an example of writing the function in Pascal using iteration. It is possible to write the function in Pascal using recursion (as shown in listing 2). This method is not the method normally taught to students, since recursion is not always the best route to follow. Except for that one example, I think

[continued)

LETTERS POLICY: To be considered for publication, a letter must be typed double-spaced on one side oj the paper and must include your name and address. Comments and ideas should be expressed as clearly and concisely as possible. Listings and tables may be printed along with a letter if they are short and legible.

Because BYTE receives hundreds of letters each month, not all of them can be published. Letters will not be returned to authors. Generally, it takes four months from the time BYTE receives a letter until it is published.

14 BYTE • DECEMBER 1985

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Listing 2: A recursive mult junction

written in Pascal.

01

program test (Input,

output);

02

03

var

04

x,y, num : Integer;

05

06 function mult (x,y :ir

teger)

:integer;

07

08

begin

09

if y = 0 then

10

mult : = 0

11

else

12

mult : = mult

x,y- 1) + x

13 end;

14

begin

15

repeat

16

read (x,y);

17

num ; = mult (x,y);

18

writeln (' num

is ', num : 3);

19

until num = 0

20

end.

this was an excellent presentation of Hope. Since I have no way of testing out the language, I can only say that Hope appears to be an easy language to understand.

Charlene Filz Santa Clara, CA

Roger Bailey replies: Charlene Filz is certainly correct in stating that the mult function may be written recursively in Pascal. My example using a loop was not a deliberate misrepresentation of Pascal but an attempt to compare a ' traditional'' iterative program with Hope's recursive approach. In the former, a sequence of data values (such as the successive values of prod in the example) is ordered in time and must be generated in that order; in Hope, a sequence of values is ordered only in space and may be generated in any order. This is shown most clearly in the Pascal and Hope versions of the programs for printing a sequence of natural numbers, and it is the property of Hope that makes it so suitable for parallel machines such as ALICE.

As Ms. Filz correctly states, the recursive method is not normally taught to students, which is very unfortunate. Recursion is widely regarded by practicing programmers as ' inefficient' or even "unnatural.'' yet neither of these criticisms bears up to examination. The

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LETTERS

first goal of all programming is to produce programs that are demonstrably correct. What use is the program that is highly optimized yet gives unreliable results or crashes unpredictably?

Clarity and conciseness are our greatest aids to correct programming and recursion provides both. Compare Ms. Filz's recursive mult with my iterative version: It consists of only two statements, has no variables, and more importantly, no concept of states because no values get changed when it's evaluated. It can be seen to be correct without testing or hand-simulation, whereas the iterative program needs much more careful examination before we can be sure it will work correctly.

Except in rare circumstances, I would always favor a recursive Pascal program over the equivalent iterative one. Recursive procedures are handled as efficiently in Pascal as nonrecursive ones. As for the charge that recursion is unnatural, I would simply remark that all programming languages are unnatural until they've been learned. In the Department of Computing at Imperial College, we teach recursion before any of Pascal's loop constructs, and our students regard it as completely natural. To those of your readers like Ms. Filz who like the style of Hope but have no way of testing it, I should mention that it's even possible to write Pascal programs that manipulate large data structures in a completely functional style.

Okay, Blame the Computer ... Sometimes

It was interesting to read Michael Russell's letter ("Don't Blame the Computer," August, page 14). His examples of what some people called "computer mistakespoorly scheduled lunch periods and a $6539.97 phone bill—are indeed, as he points out, attributable to human error.

I get the impression from his letter, however, that he is unaware of the fact that true machine-based errors are very common.

Over the eleven years in which I have been working with computers, it seems like I have encountered a roughly equal number of machine-based and humanbased computer errors.

A bug in software, an obvious design flaw in hardware, or an error in operations are all human-based errors, of course. Machine-based errors occur when, for example, a semiconductor component fails (for no apparent reason), when a

{continued)

18 B YTE • DECEMBER 1985

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LETTERS

mechanical component (e.g.. a disk-drive head assembly) works itself out of alignment, when a bad spot appears on a magnetic recording surface (within its rated lifetime), when a normally reliable data-transmission link garbles a message, when oxide builds up on a mechanical keyboard switch causing it to stop working, when a potentiometer (e.g., in a joystick) wears out prematurely, when supposedly nonvolatile (battery backed-up) memories get shuffled, when metal or plastic fatigue causes a part in tension to fail (various printer components are prone to this one), and even (remember this?) when a card reader chews up a punched card because of a frayed edge created by prior passes through the reader.

Some people will likely object to this list on the basis that all these errors have some cause external to the computer itself. Some possibilities are: an error made during manufacture, a cosmic ray striking an integrated circuit, static electricity, or an oversight in the design.

But, to be fair, realize that human errors have their external causes as well. A programmer may be distracted by a phone call and return to his terminal with his thought pattern disturbed; he may then unknowingly introduce a bug into the program. A looming deadline may mean that prerelease testing is cut short. Many other examples (some would say "excuses") can be found.

Here 1 have been making the distinction between machine-based error and human error. Mr. Russell, however, simply refers to "computer errors." Since most users (understandably) view the computer as an undifferentiated entity separate from themselves, it may be more appropriate to draw the distinction between computer error and user error.

It seems to me the computer did make a mistake in printing the $6539.97 phone bill. So what if the programmer programmed the fault into the software? The fact that the computer error could have been prevented by a programmer at some point in the development of the system does not change the fact that the computer made the mistake.

Of course, a computer is only a tool. If the operator or user enters wrong data or gives faulty commands, the direct result is his mistake (user error).

If someone makes a mistake while creating a program, the result is a faulty program, or in a larger sense, a flawed computer. When that program is later executed, any wrong answers from correct

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DECEMBER 1985 -BYTE 23

LETTERS

user input can rightly be called computer errors. It is interesting to note that a program could have several bugs (in that it did not correctly meet the design objectives) and never generate any errors (where the conditions to trigger the errors never occur in practice).

Why do we wish to ascribe to computers the inability to err? If our child hits a baseball through a window we are quite

ready to blame him for it, not ourselves for failing to ensure that "not hitting the window" had a sufficiently high priority in his "operating system."

In summary, my point is this: Computers are prone to errors, just as humans are. This is true regardless of whether you use the narrow definition of a machine error or the broader (and I feel fairer) concept of the computer system as a whole.

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The difference, of course, is that a computer generates fewer errors for a given amount of work produced and the probability of any given error being made is much less for a computer than it is for a human.

TERRY ). DEVEAU

Bedford, Nova Scotia, Canada

And Now, Adware

In response to the letter by Mr. Tate ("Don't Sell Software. Sell Ad Space," August, page 26) regarding the selling of advertising space in entertainment software: Wow! What a great idea. Adware (that's my term for it) could resurrect the failing home computer industry

Let's face it, most home computers are used for entertainment; however, the general public is not usually willing to spend S30 to SI00 for a game. In general I feel that this attitude applies to all types of home entertainment. Look at how successful television has become simply because you don't have to pay for it to enjoy it (unless you want cable or pay TV, but even that is relatively inexpensive). With Adware you would still have to incur the cost of downloading from the telephone. This same reason also accounts for the to-date unsuccessful home videotex systems.

Mr. Tate mentions the advantages of Adware but fails to mention the virtues of the Freeware concept and what Adware could bring to it. I personally do not agree with the idea of selling copy-protected entertainment software commercially. Computers are very good at copying software, and so this fact should be put to good use. Freeware (the free distribution of software by encouraging copying) offers the users a better and more dynamic product. For example. I have a Freeware product that I continue to update as improvements and additions are implemented. When a new release is ready I simply make it available on the Freeware market. You cannot do this economically with a similar commercial product without covering your expenses by raising the retail price. With Adware you could make it a policy to release a new version every few months to insure a dynamic advertising medium.

At present the Freeware distribution network is not firmly established, but if the amount of Freeware and the demand for it grew large enough I am sure that regular channels would establish themselves quickly so that everyone could have almost immediate access to the updates. Another benefit of this concept would be

{continued)

24 BYTE • DECEMBER 1985

Inquiry 56 for End-Users. Inquiry 57 for DEALERS ONLY.

Princeton SR-12 and Sigma Designs Color 400

"The Ultimate in Graphics Resolution and Performance?..

SR-12 and Color 400. A brifliant combination for super-high resolution graphics and a crisp character display

For a brighter, sharper display with your IBM PC, XT, or AT, here's a team that can't be beat. The SR-12 super-high resolution RGB monitor from Princeton Graphic Systems and Color 400, the advanced color graphics adapter card from Sigma Designs.

A Revolution in Resolution. Begin by snapping the Color 400 into your PC. Without any software modification, text suddenly becomes readable. Graphics turn sharper and cleaner. Jagged edges smooth out, and annoying flicker fades away. Color 400 automatically doubles the number of lines on standard line software. It allows true high

resolution display of

Lotus 1-2-3 and Symphony ^^- charts, graphics from Dr. Halo,

mimma^u CadPlan- Lumena 40°. and 4Q | | » [ others. Also, create dazzling ■^J| ^Hr business charts in 16 vibrant ™ ^^ ^^ colors with Paintbrush 400, included with the card. Enjoy fully formed, monochrome quality characters in text mode. For word processing, spreadsheet, CAD/CAM, or pro

PC Products June 198S

fessional design applications, Color 400 is the answer to your graphic needs.

Turn on SR-12 for the impressive results. The SR-12 displays your Color 400 image with unmatched clarity and brilliant color. Because the SR-12 combines a .31 mm dot pitch tube and a non-glare screen with an incredible 640 x 400 noninterlaced resolution, you get a flickerless image that's as crisp and clean as a personal computer can produce.

See how impressive this stateof-the-art image can be on your own PC system. Visit your local retailer today and ask about this new color graphics team. Princeton Graphic Systems' SR-12 and Sigma Designs' Color 400. An unmatched, brilliant combination.

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Graphic Screens courtesy Mouse Systems. Inc. and Forthright Systems, Inc. IBM PC, PC XT, and PC AT are registered trademarks of International Business Machines, Inc.

inquiry 289

DECEMBER

iYTE 25

LETTERS

to ensure the survival of the best games. These will get the best advertisers, ensuring their survival and offering you and me the best quality entertainment from these marvelous little machines.

So how about it? Is it time for another revolution in the home computer game market?

Wesley Steiner

Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada

A Heath Timeline

I enjoyed your list of microcomputer milestones in the tenth anniversary issue (see "A Microcomputing Timeline" by Gregg Williams and Mark Welch. September, page 198). However, I must add my voice to the probable hundreds of others who will be pointing out that one pioneer in the field was entirely ignored. Namely, the Heath Company. Following is a list of a number of events unique to the Heath contribution to microcomputing:

August 1977: The H-8 was introduced. 8080 microprocessor. Octal front-panel keypad. Bus-type architecture. The first

microcomputer kit that an average person could expect to successfully build and use. Still in daily use and supported by several third-party vendors.

August 1977: Benton Harbor BASIC. Highlevel language and quasi-operating system for H-8. Operated with the ultrareliable Heath cassette interface (1200 bps, vanishingly small error rate). October 1978: H-19 introduced. At the time, the H-19 was one of the lowest-cost intelligent terminals available. Used a Z80 microprocessor. All commercial CP/M software eventually included H-19 control codes in their installation protocols. Still in daily use. For a time, the H-19 led the market in terminal sales. )une 1979: The H-19 terminal was upgraded with a Z80 computer card and became the H-88. Still used the 1200-bps cassette interface. Shortly after this, diskdrive peripherals were offered for the H-8 and H-88 (which then became the H-89). Benton Harbor BASIC was upgraded to Extended Benton Harbor BASIC which included disk file functions and for a short while was Heath's disk operating system.

(Microsoft BASIC was also a language/operating system when first introduced.)

October 1980: H-DOS was introduced. Predated MS-DOS in the use of modular device drivers for peripherals. This system was proprietary and failed in competition with CP/M, though many felt it to be a superior operating system. It has its own ZCPR-like add-ons and is supposed to be available in version 3.0 "real soon now." In daily use and supported by several third-party vendors.

December 1982: The H-100 series introduced. This model was marketed earlier by Zenith Data Systems as the Z-100 series. A dual-processor machine (one of the first), it included an 8085 for handling 8-bit CP/M programs and an 8088 for MS-DOS and CP/M-86 capability. Included five S-100 slots for expansion. One of the first to conform to IEEE S-100 standards as several Heath engineers were appointed to the committee.

All of these products are (were) available

{continued)

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Inquiry 301

A few smart reasons to buy our smart modem:

Features

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Also from Ven-Tel: internal modems for the IBM and HP-150 Personal Computers with all of the features of the 1200 PLUS.

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Crosstalk is a trademark of Microstuf; Hayes and Smartcom II are trademarks of Hayes Microcomputer Products. Inquiry 367

DECEMBER 1985 -BYTE 27

YOU CAM'T GET A GOOD FEEL FOR A SOFTWARE PACKAGE FROM AM AD.

28 B YTE • DECEMBER 1985

If you're searching through the ads in this magazine for the "right" software package, good luck

Let'5 say you're looking for a data base manager. You read a dozen ads. Each one offers its list of features. Each one talks about the ideal combination of power and ease of use. And each one promises to "solve your problems", "answer your needs", or both.

Don't Believe Anybody

We could make the same claims for DATAEA5E. Even before Release 2.5, tens of thousands of users made DATAEA5E the corporate data base standard. We could tell you that they found DATAEA5E to be an invaluable productivity tool because of its fully relational capabilities, full screen editor and unique combination of menus and commands. But don't believe us.

More than 100 reviewers from major publications agree with our productivity claims. Data Decisions called DATAEA5E "perhaps the most effective blend of ease-of-use and performance available for PC users to date." But don't believe the reviewers.

Application developers, MI5/DP/ IC managers, and all kinds of other users from Fortune 1000 companies throughout the country have reached strikingly similar conclusions. A user at General Instruments reports that "those same factors that

make DATAEA5E preferable for non-programmers — ease of use and speed of development

— make it the program of choice for many technical types, too." But don't even believe other users.

nobody Knows what you know.

Even if all these people are absolutely right about DATAEA5E, does that mean it's the right product for you?

The best way to know if DATAEA5E fits your needs is to get your hands on our free sample diskette. Fifteen minutes with the sample will give you a feel for our best DATAEA5E yet

— Release 2.5. It has features that appeal to all users; from developers to data entry people: A complete procedural language; quick reports at the press of a button; a direct interface to Lotus 1-2-3; the ability to move rapidly from file to file on a common piece of data; and built-in scientific, mathematical, financial, date, time, and string functions.

Productivity takes more than a good product.

It takes a good company, too. Buying a software package is the beginning of a relationship. Technical support, product upgrades, special corporate and dealer programs and informational seminars should all be part of this relationship. If the only thing you get is a product, forget about productivity. At Software Solutions, you find more than a product. You find software solutions.

Find out for yourself.

The advances in DATAEA5E's Release 2.5, and the support behind it, offer you practical advantages that leave all the other data base managers far, far behind — including R:Base 5000® and dBase III®. But don't believe us. Call or write for information and your free sample diskette today.

Software Solutions, Inc.

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•1983 Software Solutions, Inc.

Trademarks are of their respective companies.

Scandinavia Switzerland, France United Kingdom West Germany, Austria

West Soft A/5, Alesund, Norway, (47) 71-41141 Softsource, 5&A 1222 Vesenaz, Switzerland, 022-3518-55 Sapphire Systems, Essex, 01 554-0582 M&T Software Verlag, Munich; 089-4615-0

Inquiry 334

DECEMBER 1985 -BYTE 29

Inquiry 51

OUR PLUG-IN CARD GIVES YOU PLUG-IN CONTROL.

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Turbo Pascal is a trademark ol Borland I nternational

LETTERS

both as kits and preassembled units. The Heath Company is now a unit of the Zenith Corporation and its assembled computer products are sold under the Zenith Data Systems name.

Heath also pioneered in the larger system arena when it introduced the H-ll, which was a Digital Equipment Corporation minicomputer in kit form. It was too expensive to compete in the personal computer market; nonetheless, it was offered and supported for several years. Software was never readily available to the average person.

Heath and Zenith computer owners are supported by a large network of thirdparty vendors of software and peripherals. At least two commercial newsletters and one commercial magazine are dedicated to the brand. There is also the inimitable Heath Users' Group with about 2 5,000 members worldwide. Its monthly journal, REMark. and software library are, in my opinion, unmatched. You may also find the very active HUG-SIG on CompuServe of interest. (One has to be a HUG member to log on the SIG.) Numerous local groups such as our Tallahassee Heath Users' Group (Tally-HUG) are available.

To sum up, the Heath computer user community has been a cornerstone of the personal computer movement from early on and deserved a prominent listing in a compilation of historical microcomputer events.

Welbrey A. Hill Tallahassee, FL

Declarative Feedback

The August issue had as its theme declarative languages, hailed as the next step forward for programming. One of the most prominent of the languages featured was Hope, two articles and a column being devoted at least in part to it (see "Program Transformation" by John Darlington on page 201. "A Hope Tutorial" by Roger Bailey on page 235, and "BYTE U.K.: Declarative Update" by Dick Pountain on page 341). There is a point I wish to make about the way source code is presented to the programmer in Hope, and maybe some other languages.

The use of symbols instead of plain English used to be a thing of the past, an evil caused by a lack of memory and processing power. Now that there is not as much of a limitation in processing power, there is no excuse for these symbols being used any more than for a modern interpreter giving error numbers instead of proper messages.

[continued)

30 BYTE- DECEMBER

Inquiry 212

PC Paintbrush:

Because life is too short for

monochrome pie charts.

Fun

is the best thing

to have.

With PC Paintbrush, you can add color, flair, dimension and creativity to a chart, a presentation, or an otherwise dull day. From charts and graphs to serious computer art, our newest generation 3.0 PC Paintbrush will cheer you on with features no other graphics package can match.

Best of all, ifs easy to use. tou don't have to learn up to sixty commands, like you do with some products. If you can understand icons as simple as scissors, paintbrush, spray can and paint roller, you're ready to start using PC Paintbrush.

The pen is mightier than the keyboard.

None of history's great artists drew with a keyboard, and you shouldn't have to either. So PC Paintbrush is now available with a cordless PenMouse, to give you complete freedom of expression. Of course, it also supports regular mice, joysticks, graphics tablets, and is compatible with most graphics cards.

PC Paintbrush also has a beautiful way with words. The text icon lets you write in any of eleven fonts, in nine sizes, with italics, outline, shadow and boldface variations.

What's more, with the new 3.0 PC Paintbrush, you can draw rounded boxes, rubber band curves and circles, and edit pictures many times larger than the screen.

Are we making fun of 1-2-3®? Why not?

For Lotus™ users, PC Paintbrush's new PIC

Go on, live a little.

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interpreter loads 1-2-3™ and Symphony™ charts and graphs at your equipment's best resolution, from an IBM EGA™ (640 X 350 X 16 colors) to a Number Nine Revolution™ (512 X 512 X 256 colors). With our FRIEZE™ frame grabber you can pull graphics created by any program right off the screen into PC Paintbrush. So you can take your Paintbrush and pallette anywhere, improving the looks of things as you go. And having a lot of fun on the way. In addition, our optional presentation package, PC PRESENTATION, allows you to program your graphics into a first class presentation with fades, zooms, quick cuts and animation.

PC Paintbrush supports 19 video graphics cards and 30 printers and plotters.

For more information on PC Paintbrush, call or write us at the address below, or ask your computer dealer for a demonstration.

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PC Painttxush is a trademark of ZSoft Corporation. Lotus, 1-2-3, and Symphony are registered trademarte of Lotus Development Corporation IBM and Enhance Graphics Adapter are registered trademarte of International Business Machines, Corp. Number Nine Revolution is a trademark of Number Nine Computer Corp.

Inquiry 396 for End-Users. Inquiry 397 for DEALERS ONLY.

DECEMBER 1985 -BYTE 31

LETTERS

Hope appears to be offering the path back to using these symbols for their own sake. In Mr. Bailey's article we come across the phrase "should be read as" many times. In each case we are told that some symbols should be read as a certain phrase of English. Why can the interpreter not display the English, allowing us to read it directly? Surely the computer could accept the English instead of the symbols

when source code is input? I will concede that it may be harder for the interpreter to parse the English, and it takes longer to input, but the interpreter could compromise and accept the symbols in input while expanding them in listings to the full English. This is similar to some BASIC interpreters that allow the PRINT statement to be input as ? and then expand it to its full form in listings. Bearing in mind the

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fact that the version of Hope used by Dick Pountain in his BYTE U.K. column rearranged the order of the source when it was displayed and put function declarations in a separate order from their equations when the workspace was saved, it seems apparent that the extra processing required to expand the symbols to English is minimal.

Let us hope (!| that this use of symbols does not drag us back to unfriendly and difficult-to-read source listings.

Andrew Menadue Hayle, Cornwall, England

Having just finished reading the August BYTE, with particular attention to the theme section devoted to declarative programming languages. 1 want first to express my appreciation to the editors for the quality of the articles presented. Susan Eisenbach and Chris Sadler's "Declarative Languages: An Overview" (page 181) was of particular interest to me and serves admirably to provide perspective on the background of the subject, particularly for one who has no ax to grind for any programming language in particular.

Even the inevitable redundancies amongst the several articles in reciting the advantages of precise problem formulation, facilitation of parallel processing, and reduction of programming effort may finally help to persuade even the more conservative members of the profession. Others have noted many times the common reluctance of programmers to abandon the comfort of whatever language they learned first. Witness FORTRAN!

The notion of using atomic routines coded in machine-efficient modules and organized through problem definition by task lists in functional form is clearly not new. I have just reread a speech of my own. given in the spring of 1961 as one of a series held in connection with MIT's Centennial Year. The speech was entitled A New Concept in Programming" and appears in the book Management and the Computer of the Future edited by Martin Greenberger (The MIT Press and lohn Wiley & Sons, 1962). Granted that the technology has advanced far beyond what most might then have anticipated, I still feel that the ideas could have been applied more generally and quite profitably, even then. Perhaps the profession may soon recognize that such notions can apply far more widely than to artificial intelligence alone.

George W. Brown

Irvine, CA

[continued on page 424)

32 B YTE • DECEMBER 1985

Inquiry 313

•.Inside Apple

Vol. 2, No. 1

Go ahead, accuse us of sensationalism.

Over the next four pages, we're going to bare our specs and divulge all the nitty gritty details about the latest developments to come out of Apple Computer.

Starting with our new Apple® ColorMonitor lie and ColorMonitor He.

In all modesty, we think these are the best color monitors you can buy at any price for your Apple II, II-h lie or Dc personal computer.

Both have composite color, 13inch screens that let you produce a dazzling array of multi-hued graphics. Without going to the expense of adding an RGB interface card or external adaptor.

Simply plug the monitor directly into the video output jack on the back

Here's the Inside story on all the colorful things that have happened at Apple

of your Apple, and you're ready to start computing in living color.

Which is terrific for games and graphics oriented programs like Apple Logo n, Instant Pascal™ and Dazzle Draw.

But not quite so terrific for text programs. As anyone who's ever gone blurry-eyed from trying to read words on a color CRT will readily attest.

Not to worry

We've designed both ColorMonitors to automatically go from color to a high resolution, 80-column monochromatic mode

anytime you use text software.

As you can see, we've also styled each ColorMonitor to fit in with our family looks.The ColorMonitor lie is pure white, and has an optional rigid stand. While the ColorMonitor lie is designed to rest

Tie ColorMonitor lie on a lie.

on top of your Apple De, and comes in our favorite shade of beige.

And thanks to some particularly bright Apple engineers, our ColorMonitors are compatible with virtually all existing Apple II software.

Well, there you have it. The scoop on one of the most colorful events in Apple history. But as you might expect, it's certainly not the whole story

If you turn the page, you'll see that the saga continues.

The truth about our new color printer in black and white.

In case you haven't heard, Apple has a whole new cast of characters.

Our ImageWriter™ II printer.

Like its predecessor, the original Apple ImageWriter, our ImageWriter II is one of the most dependable dot matrix printers very little money can buy. And its compatible with every Apple personal computer.

But that's where the similarities end.

The ImageWriter II prints faster and clearer than the original ImageWriter.

It cruises through drafts at a blazing 250 characters per second. Produces sharp graphics. Creates near letter-quality text. And lets you print in six vivid colors. Simply change the black ribbon to the continuous cloth,

InuiaMlrihr II i.. i

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Catalyst30 trilh desktop icons.

Quark, Inc., will soon be shipping a unique new program called Catalyst™ 3.0 that's designed to be used with Apple II computers equipped with mass storage.

Catalyst 3-0 lets you install multiple programs on a single storage device. Macintosh-type desktop icons show you what's loaded on the program. To select the item you want, simply use an optional mouse or keyboard to open the file.

Look for Catalyst 3.0 to show up on dealer shelves soon.

Then you'll finally be able to boot all those floppies for good.

A plug for our new modem.

With the introduction of our new Apple Personal Modem, we've solved one of the biggest problems known to modems:

Where to hide them.

The Apple Personal Modem plugs directly into a standard A/C wall outlet. So unless your computer room is decorated with paisley wallpaper, it'll blend right into the

immediate surroundings.

Of course, aesthetics aside, it's also one darn good modem.

The Apple Personal Modem offers 300/1200 baud operation. Has the latest VLSI technology. Features automatic dial, re-dial and answer capabilities. Uses the industry standard Hayes AT Command Set. Plus it's totally compatible with current Apple communications software.

And even though we designed the Apple Personal Modem to be out of sight, there's one part of it that's definitely not:

The price.

We've increased our drive.

Our capacity for work just got bigger.

The new Apple UniDisk™ 3.5 external drive uses 3W dual-sided microdisks to add a humongous

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800 kilobyte capacity to your Apple II, II+, He or lie. Which is more than five times the amount of storage available from a standard 5'A" drive.

The UniDisk 3.5 is also faster than Slk" drives. So you'll spend less time listening to that all-toofamiliar whirring sound.

You can even "daisy chain" a second UniDisk 3.5 off the first one. In case you're planning to write the next great American epic or something.

As you may not know, disk drives are the most vulnerable components of any computer system. So it's nice to know that no other disk drive is closer to failsafe than our UniDisk 3.5.

Because no other company has our dedication to quality. Our concern for reliability

Or our drive.

Coming Soon: The biggest Apple He in memory

The Apple II Memory Expansion Card should be on dealer shelves soon.

Before long, you'll be able to instantly and easily add another 256K, 512K, 768K or full megabyte of RAM to your Apple II, 11+ or lie. Making it one of the most powerful personal computers in its class. Or business. Or home.

Snow white and dwarf monthly payments.

Once upon a time, most people had to dwindle their checking accounts down to the right side of the decimal point in order to buy an Apple.

Or stretch their charge cards to the place where they didn't have a choice but to leave home without them.

Then, mercifully, our finance department invented the Apple Credit Card.

leComputei;lnc

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With an Apple Credit Card, you may qualify for up to $2,500 of instant credit to spend on the Apple computer or peripherals of your choice.

And, from now until December 31st, 1985, well generously waive the 10% down payment.

Which means the only thing you'll have to come up with are the small monthly payments.

Getting your Apple Credit Card is almost as easy as breathing. All you need is another major credit card. And a valid I.D.*

Which means, that very same

day, you'll be able to take your new Apple home.

Where you'll both live happily ever after.

Group therapy for Apple users.

Have you ever felt like you needed help—serious help—with your Apple, but didn't know where to turn?

Then we suggest you join an Apple Users Group. From Kennebunkport to Kaanapali, Apple Users Groups are springing up by the dozen.

They meet to discuss ProDOS™ Pascal andWPL. Exchange public domain software. Demonstrate new products. Listen to guest speakers. And provide the kind of moral support that comes in handy after "Range error" has popped up on your DOS 3.3 screen for the 42nd consecutive time.

Many groups publish regular newsletters and magazines. And operate bulletin boards that let you get the information you want from the comfort of your own modem. But the most important thing to know about Apple Users Groups, is that theyre not just for hackers. In fact, most members have only novice or intermediate computing skills. Which is why they join in

the first place.

To get in touch with the Apple Users Group in your area, check with your local authorized Apple dealer.

With over 400 Apple Users Groups already in existence throughout the U.S. and Canada, chances are the help you need is right around the corner.

Your computer should join a health club.

Computers—even Applescan sometimes be temperamental little devils.

And if something goes wrong with yours after the 90-day limited warranty expires, you're the one who'll be out of shape.

Unless you get Apple&mSM

AppleCareis our extended service contract that covers the cost of parts and labor for up to three years. And the annual fee is usually about half the cost of a single repair.

You can buy AppleCaw from your participating authorized Apple dealer. And the contract will be honored at more than 2,400 Apple dealers across the country.

So even if you decide to move to some out-of-the-way place like Keokuk, your AppleCare coverage will go along with you.

Although we can't guarantee vour familv will.

Introducing ikhral'ncanipi,,,

Wr Apple

" By major u e mean MasterCard. I ISA. American Exfrress, Diner s Club and Carte Blanche. Certain restrictions mm apply. © 1985 Apple Computer. Inc. Apple anil the Apple logo are registered trailemarb of Apple Computer Inc. PmlXXS. DuoDisk. UniDisk, ImageVlriler and AjipleTalk are trademark, of Apple Computer. Inc. A/pleCare is a service mark of Apple Computer. Inc. Macintosh is a trculemark of Mcintosh Laboratory: Inc. and is being used With its exltress permiision. Catalyst is a trademark of Quark Incorporated. Instant Pascal is a trademark of Think Technologies. Dazzle Draw is a trademark ofBroderbund. Inc. stickyhear is a trademark of Optimum Resource. Inc. Blazing Paddles is a registered trademark ofBaiultille. Inc. Su/ierCalc i? a trademark ofSorcim Corporation, I'FS is a registered trademark of Software Publishing Corporation. Mouse Calc is a trademark olMrsion Soft limes is a registered trademark of Hayes Microcomputer Products, Inc. For an authorized Apple dealer near you. call (800) 538-9696. In Canada, call (800) 268-7/96 or (800)268-7637.

U.S. POSTAL SERVICE STATEMENT OF OWNERSHIP MANAGEMENT

AND CIRCULATION

(Act of August 12. 1970. Section 3685. Title 39,

United States Code)

1. Title of publication: BYTE

2. Date of filing: October 1, 1985

3. Frequency of issue: Monthly

3A. Number of issues published annually: 13 3B. Annual subscription price: $21.00

4. Location of known office of publication: 70 Main St., Peterborough, NH 03458

5. Location of headquarters or general business offices of the publisher: 1221 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY 10020

6. Names and addresses of publisher, editor, and managing editor: Publisher, Harry L. Brown—70 Main St., Peterborough, NH 03458; Editor, Philip Lemmons—70 Main St., Peterborough, NH 03458: Managing Editor. Gene Smarte—70 Main St., Peterborough. NH 03458

7. Owner: McGraw-Hill, Inc., 1221 Avenue of the Americas. New York, NY 10020. Stockholders holding 1 percent or more of stock: Donald C McGraw, Jr.; Harold W. McGraw, Jr; John L. McGraw; William H, McGraw; June M. McBroom; Elizabeth McGraw Webster: all in care of McGraw-Hill, Inc., 1221 Avenue of the Americas. New York. NY 10020; College Retirement Equity Fund c/o Bankers Trust Company. 280 Park Avenue, New York, NY 10015; Public Employees Retirement System of Ohio. 277 East Town Street. Columbus. OH 43215

8 Known bondholders, mortgagees, and other security holders owning or holding 1 percent or more of total amount of bonds, mortgages, or other securities: None

9. Not applicable.

10. Extent and nature of

circulation:

Actual No

Average No

Copies ot

Copies Each

Single Issue

Issue During

Published

Preceding

Nearest to

12 Months

Filing Date

A Total No. Copies Printed

487,500

476.000

B Paid Circulation

1 Sales through dealers

and earners, street

vendors and counter

sales

95.389

159.698

2 Mail subscriptions

316.859

306.236

C Total Paid Circulation

412,248

465.934

D Free Distribution by Mail,

Carrier or Other Means.

Samples. Complimentary,

and Other Free Copies

5.735

4.959

E Total Distribution

417.983

470.893

F Copies Not Distributed

1 Office use. left over

unaccounted, spoiled

after printing

6,529

5.107

2 Return from news

agents ..

62.988

none to dale

G Total .

487.500

476.000

11.1 certify that the statements made by me above are correct and complete.

—Harry L. Brown, Publisher

FIXES AND UPDATES

UPDATE NEC Patches Compatibility Gap

NEC Information Systems now offers an alternative to Herbert Stein's patch described in his "IBM Compatibility for the NEC APC III" (see the September BYTE, page 171). The SLE adapter board, priced at $150, and the accompanying

software provide almost total compatibility without affecting the operation of standard APC software, NEC said. For more information, contact NEC Information Systems at 1414 Massachusetts Ave., Boxborough, MA 01719.

BYTE'S BUGS Mr. Slaughter Is Not Depressed

Don Slaughter of Seattle wrote to advise us of an improvement to the Macintosh, the Mini-Finder (see October, page 3921 Our published version of the letter said he was "depressed" by the upgrade.

Quicksort Corrected

The truth is. Mr. Slaughter was not depressed but impressed. We apologize to Mr. Slaughter, and we hope our error did not leave him depressed. We are certain it didn't leave him impressed.

There is an error in the Quicksort algorithm as it appears on page 108 of the September BYTE (see "An Analysis of Sorts" by Jonathan Amsterdam, page 105). If the first element is chosen as the pivot.

as the text suggests, the algorithm will not work. The solution is to swap the pivot with the last element of the array before partitioning. The corrected algorithm is shown in listing 1.

Listing I: The corrected Quicksort algorithm.

Quicksort.

Input: an array A, with items from 1 to n.

Output: the same array, sorted.

begin

choose a pivot;

swap the pivot with the last element in the array;

partition in the list so that all items < - pivot are < = i;

Quicksort A from 1 to i- 1;

Quicksort A from i to n; end.

m^mm BYTE S BITS Public-Domain Powerhouses, Please

BYTE is planning a theme issue on publicdomain powerhouses. If you have, or are working on. a worthy application or utility that you are willing to place in the

public domain, please contact Jon Edwards at BYTE. POB 372, Hancock, NH 03449, (603) 924-9281. He needs to hear from you before the end of lanuary

DECEMBER 1985 -BYTE 33

.•Electronic Meeting

Until eForum-

bulletin boards, e-mail

and computer conferencing

were just a lot of static.

Every major communications

breakthrough has its infancy. Computer conferencing's first buz/ started with randomly networked bulletin boards, experimental CB's and then e-mail. Of course. Federal projects gave conferencing real legitimacy. But at a prohibitive price.

Now comes the giant step. eForum. It shoots computer conferencing right off the evolutionary chart by bringing long-awaited sophistication that business needed to truly put computer conferencing to work.

In a nutshell. eForum creates electronic "meetings" which allow groups of people, not just two or three, to communicate and "chat" on a myriad of subjects. Without worrying about time or geographic zones.

Since eForum maintains all the meetings in one place, each person simply "attends" the meeting at the most accessible time. And eForum not only keeps track of what can literally be hundreds of meetings, allowing only those authorized to "attend," but the easy-to-follow structure keeps the "attendee" from getting lost or reading unnecessary material.

Then eForum automatically organizes, indexes and files and gives each person an individualized view of what's new in the meeting and a complete written record of each meeting. Even sending totally private

messages is easy with eMemo, the enhanced electronic mail facility.

That's revolutionary. Yet eForum goes further by letting each organization set up eForum the way that's most efficient for it. By using internal host computers. Or by accessing eForum through a national communications network like General Electric Information Service.

And, if that's not breakthrough enough, eForum is even designed to let each person use a personal computer and the most popular software around — Lotus 1-2-3™, WordStar™, MultiMate™, DisplayWrite™ and more—so "electronic handouts" can be brought to each meeting.

Ibo, if you have need to do document development with a team of people. docuForum is our document editing and transfer software which uses the conferencing capabilities of eForum to let team members comment and propose changes to a document.

So, don't let the newest explosion in computer conferencing catch you asleep at the keyboard. Call our S(M) number and get "on the meeting" now. And soon, just like when the microchip changed the world's idea about computers, you'll wonder how you ever got along without eForum.

Call 800-638-4832 to find out how you can get an immediate on-line eForum demonstration! In Michigan, call 313-994-4030. In Canada, call 604-682-6265.

Network Technologies International, Inc.

The Arbor Atriui: 315 West Huron Ann Arbor, Midi

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[F@K V®W]^ IP

Advanced Digital's PC-Slave is the solution to your multi-user or local area network problems.

• •

Br

n

768K RAM dedicated to each user. Advanced Digital provides additional software which supports File & Record locking and print spooling. Advanced Digital's slave concept provides the best multi-user PC system available today! For the location of the dealer nearest you contact:

Advanced Digital Corporation

5432 Production Drive

Huntington Beach, CA 92649 (714) 891 -4004 (800) 251 -1801 Telex 183210 ADVANCED HTBH

'/■ <& AQVANCED DIGITAL • I

CORPORATIONi

Advanced Digital U.K. Ltd.

27 Princes Street. Hanover Square

London W1R8NQ-United Kingdom

(01) 409-0077 (01) 409-3351

TLX 265840 FINEST

Regional Distributors: In California, Western Micro (800) 338-1600 / Micro Computer Distributors (714) 895-6301 / Thomas Data Systems. Inc. (213) 214-4661; in Ontario, Canada, B*L (416) 299-7660; In Australia, Archives Computers (03) 699-8377; in New York, Quinn Data (914) 939-0002

WHAT'S NEW

SPECIAL REPORT

Turbo Lightning Provides Fast Access

By itself. Turbo Lightning from Borland International is a flexible spelling checker/thesaurus program for the IBM Personal Computer and compatibles. However, as the first element of the Turbo Lightning Library, the program represents a gateway to a wide range of future applications. Its word-oriented search mechanisms could be used as the nucleus for a variety of sophisticated dataretrieval systems.

Basic Operation

The initial release of Turbo Lightning is a memoryresident program that checks and corrects spelling as you type. It monitors your keystrokes and compares each word to those in a RAM-based dictionary. (When you install the program, you can choose one of several word lists, ranging from approximately 10,000 to 130,000 words. The size of the dictionary determines the amount of memory the program occupies. In the minimum configuration, Turbo Lightning consumes 78K bytes; the maximum is 236K bytes.) If the program can't find a match for what you have entered, it beeps. You can continue writing, or you can request a listing of alternate spellings. Using a sound-alike algorithm, Turbo Lightning builds a list of possibilities, which it presents in a window. You can scroll through the list and select a replacement.

Executing the commands of the application program you're using, Turbo Lightning moves back to the begin

ning of the incorrect word, deletes the word, and makes the substitution. Even if you have chosen one of the smaller word lists, Turbo Lightning lets you go to the disk and search the largest dictionary. A "full-screen check" command highlights all unknown words on the screen; as Turbo Lightning can correct only words stored in an 80-character keyboard buffer, the check is a simple way to remind yourself of uncorrected words.

You can also ask to consult the thesaurus. Starting with either your original word or any of the alternate spellings, Turbo Lightning can derive a list of words with similar meanings. The replacement routine is the same as the one already described.

Turbo Lightning comes with 11 preset "environments" that allow you to use it while working with any of five popular word processors (WordStar, pfs:Write, MultiMate, Word, and Displaywriter), Lotus 1-2-3, BASICA, Turbo Pascal, SideKick, DOS, and modem communications (straight ASCII). You can customize and rename any of the environments to match your primary software.

The program is operated with pop-up menus (similar to those used by Borland's SuperKey utility) and with single-keystroke "hot" keys.

The Dictionary

A Turbo Lightning dictionary is compressed using several

techniques. First, a character-frequency analysis identifies frequent letter combinations in the entire word list. The combinations are reduced to bit patterns. Next, allowable suffixes and groups of suffixes are assigned bit codes. Finally, because the words in the dictionary are stored in alphabetical order, a word can be abbreviated to a record of the changes from the previous word.

Searches through the dictionary are speeded by indexing. The program uses the first letter of a word to isolate a region of the word list, then it uses the second letter, and so on. Only a few full words are actually scanned during a search. Indices can be nested, so disk-based dictionaries can be much larger than resident ones with little loss of speed.

The Implications

By combining data compression with multilayered indexing, the Turbo Lightning system can be used to provide quick access to any data organized in dictionarylike fashion. In the same way that the word list can be used as a key to the thesaurus, it could be used as the key to an encyclopedia or database. Going one step further, if the initial dictionary were replaced with a list of proper names, for example, a link could be made to addresses or phone numbers or employment records. The fullscreen-check feature would

by Ezra Shapiro

provide cross-referencing capability.

Because the Turbo Lightning program generates a unique "word number" for every word in the dictionary, it could be used to develop on-the-fly data compression for communications. The sound-alike techniques coupled with the thesaurus could serve as the basis for an Al-like approximate query language.

The Future

The Turbo Lightning Library will be a collection of interrelated products capitalizing on this potential. Borland plans to release a package of word games based on Turbo Lightning, including source code in Turbo Pascal, early in 1986. The source code will illustrate techniques for interfacing external programs to the Turbo Lightning engine. Also in the first quarter of 1986, Borland will begin publishing reference works that utilize the engine for access. By the third quarter, Borland hopes to market compression/indexing utilities that allow you to convert your own data into Turbo Lightning format. The company is also open to licensing the technology to other software firms.

Turbo Lightning comes with an installation program, several Random House dictionaries, and the Random House Pocket Thesaurus. It costs $99.95. Prices for future products have not been determined. Contact Borland International Inc., 4585 Scotts Valley Dr., Scotts Valley, CA 95066, (408) 438-8400. Inquiry 600.

{continued)

Inquiry 9 for End-Users. *— Inquiry |Q for DEALERS ONLY.

DECEMBER 1985 • BYTE 37

WHAT'S NEW

AT&T s 80286-based System Merges UNIX with MS-DOS

AT&T Information Systems has released a version of the PC 6300. its IBM PC-compatible desktop computer. The new system, called the PC 6300 Plus, features a 6-MHz 80286 processor with no wait states; it's said to run approximately 2 5 percent faster than the IBM PC AT AT&T said its new machine runs all software for the IBM PC or AT, including Microsoft's Flight Simulator.

The distinguishing feature of the PC 6300 Plus, however, will be its implementation of the UNIX operating system. In the first quarter of 1986, AT&T will release a full version of UNIX System V for the machine. This implementation is said to include advanced versions of many of the same easy-touse features of AT&T's UNIX PC. In addition, because of a hardware unit called OS Merge, this edition of UNIX can run all MS-DOS applications as one of several concurrent UNIX tasks. AT&T claims that OS Merge allows MS-DOS software to "think" it has complete control over the system, thereby allowing almost complete compatibility with IBM PC software. This software, including Flight Simulator, can run under UNIX with a performance penalty of only about 1 5 percent.

Under single UNIX tasks, the PC 6300 Plus is said to be about 20 percent slower than the UNIX PC. which uses a 68010 processor. Under multitasking situations, the difference is even greater.

The combination of the new rendition of UNIX with OS Merge allows some interesting capabilities: You

AT&T's PC 6300 Plus.

can call both UNIX and MSDOS applications from the same menu. UNIX and MSDOS files reside on the same area of a disk, and they can be accessed by application programs under either operating system. Data can be piped from a UNIX program to an MSDOS program and vice versa. And MS-DOS files can take advantage of the robust set of file attributes and protection facilities available to UNIX files.

The PC 6300 Plus comes with 512K bytes of memory, with sockets for an additional 5I2K bytes on the

motherboard. Expansion boards with 2 megabytes of memory reportedly will be available soon and will allow a maximum internal memory of 7 megabytes.

The machine has one serial and one parallel port and seven expansion slots compatible with the IBM PC. Three of these slots are compatible with the PC 6300. The new system also has a socket for an 80287 numeric coprocessor. UNIX utilities will be available to take advantage of the 80287 chip.

AT&T is selling a new keyboard as an option for both the PC 6300 Plus and the older PC 6300. The keyboard has a Selectric-style key layout; it's similar to that of the IBM PC AT except

that the function keys are laid out horizontally above the other keys. The older PC 6300 keyboard, which resembles the IBM PC keyboard, is also available.

The PC 6300 Plus comes in two configurations: The hard-disk model features a 20-megabyte hard disk, a 1.2-megabyte or a 360K-byte floppy-disk drive, either keyboard, and a monochrome monitor with highresolution graphics and text capability This version will sell for $6320. A floppydisk-based system, which includes all the above except the hard disk and features both types of floppy-disk drives, will sell for $5095. Either system is available with a color monitor for an additional $650. MS-DOS version 3.1 with BASIC sells for an additional $65. When available, the UNIX operating system will sell for approximately $395. An upgrade is available to owners of the PC 6300 for $2995. Contact AT&T Information Systems at (800) 247-1212. Inquiry 601.

—Rich Malloy

MC68000 Plug-in Board with Full UNIX System V

Motorola is now selling a 68000-based plug-in CPU board for the IBM Personal Computer. The PC/68000 hardware consists of a 10-MHz 68000, an MMU (memory management unit), a cache, and 2 megabytes of dual-ported RAM. The accompanying software contains a complete System V/68 operating system as well as an I/O kernel and diagnostics. (The System V/68 was derived from and is functionally

(continued)

38 BYTE • DECEMBER 1985

NEW FROM BORLAND

Borland Introduces Reflex,

The Greatest Analytical Tool

Since The Couch

INTRODUCING REFLEX, THE ANALYST.

If you use Lotus 1-2-3™, dBASE® or PFS File'", you need Reflex™—because it's a totally new way to look at your data. It shows you patterns, relationships and interrelationships you didn't know were there, because they were hidden in data and numbers.

Reflex is the first database that separates the trees from the forest. The first database that understands that what you see depends on how you look at it. The first database that probes relationships—then shows them to you in various graphic forms—scatter, line, bar, stacked bar and pie charts.

The first database to break the bonds of traditional DBMS (Data Base Management Systems) and give a dramatic visual turn to data analysis.

Reflex makes graphic leaps far beyond 1-2- 3. With Reflex, when you look, you see.

HOW THE CRITICS REACT TO REFLEX

"The next generation of software has officially arrived "

Peter Norton, PC Week "Reflex is one of the most powerful database programs on the market; its multiple views; interactive windows and graphics, great report writer, pull-down menus and cross tabulation make this one of the best programs we have seen in a long time..The program is easy to use and not intimidating to the novice...Reflex not only handles the usual database functions such as sorting and searching, but also "what-if' and statistical analysis...it can create interactive graphics with the graphics module. The separate report module is one of the best we've ever seen.''

Marc Stern, IntoWorld "What you see, then, is an interesting hybrid of a database and a spreadsheet that is ideal for analyzing tabular data." Adam B. Cram, IntoWorld "More flexible than spreadsheets, this easy-to-use database analysis package presents information with visual clarity...Reflex is for you The flexibility of switching between different views of the data lets you see relationships you may have previously overlooked...Without "what-if* analysis, key variables—such as cost of goods sold or travel expenses—may be out of hand but unnoticed The type of analysis to uncover such a foible is awkward to do on a spreadsheet; yet, it may mean the difference between success and failure in a competitive situation." Ira H. Krakow, Business Computer Systems

♦

INTERNATIONAL

4585 Scons Valley Drive, Scons Valley CA 95066 Phone (408) 438-8400 Telex 172373

Trademarks Reflex Is a trademark of BORUND/Anaiyttca inc Loos Is a registered Trademark and Lotus 1-2-3 Is a trademark of Lotus Development Corporation dBASE is a registered trademark of AshtonTate PFS is a registered trademark and PFS File is a trademark of Software Publishing Corporation. IBM PC. XT. AT. PC-DOS and IBM Color Graphics Adapter are registered trademark! of International Business Machines Corporation Herailes Monochrome Graphics Card Is a trademark of Hercules Computer Technology

Inquiry 39 for End-Users. Inquiry 40 for DEALERS ONLY.

REFLEX OPENS MULTIPLE WINDOWS WITH NEW VIEWS AND GRAPHIC INSIGHTS.

You use Reflex's Form View to build your database; the List View lets you put data in tabular List form; the Graph View gives you instant interactive graphic representations; the CrossTab View gives you amazing "cross-referenced" pictures of the links and relationships hidden in your data. Report View allows you to import and export data to and from Reflex, 1-2-3, dBASE, PFS File and other applications and prints out information in the formats you want. In fact, Report View is probably the best 1-2-3 report generator you can buy today. It's also the cheapest—and you're getting all the other features free.

The commands for all five Views are consistent—so you're not stuck learning five different ways to get something done. And because Reflex uses advanced windowing techniques, you can see several views on the screen at the same time— without having to switch back and forth. You get the picture—and the pictures—all at once—if that's the way you want to look at things.

Modify a number and all your Views—List, Form and Graph—are immediately updated, on-screen. Changing a number changes the picture—which is mighty handy when you're analyzing (let's say) sales figures by salesperson; or you're in "What-if?" country asking yourself "What if we could add 2.5% in January sales?' "Show me."

"Give me the picture." "Show me what happens when we shift 11% of Nebraska's inventory to the new store in Hawaii." "Show me how many Gizmo 28's we have in every store in every state as of midnight last night and what happens to our East Coast stocks if the shipping strike lasts more than a week." "Show me."

So Reflex shows you. Instant answers. Instant pictures. Instant analysis. Instant understanding.

HOW IN THE WORLD CAN BORLAND SELL A PHENOMENAL PRODUCT LIKE REFLEX FOR ONLY S99.95?

At $495.00, Anaiytica's original price, Reflex was a bargain. Acclaimed by critics and praised by users, Reflex also got our attention at Borland International. We were so impressed by Reflex that we bought the company!

To celebrate that, we're making business software history by offering Reflex—FOR A LIMITED TIME—for ONLY $99.95! (Offer good through March 31,1986).

That's $39505 off the original price— which is a pretty good return on your tollfree phone call.

We think Reflex should be an "automatic product," a "standard" that every PC owner should own. That's why we priced it at $9995. Naturally we've added our 60-day money-back guarantee and Borland's Reflex is not copy-protected.

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WHAT'S NEW

equivalent to AT&T's UNIX System V. M68000 version.)

While System V/68 runs on the PC/68000, PC-DOS running on the 8088 (or 80286 in the AT) handles the 68000's I/O requests. Pressing the Alt-M key combination switches between System V/68 and PC-DOS. Motorola uses buffering and cache memory in both the main PC and on the PC/68000 card to let the 68000 run at top speed. Files may be transferred either way between the two systems.

At the same time that the new PC/68000 promises to transform IBM PC hosts into 68000 development systems. Motorola is terminating some of its older 8-bit and 16-bit development support systems. After December 31 of this year, Motorola will not accept orders for the EXORmacs 16-bit development host and peripherals; EXORciser 8-bit development host, peripherals, and plug-in expansion boards; EXORset 8-bit development host and peripherals; VMC 68/2 microcomputer system and peripherals; several other hardware development stations, bus state analyzer personality modules, evaluation modules, system analyzers, and all associated software for those products.

The PC/68000 can be used with IBM PCs that have at least a 10-megabyte hard disk. The complete PC/ 68000 module (hardware and software) carries part number MPCKN2M and a list price of S4500. Contact Motorola Semiconductor Products Inc. POB 20912. Phoenix, AZ 85036, (800) 521-6274. Inquiry 602.

Planar Systems EL8358 M flat-panel display.

Flat-Panel Display for MS-DOS

Planar Systems' EL83 58 M is a flat-panel monitor with an electroluminescent display for MS-DOS machines. It has a resolution of 640 by 200 pixels, providing 83 lines per inch within a 5- by 8-inch active matrix. Each pixel is individually addressable and has a pixel aspect ratio of 2:1.

A complete EL83 58 M, including the electroluminescent panel, driver and control electronics, bezel, frame, and connector, is 5.7 inches high, 10.3 wide, and 0.5 5 deep and weighs 16 ounces. It is not affected by electromagnetic environments and will run in temperatures of 0 to 5 5° Celsius, Planar said. It can withstand shocks of 100 Gs on all axes and storage temperatures of -40 to 75° Celsius.

The system uses patterned indium tin oxide and aluminum electrodes around a layer of bright yellow emitting phosphor. It requires a 12-volt power supply to operate.

An EL83 58 M developer's kit. including a monitor, a circular polarizer, and a power supply, costs $17 50.

Contact Planar Systems Inc., 1400 Northwest Compton Dr.. Beaverton, OR 97006. (503) 690-1100. Inquiry 603.

Keyboard System for Visually Handicapped

The Audiodata/IBM PC Keyboard from Frank Audiodata GmbH of West Germany uses tone and speech capabilities to make the IBM PC accessible to blind and visually impaired users. The system generates different tones depending on the type of data at the cursor's screen location. To position the cursor, you use sliding switches that correspond to the horizontal and vertical axes.

The vertical switch is on the left-hand side of the Audiodata keyboard, next to the function keys. Moving it from top to bottom yields a series of tones that tells you whether lines are blank or full of text. The horizontal switch is below the space bar. Moving it left and right yields tones that indicate letters, spaces, numbers, and punctuation marks in a line. By moving the switches and listening to the resulting

tones, you can tell how many characters of what type are at what position on the screen.

The keyboard contains a Votrax SC-01 speech processor, so you can literally have the system read a portion of text out loud. Pressing a button on the vertical switch tells the system to read the line of text that corresponds to its position. Using the vertical and the horizontal switches together, you can have the system read or spell particular words.

The Audiodata keyboard works with standard or large-print monitors or with no monitor at all. It comes with a 6-inch add-in card and the system software for S34 50. Contact Maryland Computer Services, 2010 Rock Spring Rd., Forest Hill, MD 21050. (301) 879-3366. Inquiry 604.

C Compiler for Apple lie

The C + + Compiler is a complete C compiler for the Apple He that generates pseudocode; it includes an assembler to convert that pseudocode to 6502 assembly language and a 6502 native code assembler. A pseudocode interpreter allows the compiler's output to be immediately tested without generating native 6502 code. The interpreter can also be used to distribute large programs more compactly if execution speed is acceptable.

C + + contains all the features of C as defined by Kernighan and Ritchie, except that floating-point arithmetic is not supported. Extensions and enhancements, such as enumerated types, structure and array

(continued)

40 BYTE • DECEMBER 1985

NEW FROM BORLAND!

Borland introduces Tuibo Lightning

the fastest, most amazing information system since your brain

You can now find out everything in a flash.

With instant access to electronic veisions of the 83,000 word TUrbo Lightning'" Random House® Speller & Word List; the 50,000-word Thrbo Lightning Random House Thesaurus™ and the soon-to-be-released Thrbo Lightning Encyclopedia™ — and to an astonishing array of electronic reference books which form Borland's new Thrbo Lightning Library™

Hitting one key on your IBM® personal computer — taps you into this new electronic age of instant information.

You get the right word, the right spelling, the right name, the right address, right now.

What we've done has been called "Artificial Intelligence," we simply call it "TUrbo Lightning." This information revolution — driven by TUrbo Lightning — means that the way you look things up is definitely looking up.

No matter what program you're running, Turbo Lightning instantly checks your

Spelling as you type. You could be running WordStar®, MultiMate™, SideKick®, Microsoft® Word, MO Mail®, CompuServe®, or whatever, because as you work, as you write, Thrbo Lightning is waiting in the wings, watching how you spell every word, but not getting in the way of what you're doing.

So how does it work? Let's say the word you meant to type was "RIGHT," but you accidentally typed 'RIHGT," which is wrong. What happens then?

You immediately hear a 'beep,' so you know there was a boo-boo. You instantly see a window, that doesn't list "RIHGT" but it does list 'RIGHT' and its sound-alike words. So your screen looks like this:

rihgt Sound Alike Words:

Turbo Lightning does a lot more than spell "right" right, It also gives you instant

synonyms. Because you also have Thrbo Lightning's Random House Thesaurus at your fingertips, you can really get to know your 'rights.' So back to the word "Right," but this time in the thesaurus. Type in "Right" and what you see in the on-screen window is:

righ t

A: B: C:

-Adject i ve straight true accurate

D

sound |

E:

F: G H 1:

normal

-Nounclaim title due

ownership .1 PgUp or PgDn for more words I »

: rights u: righted D: rightly E: relight F: rig hter

G. Add word to auxiliary dictionary PgUp or PgDn for more words

So you move your cursor to "A." which is the right "right," hit Return and the spelling mistake is instantly fixed. And the program you were working on has continued to run while you did a little spelling sidetrip with Turbo

Lightning. (If \w'd rather not remember your Spelling gratis in school, the beep might make you nuts, but you can choose the 'whole page" cptim, Much means that then you Bnish writing &e entile page, any spelling mistakes will be highlighted- Yen go in and straighten things out straight avayX

Lightning never goes away, is 100% concurrent, reliable, accurate and cannot, does not, will not 'crash & bum.'

Your document, letter, report, spreadsheet is word perfect and no one ever knows that you can't spell for beens.

BORLAND

I N T C IJ ATI O N A L

4535 SCOTTS MUEYOftltrZ SCOTTS WU£Y,

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:T,b''! .U".:kk*:.C'J iQf'er-irk- of i> .! ;tMk''Xii% :'i'. h;S&'a': IriK-i'WJJOr^i C*p Wi.'UtSw * :j cs$SU":edihi.fcniarfe :><;

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So you instantly know more than one way to say, "The Boss is always right," which is handy if you get cornered and have to lie like that

Introduce yourself to Turbo Lightning and it will never ever forget your name, its conceivable,

if unfair, that your name is not in the dictionary already, but you can instantly teach Tinbo lightning your name and all the other names and words it needs to know to help run your business or personal life.

Once you've taught TUrbo Lightning what it needs to know, you'll never blow it with a letter to the pint Cheels of Staff, the Raygan White flows? or mess something up on your 1MB PC. (MB PC is not 1 mdemart of international Business Machine Corp!)

Not $500, not S400, not $300, not $200, not $100, just $99.95 for this instant electronic miracle. Our success is pretty simple. We're not greedy. We believe that it is better to sell hundreds of thousands of software programs at a reasonable price—instead of a few at prices that would make Jesse James blush.

Just $99-95 gets you into the Tbrbo Lightning Library— which is an incredible deal when you look at what you're getting. You're getting the access system'—Thrbo Lightning—which is the "engine" that powers the whole Thrbo Lightning Library. You're getting the "engine" plus the 83,000-word Thrbo Lightning Random House Speller and Word List; the 50,000-word Thrbo Lightning Random House Thesaurus. And you're getting all that for an incredible $99.95!

If you ever write a word, think a word or say a word, you need Turbo Lightning, we give you a

60-day money-back guarantee and of course there's no copy protection. $9995 isn't much to pay for a mistake-free life. Not to mention an education. No matter who you are or what you do, you need Thrbo Lightning. That $99 95 will be the best $99.95 you ever spent on yourself or your company.

Do yourself, your assistants, your secretary, your boss, your readers, your audience and your career a favor, get Thrbo Lightning today!

WHAT'S NEW

assignments, anchored variables, and nested functions are also included but do not interfere with compilation of standard C source code.

A proprietary operating system, C-DOS, is used so that more program space is available on disk and in memory; complete C source code for the operating system, the pseudocode interpreter, and all libraries are included. The operating system or interpreter can be incorporated in programs developed under C + + without royalty charges.

While neither C + + nor programs generated by it run directly under DOS 3.3 or ProDOS. it is possible to modify object files to run under ProDOS. according to the publisher.

C + + is available for $43.95 plus a $6 shipping charge. For more information, contact the WSM Group, Suite 241, 1161 North El Dorado Place, Tucson, AZ 85715, (602) 298-7910, Inquiry 605.

Microcomputer-based Storage and Transmission of Color Video Pictures

Widcom's Rapics 500 attaches to a personal computer and uses digital video-compression techniques to store and recall NTSC-compatible television color images. The compressed images can be stored (100 will fit on a standard 360K-byte floppy disk) or transmitted over a standard modem (a typical 8Kbyte image can be sent in approximately 50 seconds at 1200 bps). An image can usually be compressed or expanded in less than 5 seconds.

The PC/IT from Sperry.

The video compression takes place inside the standalone unit that connects to the microcomputer through the RS-232C interface. The interface can operate at 1200, 2400, 9600, or 19,200 bps. The system is controlled by menu-driven software, and the computer acts as a file server.

Images are captured in 192K bytes of RAM and are then compressed using a transform-coding technique. Each image is analyzed for the best resolution, clarity. and compression ratio; simple images are compressed more than complex images, A typical compressed image occupies 8K bytes, a simple image 2K bytes, and a highly-complex image 12K bytes.

The Rapics 500 can overlay black-and-white or color labels on an image. You can put a total of 480 characters at any position on the screen. The computergenerated text overlay is handled as a separate file and can be disabled for viewing the underlying image.

Video output from the Rapics 500 is standard NTSC and can be fed into any video printer. You can capture a live off-air television image, store it, and recall it. Widcom claims the Rapics 500 can retrieve a color television picture stored on another computer system at a remote location and display it on a local television monitor in less than 10 seconds.

Widcom is selling a copy stand that includes a color television camera and zoom lens. This allows you to

digitize material for the Rapics system.

General Electric Information Services helped fund the development of the Rapics 500 and also has rights to market it.

The Rapics 500 suggested list price is $4 500. The optional copy stand is also $4500. Contact Widcom Inc., 1500 East Hamilton Ave,, Campbell, CA 95008, (408) 377-9981. Inquiry 606.

Sperry AT-compatible Runs at 6, 7.16, or 8 MHz

S perry's PC/IT Personal Computer is compatible with programs written for IBM's PC AT but is said to operate faster and support more users. Based on Intel's 8-MHz 80286 processor, the PC/IT allows switch-selection of clock speed to operate at 6, 7.16, or 8 MHz for compatibility with software designed to run using IBM's 6-MHz PC AT. You can expand the PC/IT's standard 512K bytes of RAM to 1 megabyte on the main circuit board or to 5 megabytes using two expansion cards. The system's standard 1.2-megabyte floppy-disk drive can be supplemented with one or two 44.6-megabyte hard-disk drives and a 60-megabyte tape drive

The PC/IT comes with MSDOS 3.1. GW-BASIC and a diagnostics disk. As an option, you can use the XENIX System V operating system to provide support for up to eight additional users running software compatible with AT&T's UNIX System V.

The basic PC/IT with one 1.2-megabyte disk drive, 512K-byte RAM. and a

{continued)

42 BYTE • DECEMBER 1985

76e Sd$e <ind

Settle are part of a family of peripheral products for your IBM PC, PC/XT, PC/AT— multifunction boards, tape backup, hard disk storage, modems and expansion systems.

Use this ad to compare us to our competition ... then call your local dealer for a hands-on demonstration.

Inquiry 135 for End-Users Inquiry 136 for DEALERS ONLY

Department B 47777 Warm Springs Blvd Fremont, CA 94539 (415) 498-1111

EVER for Excellence

Inside California: (800) 821 -0807

Outside California: (800) 821-0806

WHAT'S NEW

monochrome-graphics adapter and monitor is priced at S4340. A multiuser configuration with 1-megabyte RAM. a 44.6-megabyte hard disk. 1.2-megabyte floppy disk, and a multiterminal adapter is S6834.

For more information, contact Sperry Corp., Information Systems Group. POB 500. Blue Bell. PA 19424. (215) 542-4213. Inquiry 607.

Touchpad Accessory for the IBM PC

Polytel Computer Products has introduced the Keyport 60. a small rectangular touchpad that fits along the top of the IBM PC keyboard. It has 60 touchsensitive regions that can be programmed as function keys and defined in regular and shift modes, so the Keyport 60 will accommodate a maximum of 120 macro commands.

To record a macro, you press the Alt key on your regular keyboard and a touchpad key simultaneously. Any keystrokes that follow are recorded until you press the Alt and touchpad keys a second time.

The touchpad package comes with KPEDIT. a fullscreen editor that allows you to edit key definitions.

Keyport 60 works with the IBM PC, XT, AT, and compatible personal computers, using the joystick adapter to allow concurrent operation with your regular keyboard It costs 399. Contact Polytel Computer Products, Suite 310, 12 50 Oakmead Parkway, Sunnyvale, CA 94086, (800) 245-6655; in California, (408) 730-1347. Inquiry 608.

The first of the Transputers, the IMS T414.

Inmos Releases First Transputers

Inmos has released the first of its linkable self-contained computer chips called Transputers. Each Transputer chip holds a fast microprocessor, a small amount of memory, and four communications links for connections with external devices or other Transputers (see the May issue of BYTE, page 219). The Transputers run under a proprietary language called Occam, which can accommodate multiprocessing tasks.

The first Transputer to become available is the IMS T414, which features a 32-bit processor (executing instructions at a reported rate of 10 MIPS). 2K bytes of RAM, and four high-speed data links (10 megabits/second). A version with 4K bytes of RAM should be available soon, according to Inmos.

The T414 is sold as a single chip ($500 each in 100-unit quantities) or as

part of an evaluation board. Several boards are available, including the B001-1, with 64K-byte RAM and two serial ports ($2 500); the B002-I. with l-megabyte RAM and two serial ports ($3 500): and the B004-1, with l-megabyte RAM and an IBM expansion bus connector ($3500)

To develop software for the Transputer, you need the Transputer Development System software ($4000 for the IBM PC XT version). Contact Inmos Corp., POB 16000, Colorado Springs, CO 80935. (303) 630-4000; or Inmos Limited. Whitefriars, Lewins Mead. Bristol BS1 2NP, England, (0272) 290861. Inquiry 609.

Dot-Matrix Printers Offer Font Cartridges, IBM PC/ Epson Graphics

The MT85 and MT86 dot-matrix printers from Mannesmann Tally run at 180 characters per second in draft mode and 4 5 cps in near-letter-quality mode. Both printers can connect

through plug-in interface modules with most popular personal computers, offer changeable typefaces in the NLQ mode, and generate sound levels below 5 5 dBA. The only difference between the two models is that the MT85 can print 80 columns across a page and the MT86 can print 136.

The machines are programmable from computer or interface and retain programs even when power is shut off. Full IBM PC/Epson character sets are standard. With the plug-in interface modules, the MT85 and MT86 can emulate IBM Graphics, Apple Imagewriter. and Epson FX printers. You can change the standard Quadrato typeface to Courier. Letter Gothic, or Script Italics by using the optional typeface cartridges. The printers can also produce both condensed and expanded print.

The MT85 and MT86 use standard fabric ribbon cartridges or high-carbon mylar cartridges. Both friction feed and tractor feed are standard features. The tractor feed can be adjusted to the full width of the MT86.

List prices are $499 for the MT85 (80-column) and $599 for the MT86 (136column). Typeface cartridges are $34.95. Contact Mannesmann Tally Corp.. 8301 South 180th St., Kent. WA 98032, (800) 447-4700; in Washington, (206) 2 51-5500. Inquiry 610.

{continued)

44 BYTE • DECEMBER 1985

IT EXPECTS YOU TO GROW.

INTRODUCING THE NCR PC6.

If you don't want your business to stay small, why get a computer that does? No personal computer gives you more growing room than the new NCR PC6.

The PC6 can be upgraded to 40 megabytes—room for 7,575 pages of charts, inventory lists or business letters.

As your business takes off, you'll take on more jobs, more respon sibilities, and have less time for them. So the PC6 runs the estimated 10,000 compatible programs at 8MHz processing speed. (Almost twice as fast as the PC XT™) And for low speed programs, a switch down shifts the PC6 to 4.77 MHz.

When you're ready for multitasking, more memory, and new ap plications, so is the PC6.

There are four integral drive positions for hard and floppy disks plus a tape backup. Mix and match to suit your needs. And no PC offers more expansion slots (eight in all).

Expand your staff and the PC6 extends your authority. It's the perfect nucleus for a computer network.

And no matter how big you get, you'll never outgrow NCR's support. We're big in 120 countries, with 1,200 service support offices.

So if you're a small businessman with big ambitions, take on the new NCR PC6. It's as anxious to grow as you are.

For the nearest NCR dealer, call toll-free 1-800-544-3333?

A BETTER PERSONAL COMPUTER. ITS EXACTLY WHAT YOU'D EXPECT FROM NCR.

NCR

Inquiry 262

,~~*::~°

!>»

NEW SERVICES

Ordering Disks of BYTE Listings

Source-code listings in the form of text files of programs that accompany BYTE articles are now available from BYTE on disk. To order a disk of these listings for noncommercial purposes, indicate the issue (the first available is December 1985) and the kind of disk below. Enclose a check or money order in the correct amount made out to BYTE Listings. All prices include postage.

BYTE issue:

COMMON 5'/.-inch FORMATS

(all cost $5 per disk in North America. $6 in Europe

and South America, $7 in Asia, Africa, and Australia)

□ IBM PC

□ Apple II 5/4-inch DOS 3.3

□ Apple II 5!4-inch ProDOS

□ Commodore 64

□ Hewlett-Packard 12 5

□ Kaypro 2 CP/M

□ TRS-80 Model III C TRS-80 Model 4

□ Texas Instruments Professional G Zenith Z-100

□ Atari

COMMON 3'/2-inch FORMATS

(all cost S6 per disk in North America. $7 in Europe and South America. S8 in Asia, Africa, and Australia)

□ Apple Macintosh

□ Atari 520ST

□ Commodore Amiga D Hewlett-Packard 150

□ Data General-One

CP/M STANDARD 8-inch FORMAT

($6 per disk in North America, S7 in Europe and South America, $8 in Asia, Africa, and Australia)

□ Single-sided single-density

OTHER FORMATS

(all cost S6 per disk in North America, S7 in Europe and South America. $8 in Asia, Africa, and Australia) Size Machine

□ 8-inch

□ 51/4-inch

□ 3 '/2-inch .

SEND DISK TO:

Name Street City

State or Province Country

Postal Code

Check or money order enclosed for S_

60 BYTE • DECEMBER 1985

Signing Up for BYTECOM

To sign up for computer conferencing among BYTE readers in Europe, write to

QZ/BYTE

Stockholm University Computing Center Box 27322

S-102 54 Stockholm, Sweden Telephone: 46 8 679280

The BYTECOM system includes program listings that go with BYTE articles. Send a sign-up fee using Swedish postal giro 184070-1 for the equivalent of 200 Swedish crowns (about $2 51 and fill in the form below. There will be an additional connect-time charge of $6 per hour for accessing BYTECOM.

Name Street

City

Postal Code Telephone _

State or Province Country

What kind of computer do you use?

Bulletin Boards Outside the U.S.

Listed below are some computer bulletin boards that will carry program listings from BYTE outside the U.S. Programs are for noncommercial use in connection with BYTE articles only. There are no usage charges but you must pay your own telephone charges.

CANADA

Western Canadian Distribution Center (101 11112 101 st

St.. Edmonton. Alberta T5G 2A2) will be supplying

listings to its member bulletin-board systems.

Canadian Remote Systems, Toronto, Ontario,

(4161 231-9202

Edmonton, Alberta. (403) 4 54-6093

Meadowlark, Alberta, (403) 43 5-6579

Prince George, British Columbia, (604) 562-9519

Regina. Saskatchewan. (306) 586-5585

Winnipeg, Manitoba. {2041 452-5529

ENGLAND

Frank Thomleys Fido, Compulink. 0 4867 653 5

NETHERLANDS

Henk Wevers Fido, +31-8380-37156

Mr. Wevers serves as the main distribution center for 16

other Fidos in The Netherlands.

In addition, arrangements for BYTEnet Listings are being made with one or more system operators in the following nations: Australia, Canada. Chile. Denmark. England. France, Hong Kong, Ireland. Italy. Japan. Norway, Singapore, and West Germany.

Now the biggest name

in C compilers comes in a size

everybody can afford.

Let's C

Introducing Mark Williams' $75 C compiler. Want to explore C programming tor the first time? Or just on your own time? Now you can do it in a big way without spending that way. With Let's C.

This is no little beginner's model. Let's C is a powerful programming tool, packed with all the essentials of the famous Mark Williams C Programming System. The one chosen by Intel, DEC, Wang

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• MicroEMACS full screen editor with source

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• llpgradeable to C Programming System for large scale applications development

Let's C Benchmark Done on an 1BM-PC/XT, no 8087. Program: Floating Point from BYTE, August, 1985.

Exec Time in Seconds Let's C 134.20

MS 3.0 347.45

1-800-MWC-1700. In

Mark Williams Let's C

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1430 West Wrightwood

Chicago, Illinois 60614 Inquiry 224

Reviewed by G. Michael Vose

More than 20 years ago, John G. Kemeny and Thomas E. Kurtz created the BASIC computer language and placed it in the public domain. Now they have tried to

rprlaim thpir nrnopnv anrl pyprt an infhipnrp nn \tc futurp

i,,iiwiiiipiiiii mi \mMi s'mmmm^

able part of this book. The reminiscences of the professors reveal their excitement at the prospect of opening up to young minds the powerful potential of computing. There is in these vignettes a strong undercurrent of the "hacker ethic'—as described by Steven Levy in Hackers: Heroes of the Cnmnuter Rpvnlutirm (nniihlprlav 1Q84I—a need tn share the

v-a-,* The C for Microcomputers

PC-DOS, MS-DOS, CP/M-86, Macintosh, Amiga, Apple II, CP/M-80, Radio Shack, Commodore, XENIX, ROM, and Cross Development systems

MS-DOS, PC-DOS, CP/M-86, XENIX, 8086/80x86 ROM

Manx Aztec C86

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MACINTOSH, AMIGA, XENIX, CP/M-68K, 68k ROM

Manx Aztec C68k

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-muaiLtherQinneHtion for nurc compile speed... an ex

Manx Cross Development Systems

Cross developed programs are edited, compiled, assembled, and linked on one machine (the HOST) and transferred to another machine (the TARGET) for execution. This method is useful where the target machine is slower or more limited than the HOST, Manx cross compilers _are_iised heavily to develop software for business,

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The professors make a lot of the fact that Dartmouth BASIC underwent seven major revisions but fail to note that Microsoft BASIC has seen at least six. These revisions have added significant improvements to the language's power and syntax and have even provided for true compilation. In addition, companies other than Microsoft have produced implementations of BASIC that are arguably as good as the Dartmouth versions.

The Message

Being learned men, Kemeny and Kurtz understand that BASIC'S corruption was often by necessity—squeezing the language into 4K-byte and 8K-byte microcomputers required some compromises in functionality. But since today's machines impose fewer performance restrictions, the professors assert that it's time for a refurbished BASIC to take its place alongside Pascal and other respectable languages as a legitimate functional and educational tool.

That constitutes the message of Back to BASIC. Using example program fragments written in True BASIC the professors argue that BASIC is a good programming language. Their arguments are well founded even if their objectivity might be questioned. The latest version of Dartmouth BASIC the proposed ANSI standard for BASIC, and the professors' commercial version of the language are all useful and powerful programming systems.

Many people question, however, the need for versions of BASIC that differ from the widely used Microsoft version. The important issues of data-file compatibility and source-code transportability of Microsoft BASIC programs with other versions of the language concern many people who can appreciate the potential of a new BASIC but have an existing software investment to protect.

Not Convincing

Since Back to BASIC was apparently written in part to justify the existence of the new True BASIC and to anticipate objections to its adoption, it is surprising that the issues of compatibility and transportability between ANSI BASIC and the Microsoft version are never addressed. Similarly Kemeny and Kurtz never discuss the releaming process that many programmers who grew up with Microsoft BASIC will have to undergo in order to adapt to the "new" BASIC.

As a result, the book doesn't convince me that an ANSI standard version of BASIC is right for me. And the space that Kemeny and Kurtz devote to espousing the message that a standard is necessary could have been put to better use by elaborating on the historical narrative of the

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BOOK REVIEWS

gram itself is the central legal concern. But if the system is a service, then the hospital sues XYZ for negligence. However, as Susan Nycum notes, since no human is infallible and no machine perfect, and since small programming errors with catastrophic practical consequences can go undetected until it is too late, just what constitutes negligent behavior becomes very hard to determine.

This brings up the subject of codes of conduct and moral principles in a computerized society. Formal codes have been written for computer professionals. Reproduced in Ethical Issues are standards of the British Computer Society, the Institute for Certified Computer Professionals, the Data Processing Management Association, and the Association of Computing Machinery (ACM). The ACM divides its principles into two categories: ethical considerations and disciplinary rules. These are further organized and subsumed by five canons. No ACM member is bound to observe the ethical considerations or the canons. Only by disregarding a disciplinary rule can a member be held accountable. But how often will all of this work?

According to disciplinary rule 5.2.1, a member of the ACM must inform employers and clients whenever "any adverse consequences to the public" may follow as a result from work proposed to him." Sounds fine. But consider this: Since nearly all computer-related work involves being in front of a video-display terminal, and since VDTs may be hazardous to your health, then must an ACM member tell the boss that teaching the new secretary how to use the word processor may have "adverse consequences"? Strict obedience to proscriptions like this could bring automated activity to a halt. Furthermore, failure to adhere to the rules may bring "expulsion," "suspension," or "admonition." Even if an individual is caught violating a disciplinary rule, the punishment might amount to little more than the proverbial slap on the wrist.

In a brilliant series of thoughts entitled "Professional Ethics: An Intellectual and Moral Confusion," lohn Ladd points out that codes of conduct may actually do more harm than good. Ethical codes are necessarily minimal: they formulate trie least that needs to be done. This may incline professionals to not do their best but do just what the code requires. Perhaps worse, codes of conduct can stifle the dissenter, the critic, or the creative person and degenerate into that situation John Stuart Mill called the "tyranny of the majority."

Throughout this book, question follows question as opinions diverge in what Johnson and Snapper term "an interval of uncertainty" brought about by the new technology and occupied by a dense intellectual pluralism. It is just this tolerance of so many different points of view in a single volume that makes Ethical \ssues in the Use of Computers a valuable and commendable book.

Stan Czarnik is a teacher, musician, and technical specialist. He works at Information Access Company {The Computer Database. 2265 Carlson Dr.. Suite 5000, Horthbrook. IL 60662).

{continued)

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DECEMBER 1985 'BYTE 79

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IBM PC/8088 ASSEMBLY LANGUAGE PROGRAMMING Reviewed by Larry Clark

The primary reason I bought a PCjr was to develop a threaded interpretive language similar to FORTH. I soon discovered that the 8088's use of segmented memory addressing introduced new ideas that I could not readily grasp from the terse, though complete, assembler manuals. For learning 8088 assembly language. I needed a more complete explanation. Avtar Singh and Walter A. Triebel's IBM PC/8088 Assembly language Programming provides that kind of explanation.

This book's format is "goal directed—at the beginning of each chapter, the authors outline the ideas to be covered in order to keep the reader aware of educational goals that lie ahead. They try to give the beginning assembly-language programmer a good, useful understanding of the 8088. The reader needs a basic mathematical background to understand the binary and hexadecimal math sections.

Programmers who need the speed that 8088 assemblylanguage programs offer will find this book valuable. It starts with a discussion of binary and hexadecimal arithmetic. In a lucid review of basic machine language. Singh and Triebel do an especially good job of convincing the reader that hand-coding can be done but is not to be tackled for large programs. The majority of the text follows with an introduction to 8088 assembly-language programming and debugging. The text refers to the IBM version l.O assembler, but my version 2.0 assembler performed with no detectable errors; a non-IBM assembler may do as well, provided it handles standard mnemonics and IBM pseudo operation codes.

You'll need Debug, the assembler's linker, and enough memory for the assembler. I recommend two disk drives; otherwise, you'll have to swap disks frequently.

The book uses Debug, a PC-DOS utility, in the examples. It is an excellent learning tool. Debug traces show exactly what an instruction does and so relieves readers of having to visualize an instruction's effect on CPU (central processing unit) register contents. Listings contained in each chapter show exactly what each debugging session will look like. I noted only one omission here that was provided in the DOS Debug manual—some of the Macro assembler statements cannot be assembled with the line-by-line assembler in Debug. Only one or two of my sessions brought this to light, and that was after l left the bounds of a working example and tried some of the more complex addressing modes.

The authors not only include examples of how to use the debugger but also demonstrate how to use the assembler and linker. A session on the use of the EDLIN editor will probably go unused, as most readers will prefer to use a full-screen editor instead.

An optional disk contains a copy of the book's machinerun examples. A note in the book says the disk can be

[continued)

80

B YTE • DECEMBER I985

Inquiry 252

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DECEMBER 1985 -BYTE 81

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purchased separately for $24.95. I recommend that you buy the disk because it will save you time and quicken the learning process. I found only one discrepancy between the disk and the book.

The examples in the text are generally short and might not take more than one or two iterations to correct. But there are 31 examples; it is not hard to imagine being so slowed down by entering programs that you don't finish the last chapters, which are the most interesting.

This is a thorough text that delivers the fundamentals of 8088 programming. The questions at the end of each chapter served as a gauge of how well I understood the material. Working examples consist of a source listing, assembler output, and a complete Debug session. You should have no trouble duplicating the results given in the text when the proper tools are used.

I found only two obvious errors, but neither stood in the way of learning about the 8088. On page 5 5, the authors say that index registers are always combined with the DS (data segment) register. The iAPX 88 user's manual disagrees with this, saying the DI index register is limited to the ES (extra segment) register instead. Second, the contents of the CS, DS. ES, and SS registers listed in the Debug sessions never matched those on my PCjr. Apparently the Debug program can adjust the segment at which a program resides according to the memory available. I learned in the text that the 8088 supports relocation by means of segmentation, which could explain why the programs worked even though they were placed in memory locations different from those described by the authors.

The 8088 instructions are explained in groups of similar instructions, and the simpler instruction groups are followed by the more complex types. Among the more interesting examples are the looping instructions similar to those found in high-level languages.

IBM PC/8088 Assembly Language Programming is more than 400 pages long and is very thorough, but it does not review macro programming, nor does it completely cover the pseudo-ops the assembler is capable of using.

The examples not only demonstrate key features and capabilities of the 8088's assembly language but provide sample sorting routines and floating-point math routines as well. The math programs are good introductions that are extremely interesting. All routines are designed to be reused by the reader in later programming projects. One set of examples deals with simple input/output calls to PC-DOS; other examples deal with the timer chip in the PC.

The book helped me learn to program the 8088 because of its organized approach and extensive examples. This is a good introductory text on 8088 assembly-language programming. I recommend it if you're ready to plunge into this challenging branch of microcomputers. ■

Larry Clark (8103 Thornewood Dr.. Hixson. TN 37343) works in microcomputer systems development and is a robotics instructor.

82 BYTE • DECEMBER 1985

Inquiry 16

THE PROFESSIONAL'S CHOICE

Lotus 1-2-3

$309

Lotus Symphony

$429

dBase III I FrameWork I MultiMate

$369 $369 $239

Word Perfect

$209

Software

Word Processing Editors

FANCY FONT

$139

FINAL WORD

$189

MICROSOFT WORD

S229

MULTIMATE

$239

MULTIMATE

ADVANTAGE

$299

OFFICE WRITER/

SPELLER

$249

PFS: WRITE

$ 95

SAMNA WORD III

$259

VOLKSWRITER

DELUXE

$159

VOLKSWRITER

SCIENTIFIC

$279

WORD PERFECT 4.0

$209

WORDSTAR

$189

WORDSTAR 2000

$259

WORDSTAR 2000*

$299

WORDSTAR PRO

$259

XYWRITE II*

$199

Database Systems ALPHA DATA BASE

MANAGER II CLIPPER CLOUT V 2.0 CONDOR III CORNERSTONE DBASE II DBASE III KNOWLEDGEMAN PC FOCUS PFS: FILE/PFS:

REPORT POWERBASE OUICKCODE III OUICKREPORT R BASE 4000 R BASE 5000 REFLEX REVELATION

$179 $399 $139 $329 $289 $299 $369 $269 $1195

$169 $319 $169 $169 $249 $379 $329 $729

Spreadsheets/ Integrated Packages

ELECTRIC DESK

ENABLE

FRAMEWORK

JAZZ

LOTUS 1-2-3

MULTIPLAN

OPEN ACCESS

SMART SYSTEM

SPREADSHEET AUDITOR

SUPERCALC 3

SYMPHONY

Accounting BPI

GREAT PLAINS IUS EASYBUSINESS ONE WRITE PLUS OPEN SYSTEMS PEACHTREE REAL WORLD STAR ACCOUNTING

PARTNER STAR ACCOUNTING

PARTNER II

$209 $359 $369 $399 $309 $135 $369 $559

$109 $219 $429

$319 $479 $319 $179 $369 $299 $369

$249

$549

Desktop Environments

DESK ORGANIZER $ 79

GEM DESKTOP $ 45

SIDEKICK $ 45

Languages/Utilities

CONCURRENT DOS $189

C86 C COMPILER $299 DIGITAL RESEARCH

C COMPILER $219

OR FORTRAN 77 $219

LATTICE C COMPILER $299 MICROSOFT C

COMPILER $249

MS BASIC COMPILER $249

MS FORTRAN $239

NORTON UTILITIES $ 69

TURBO PASCAL $ 59

XENIX SC.ll

Project Management HARVARD TOTAL

PROJECT MANAGER $259 MICROSOFT

PROJECT $159 PROJECT SCHEDULER

NETWORK $339

SUPERPROJECT $219

TIMELINE 2.0 $299

Communications/

Productivity Tools

CROSSTALK $105

CROSSTALK MKIV $149

PROKEY $ 89

KEYWORKS $ 69

REMOTE $119

SMARTCOMII $109

SUPERKEY $ 55

Graphics/Statistics BPS BUSINESS

GRAPHICS CHARTMASTEFt CHARTSTAR DIAGRAM MASTER EXECUVISION ENCRGRAPHICS GEM DRAW GRAPHWRITER

COMBO INNOVISION MS CHART OVERHEAD

EXPRESS PC DRAW PC PAINTBRUSH PC PAINT PFS: GRAPH SIGNMASTER STATGRAPHICS STATPAK-NWA STATPAC

WALONICK SYSTAT

$229 $229 $169 $229 $259 $199 $ 89

$359

$329 $159

$109 $249 $ 89 $ 79 $ 95 $165 $595 $329

$349 $419

Multifunction Boards AST ADVANTAGE AST 6 PAK PLUS (64K) AST 6 PAK PLUS (384K) ORCHID BLOSSOM

(OK) ORCHID BLOSSOM

$389 $229 $269

$209

$269 RCHID PC TURBO $699

PERSYST TIME SPECTRUM

(OK) $209

PERSYST TIME SPECTRUM

$269 $229 $249

(384K) ORC

Professional Development LIGHTYEAR $329

THINK TANK $119

Personal Finance DOLLARS AND

SENSE $119

HOWARD TAX

PREPARER 85 $195

MANAGING YOUR

MONEY $119

Hardware*

Accessories

CURTIS SURGE

PROTECTORS SC.ll

DATASHIELD BACKUP

POWER SC.ll

GILTRONIX A/B SWITCH SCall MICROBUFFER INLINE

(64K) SCll

MICROFAZER INLINE

(64K) $219

256K RAM SET $ 49

8087 MATH CHIP $139

(384K) OUADBOARD (OK) OUADBOARD (384K) TECMAR CAPTAIN

(OK) $189

TECMAR CAPTAIN

(364K) $229

TECMAR JR CAPTAIN

(128K) $329

TECMAR JR WAVE (64K) $249 TECMAR WAVE (64K) $209

Display Boards EVEREX EDGE $319

EVEREX GRAPHICS

EDGE $329

HERCULES GRAPHICS

CARD $309

HERCULES COLOR

CARD $159

PARADISE MODULAR

GRAPHICS $275

PARADISE

MULTIDISPLAY CARD $285

PERSYST BOB

$389

PRINCETON SCAN

DOUBLER

$199

SIGMA COLOR 400

$529

STB CHAUFFER

$279

STB GRAPHICS

PLUS II

$309

TECMAR GRAPHICS

MASTER

$459

TSENG ULTRA PAK

$429

TSENG ULTRA PAK-S

$369

Emulation Boards

AST

Sen

CXI 3278/9 Plus

$959

$799

IRMA

IRMALINE

$999

IRMAPRINT

Scii

Displays

AMDEK 310A $169

PRINCETON HX-12 $459 PRINCETON MAX-12E $179

PRINCETON SR-12 $589

PRINCETON HX-12E $C*I

PRINCETON HX-S SCII QUADRAM

AMBERCHROME $179

TAXAN 122 AMBER $159 TAXAN 420/440 $399/599

ZENITH 124 AMBER $146

ZENITH 135 COLOR $CII

Modems

AST REACH 1200 $369

HAYES 1200 $389

HAYES 1200B $365

HAYES 2*00 $609

TRANSNET1000 $299

VENTEL 1200

HALF CARD $369

WATSON $449

Mass Storage/Backup ALLOY MT25 TAPE (EXT) $895 CORE AT PLUS SCII

IOMEGA BERNOULLI

BOX-NEWI $2549

IRWIN 310A 10MB TAPE

(EXT) $650

IRWIN 110D 10MB TAPE

(INT) $549

SYSGEN IMAGE $850

TALLGARSS TG5025 $2845 TECMAR OIC-60H TAPE

(EXT) $1499

TECMAR QIC-BOAT TAPE

Networks AST PC NET CORVUS NET ORCHID PC NET 3COM

Sen

$CM

SCall SCII

(INT) Printers/Plotters

DIABLO

EPSON FX-85

EPSON FX-185

EPSON LQ-1500

HP 7475A PLOTTER

JUKI 6300

JUKI 6100

NECP3

NEC 3550

OKIDATA

OUME SPRINT 1155

TOSHIBA PI340

TOSHIBA P351 Input Devices

KEYTRONIC 5151

KOALA

MICROSOFT MOUSE

PC MOUSE W PAINTBRUSH

$1199

$129

Smartmodem 1200B

$365

Smartmodem 2400

$609

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TERMS:

Checks—allow 14 days to clear Credit processing—add 3%. COD orders—cash, MO or certified check—add $5.00- Shipping and handling UPS surface—add $3.00 per item (UPS BlueS8.00 per item). NY State Residents—add applicable sales tax All prices subject to change.

1-S00-221-1260

In New York State call (718) 438-6057

ussm

MON.-THURS. 9:00AM-8:00PM SUN. & FRI. 9:00AM-4:00PM

Softline Corporation P.O. Box 729, Brooklyn, N.Y. 11230 TELEX: 421047 ATLNUI

DECEMBER 1985 -BYTE 83

© 1985 ATiT Information Svstems

ONLYA NETWORK THE CENTER OF YOUR EXPANDING

A local area network. Sure it can integrate some of your stand-alone equipment. But what about the departmental systems you have? And what about next year? Will it be able to handle new applications that come along? Can it grow? Is it a long-term solution or just a quick fix?

The Information Systems Network from AT&T is the data network that can meet your immediate and long-term needs. It's the only network open and flexible enough to integrate the equipment and systems you have now, and willingly accept what the future might bring. It's the data network that can expand with your business—grow from a local to a corporate-wide network.

You can build a strong foundation

Different systems—Incompatible hardware from different vendors—A few stand-alone pieces here and there—ISN can tie it all together.

ISN's open architecture lets it act as the backbone data network that integrates your disparate systems and smaller networks.

Its unique wiring system of twisted pair and fiber optics allows ISN to support the equipment you have now, and what

♦Ethernet is a registered trademark of Xerox Corp. **IBM is a registered trademark of International

you'll buy later. You can easily and economically add and rearrange equipment. Plus, no matter how far apart devices are, with ISN, you still get maximum network performance.

So once your backbone network is in place, the possibilities are endless. Grow upward, outward, backwards and sideways. With ISN, your options are always open.

You can break the ties that bind you

At the local level, ISN is a hierarchical star network with a fast-switching Packet Controller at the hub. The Packet Controller is linked to all devices in your network and manages all network communications.

So ISN can set up communication links between all your equipment and systems. AT&TSystem 85 and AT&T System 75 PBXs, mini-computers and mainframes, isolated Ethernet* systems, AT&T STARLAN NETWORK and 3BNET, smart and dumb terminals, even equipment from IBM— ISN gets it all on speaking terms. Ail working even harder for you.

ISN protects your 3270 investment. It lets your Bisync terminals access multiple IBM** hosts. Low-cost dumb terminals and personal computers can do the same. Syn

Business Machines Corp.

"•"w**,

fca^i

ASYKHRMMM.

HOST

THIS OPEN AND FLEXIBLE CAN BE UNIVERSE.

chronous and asynchronous traffic can travel through your network with the same speed and efficiency.

With ISN, you're never locked into one vendor or one location. Since ISN uses the same technology for local and wide-area networking, its growth potential is limitless.

Linking multiple Packet Controllers lets you start with one ISN and grow across a premises. Add another ISN and grow across the city, or across the country. There's nothing holding you back.

You can handle it all

No matter how large your network becomes, ISN still provides fast, reliable communications between all users. With a high backplane and fiber rate of 8.64 mbps, and a very efficient packet structure, ISN maintains a high throughput rate even when traffic is at its peak.

Long messages or bursty transmissions—ISN's been engineered to handle it all. A unique centralized short bus and perfect scheduling access method permit messages to travel through the network almost instantaneously. And arrive with their integrity intact.

Premises-wide or nationwide, ISN puts you in command.

No matter how large your network gets, you choose the means of control—centralized or distributed.

"Xbu've made the right connection

AT&T has a long history of solving complicated networking problems with clear-cut, intelligent solutions. We make the pieces fit.

We work with you every step of the way. Our professional sales and service people are trained to plan, design and maintain a network that will meet your business needs.

ISN reflects AT&T's better approach to office networking. To learn why it's the right choice for your business, call your AT&T Information Systems Account Executive, or 1800247-1212.

AT&T

The right choice.

EVENT QUEUE

December 1985

Data Processing Courses, Hartford. CT. The Hartford Graduate Center, 275 Windsor St., Hartford, CT 06120, (203) 548-2470. December

The IBM PC Data Communications Survival Course, various sites throughout the U.S. DataTech Institute. Lakeview Plaza, POB 2429, Clifton, NJ 07015, (201) 478-5400. December

Micro to Mainframe Seminars, Atlanta, GA. The MOM Corp., Two Northside 75, Atlanta, GA 30318. (800) 241-1170; in Georgia, (404) 3 51-2902. December

Testing Computer Software, various sites throughout the U.S. U.S. Professional Development Institute. 1620 Elton Rd.. Silver Spring, MD 20903, (301) 44 5-4400. December

Office Automation Design & Management, various sites throughout the U.S. Thomas Wilds Associates Inc.. POB 11 120. Greenwich. CT 06830, (212) 986-2 515. December-March

Second Annual Washington, DC. Eastern Simulation Symposium: What's New in Software,

Crystal City. VA. The Society for Computer Simulation. POB 2228. La JoIIa. CA 92038, (714) 459-3888. December 3

Second Annual Bits & Bytes National Computer Show, Dallas. TX. Information Processing Group, Suite 305, 87 North Raymond Ave.. Pasadena, CA 91103, (818) 792-511 1. December 6-8

Computer Graphic Arts 85, New York. NY. Pratt Center for Computer Graphics in Design, 9 Skyline Dr., Hawthorne, NY 10532. December 8-1 1

Fall Industrial Engineering Conference: Integrating People and Technology, Chicago, IL, ME Registrar, 2 5 Technology Park/Atlanta, Norcross, GA 30092, (404) 449-0460, December 8-11

Computer Career Convention, Los Angeles, CA. Shomex Productions, Suite 310, 2601 Ocean Park Blvd., Santa Monica, CA 90402, (213) 450-8831, December 10-11

1985 Videodisc, Optical Disk, & CD-ROM Conference and Exposition, Philadelphia, PA, Meckler Publishing, 11 Ferry Lane W, Westport, CT 06880, (203) 226-6967. December 10-12

Hi Tech Update 85.

Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, Conference Coll Inc., 1138 Sherman Dr., Ottawa. Ontario K2C 2M4. Canada. December 11-12

DEXPO West 85: The Eighth National DECCompatible Exposition,

Anaheim, CA, Expoconsul International Inc., 55 Princeton-Hightstown Rd., Princeton Junction, NI 08550, (609) 799-1661. December 11-13

1985 Winter Simulation Conference. San Francisco, CA. The Society for Computer Simulation, POB 17900, San Diego, CA 92117. December 11-13

Winter National Design Engineering Show and Conference, Anaheim. CA. Winter National Design Engineering Show, Cahners Exposition Group. 999 Summer St., Stamford, CT 06905, (203) 964-8287. December 11-13

Data Communications and Networking for the IBM PC and Other Personal Computers, Denver. CO. Software Institute of America. 8 Windsor St., Andover, MA 01810. (617) 470-3880. December 12-13

First International Conference on Supercomputing Systems, Tarpon Springs, FL. Supercomputing Conference. POB 639. Silver Spring, MD 20901, (301) 589-8142. December 16-20

Catalogs and brochures for upcoming courses and seminars are available from the following:

Catalog of Personal Computer Courses, American Management Association, 135 West 50th St., New York, NY 10020.

Center for Advanced Professional Education Seminars. Center for Ad

vanced Professional Education. Suite 110, 1820 East Garry St., Santa Ana. CA 92705, (714) 261-0240.

Communications/Electronics Short Courses. The George Washington University, School of Engineering and Applied Science, Washington, DC 20052, (800) 424-9773 (U.S.), (800) 53 5-4567 (Canada), or (202) 676-6106 (DC).

Communications/Microcomputer Curriculum, Datapro Educational Services, Datapro Research Corp., 1805 Underwood Blvd., Delran, NJ 0807 5.

Computer Competence Seminars and Professional Development Seminars, Boston University Metropolitan College, 75 5 Commonwealth Ave., Boston, MA 02215.

Course Calendars, Integrated Computer Systems, 6305 Arizona Place. POB 4 5405. Los Angeles. CA 9004 5, (213) 417-.

IF YOU WANT your organization's public activities listed in BYTE's Event Queue, we need to know about them at least four months in advance. Send information about computer conferences, seminars, workshops, and courses to BYTE. Event Queue. POB 372. Hancock. NH 03449.

Digital Consulting Associates Inc. Seminars. Software Institute of America Inc.. 8 Windsor St., Andover. MA 01810.

Information Processing Series, QED Information Sciences Inc., QED Plaza, POB 181, Wellesely, MA 02181.

Intensive Seminars for Professional Development, Worcester Polytechnic Institute, Office of Continuing Education, Higgins House, Worcester, MA 01609. (617) 793-5517. ■

86 BYTE • DECEMBER 1985

The world's best selling monochrome graphics card for the IBM PC.

There are more Hercules" Graphics Cards in more IBM* PCs, XTs and ATs than any other monochrome graphics card in the world.

Over a quarter of a million demanding users around the world use a Hercules Graphics Card to improve the performance of their software. The Lotus* 1-2-3* Booster.

Consider Lotus 1-2-3. Hercules gives an off-the-shelf copy of 1-2-3 the highest resolution possible on an IBM PC, XT or AT. More 1-2-3 users choose the Hercules Graphics Card to get crisper text and sharper graphics than any other monochrome graphics card.

And we bring the same performance to other integrated programs like Symphony™ Framework," and SuperCalc*3.

But we don't stop there. The Hercules Graphics Card

improves all kinds of software.

Like Microsoft* Word, a word processor that enables you to display text with subscripts, superscripts and italics

Or pfs: Graph, an easy-touse business graphics program that converts your data into presentation quality graphs.

Or Microsoft' Flight Simulator, the high flying game for the overworked executive.

Or our own Graph X," a library of graphics subroutines that eases graphics programming.

Or AutoCAD," a computer aided design program that offers features normally associated with expensive CAD systems.

And we supply free software with each card to do hi-res graphics using the PC's BASIC interpreter. State-Of-The-Art Hardware.

The Hercules Graphics Card gives you graphics resolution of 720h x 348v and a

parallel printer port. Our unique static RAM buffer provides sharp 9 x 14 characters and flicker-free scrolling. Our exclusive safety features help prevent damage to your monitor. State-of-the-art custom IC technology delivers unsurpassed reliability. Ordinary graphics cards use up to 30 ICs to do what one Hercules IC does. By using fewer parts, we reduce the possibility of component failure.

Which is one reason we warranty the Hercules Graphics Card for two years.

Unbeatable reliability. Advanced technology. Proven by over a quarter of a million users. Why settle for anything less than Hercules?

Call 1-800-532-0600 Ext 408 for the name of a Hercules dealer nearest you and we'll rush you our free info kit.

Hercules.

We're strong on graphics.

Address: 25B0 Ninth St., Berkeley, CA 94710 Ph: 415 540-6000 Telex: 754063. Trademarks/Owners: Hercules, Graph X/Hereules; 1-2-3, Symphony/Lotus; IBM, XT, AT/IBM; Framework/Ashton-Tate; SuperCalc/Sorcim-IUS; Microsoft/Microsoft; pfs:/Software Publ; AutoCAD/AutoDesk.

Inquiry 165

DECEMBER 1985 -BYTE 87

Discover what 60,000

Discover the finest peripherals available in terms of features, reliability and price/performance. Corporations like IBM, General Motors and Exxon buy peripheral equipment from Qubie', and have for years. Check some of your old back issues of PC — we've been satisfying PC owners since 1982.

Discover low prices, with service and support unparalleled in the microcomputer industry. Our 30 day No Risk Guarantee and 48 Hour Turnaround on warranty repairs is proof our products are first rate. We stand behind what we sell. We also offer our exclusive Preferred Customer

Plan with 24 hour repairs and 24 months of coverage.

Discover money-saving prices that are the total prices. No small print telling you to add up for credit card charges or shipping and handling. Our prices include surface UPS charges and insurance. In a hurry? 2-day air UPS service is available.

Then discover it takes more than a low price to keep customers satisfied. We answer your questions and concerns before and after you buy.

The Staff of Qubie'

HARD DISK

SUBSYSTEMS

PC20 (Internal) S599

PC20E (External) S749

With Spooling Tape Backup, Add $400

20 Megabyte Capacity • Boot From The Hard Disk -- No Software Patches Or Drivers To Install • Runs All The Popular Software-DOS 2.0 Or Later • Low Power Consumption • 5 1/4" Controller Card • High Reliability And Durability -- Specially Plated Drives • Faster Access Time

NEW

AT ENHANCEMENT KIT BT44 Hard Drive ft AT4X4Plus (51ZK) $1375

44 Megabyte Drive • Runs All The Popular AT Software • 28 msec. Access Time • Voice Coil Driven Heads with Closed Loop Servo Positioning • Full-Height Unit • No Extra Chips Needed

Than XT -Changeable Interleave Value • Full-Height and Half-Height Bezels • Includes Cables, 1 dir "Visual Shell" and ZyINDEX "Info Searcher" Software

External Model (PC20E) Includes Case And Power Supply • Auxiliary Power Supply For Internal Model (PCPWR) Available

88 BYTE • DECEMBER 1985

PC owners now know.

300/1200 BAUD MODEMS PC212A/1200 (Internal) $179 212A/1200E (External) $199

Auto-Dial, Auto-Answer, Bell 103/212A Modems • Fully Hayes Compatible, Runs Crosstalk, Sidekick, Etc. • Internal Modem Includes External RS232-C Serial Port And PC-TALK III Software • External Has Eight Status Indicators Lamps

NEW

And Front Snap Hatch For Quick Switch Access • Both Include Instruction Manual And Modular Phone Cord • Shielded Cable For External Modems $19 (Specify Type)

No Bisk Guarantee

If you are not completely satisfied with your purchase you return it within 30 days of purchase for a complete refund, including the cost to send it back. If you can get any dealer or competitor to give you the same No Risk Guarantee, buy both and retun the one you don't like.

AT MULTIFUNCTION CABD AT4X4Plns (1281) $265 AT4X4Plns (5121) $295

Memory Sockets For Adding Up To 4 Megabytes • 1 Standard and 3 Optional, Serial Communications Ports • Parallel Printer Port • Game Port Option

PC MULTIFUNCTION CABD BT6Plus (641) $147.50 BT6Plns (384E) $197.50

Memory Sockets For Adding Up To 384K • Parallel Printer Port • Asynchronous Serial Communications Port • BTPak Software (Disk Emulation and Printer Spooling) • BatteryPowered Clock/Calendar • Optional Game Port • Includes Dual Mounting Bracket

BGB & MONOCHROME MONITORS with Tilt/Swivel Base! RGB Color HR31-200 $399 RGB for EGA HR31-350 $499 Mono. Green HR39 $139 Mono. Amber HR134 $149

RGB Color Monitors Feature .31mm Dot Pitch And Large 14" Screen. HR31-200 Compatible With IBM Color Graphics Adapter (640x200) • HR31-350 Compatible With Enhanced Graphics Adapter (640x350) • Monochrome Monitors Have IBM Compatible 720x348 Resolution On 12" Diagonal Screen.

For fastest delivery, send cashier's check, money order, or order by MasterCard/ Visa. Personal checks allow 18 days to clear. Company purchase orders accepted, call for prior authorization. California residents add 6% sales tax.

Hours: M -F 8 am - 5 pm PTZ Sat 8 am - 12 pm PTZ

VISA

London (01) 223-4569 Paris (01) 321-5316 Sydney (02) 579-3322 Canada (403) 434-9444

Outside California

800-821-4479

Inside California

805-987-9741

QUBIE

Department B

4809 Calle Alto

Camarillo, California 93010

Inquiry 307

DECEMBER 1985 -BYTE 89

•

"

i

>t oe

BUTE

Features

Ciarcias Circuit Cellar:

Turnkey Bulletin-Board System

by Steve Garcia 93

Programming Proiect: A SIMPL Compiler, Part I: The Basics

by ionathan Amsterdam 106

Product Description: The Tandy 600 and the Tandy 3000

by G. Michael Vose 118

English Recognition

by Roy E. Kimbrell 125

Scientific Applications Software

by }ohn C. Nash 145

Programming Insight Virtual Fielding in Microsoft BASIC

by C. R.). Currie 155

Programming Insight Travesty with Database

by Neil J. Rubenking 161

IN THE CIRCUIT CELLAR this month, Steve gives us a state-of-the-art bulletinboard system. This particular BBS is made up of his last two projects: the SB180 single-board computer (September and October) and the MOSART chip from Xecom (November). This month's article is both a tutorial on bulletin boards and a functional expansion for people who have built the SB 180. Incidentally, BYTE is setting up an SB180 bulletin-board system for internal use.

This month lonathan Amsterdam begins his three-part series on the construction of a compiler for a high-level language. This first part deals with the basics of the compiler, including a description of SIMPL, his programming language.

A visit to Fort Worth, Texas, gave BYTE's Mike Vose a chance to see two recent releases from Tandy. The Tandy 600 is a portable with the features users of the Model 100 and Tandy 200 most often requested: more memory, a disk drive, and an 80-column screen. The Tandy 3000 is an IBM PC AT clone that Tandy claims is faster, and it is priced as low as $2 599.

English is hardly ever used to communicate with computers. This is unfortunate, because English can be very effective: it gives you a variety of ways to express compiler actions with a minimum of training and program interaction. In "English Recognition," Roy Kimbrell describes how you can apply understanding to an application.

John Nash tells us to consider three things when trying to choose scientific applications software: the purpose of the package, the style in which it's presented, and its overall quality. He also provides a list of various sources of information to help us in our search.

C. R. I. Currie describes a technique for handling files with record lengths that are more than a sector on Microsoft BASIC systems. If your system can automatically handle variable-length records of a size less than the system's maximum, you can use this technique. It works well on both 8-bit and 16-bit versions of Microsoft BASIC.

"Travesty with Database" is the third travesty-generator program that we have had since November 1984 when we ran the original, "A Travesty Generator for Micros" by Hugh Kenner and Joseph O'Rourke. This new version, which the author has named Breakdown, is written in Turbo Pascal, and it improves performance and avoids rereading the input text by storing the frequency information in a database.

DECEMBER 1985 -BYTE 91

"NOW IN OUR 8TH V€flR"

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TRNDV1000 MULTI-FUNC BOARD

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10 Mbyte MT10P $525

AT HARD DISK

33 Mbyte AT33 $750

INTERNAL TAP€ BACKUP

60 Mbyte MT60 $895

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BYTE • DECEMBER 1985

Inquiry 235

CIARCIA'S CIRCUIT CELLAR

TURNKEY

BULLETIN-BOARD

SYSTEM

by Steve Ciarcia

A functional cost-effective expansion for those who have built the SB 180

You might have noticed that the theme of this issue is computer conferencing. It is no mere coincidence that this month's Circuit Cellar project has something to do with communication. Since I have just finished presenting the SB180 single-board computer and a single-chip modem as separate projects, it is only natural to combine the two to produce something grander. The concept of electronic messaging and information exchange has been revolutionized by low-cost computers. Not too long ago, only expensive mainframes could function in such a capacity. Now, any computer with a disk drive and a modem can be configured to perform basic communication functions.

The most typical personal computer communication configuration is the electronic bulletin-board system (BBS). While 1 will explain it in greater detail later, a BBS is designed to exchange messages, data, or programs. It can be either public or private. While the quality of the information being exchanged sometimes comes into question, bulletin boards serve a useful function that could not otherwise be performed without great expense. I like to think of them as a 24-hour answering service that says more than "Sorry, can I take a mes

sage?'' Callers with the proper access authority can receive private information left only for them, perform tasks within the computer system, and leave messages for specific third parties who will also call the BBS.

Computer experimenters discovered the entertaining aspects of bulletin boards years ago. However, such versatile message-listing and information-retrieval systems have now assumed important business applications. For example, field service and sales personnel away from the office now have a way to stay in contact. Or the workday customerservice line into the company can become a BBS after hours so that customers feel attended to on a full-time basis.

The limiting factors in business use of bulletin boards, either public or private, have been price and start-up effort. While a minimally configured computer with BBS software and a modem can be assembled for about $2 500, you still have to gather the components and integrate the software. With few exceptions, the concept of a truly turnkey BBS has not emerged. Because

{continued)

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. He is the author of several books about electronics. You can write to him at POB 582, Glastonbury. CT 06033.

COPYRIGHT© 1985 STEVEN A. CIARCIA. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

DECEMBER 1985 -BYTE 93

CIRCUIT CELLAR

most BBS software is generic rather than designed for a specific hardware configuration, you must port the BBS software and install the device drivers for your system's peripheral devices. The real definition of the words "port" and install'' is time. When the hardware configuration and the software operating system are explicitly known, it is much easier to build a turnkey BBS.

This month, I'm combining the SB 180 single-board computer, presented in the September and October issues, and Xecom's MOSART chip, described in last month's column. When combined with some fancy software, these two projects become a state-of-the-art turnkey BBS.

The MOSART and associated components are mounted on a printedcircuit board that plugs into the SB180's I/O (input/output) expansion bus and is called a COMM180 expansion board. This MOSART-based BBS, unlike most others, can understand Touch-Tone inputs and give voice responses.

Unlike the COMM180 BBS software (explained in detail later), which is specific to the SB180. my discussion and descriptions are intended to be somewhat generic. You may or may not decide to build the exact BBS I am outlining, but you will gain some benefit by understanding the salient points of BBS configurations. This particular BBS requires a minimum of computer knowledge.

To give you some real-time evaluation of its capabilities, I have installed a working SB180/COMM180 BBS in Connecticut that you can call for a demonstration. If you like this direct line to me and there aren't thousands of messages to answer, I will establish it as a continuing Circuit Cellar BBS where you can get past, present, and future project information. More on this later.

Turnkey BBS

The primary difference between an SB180/COMM180 system and any other lies in the unique combination of hardware and software being used. I intend this article both as a tutorial

on bulletin boards and as a functional cost-effective expansion for those of you who have built the SB180. You may elect to not use the prepackaged bulletin-board software that I will describe and instead use software available in the public domain to set up a bulletin board. That is a viable option. However, the Term III/Z-MSG software is available preconfigured for the SB180/COMM180 combination and can be run out of the box.

Essentially, this software is a turnkey electronic mail and file-transfer system. To use it, you merely place the disk into your SB180/COMM180 computer system, turn on the terminal, hook up a telephone line, and give it some electricity. You then make your decision as to what you want to use the bulletin board for.

Naturally, you can personalize the system to a large extent if you want. Since the software is modular, adding or deleting modules will let you configure any desired functions. Before getting down to details, let me first discuss a few more features of the Circuit Cellar SB180 turnkey bulletinboard system (TKBBS).

TKBBS Features

The features are grouped into four major areas: electronic mail, file transfer, voice response (not voice recognition), and DTMF (dual-tone, multiplefrequency) control.

Electronic mail provides the capability of leaving messages for other people. Messages, which usually consist of ASCII (American Standard Code for Information Interchange) characters, are made up of a sender's name, addressee's name, subject, and message text. Sending someone an electronic message is similar in principle to sending them a letter.

File transfer is a technique for the transmission or reception of files and is usually referred to as downloading and uploading from the point of view of the TKBBS. The TKBBS will support file-transfer protocols like XMODEM, Kermit, CIS (CompuServe), and XON/ XOFF. Until now, it was highly improbable that this wide selection of protocols would be available in one

software package, but the TKBBS has them all.

Finally, the voice-response feature of the Xecom 1203 MOSART internal LPC (linear predictive coding) speech synthesizer is available for your use as well as a wide variety of DTMFdecoding functions of the MOSART

A Little History

A short history lesson will help us appreciate what it takes to make a turnkey bulletin-board system. The TKBBS traces its roots back to the first computerized bulletin-board system. Although access to computers via telephone lines and modems has existed for 20 years or so, this had been done only for time-sharing mainframe computers and the military until personal computers appeared. Personal computers made their debut in the middle 1970s, based on the Intel 8080 microprocessor and others. In 1977. Ward Christensen became interested in using a modem with his personal computer. He wrote an assembly-language program called MODEM, which allowed a microcomputer to send and receive characters via the modem and telephone line. This was during the time when modems usually ran at 110 bits per second (bps), and a 300-bps modem was considered fast.

MODEM was a program intended to be operated by a person—nothing about it was automatic. It also incorporated a protocol for transferring files. This protocol would send a file 128 bytes at a time. Because telephone lines are subject to transmission errors, it ensured that each 128-byte block was received properly by the destination. If an error was detected in a 128-byte block, that block was retransmitted until the receiver detected no errors.

MODEM was placed in the public domain, where it was eventually enhanced by other people, becoming MODEM7. To this day, the popularity and widespread acceptance of the file-transfer protocol embodied in the original MODEM can be traced to Christensen's placing the program in the public domain. And the prece

94 BYTE • DECEMBER 1985

CIRCUIT CELLAR

dent of placing communications software in the public domain has been followed to this day by many authors.

Dave laffe. meanwhile, envisioned another use of his personal computer for communications. Instead of a situation where two people used MODEM on each computer, he pictured a scenario where an unattended computer could be accessed by a person using MODEM. When accessed, the unattended computer would let the caller access the CP/M operating system. Callers would be able to perform all the functions supported by CP/M as though they were with the unattended computer, even though they could be anyplace in the world that had telephone lines. The result of his work in this area was an assemblylanguage program called BYE.

After laffe wrote BYE, Christensen began work on yet another program, this one intended to function as a message system. Its purpose was to let callers accessing a computer using BYE leave messages for other callers or the owner of that computer. The resulting program was named CBBS. which stands for computer bulletinboard system. He saw it as the electronic equivalent of the bulletin board in a supermarket or other public place.

With these three programs, Christensen and (affe invented the BBS. Another significant early development was a program called XMODEM by Keith Petersen, which let the unattended computer using BYE send and receive files using the protocol implemented in MODEM. This protocol is more widely known today as the XMODEM protocol, although it has been referred to as the Christensen protocol or MODEM protocol with equal validity.

Today s Public Domain

Bulletin boards have progressed considerably beyond those first implementations. One of the significant changes has been the introduction of security to the bulletin-board software. In the first implementations of BYE, all the commands of CP/M were available to anyone calling the system.

Thus, anyone could erase a file. This allowed unauthorized users to penetrate bulletin boards, and system integrity became an important issue.

The first elements of security were added by introducing ZCPR1, an early forerunner of ZCPR3. Ultimately, many other sysop (system operator) and user functions were added. Among them, BBS software now keeps track of time, which prevents visitors from overstaying their welcome. This means that the system can limit a user's access to a length of time determined by the sysop.

Early versions of BYE required extensive programming knowledge and expertise in the inner workings of CP/M. It has evolved into a program that uses advanced software techniques but is much easier to set up. Although BYE remains somewhat complicated and could not be recommended for a novice user, it has been extensively enhanced and is an excellent example of the powerful software available in the public domain.

XMODEM also has been enhanced significantly, and it currently logs filetransfer activities and prevents certain types of system security compromises.

The concept of a message system first introduced by CBBS has been greatly improved. Modern message systems allow both private (can be read only by the sender and addressee) and public (anyone can read) messages. Configuration information about the caller—like how many characters per line can be displayed, privileges while logged onto the system, and more—is recorded along with the name and password. Extensive menu structures can be created or changed without requiring recompilation or reassembly of the message-system program itself. Categories of users can be defined separately, with each category having different privileges when logged onto the system.

Modems have also evolved significantly since 1977. The transmission rate has increased from 110/300 bps to 2400 bps, with the hardware cost remaining the same. Also, modems

A significant change to bulletin-board software has been the introduction of security.

are considerably more intelligent, with the ability to determine the stages of call progression and report them back to the computer or the user as well as dialing the desired telephone number.

And last, but not least, have been the corresponding improvements in the software run by callers on their own computers when calling other computers running BYE and XMODEM. These programs take the place of the original MODEM. Currently available programs, like MDM740 by Irv Hoff or MEX by Ron Fowler, possess advanced features like automatic redial until connection is established, printer buffering for slow printers, and much more.

The programs mentioned in the preceding paragraphs are available for the price of a telephone call from many of the thousands of bulletin boards across North America. It is quite possible for SB180 owners to put together their own BBS using these programs, if they have the appropriate technical expertise.

1 did not use public-domain software in the SB 180 TKBBS because this is a "how to" article instead of a "what if" article. As such, 1 am under certain legal restrictions.

My overriding determination is to provide a true turnkey system that supports the best features of the SB 180 and the MOSART and can be easily implemented by software novices like me. 1 don't have the time to delve into the inner workings of various communication packages and port them to my computer ("port" is the hackers' word for withdrawing from society while integrating a piece of copied software). There's a point in the evolution of bulletin boards where

{continued)

DECEMBER 1985 -BYTE 95

CIRCUIT CELLAR

we simply want to take it out of the box and plug it in. '

Most of the public-domain BBS programs are intended for generic computer systems and would not directly support the MOSART on the COMM180 (they will if you use a stand-alone modem plugged into the SB180's modem port). To use them.

1 would have to modify the original software and distribute the new routines to the public through the Circuit Cellar.

Support to this degree unfortunately presents a legal problem. While we all think of public-domain software as free, that is not a license for it to be copied and distributed. Like the soft

ware I frequently supply with articles, authors often copyright their work but allow end users to make one copy of it for their "personal and noncommercial use." By modifying and distributing thousands of copies of socalled public-domain software, I might overlook someone's copyright and find myself in a legal jam.

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Figure 1: The schematic diagram of the Circuit Cellar COMM180 modem expansion board.

96 BYTE- DECEMBER

CIRCUIT CELLAR

Intelligent individuals with more than modest software knowledge should not be deterred from doing what I cannot. By all means, download CBBS or some other software and use it on the SB 180. Being CP/Mcompatible, the SB180 should require virtually no modification if you implement the BBS with a Hayes (or Hayescompatible) modem. Unfortunately, for me the only preventive measure is original composition and absolute knowledge of the distribution license. For that reason, Term 111 and Z-MSG have been specifically adapted to support the SB180/COMM180 BBS.

What Is a BBS For?

Public bulletin boards have generally specialized in certain areas. Examples are systems specializing in the uploading or downloading of public-domain software, systems for the private use of a computer club or user group, or even computerized dating! These are major divisions, with a wide spectrum of possibilities within each. A system specializing in the uploading and downloading of software may specialize yet further and concentrate on programs written in the C language for 8-bit computer systems.

Many magazines, including BYTE, use bulletin boards to deliver programs detailed in articles. As long as you possess a modem, you can avoid the tedium of manually typing program listings. Magazines also use bulletin boards as a collection point for authors' submissions, lerry Poumelle mentions transmitting his column to BYTE via modem. The advantage of not having to cope with the delays of the mail more than makes up for the cost of the telephone call.

Even some radio stations have bulletin boards where listeners can leave song requests and other messages.

Some public commercial bulletin boards have appeared. Often, computer stores configure an in-house microcomputer as a bulletin board, promoting products and services. Although commercial possibilities for bulletin boards exist, the single-user

nature of most personal computers limits how many callers can be handled, and there are restrictions as to what the caller might do on the system once access is granted.

An alternative to a public system is a private system with limited access. An example of this is an employee who uses a terminal or computer at home to work on a computer at the office. Another one is the after-hours messaging or order-entry system. With access limited to a relatively few suppliers and customers, communication is maintained at all times.

The SB180 TKBBS will operate in either a private or public mode.

Legalities

Private systems are likely to become popular due to the unfavorable legal atmosphere regarding bulletin boards. This has resulted from misuse of public bulletin-board systems by people known as "phreaks," "pirates," "worms," and "crackers." Phreaks defraud the telephone company of toll charges through a variety of schemes. Pirates use bulletin boards to exchange information on how to illegally duplicate copyrighted software. Worms and crackers break into

other computers to access confidential files and destroy information. These activities have spurred many state legislatures and the U.S. Congress to pass a variety of laws aimed at restricting the activities of bulletin boards (an extensive discussion on this topic, complete with voluminous source data, is available on BIX under "BBS/other" and "tele.policy" conferences).

Many of these laws make the person who operates the BBS responsible for all activities that occur on the system. One result of this has been that not many systems are open to first-time callers. Many operators of bulletin boards now require that people register for access. This usually involves some sort of verification that the person is not operating with a phony name and that the person provides a real address and telephone number. If a caller does perform some illegal activity, the sysop can refer appropriate law enforcement officials to that caller. Nearly all sysops have no intention of engaging in illegal activities, and these measures are their way of protecting themselves. You should bear these legalities in mind

[continued)

Photo 1: A prototype of the COMM180 expansion board, shown here populated with the MOSART communications chip and its supporting circuitry.

DECEMBER 1985 'BYTE 97

CIRCUIT CELLAR

if you intend to operate a public system.

THE TKBBS

The hardware of the TKBBS consists of the SB180 single-board computer; the COMM180 expansion board containing the MOSART; two disk drives capable of storing approximately 1600K bytes; and an enclosure, power

supply, and necessary cables. The software of the TKBBS includes the ZSystem (see the October Circuit Cellar). Also included are the two software packages that make up the core of the TKBBS: Term III and Z-MSG

Because the hardware components and the Z-System were extensively discussed in previous Circuit Cellar articles, I will discuss them only briefly

Photo 2: With the addition of a few chips and a connector, the COMM180 from photo 1 can also support an SCSI hard-disk interface.

Photo 3: The COMM180 modem/SCSI board rides piggyback on the SB180 single-board computer, connecting via the SB180's expansion I/O connector.

here so that the BBS software can be discussed in further detail.

The SB180

The SB 180 is a single-board computer based on the Hitachi HD64180 microprocessor, which is upward-compatible with Z80 software. The SB 180 contains 2 56K bytes of RAM (randomaccess read/write memory); two serial ports; an SMC 9266 floppy-diskcontroller chip that handles 3/2-. 5 Vt-. and 8-inch drives (concurrently); an 8K-byte monitor in EPROM (erasable programmable read-only memory); a Centronics-compatible parallel printer port; and an I/O expansion bus. This all fits on a circuit card that measures 4 by 7/2 inches (the size of a 3'/2-inch disk drive). I described the SB180 hardware extensively in the September Circuit Cellar.

COMM180 Expansion Card

The COMM180 expansion card, shown in figure 1, consists of the MOSART and a few other components. The XE1203 MOSART chip, discussed in great detail in last month's Circuit Cellar, is a 300/ 1200-bps modem with DTMF-decoding and speech-synthesis capabilities. It is unique in that it incorporates all these functions into one small device, 2 square inches, designed to interface directly into the data bus of a microprocessor (see photo 1).

The MOSART operates on + 5 and - 5 volts. The + 12 V supplied to the COMM180 board is reduced and converted to - 5 V through a 6.8-V Zener and an ICL7660 voltage-inverter IC (integrated circuit). The COMM180 expansion card has two audio jacks for audio in/audio out but also contains an LM386 amplifier chip that will drive an external speaker for call monitoring.

Addressing for the MOSART is predecoded on the SB 180 board, and connections are made directly to the l/O-expansion-bus signals. Only a single 7423 is required to combine the various MOSART status outputs into a suitable interrupt to the microprocessor.

The COMM180 is built on a 4- by

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CIRCUIT CELLAR

4-inch board that mounts directly over the SB180 and plugs into the I/O expansion bus. Since the COMM180 is so simple and I had a lot of board space remaining. I decided to fill it up with yet another useful but presently undocumented expansion to the SBI80. The COMMI80 expansion board can optionally contain the necessary SCSI (small computer standard interface) hardware interface to attach a hard disk to the SB180 (see photos 2 and 3). The hardware is there, and the software should be finished by the time you read this. It will be the subject of a future Circuit Cellar article.

Z-System

The Z-System is an advanced singleuser operating system compatible with programs intended to run under CP/M 2.2. It was discussed in detail in the October Circuit Cellar. The version supplied with the TKBBS differs slightly from the standard Z-System in that the ZCPR3 portion has been reconfigured as a "secure" system. The other significant difference is that an Input/Output Package (IOP) ZCPR3 system segment done especially for the TKBBS is included.

A secure configuration of ZCPR3 has some distinguishing characteristics. The major one is that the system no longer accepts what is known as the DU: form of changing the currently active disk drive and user area. This means that the caller cannot move from area to area in the system using commands like AO: and B3:. If a command of the DU: type is entered, it is simply ignored. Instead, the Named Directory functions of ZCPR3 are used for this purpose for system security. DU: references, if enabled, allow the user to enter any area of the system.

When configured so that named directories are the only way to change areas, the operator of the BBS can protect certain directories by defining them with passwords. Callers to the TKBBS will be able to freely enter areas that do not have passwords defined but will be unable to enter areas where a password is defined

unless they know the password. In a public bulletin-board environment, security is mandatory. Files containing user names and passwords, for example, cannot be accessible to everyone.

In addition to the disabling of the DU: form, another characteristic of a secure ZCPR3 environment is the use of the wheel byte, again for system security. The wheel byte provides a convenient way of disabling dangerous commands that callers to the system should not be allowed to use. Examples of dangerous commands are erase a file (ERA), rename a file (REN), copy a file (CP), memory peek and poke (P and POKE), and SAVE. The convenient aspect of the wheel byte is that these commands can be activated if the wheel byte is set (nonzero). So, the sysop can make use of these commands by setting the wheel byte, yet when a caller is accessing the system, the TKBBS software will reset the wheel byte so that they cannot be used.

The special IOP system segment performs many important system functions in the TKBBS, like sensing if a caller disconnects and placing the local console in parallel with the modem so that the actions of the caller can be observed locally. Another important function of the TKBBS IOP is measuring the amount of time the current caller has been logged in. A caller exceeding the limit is disconnected.

Term III

Term III is similar in philosophy and structure to the ZCPR3 portion of the Z-System. This is not surprising because both Term III and ZCPR3 were written by Richard Conn. Term 111 is a collection of 23 programs that perform various communication functions, like file transfer or answering an incoming call. Term III uses many of the features of ZCPR3 in its operations and will run only with ZCPR3. Like ZCPR3. Term III (T3 for short) works on a tools concept. The various programs and files are intended to be used together to create new programs and applications. The 23 programs

Like ZCPR3,

Term III works on a tools concept.

are listed with a short description of each in the "Term III Programs" text box on page 100. It is important to note that T3 is a complete computer communications system intended to replace the functions of all the publicdomain software mentioned previously. For this reason, the TKBBS software uses only certain programs from the 23 available. The ones not used by TKBBS are used in other applications, like on a caller's computer when calling a TKBBS. (However, there is no requirement that callers to a TKBBS use T3.)

In operation, T3 relies heavily on the message buffers and two ZCPR3 programs. Alias and Menu. Alias is a ZCPR3 utility program that creates COM files (executable programs) that contain operating-system-level commands. Using Alias, we can create an invokable program that carries out a sequence of commands in a fashion similar to the CP/M Submit and MSDOS Batch functions. The user gives a name to the program created by Alias, and these programs are also known as aliases. The advantage of aliases over the CP/M or MS-DOS equivalents is that once the alias is invoked, it passes its embedded command string directly into the ZCPR3 multiple command line buffer, where it remains resident in RAM until the entire sequence of commands is executed. The CP/M and MS-DOS equivalents take their command strings, one command at a time, from a file. This difference means that an alias executes much faster than Submit or Batch since it does not access the disk drives to find the next command.

The Menu program is a ZCPR3 utility that processes menus. The Menu program reads a file, presents a screen to the user as defined in that file, and uses the remainder of the in

[conlinued)

DECEMBER 1985 -BYTE 99

CIRCUIT CELLAR

Term III Programs

Following is a list of the programs provided with the Term III communications system. Programs marked with an asterisk are used as part of the TKBBS software. The other programs are not required for TKBBS operation.

Communication

T3FILER: File transfer using XMODEM. MODEM7 Batch. Kermit. XON/XOFF, CIS (CompuServe), and Term protocols.

T3FLUSH: Used to gobble up unneeded characters from the modem.

T3SEND: Sends ASCII text via the modem port.

T3TERM: Emulates a terminal interfaced to the modem port, with extensive data-capture and -transmission options.

T3TERMB: Like T3TERM. but with some of the options stripped to allow for larger data buffers.

T3TEST: A simple test program to check communications with the modem.

Telephone Control

T3ANSWER: Monitors the modem and answers the telephone when a call comes in.

T3DIAL: Uses the dialing functions of the modem to initiate a call.

T3HANGUP": Commands the modem to hang up the phone (go on hook).

T31NIT*: Initializes the modem to the desired speed and default conditions.

Access Control

T3LOGIN*: Establishes the system environment when the current caller logs on.

T3LOGCK*: Checks the LOGIN.TXT file used by T3LOGIN for proper syntax and reports statistics.

Command-File Processing

T3DO: A command-file processor that allows unattended operation of the Term III system.

T3VIEW: Records the user's interactions with a remote system. It is used in conjunction with T3MONRPT (described below) to create T3DO command files.

T3MONRPT: Analyzes the records made with T3VIEW to assist the user in creating T3DO command files.

Communications Server

T3SERVER*: Allows a second computer system to be controlled by a computer running T3MASTER. All resources of the second computer (disk files, peripherals, etc.) are made available.

T3MASTER: Used as the controller of another computer executing T3SERVER. Can be suspended to run another program and then resumed with no effect on the corresponding T3SERVER.

Editors

EDCST: Communications set editor.

EDTMC: Keyboard macro editor.

EDTXD: Telephone directory editor.

EDXLT: Translation table (for transmitted and received data) editor.

Miscellaneous

T3NOTE*: Logs system activity in the ACTIVITYTXT file. It is used to track the caller's activities and comments.

T3INS: Similar to the ZCPR3 installation utility Z3INS. It is used to install the Term III programs if any major changes are made to the system.

formation in that file to process input by the user.

The ZCPR3 message buffers are a way for programs to exchange information. Physically, the message buffer is an 80-byte reserved area of RAM that contains various ZCPR3 entities known as registers, the ZCPR3 IF command status, and the ZCPR3 error flag. T3 uses the error flag and registers extensively. Listing 1 is an example showing the use of an alias and the error flag with the T3 software. Note the use of the ZCPR3 IF command, which determines if the T3ANSWER program terminated because a caller is present or because the sysop typed a Control-C locally.

The T3ANSWER Program

T3ANSWER has the function in the TKBBS software of waiting until a caller is present. The COMM180's MOSART is repeatedly sampled by T3ANSWER until the MOSART indicates that it is receiving a ring signal from the telephone line. At this point, T3ANSWER sends a command to the MOSART to answer the call (go off hook) and emit what is known as answertone to the telephone line. Answertone is a high-pitched tone intended to indicate to the calling party that they have reached a modem. T3ANSWER then continues sampling the status of the MOSART until the MOSART indicates it is receiving a carrier tone from a calling modem. If no carrier tone is detected after 20 seconds, T3ANSWER commands the MOSART to hang up (go on hook) and returns to checking for the ring signal. If a carrier tone is received within the 20 seconds, T3ANSWER terminates and sets the ZCPR3 error flag to the false (zero) state.

A special enhancement to the TKBBS T3ANSWER makes use of the DTMF-decoding functions of the MOSART. During the 20-second time period that the MOSART is emitting answertone, if the DTMF digit "#" is received, T3ANSWER acts as though a carrier was received from a remote modem and terminates.

In addition to resetting the ZCPR3 error flag, T3ANSWER places the

100 BYTE • DECEMBER 1985

CIRCUIT CELLAR

value 01 into ZCPR3's register 4. Therefore, if you want to use the DTMF/voice response features of the MOSART. you can still use T3ANSWER and the TKBBS software for callers who have modems yet allow someone who does not have a modem to interact with the system. An example might be the sysop calling in from a pay telephone. Assuming he has written a program that lets him check the status of the TKBBS that takes its input as L7TMF digits and outputs audio using the voicesynthesis capability of the MOSART. he can call, enter the "#" digit during the answertone period, and invoke the program. His program can then inform him of recent callers, read messages to him, or whatever else he may have programmed. A program to do something like this is not supplied with the TKBBS software, but this "escape code" or "hook" built into T3ANSWER allows a TKBBS to be much more than a bulletin board. (If anybody writes this program before 1 do. I'd like to see it.)

Z-MSG

Z-MSG is a message-handling system (see photo 4). As such, it is the electronic mail portion of the TKBBS. Z-MSG uses advanced programming techniques like program overlays and totals about 78K bytes of files, independent of the message storage and other accessories. The author of Z-MSG, Tim Gary, has optimized it for use with ZCPR3 and T3. transforming the TKBBS into a cohesive unit.

Originally written in C source code. Z-MSG is supplied as executable programs and overlay files. To allow the user a wide range of configuration flexibility, a program called ZMCONFIG is supplied. ZMCONFIG lets the user select whether the BBS is to be public or private, set the special sysop name and password, specify filenames and locations of files used by Z-MSG. set the maximum number of messages allowed and their length, edit the eight user types regarding their privileges, and much more.

Z-MSG features include large messages (up to 100 lines or more), the

ability to change the options of the system without requiring recompilation, multiple categories of users (callers), extensive editing functions for messages being entered, and selective searching of available messages for those of interest. One nice feature of Z-MSG is that help for the user is available throughout the system just by entering a question mark.

Figure 2 illustrates a sample session with Z-MSG. It shows a caller logging onto Z-MSG. When somebody logs

on, the message files are searched for any mail addressed to that caller. If a message is found, as shown, the caller is given the message number and the sender's name. Once the message is retrieved, Z-MSG asks the caller if a reply is to be made.

A powerful function of Z-MSG is its use of the ZCPR3 environment to allow execution of other programs (.COM files) from within the message system. This function's implementation lets the sysop add commands to

{continued]

Listing 1: An alias called TKBBS.COM is used to put the turnkey bulletin

board system on line.

Alias Contents

Comments (not part of the file)

1: T3INIT2;

Initialize the modem

2: REG 4 0;

Flag T3ANSWER to not allow the DTMF "#" to be

specially treated

3: T3ANSWER;

Execute T3ANSWER

4: IF ERROR;

If T3ANSWER did set the error flag. . .

5: ECHO LOCAL ABORT

The sysop aborted T3ANSWER locally

6: ELSE;

If T3ANSWER did not set the error flag.. .

7: DEV C CRTMODEM;

We have a caller, put console and modem in

parallel

(handled in the IOP), and...

8: Z-MSG X;

Execute Z-MSG

9; Fl

Clean up IF status - .

Co.trol-I to ikart, Coatral-S to passe. +++ Z-Ha§ Cm

HI - Let-off. Ho r 1 optio..

C - Call Z uitk riMiit opt in CM - CM with Sysop (if availakle) C - C00I1YI uitk Cant eft in J - Jaaa to Z. as nwrt optioi. 1 *I- akarVrstars to ■— Use U -Mr Prattle Cktaes

I - btor ar Create sou ■

II LI- kelete/Irise specif ic

0 A0- Skip to Hart < - tick Scii - aessife Talcs eely

1 - laal hj aaator (tlaa + - eptiss) K1 - laal ar Saw* (vitk lelp tafe) ID - lap I) to specific asssajs asaaar

- leii ill W (sisec list lapse)

I - lain of MUCUS far viwias B;?- Baal eevane ar Sauck (*/fclp)

I - UispU* WLLRII file B - laal Seeeeetiil Mar

N - lain of Swtoa MTB far vieaies B;?- laal Saaaaatisl ar Saarck

0 - liipliy atkar loci I BS Swton S - Saaaara list af Taste, late, rtc

1 - NBCnn af lasistoral Users V.I - Saaaara ar Saarck toitk Help)

(rrass UTUa. ts caatiaaaa]

Photo 4: A sample screen from the Circuit Cellar's TKBBS. showing a command summary of the Z-MSG message-handling program.

DECEMBER 1985

10

CIRCUIT CELLAR

What's your name (or SYSTEM ID)? steve ciarcia [Checking for previous logon]

Enter password? 1234

[Updating logs]

Z-MSG Message-Handling System.

Version 1.30xx

You are caller 7996 (User #378).

You've called 2 time(s), last one being on 07/10/85.

There are 130 active messages. (26 are private) Your last read message was 2540. The current high message Is 2541.

[Checking for your Mail]

[You have Mail!]

Number: From: 2541 David McCord [new] [private]

(Enter '?' for help) Command: r

Read message #(first= 1, Last = 2541)? 2541

Msg #2541 posted 07/10/85 by David McCord To: Steve Ciarcia <Priv> About: SB180 (4 lines)

Steve, I really like the SB180 I have. I especially like the built-in RAM disk. A very nice design! By the way, what's the power consumption at 5 volts? Dave

[Reply to this msg (y/n)? ] [yes]

To: David McCord Subject: SB180

[Is the subject ok (y/n)? ] [yes] (Private/Normal)? p

Enter message text following each line number To edit or end, hit RETURN alone on a line. Up to 77 characters (letters/numbers) on a line and 100 lines maximum.

1: Dave, the power consumption of the SB180 is 500 mA at 5 volts and

2: 40 mA at 12 volts. Thanks for the compliments.

3: Sfeve Ciarcia

4:

(A)bort, (C)ontinue, (D)elete, (E)dit, (l)nsert, (L)ist, (R)eplace, (S)ave, (U)pload .: Select ? s

[Saving message #2542]

[Kill Message you've just replied to (y/n)?] [yes]

Msg #2541 posted 07/10/85 by David McCord To: Steve Ciarcia <Priv> About: SB180 (4 lines)

Confirm (y/n)? [yes]

[Delete message #2541]

:igure 2: A sample session with the electronic mail system Z-MSG.

Z-MSG by editing a simple text file. No recompilation or reassembly is required, a unique feature for any program, be it message system or whatever.

TKBBS Security

As discussed previously, several files must be kept confidential in order to prevent compromising system security. The best way to keep them confidential is to store them in a disk drive/user area that has no directory name associated with it. Remember, the secure implementation of ZCPR3 accepts only directory names to change the active drive and user area. Therefore, if no name is defined for an area, it is impossible to enter that area. However, you may be asking yourself how the sysop can place files in these areas if they are impossible to enter. The answer is that the current set of directory names are changed easily by loading a different ZCPR3 Named Directory system segment into RAM. Thus, the sysop, when using the system locally, can operate with a set of directory names that includes names for the secure areas. When the system is being used by a caller, a different set of directory names is in effect, which does not include names for those areas. And the caller has no way of changing the active set of directory names.

The PATH function of ZCPR3 is also different depending on who is using the system. Typically, executable programs (.COM files) that callers can execute are stored on drive A, user area 0 (A0:). Examples of this kind of program are Z-MSG and T3HANGUP. So, the PATH for a caller is simply AO:, which means that the programs in A0: can be invoked from any other area of the system. However, sysops may have useful programs on the system that they do not want callers to be able to use. Examples of this kind of program are DU3 (disk utility) and the TKBBS.COM Alias discussed previously. For the sysops convenience, the PATH can be set to A0:- >Al 5: when using the system locally. The PATH setting is independent of the named directories and can invoke programs

BYTE • DECEMBER I985

CIRCUIT CELLAR

in unnamed drive/user areas, if necessary.

As another protection against compromise of system security, files received by the TKBBS in an uploading function are subject to being renamed because some caller may attempt to upload a .COM file in order to compromise system security. If this is attempted, the TKBBS software automatically renames it an .OB) file to prevent it from executing. This protection can be overridden if the wheel byte is set.

Circuit Cellar BBS

As mentioned earlier. I have set up a Circuit Cellar private-access BBS that uses the configuration outlined in this article. It can be reached 24 hours a day at (203) 871-1988.1 intend to use it to supplement projects by providing part lists, program listings, project updates, and other useful information. I invite you to join.

For the month of December, you can call and see a demonstration of the TKBBS and register for continued access. On lanuary 15, 1986. subsequent access will be limited to those who have registered and received an ID by mail. To become a member after that date, send me a postcard or letter with your return address, and I will send you an ID and password for the system. You will retain access as long as the following code of ethics is maintained:

1. No distribution of copyrighted software or encouragement thereof.

2. No distribution of private access codes, credit card codes, or engaging in any other unlawful activities.

3. No obscene or offensive language permitted in open areas.

4. No X-rated activities or messages permitted in open areas.

5. Any user guilty of violating any of the published rules will be denied access.

6. Any attempt to tamper with the board, alter the system, or gain sysop access will result in deletion.

7. No use of abusive language or conduct toward any other user in open areas.

8. Users will follow all posted system regulations. A warning note will be given to a user if they have done something that is not publicly posted but is against the wishes of the sysop.

9. This board is not funded by BYTE and is my private property. I have the right to deny the use of this system to anyone for any reason 1 deem fit.

These rules are not intended to be restrictive. They are intended to make this system a pleasure to use by all responsible parties and prevent the abuses that have brought legal action against BBS sysops and users alike. Circuit Cellar readers are of all ages and both sexes, and I am concerned for their welfare. If we cannot control the activities of our own boards, numerous federal and state agencies will happily do it for us, and the last thing we need is government controls.

Conclusion

The SB 180 TKBBS hardware and software is an extremely powerful package that makes the most of the capabilities of the Xecom 1203 MOSART and the Z-System operating system of the SB180.

Perhaps the only significant limitation of the TKBBS lies in the amount of storage available as dictated by the current BIOS (basic input/output system). Although the system could be expanded to about 3.1 megabytes of storage by using four 96-tpi (tracks per inch) floppy-disk drives, it is not unusual for a public bulletin board to make use of hard disks in the 5- to 40-megabyte range. A tremendous amount of public-domain and freeware-type software is available, which necessitates a large amount of storage capacity if your bulletin board is to carry a wide selection. Of course, this limitation will disappear when the hard-disk interface on the COMM180 board is operational.

Circuit Cellar Feedback

This month's feedback is on page 420.

Next Month

A multichannel 12-bit A/D converter for the BCC52. ■

Special thanks to Dave McCord. Rick Conn.

and Tim Gary for their contributions to the

TKBBS.

The following items are available from

The Micromint Inc.

2 5 Terrace Dr.

Vernon, CT 06066

(800) 635-3355 for orders

(203) 871-6170 for information

The COMM180 expansion interface is a combination MOSART-based modem and SCSI hard-disk interface expansion board for the SB 180 computer. The modem section, which includes a DTMF encoder/decoder and LPC speech synthesizer, is designated as the COMM180-M. It comes with Term ill communication software and manual. The TKBBS consists of a COMM180-M and Z-MSG installed on an SB180.

The SCSI hard-disk-interface section is designated as the COMM180-S. It has a 50-pin SCSI bus header and is Zebec 1410/Adaptec ACB4000 controllercompatible. It comes with a BIOS upgrade on disk.

The printed-circuit board for either version is completely socketed and can be upgraded to include both functions at any time. The combination modem/SCSI interface board is designated as the COMM180-M-S. Software is supplied on 5 !4-inch double-sided doubledensity SB180 format disks with manuals. Boards are available assembled and tested only. COMM180 MOSART modem with Term III

COMM180-M. $350

COMMI80 SCSI interface with BIOS

upgrade COMM180-S, $150

COMM180 MOSART modem and SCSI

COMM180-M-S, $500

Z-MSG BBS software $100

Please include $5 for shipping and handling in the continental United States. $10 elsewhere. Connecticut residents please include 7.5 percent sales tax.

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-Hill Book Company. POB 400. Hightstown. N| 082 50.

Ciarcids Circuit Cellar. Volume 1 covers articles in BYTE from September 1977 through November 1978. Volume II covers December 1978 through lune 1980. Volume III covers luly 1980 through December 1981. Volume IV covers lanuary 1982 through lune 1983.

To receive a complete list of Ciarcia's Circuit Cellar project kits, circle 100 on the reader-service inquiry card at the back of the magazine.

DECEMBER 1985 -BYTE

103

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104 BYTE • DECEMBER 1985

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DECEMBER 1985 -BYTE 105

106 B YTE • DECEMBER 1985

ILLUSTRATED BY ROB COLVIN

PROGRAMMING PROJECT

A SIMPL COMPILER PART 1: THE BASICS

by Jonathan Amsterdam

Aw implementation of a compiler for a simple structured language

In this article—the first of a three-part series on the construction of a compiler for a high-level language—1 will discuss the basics of the compiler. Next month 1 will talk about procedures and functions, and in the third part of the series 1 will describe some of the compiler's extensions.

Three of my earlier Programming Projects are prerequisites for this one. "Context-Free Parsing of Arithmetic Expressions" (August, page 138) explains the parsing technique I will be using. "Building a Computer in Software" (October, page 112) describes VM2. the virtual machine for which my compiler is targeted. And "A VM2 Assembler" (November, page 112) details the assembly-language code that the compiler will generate.

The SIMPL Programming Language

I will be describing a compiler for a language of my own design, called SIMPL. SIMPL, which stands for "SIMPL Isn't Much of a Programming Language," isn't much of a programming language. SIMPLs grammar is given in figure 1. There are a few points that are not described by the grammar. An identifier is any string of letters and numbers beginning with a letter. Unlike most implementations of Pascal, SIMPL is

case-sensitive, so the identifiers READ and Read mean different things. SIMPL keywords, like PROGRAM and BEGIN, are capitalized. Comments in SIMPL are delimited by braces ({ }). As in Pascal, character constants are delimited by single quotes, but SIMPL also allows the backslash character ( \) to act as an escape. When followed by an n or a t, the backslash denotes a new line (carriage return) or tab; when followed by any other character, it denotes that character. For example, the character constant for the single quote looks like ' \ '.

SIMPLs WHILE and IF statements, like those of Modula-2, are explicitly terminated by an END. The AND operator has the same precedence as OR, and both have weaker precedences than those of all other operators, so it is unnecessary to put parentheses around expressions connected by AND and OR. Furthermore, expressions surrounding an AND or OR will be evaluated from left to right, and no more than necessary will be evaluated. For example, in the expression TRUE AND FALSE AND TRUE, the first TRUE will be evaluated and then the FALSE will be

(continued) Jonathan Amsterdam is a graduate student at the Massachusetts \nstitute of Technology Artificial \ntelligence laboratory. He can be reached at 1643 Cambridge St. #34, Cambridge. MA 02138.

DECEMBER 1985 'BYTE

107

PROGRAMMING PROJECT

evaluated; at that point, evaluation of the second TRUE will be skipped because the value of the whole expression must be FALSE.

SIMPL has procedures and functions much like those of Pascal, but rather than assigning a value to the name of the function, a value is returned from a SIMPL function using the RETURN statement. A RETURN without an expression can be used to exit from a procedure. It cannot be used in the main program.

SIMPL has two built-in procedures. READ and WRITE. These procedures can only read or write integers or characters and only from the keyboard or screen. Both take any number of arguments. The arguments to READ must be variables; those to WRITE can be any expression.

SIMPL supports variables of types INTEGER, BOOLEAN, and CHAR. It has five kinds of statements: WHILE. IF, RETURN, assignment, and procedure call. SIMPL has no FOR loops, strings, case statements, arrays, constants, reals, type declarations, records, sets, repeat loops, GOTOs, labels, files, scalar types. VAR parameters, pointers, or math functions. Indeed. SIMPL lives up to its name.

Still, even for this language, writing a compiler is not easy. The compiler consists of 12 modules and is over 3000 lines long. The source code, written in Modula-2, is available on BYTEnet Listings at (617) 861-9764.

What Is a Compiler?

A compiler is a program that translates other programs from one form to another. The compiler's input is a source file, which is a sequence of characters that constitutes the human-readable text of the program. Some compilers translate this directly into object code, which can be loaded and executed by the machine. Other compilers produce as output another text file containing an assembly-language version of the program. This text file must then be translated into object code by an assembler. Although going directly from source code to object code saves a step in the translation process, my compiler takes the second approach for two reasons. First, producing an assemblylanguage version of the program makes it easier to write the compiler because I don't have to worry about bookkeeping details (like forward references of labels) that the assembler

program

vars :: =

varlist :: ■■ decl :: = idlist :: = type :: =

block :: = stmts :: = stmt :: = while :: = if ::= IF elsif :: = else :: = assign :: exprlist :

expr:: =

relexpr : intexpr : term :: = factor :: i relation :

PROGRAM id; vars routines block .

empty | VAR varlist

= decl | decl varlist

idlist : type ;

id | id , idlist

INTEGER | BOOLEAN I CHAR

= BEGIN stmts END = empty | stmt ; stmts while ! if I return | assign | call . WHILE expr DO stmts END elsif END

expr THEN stmts else empty | ELSIF elsif | ELSE stmts = id := expr : = expr | expr , exprlist

expr | relexpr | relexpr OR expr | relexpr AND expr : = intexpr | intexpr relation intexpr

= term | term + intexpr j term—intexpr

factor | factor • term | factor / term

= id | number | funcall [ char |—factor | NOT factor | ( expr := > | < | = | <> | >= I < =

Figure I: The SIMPL grammar used by the parser.

can handle. Second, 1 can examine and change the human-readable assembly-language file. This can be useful for debugging the compiler and hand-optimizing its output.

Readers of "A VM2 Assembler" will recall that an assembler is also a program translator. But whereas assembly is relatively easy, compilation is considerably more difficult. There are two reasons for this, the first of which is fairly clear: Assembly-language programs correspond line for line with the object code that has to be generated, but high-level-language programs, by definition, do not. A standard computer instruction set does not provide WHILE loops. IF. . . THEN. . .ELSE statements, evaluation of arithmetic expressions, etc. Furthermore, at the machine level a variable is simply a memory location, but a high-level-language variable is something else. For one thing, it has a particular type associated with it, as well as a scope, or range of visibility (a topic I'll be discussing at length in part 2 of this series). If you compare the program in listing 1 with the one in listing 2, you'll get a sense of how different high-level language and assembly language are from each other.

Compilation is difficult for another reason as well: Users of high-level languages would like the object code produced by the compiler to be just as short and run just as fast as handcoded assembly-language programs. So compiler writers strive to improve the compiler's generated code. For example, it is a good idea to keep frequently used values in the registers of the computer because they can be accessed faster than memory locations; therefore, compiler writers have developed algorithms for optimizing register usage. Also, most computers have "special case" instructions that can speed up certain common operations (such as incrementing a number), and a good compiler will use these instructions where appropriate.

While writing my compiler, 1 did have to deal with translating high-level SIMPL statements into low-level VM2 instructions, but 1 could avoid some

108 BYTE • DECEMBER 1985

PROGRAMMING PROJECT

Listing 1: A program

written in SIMPL that calculates the greatest common

divisor of two integers.

using

Euclid's algorithm.

PROGRAM Euclid;

VAR m, n.temp, nINTEGER;

BEGIN

WRITE('?');

{ Prompt user for two integers }

READ(n);

WRITEC?');

READ(m);

IF n < m THEN

{ Make sure n is the larger of the two }

temp : = n;

n := m;

m : = temp;

END;

r : = n - m*(n/m)

{ r : = n MOD m }

WHILE r > 0 DO

n : = m;

m : = r;

r := n - m*(n/m);

{ r : = n MOD m }

END;

WRITE(m);

{ m is the GCD—output it }

END

of the complexities of generating good code because I was compiling for VM2. a machine I designed to make it easy to compile high-level languages. For example. 1 didn't have to worry about register allocation because VM2 doesn't have any registers (except for some specialpurpose ones with which the compiler needn't be concerned). This simplification was behind my decision to make VM2 a stack machine. Also. VM2's instruction set is simple and provides no special-case instructions, so I don't have to worry about using them.

A compiler's job can be divided into at least four phases: lexical analysis, parsing, type checking, and code generation.

Lexical Analysis

The compiler's first task is to translate the stream of characters that constitute the input into a more agreeable form. The lexical analyzer transforms the character stream into a stream of tokens, or lexical items that are meaningful to the compiler.

What counts as meaningful depends on the program, of course. My lexical analyzer for SIMPL has many different types (or classes) of tokens, including IDENTIFIER for vari

ables, INT for integers, and a different class for each keyword. For example, the lexical analyzer will consume from the input the five characters W, H, I, L, and E, when they occur consecutively and are delimited on both sides by white space (spaces, tabs, or carriage returns), and will then return a token of class WHILE. If the lexical analyzer sees the characters 3, 4, and 5 occurring consecutively, it will convert them into an integer. 345, and return a token of class INT, which also contains the number 345.

The lexical analyzer's design is similar to that of the VM2 assembler's lexical analyzer. Where the lexical analyzer of the assembler allowed you to "unget" the last character that was taken from the input, the SIMPL lexical analyzer allows you to unget a token—that is. to arrange matters so that the next call to the lexical analyzer will return the same token.

Parsing

SIMPL programs are more than just lists of tokens. They have a complex structure, as reflected by the grammar shown in figure 1. A WHILE loop, for example, consists of a Boolean test and a group of statements; an assignment statement has a variable on the

[continued]

Listing 2: VM2 assembly

language code produced by the

SIMPL compil

er upon compilation

of the program

in listing 1.

BRANCH Euclid

m: 0

n: 0

temp: 0

r: 0

Euclid:

PUSHC

'?

WRCHAR

RDINT

POPC

n

PUSHC

'?

WRCHAR

RDINT

POPC

m

PUSH

n

PUSH

m

LESS

BREQL

L1

PUSH

n

POPC

temp

PUSH

m

POPC

n

PUSH

temp

POPC

m

L1:

PUSH

n

PUSH

m

PUSH

n

PUSH

m

DIV

MUL

SUB

POPC

r

L2:

PUSH

r

PUSHC

0

GREATER

BREQL

L3

PUSH

m

POPC

n

PUSH

r

POPC

m

PUSH

n

PUSH

m

PUSH

n

PUSH

m

DIV

MUL

SUB

POPC

r

BRANCH

L2

L3:

PUSH

m

WRINT

HALT

DECEMBER I985 -BYTE 109

PROGRAMMING PROJECT

left side and an expression on the right; and so on. It is the parser's job to impose structure on the token stream. In my compiler, the parser will actually construct a parse tree—a data structure that reflects the structure of the program. A typical parse tree is shown in figure 2.

Readers of "Context-Free Parsing of Arithmetic Expressions" will recall that 1 built a parse tree from an expression by writing a procedure for each rule of the grammar and by having the procedure consume just as much of the input as was necessary to parse its particular rule. I'll use the same technique, called top-down or recursive-descent parsing, for my compiler.

Type Checking

Every variable and function in SIMPL has a particular type—integer, character, or Boolean—and the use of these types is governed by several rules. For example, you can only add integers, you can only compare two expressions of the same type for equality and the types of the arguments to a procedure and the procedure's formal parameters must be identical. Pascal programmers should be familiar with these rules. The compiler enforces them by checking each expression as it is parsed to make sure it conforms. Since variables, procedures, and func

tions must be declared before they are used, the compiler always knows the types of the variables involved in the expressions.

Code Generation

In the fourth phase of compilation, the compiler translates the parse tree into the actual assembly-language code. As 1 mentioned, this process can be very involved, but for my compiler it is fairly straightforward.

Some compilers have additional phases. Often, an optimization phase occurs either just before or just after code generation. In this phase, transformations are made to either the parse tree or the assembly-language code to make the generated code more efficient.

Intermediate Representation

As I've described it, the SIMPL compiler constructs a parse tree from the input and then generates code from the tree. Why not skip the parse tree altogether and have the parser call the code generator directly? This is certainly possible and has the advantage of speed—constructing the parse tree takes some time. But 1 think it's a good idea to have some sort of intermediate representation (1R) like a parse tree for a couple of reasons. First, it allows you to separate the "front end" of the compiler—the lex

Figure 2: Parse tree for the SIMPL statement IF a < b THEN b := b 1; ELSIF a > b THEN b: = b + 1; ELSE b := a.

ical analyzer, parser, and type checker—from the "back end—the code generator. The IR serves as a common language that lets the two ends communicate. For instance, if your compiler is too big to fit into memory all at once, you can first generate the IR, then swap in the back end to generate the code. Such multipass compilers are common, but mine will only make a single pass over the input.

An IR also makes it easy to mix and match compiler parts, which means you can use the same code generator for Pascal and C or the same front end for a compiler that generates VM2 code and for one that produces Motorola 68000 code. Or, instead of generating code from the IR, you can write an interpreter for it. In short, an IR helps make your compiler more modular, and modularity is the essence of good software engineering.

There's another important reason for using an IR: It provides a more abstract view of the program being compiled. The source code and object code are just lists of characters or numbers, but the IR can represent the program in a way that more clearly reveals its structure to the compiler. For instance, if the compiler wants to know what statements are part of the WHILE loop in listing l, it can much more easily determine that information from the parse tree in figure 2 than from the source code in listing l. A compiler may want to use this information for optimizing the code. The IR can aid code generation by making certain aspects of the code explicit. For a stack machine like VM2, the parse tree is a natural choice.

The Compiler in Detail

I described the various phases of compilation as if they occurred one after the other in a simple procession. In fact, they overlap in a complex dance choreographed by the parser. In the text that follows I'll explore the compiler in greater detail, using the grammar of SIMPL as my guide. I will be referring to specific VM2 instruc

[amtinued)

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PROGRAMMING PROJECT

tions (the instruction set can be found in my October Programming Project "Building a Computer in Software"). [Editor's note: lowercase routine names refer to routines written in Modula-2, which implement the compiler; uppercase names are either SIMPL keywords or VM2 instructions^ Compilation begins with the first

line of the grammar. This line corresponds to a procedure in the parser named, not surprisingly, program. The program procedure first calls the lexical analyzer to make sure the first token is the keyword PROGRAM Then it gets another token, which should be an identifier. This token is the name of the program. The parser

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now calls the code generator to output a BRANCH instruction using the program name as a label. This must be done because the main program code is not compiled until after the routines and global variables are compiled; you have to jump over the routine and variable code to get to the main program. The main program occurs at the end of the file because the SIMPL compiler is a one-pass compiler—everything has to be defined before it's used, including the main program's procedures, functions, and variables.

The program procedure then calls two other parser procedures, vars and routines. Then it outputs the program name as a label, calls the block procedure to compile the text of the program, and finally, when it sees the dot token, outputs a HALT instruction. A degenerate SIMPL program—one with no variables, routines, or main program body—such as PROGRAM foo; BEGIN END. compiles into the following two-line program:

foo:

BRANCH foo HALT

Variable Declarations

The next five rules—those for vars, varlist, decl, idlist, and type—handle variable declarations. You'll note that the vars rule can be empty; that is, the program might not have any variable declarations. The parser can easily recognize this simply by checking whether the next token is VAR:. If so. the varlist procedure is called; if not. the parser calls the lexical analyzer's ungetToken routine to return the token to the input for future consumption.

The varlist procedure calls the decl procedure, then examines the next token to see if it is a BEGIN. PROCEDURE, or FUNCTION. If it's any of these three, then there are no more variable declarations; if it isn't, then there are more declarations, and varlist calls decl again. In either case, the token is ungotten.

A declaration consists of a list of identifiers—the variable namesfollowed by a colon and then by a

112 BYTE • DECEMBER 1985

Inquiry 3 30

PROGRAMMING PROJECT

type name. The decl procedure begins by calling idlist, which returns the identifiers in a linked list. Then decl reads the type name and calls the code generator to generate code for the variables. Then, a label—the variable's name—has to be generated, followed by some initial value for the variable. I use 0 as an initial value, which is interpreted as FALSE for Boolean variables and as the ASCII NUL character for character variables. However, the compiler must do more than merely generate code. It also has to store information about these variables for use later in the compilation. The type of a variable is needed for type checking, and the fact that a variable is global will affect how the code generator produces references to it. My compiler puts all this information into a record called a symbol and inserts it into its symbol table. The symbol table is a close relative of the label table used in the VM2 assembler—it has a similar purpose and is also best implemented as a hash table. The compiler's symbol table is rather more complex, though, because it also has to handle local variables. I'll defer discussion of its complexities to the second part of this series.

Statements

The bulk of the compiler is involved in translating SIMPL statements. Statements occur in lists, as the stmts line in figure 1 indicates. A list of statements can be empty. How does the stmts procedure recognize this? If you examine the grammar closely, you'll notice that any statement list is ended by one of the three keywords ELSE, ELSIF, or END, so these can be used to tell when a statement list is empty. Let's examine each of the SIMPL statements in turn. I will defer treatment of the procedure call and RETURN statements to part 2 of this series. Figure 3 illustrates the code generated for each type of statement.

ASSIGNMENT STATEMENTS

To parse an assignment statement, the parser first calls the lexical analyzer to get the identifier on the left side

of the statement. The parser can't distinguish an assignment statement from a procedure call until it calls the lexical analyzer to read the next token. If the next token is a : =. the parser knows this is an assignment statement. Then the parser checks to see if the identifier has been defined by looking it up in the symbol table. It also checks to make sure the identifier is the name of a variable, not a procedure or function. The parser then calls the expr routine to parse the expression and subsequently calls a special tree-building procedure to construct the parse tree from the variable and the expression. Parse trees consist of several different types of nodes. The tree-building procedure for the assignment statement creates a symbol node for the variable, an expression node for the expression, and makes both these nodes the children of an assignment node It also checks the types of the variable and the expression to make sure they match. To generate the code for an assign

ment statement, the code generator first generates code for the expression. At run time, after this code is executed, the result of the expression will be on the top of the stack. To store it in the variable, the compiler needs only to generate a POPC instruction with the variable's name as an argument (see figure 3a).

The WHILE Statement

The parser's while procedure reads the expression following the WHILE token and checks to make sure its type is BOOLEAN. It then reads the DO followed by a list of statements. A tree-building procedure creates a WHILE node and makes the Boolean expression and the statement list its children.

To generate code for a WHILE statement, the compiler first creates two new labels; let's call them START and END for now, although in the actual code generator there is a special function that generates a unique label

[continued)

(a) var : = expr (code for expr)

| POPC var

(b) WHILE expr DO | START: (code for expr) stmts; BREQL END END; (code for stmts)

BRANCH START

| END:

(c) IF expr THEN (code for expr) stmts BREQL END END; (code for stmts)

END:

(d) IF expr THEN (code for expr) stmtsi BREQL ELSE ELSE (code for stmtsi) stmts2 BRANCH END END; ELSE: (code for stmts2) | END:

(e) WRITE(intexpr,charexpr); (code for Intexpr)

WRINT

(code for charexpr) | WRCHAR

(f) READ(intvar, charvar); | RDINT

POPC intvar | RDCHAR j POPC charvar

Figure 3: VM2 code generated for SIMPL statements.

DECEMBER 1985 -BYTE

113

\

PROGRAMMING PROJECT

name each time it is called in order to avoid name conflicts. The code generator begins by outputting the START label and then generates code for the Boolean expression. If this expression evaluates to FALSE, the loop shouldn't be executed, so the instruction BREQL END is output; this will have the effect of branching to the END label if the expression evaluates to FALSE. Now the body of the loop is generated, followed by a BRANCH START instruction to repeat the loop. Finally, the code generator outputs the END label (see figure 3b).

The IF Statement

The IF statement is a bit tricky to parse because it may contain ELSIFs and an ELSE. 1 have divided the work among three procedures, if, elsif, and else. You can tell when an ELSE is empty by seeing if the next token is END.

As with the WHILE statement, I check to make sure that I have parsed a Boolean expression. When 1 am done parsing, I build a tree whose root is an IF node and whose three children are the Boolean test, the THEN part, and the ELSE part. Note that the ELSE part may itself be another IF statement: this is what happens when ELSIF is used (see figure 1). If there is no ELSE part, I fill the

ELSE slot of the IF node with the value NIL.

To generate code for an IF with no ELSE part, I create a single new label: END. I generate code for the Boolean expression and then output a BREQL END instruction, because I want to skip the THEN part if the expression is false. Then I generate the THEN part and finally output the END label (see figure 3c).

When an IF has an ELSE part. I create two new labels—ELSE and END. Again, I first generate the Boolean expression. Now, if this expression is false I want to branch to the ELSE part, so 1 generate a BREQL ELSE instruction. Then I generate the THEN part of the code, but I follow it by a BRANCH END instruction so control doesn't fall through to the ELSE code. I then output the ELSE label followed by the code for the ELSE part. Finally, I output the END label (see figure 3d).

The READ and WRITE Statements

The parsing of READ and WRITE statements is similar; in both cases. I read a list of expressions and attach this list to either a READ or a WRITE node, as the case may be. I also check each argument to make sure it is of type INTEGER or CHAR. For a READ

(a) 1 + x = 5 - y»z

I

PUSHC

1

I

PUSH

X

ADD

PUSHC

5

I

PUSH

y

I

PUSH

z

I

MUL

I

SUB

I

EQUAL

(b) a = b AND cod

I

PUSH

a

I

PUSH

b

I

EQUAL

I

BREQL

FALSE

I

PUSH

c

I

PUSH

d

I

NOTE

Q

I

BRANCH

END

|FALSE

I

PUSHC END:

0

Figure 4: VM2 code generated for SIMPL expressions.

statement I check to make sure the argument is a variable.

To generate code for a WRITE statement, I generate the code for each expression, immediately followed by either a WRINT or a WRCHAR instruction, depending on the type of the expression. For each variable in a READ statement, I first generate either a RDINT or a RDCHAR instruction, then a POPC with the name of the variable (see figures 3e and 3f).

Expressions

The parser used for expressions is similar to the one I described in "Context-Free Parsing of Arithmetic Expressions." It has been expanded to handle variables, function calls, and Boolean operators, and it has been made left-associative so that it parses arithmetic operators in this way: a + b + c will be parsed as (a + b) + c rather than as a + (b + c).

The compiler type checks expressions as their trees are constructed. Before constructing the tree for a + b, for example, the compiler makes sure that a and b have been defined as variables of type INTEGER. The Boolean operators AND, OR, and NOT require Boolean operands. For relational operators like = and >, it doesn't matter what type the two operands are, so long as they are of the same type.

Because of the way I designed VM2's instruction set. generating code for expressions is easy. I first generate the code to place the operands on the stack using the instructions PUSH (for variables) or PUSHC (for constants), then I output the instruction corresponding to the operator. All operators but AND and OR have a corresponding instruction. See figure 4a for the code generated by an expression.

The operators AND and OR are special cases because the second argument shouldn't be evaluated unless absolutely necessary. I treat them much like IF statements. For AND, I first create two new labels, which III call FALSE and END. I generate the code for the first argument, then generate a BREQL FALSE

114 BYTE • DECEMBER 1985

PROGRAMMING PROJECT

instruction. After that I generate the code for the second argument and then a BRANCH END. Then I output the label FALSE, followed by a PUSHC 0 instruction. Finally. 1 output the END label. This code will have the following effect at run time: If the first argument evaluates to FALSE, then a FALSE (that is, a 0) is pushed on the stack and the code for the second argument is skipped. If the first argument comes out TRUE, then the second argument is evaluated, and its result is the result of the entire AND. Things are reversed for OR. If the first argument is TRUE, 1 push TRUE and skip the second argument; otherwise, the result of the second argument is the result of the entire OR. The code generated for an AND statement is in figure 4b.

Error Handling

It is notoriously difficult to write a compiler that can recover gracefully from an error in the source program and continue compiling. On the other hand, you wouldn't want to make the compiler too lenient when it encounters an error—a friend of mine speaks of how he used to feed interoffice memos to a COBOL compiler to see if they would compile successfully. They often did.

One solution to the error-handling problem is to stop the compiler after the first error is found, but this is a cop-out. I'd like the compiler to find as many errors as it can so I can try to fix them all at once. At the same time, I want to avoid cascades of errors, where the first error triggers new ones that wouldn't have appeared if the first error had not occurred. A compiler that frequently produces error cascades is just as bad as one that dies after the first error because you will trust the compiler only for the first error anyway. Error cascades are particularly common for syntax errors because it's hard to know where to continue parsing when something unexpected appears.

My compiler is far from ideal at handling syntax errors, but it deals with other errors reasonably well. The basic rule i use in parsing is, if an

expected token does not appear in the input, pretend it did appear and continue on without it. For example, if the keyword PROGRAM does not appear at the beginning of the program, the compiler prints out an error message and acts as if it did appear. Similarly, if the program name is omitted, the compiler prints an error message, makes up a dummy name, and continues. Sometimes such errors are not handled so gracefully. If you meant to write WHILE a > b DO ... and instead omitted the WHILE keyword, the parser would read the identifier a and begin compiling the statement as if it were a call or assignment. The resulting error cascade isn't pretty.

A common source of error cascades is an undeclared variable. Some compilers will tell you over and over again that a variable is undeclared, outputting a message every time the variable is encountered. A much better solution is to print the message once and then ignore that variable from then on. I do this by inserting the variable in the symbol table once it has been seen. But what type should it be given? If I decide to make it an integer when in fact the programmer intended it to be a Boolean, I will find myself with a bunch of unnecessary type errors.

My solution is to give undeclared variables the special type Unknown. Unknown is compatible with every other type, so the type-checking routines will never find a problem with a variable of type Unknown.

Implementation Notes

The key to writing a program as large as a compiler is breaking it up into small, independent parts. As I said before, my program is divided into 12 modules.

The main module is called Compiler. It is short and does little more than read an input filename and call the parser. Because of its size, the parser is divided into three separate modules: Parser handles the bulk of SIMPL, ExprParser takes care of expressions, and Routines is concerned with procedures and functions.

A common source of error cascades is an undeclared variable.

The LexAn module contains the lexical analyzer. The Token module defines the token data structure as well as some other useful types and constants. TypeChecker handles type checking, of course. Equally obvious is the function of SymbolTable. The Symbol module defines the data structure used for storing identifiers in the symbol table, and the Node module defines the data structure used to construct parse trees. Node also contains the important treebuilding procedures.

Two other modules constitute the compiler's back end. CodeGen takes parse trees and calls procedures in CodeWrite to actually output the VM2 instructions.

My motivation for dividing the work up as I did was to distribute the load evenly. The code generator's time is split between the abstract work of generating code from parse trees, handled by CodeGen, and the nittygritty details of outputting VM2 assembly-language instructions, handled by CodeWrite. The parser definitely has the hardest job in this compiler, so I tried to make its tasks as simple as I could. The lexical analyzer looks up keywords in the symbol table and provides several routines that handle the work of generating syntax errors, thus relieving the parser of those burdens. The tree-building routines of the Node module not only construct trees but do much of the type checking as well. The code generator need only be given the parse tree to generate code.

Conclusion

As it stands now, the compiler is incomplete. The implementation of procedures and functions remains to be done, but the framework is in place. At heart, all compilers resemble the program described here. ■

DECEMBER 1985 -BYTE

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PRODUCT DESCRIPTION

The Tandy 600

AND THE

Tandy 3000

A laptop computer with disk storage and an IBM PC AT clone

Editor's note: The following is a BYTE product description. \t is not a review. We provide an advance look at these new products because we feel they are significant. This description is based on a look at a production version of the Tandy 600 and at a prototype Tandy 3000.

Anew Tandy Corporation laptop computer and an IBM PC AT clone debuted this fall (see photo 1). Announced on October 28th, the lapanese-made Tandy 600 is an 80C88-based laptop machine with a maximum RAM (random-access read/ write memory) potential of 224K bytes and a built-in 360K-byte 3'/2-inch disk drive. A 9'/2-pound machine with a flip-up 80-character by 16-line LCD (liquid-crystal display), the Tandy 600 costs $1599. Unveiled at COMDEX in Las Vegas, the Tandy 3000. a clone of IBM's PC AT, carries a price tag as low as $2 599.

The Tandy 600

Product designers at Tandy describe the Tandy 600 as a machine with the features that users of the Model 100 and the Tandy 200 most often requested: an 80-column screen, a disk drive, and more RAM. Tandy also availed itself of the opportunity to upgrade its previous portable computer software in this addition to its laptop computer line.

To address more RAM without complicated bank-switching hardware and software, Tandy chose to power the 600 with a CMOS (complementary metal-oxide semiconductor) version of the Intel 8088 microprocessor running at 3.07 MHz. Standard RAM is a paltry 32K bytes, but 96K-byte RAM upgrade kits are available for $399.95 per kit, plus installation by Tandy. The Tandy 600 can accommodate up to 224K bytes of RAM. Thus, a Tandy 600 with maximum RAM will cost a tidy $2398.90 plus memory installation costs.

The 80-column by 16-line LCD is adjustable for lighting conditions and has a matte finish to reduce glare. The 9- by 2'/2-inch LCD flips up to reveal a keyboard similar to the Tandy 200s. This 72-key, typewriter-style keyboard offers 10 function keys, 4 cursorcontrol keys, a Label key, and a Num Lock key to turn letter keys on the right side of the keyboard into a numeric keypad.

The built-in disk drive is a 3'/2-inch. 360K-byte drive located at the right rear of the case. Using a limited operating system called Microsoft Works 1.20, the drive can store text files or programs. For example, Microsoft Multiplan, a bundled spreadsheet program supplied in ROM (read-only memory), can be copied onto disk so that the ROM socket can be used for a custom application or for the optional BASIC ROM ($129.95). BASIC also can be saved to disk and loaded into RAM when needed.

All this hardware can be powered for up to 11 hours (with minimal disk activity) by built-in nicad (nickelcadmium) batteries or by an external AC adapter/charger. The adapter/

charger charges the nicad batteries up to a maximum of 14 hours when it is attached.

The other standard features of the Tandy 600 include an internal 300-bps (bits per second) modem with autodial/auto-answer and host modes, an expansion bus for an external disk drive, a parallel printer port, an RS-232C serial port, and a built-in clock that can power up the machine at a preset time to take a phone call or run an application.

Tandy 600 Software

Bearing a coincidental resemblance to the DeskMate software that Tandy bundles with its MS-DOS computers, the Tandy 600s software features an operating system and five applications. The System Manager is a shell around Microsoft Works that handles file management for the disk drive and RAM. The five bundled applications are Word, a word processor whose files are compatible with the Microsoft word processor of the same name; Calendar, an alarm-driven appointment scheduler: File, a database manager; Telcom, for driving telecommunications activity; and Multiplan, reportedly a "99.5 percent version" of the IBM PC spreadsheet. In addition, a four-function memory calculator is available at any time as well as an

118 BYTE • DECEMBER 1985

by G. Michael Vose

alarm function that can be preset to act as a reminder.

Microsoft Works was originally developed for the Heath ZP-150 laptop machine and looks vaguely like MSDOS. Its functions are limited to formatting and copying disks, copying files from RAM to disk (or vice versa), listing or deleting files from RAM or disk, renaming files, and running applications. You invoke these functions by selection from a menu. The System Manager does allow wild-card characters in command operations. In spite

of the passing resemblance to MSDOS, however, the Tandy 600 disk format is not compatible with any other 3'/2-inch disk format. The System Manager also has a Set command to adjust the time for the sleep mode, to switch the machine's beep tone on and off, to preset power-up date and time for the wake-up mode, and to specify printer parameters (margins, page length and width, and continuous or sheet feed).

The text editor offers broader features than the rudimentary editors

that came with the Model 100 and the Tandy 200. Called Word, this revamped editor provides more complete formatting functions, including right justification, multiple format lines, and automatic page numbering, plus enhanced editing commands like global search and replace. Liberal use of the function keys to implement a variety of text selection operations,

(continued)

G. Michael Vose is a senior technical editor at BYTE. He can be contacted at POB 372, Hancock. NH 03449.

Photo 1: The Tandy 3000 and the Tandy 600.

DECEMBER 1985 • BYTE

119

TANDY 600 & 3000

The liveliest game in personal computers today is building IBM PC AT clones.

such as select word or select sentence, make copying, moving, and deleting text a simple operation. You can merge two documents and alter the format of any part of a document.

The appointment scheduler bundled with the Tandy 600 can be set to sound an alarm to remind users of appointments and will even display a text message at the bottom of the screen to explain the alarm. This Calendar application uses two calendar types: a month calendar and daily diaries. The diaries supply detailed information for individual days in the month calendars.

The Tandy 600s database manager, called File, can sort records alphabetically, numerically, or chronologically and search the database according to numerous search criteria. Each File database can provide up to 4095 records having up to 64 fields of up to 230 characters per field.

One of the most practical applications for a laptop computer is its use as a smart terminal for telecommunications. The Tandy 600's Telcom program drives an internal 300-bps modem and offers auto-answer, autodial, wake-up, and host modes. With the proper script, the Telcom software can turn the computer on, call another computer, and upload or download files to RAM or disk. It supports the XMODEM protocol for error detection during data transmission. Telcom displays its status (on-line or off-line) plus connect time on the Tandy 600's sixteenth screen line; this static display naturally draws the eye away from the scrolling text just above it and may confuse some first-time users.

Finally, there is Multiplan, extended from the Tandy 200 version to be very close to the IBM PC version. Multiplan

data can be lifted from a spreadsheet and pasted into a Word document, and the program can generate SYLK files for transporting data to other programs. There are some limitations to this and all Tandy 600 applications; for example, the maximum size for any data file is 64 K bytes.

Operation

The Tandy 600 features an automatic power-off, or sleep, function that turns the machine off after a user-selectable time period (the default setting is 5 minutes). Disk-intensive operations will decrease the time the machine can function on batteries between charges. One hour of disk I/O (input/ output), for example, reduces the operating time between charges to 8 hours.

RAM in the Tandy 600 is batterybacked so that the machine can be turned off without losing the contents of memory. But the disk-storage capability of the machine will greatly ease the pressure to clutter up RAM with dozens of files.

An especially attractive feature is the potential for placing custom applications in the ROM slot occupied by the Multiplan ROM. Using standard 272 56 EPROMs (erasable programmable read-only memories) and a Molex chip carrier for easy removal/insertion of chips, you can plug in any new application designed to run on the Tandy 600. Software developers can get all the information necessary to customize 8088 applications from the owner's manual or the separate hardware service manual (available for "less than $2 5").

Tandy supplies a 302-page, indexed, spiral-bound owner's manual that is organized by application. Each section provides a quick reference to that application's functions, followed by an extensive tutorial.

The Tandy 3000

The liveliest game in personal computers today is building clones of IBM's PC AT. At least a dozen clones had been announced through September of this year and most offered something IBM didn't. The only

surprising thing about the Tandy AT clone, called the Tandy 3000, is that it took the company so long to get the machine to market.

Made by Tandy in Fort Worth, the Tandy 3000 claims a 33 percent speed increase over the AT due to a higher clock speed (8 MHz versus 6 MHz) and single-wait-state operation (as opposed to two wait states in the AT). A standard Tandy 3000 offers 512K bytes of RAM and a 20-megabyte hard disk and a 1.2-megabyte floppy disk. The cabinet has room for an additional disk drive, either fixed or floppy. The machine supports four disk drives altogether, two fixed and two floppy, including a 360K-byte floppy.

A Tandy 3000 with two floppy drives, one 360K-byte and one 1.2megabyte quad-density drive, costs $2 599. The same machine with a 20megabyte fixed-disk drive in place of one of the floppy drives carries a $3 599 price tag.

RAM in the Tandy 3000 is expandable to a full 16 megabytes; the motherboard holds 640K bytes (using 2 56K-byte dynamic RAMs) and 2megabyte expansion boards are scheduled for January 1986 shipment. These memory-expansion boards can occupy up to six AT expansion slots; two XT slots are available as well.

Other standard equipment includes battery-backed CMOS RAM and a real-time clock, plus a serial/parallel adapter that uses an XT-compatible expansion half-slot to provide one serial and one parallel port. The keyboard is a copy of the AT keyboard and is not compatible with the Tandy 1000/2000 keyboard.

To reduce the cost of the computer, Tandy engineers eliminated the key that disables the keyboard and locks the case of an AT. Utilizing 2 56K-byte dynamic RAMs reduces power demands sufficiently to allow the use of a 175-watt power supply. The power supply is switchable between 120- and 240-volt operation via a Molex jumper inside the power supply's case. A two-speed, thermostatically controlled fan cools the internal

{continued)

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Inquiry 355

by Roy E. Kimbrell

English Recognition

The ultimate

in user-friendliness

Plain English is hardly ever used to communicate with a computer. This is unfortunate because it can be very effective, and programs that recognize and use relatively complex English sentences have been written for microcomputers. English gives you a variety of ways to express complex actions with a minimum of training and program interaction. Menus, on the other hand, are often highly complex and cumbersome—both for the user and the programmer. Special languages are difficult to learn and to design and implement correctly.

Some applications seem to demand a natural-language controlling mechanism (for example, database programs and games). When you design these kinds of programs, it is hard to predict the questions or commands a user might enter. Even in the largest and most expensive custom database systems, there always seem to be questions outside the scope of the programming.

However. English has been used successfully to control database programs. The first public success was LUNAR (Lunar Sciences Natural-Language Information System), which allowed scientists to query a large file

of physical and chemical data on the lunar rock samples brought back by the Apollo 17 mission in December 1972. More recently. Larry Harris of Artificial Intelligence Corporation has been successfully selling a databaseretrieval system called ROBOT (now INTELLECT) that uses natural English. It runs on IBM machines and licenses for tens of thousands of dollars. R:base CLOUT by MicroRIM. another English-based database-retrieval system, runs on microcomputers, but it's not cheap either. Several game designers have recog

nized the benefits of using English to communicate with computers and have tried to use it as their controlling mechanism. However, the approach they take seems a bit limited. The games often have trouble recognizing what should be valid directions or questions by the players.

[continued] Roy E. Kimbrell is a senior programmer/ analyst with Planning Research Corporation (1410 Wall St.. Bellevue. NE 68005). He has one M.S. in computer science from the University of Nebraska and another in meteorology from Creighton University.

1.

1

Jfc*/*

ts~

ILLUSTRATED BY IERZY KOLACZ

DECEMBER 1985 'BYTE 125

ENGLISH RECOGNITION

Both games and database programs must be able to react in many complex and unpredictable ways. You can achieve this versatility by creating a library of functions or routines that do fundamental things. The user must be able to combine these functions in an endless variety of ways. English recognition is a surprisingly useful tool for this; it has been used in university labs for years. Its techniques have been developed to the extent that now you can apply them even on microcomputers.

English Recognition

There are two parts to applying English understanding to an application. The first is recognition—observing that the text forms grammatically correct English sentences and identifying such elements as subjects and verbs. The second part is understanding—the ability to react to a sentence in a meaningful manner.

Suppose we have a program named Higgins (after Professor Henry Higgins of My Fair lady fame), a fictional expert in the science of speech. And suppose Higgins knows about wines; that is, it interfaces with a wine database. A question such as "How much does a 1976 bottle of Cabernet Sauvignon cost?" should be meaningful to Higgins, while "Where can 1 find a date for tonight?" would not be, even though it is a respectable English sentence. Higgins has files of data on wines and knows the name for each field in those records, but it knows about nothing else. It has no way of understanding anything about "date" or "tonight."

Higgins can recognize valid English sentences and break them up into identified pieces. It identifies the subjects, verbs, and other parts of speech in a manner that makes them usable in other parts of the program. Once the information is recognized, using it to do something can be easy.

Database questions can be simple. Higgins's verbs are usually forms of "to be" or "to do." Its subjects are usually either "wh-" words such as who, when, or where, or phrases such as how much. The objects with their

Adjective (ADJ)

Examples: red, heavy

Binder (BINDER)

Words: because, so, since, until, before, while

Complement (COMP)

Words: that, to, whether, for

Conjunction (CONJ)

Words: and, or

Determiner (DET)

Number: singular (S), plural (P;

Question: yes (Y), no (N)

Words: a, an, each, every, few (P), her (SP), his (SP)

how many (PY), its

(SP), many (P), most (P), my (SP), no, our (SP), some (P), that, the (SP), their

(SP), these (P), this, those (P

, what (SPY), which (SPY), whose (SPY)

Noun (NOUN)

Number: singular, plural

Case: subjective (SUBJ), objective (OBJ), possessive (POSS)

Examples: sky, house, committee's (POSS), sheep (singular, plural)

Number (NUMBER)

Examples: first, second, third, twenty-one

Preposition (PREP)

Words: in, on, at, for, without,

next to, in spite of, in between, by, to, of

Pronoun (PRON)

Number: singular, plural

Person: first, second, third

Case: SUBJ, OBJ, POSS

Question: yes, no

Words:

SUBJ

OBJ

POSS, OBJ

first 1

me, myself

mine

second you

you, yourself

yours

third she

her, herself

hers

third he

him, himself

his

third it

it, itself

its

first plural we

us, ourselves

ours

second plural you

you, yourselves

yours

third plural they

them, themselves

theirs

OBJ: this, that, these

(plural), those (plural)

OBJ, yes: who. whom, whose, what

SUBJ, OBJ: Pick one

from each column.

any

thing

some

body

every

one

no

where place time how

Figure 1: The definitions of the various word types according to Higgins. Italics indicate defau

126 BYTE • DECEMBER 1985

ENGLISH RECOGNITION

Verb (VERB)

Type: nonauxiliary (NONAUX), to be (BE), to do (DO), to have (HAVE),

modal (MODAL) Form: infinitive (INFIN), present (PRES), past (PAST), present participle

(PRESPART), past participle (PASTPART), third-person present singular

(THIRDSING) Transitivity (Trans): intransitive (INTRANS) — no object; transitive (TRANS) —

one object: bitransitive (BITRANS) — two objects

Most verbs are nonauxiliary, and a common dictionary can give their forms and transitivities. Transitivity is expanded a bit in Higgins with the addition of "bitransitive." "Gave," as in "I gave my love a cherry," is bitransitive. Although the default transitivity is TRANS, it wouldn't hurt to define each verb as all three, INTRANS, TRANS, and BITRANS. Although this will allow some nonsensical sentences, it might be a great simplification. Because of this, transitivity isn't specified for the verb descriptions below. MODAL verbs are "helping" verbs and work in conjunction with other verbs.

BE:

DO:

HAVE:

be

INFIN

am, are

PRES

was, were

PAST

being

PRESPART

been

PASTPART

is

THIRDSING

do

INFIN, PRES

did

PAST

doing

PRESPART

done

PASTPART

does

THIRDSING

have

INFIN, PRES

had

PAST, PASTPART

having

PRESPART

has

THIRDSING

MODAL: Words: can, could, may, might, shall, should, will, would, must. All BE, DO, and HAVE verbs are also MODAL.

Particles: This is not a type; a particle is a sequence of words used as a single word; for example, "next to" is used as a preposition. Particles are used mostly as prepositions, verbs, and determiners, although nouns, especially proper nouns, are frequently particles.

Determiners: how many, all the, all this, all these, and other combinations of

"all" and a determiner Half a, half an, and other combinations of "half" and a determiner Prepositions: next to, in spite of, in between Verbs: Pick one from each column.

put

out

turn

on

get, got

off

get it, got it

in

go, went, gone

up

take, took

down

shut

away

come, came

around

descriptive modifiers are found in the database. In the sentence about the bottle of wine, Higgins considers "bottle" and "cost" to be objects with the limitations on "bottle" that it be Cabernet Sauvignon and 1976. "Bottle" is the key to one or more fields in a bottle record on specific wines in the database. Though several fields may need to be searched, the name Cabernet Sauvignon can be found.

Pattern Matching

Recognizing English is a matter of pattern matching. The patterns of a language are what we refer to when we say someone speaks a foreign language well or when we complain of ungrammatical speech. Patterns occur in poetry as well, but these are as much a matter of the poem's meaning as they are of how the words are connected in phrases and sentences. The patterns we are looking for are word patterns—the patterns of English grammar.

One tool we use in pattern matching is the ATN (augmented transition network). It's been around a long time and has proved itself valuable in a variety of applications. For a discussion of how to build and use Higgins's networks, see the text box "English Grammar Network" on page 128.

The Grammar and the Dictionary

The basic unit used in Higgins is the individual word (see figure 1). [Editor's note: C-language source listings of H1GGINS.C BTREE.C BTREE.H, and DICT.H are available for downloading on BYTEnet listings. (617) 861-9764.| In the grammar we'll use, there are the traditional types of words: nouns, verbs, and adjectives. There are also some rather special types: relatives, binders, complements, determiners, and others. In Higgins's dictionary, words are divided into 12 types. All but three of them have a limited number of words. Nouns (including proper nouns), adjectives, and verbs make up the bulk of English words. A word may be used in several different ways and therefore may have several different types.

[continued)

DECEMBER 1985 -BYTE 127

ENGLISH RECOGNITION

English Grammar Network

Figures A and B provide examples of simple networks. Figure A recognizes the word "cat." A circle with a number in it is called a state and a curved arrow with a letter beside it is called a transition. In this network the program starts in stateO and reads characters. If the next character read

is a "c." the program goes on to statel otherwise it reports failure and quits. if the program reaches state3 (the double-circled state), it reports success. Figure B recognizes either "cat" or "cow." In statel. if the next character is an "a." the program takes the transition to state2; if it is an "o." it takes the

Figure A: A simple network that recognizes the word "cat''

Figure B: A simple network that recognizes either "cat" or "cow'

Figure C: This network involves relaxing the rule that requires a unique set of transition values on each arc. Since there are two "a" transitions, the network follows both.

transition to state4: if it is something else, the program reports failure. If the program reaches state3, it recognizes "cat"; if it reaches state5. "cow."

Networks can match more than just simple character strings. The value used to decide which, if any. transition to take can be a single character, a class of characters, a word, or a class of words. You can use this kind of network to write a recognizer for a computer language where each transition is based on specific words (reserved words) or on categories of words (variables, numbers, strings, and so on). In fact, this idea is basic to the way many compilers are actually written.

In figures A and B. each transition has a unique value at each state. But if duplicate transition values aren't allowed, the network can become exceedingly complex. Look at figure C. This network matches character strings composed of an unlimited number of "a" and "b" characters followed by the sequence "abb." Compare figures C and D. They both match the same string of characters, but figure D is obviously more complex. In the network in figure C, the question is which of the two "a" transitions to take out of stateO. The answer is. both of them.

You need a simple mechanism for following several paths simultaneously as you read transition values (characters, words, or whatever). If there is a failure, an improper value encountered at one of the states, you stop traveling that particular path but continue all other paths as long as you are reading valid transition values. If you stop traveling all paths, then you report a failure. Eventually, you either reach the end of the string or reach a success state along some path.

Take the case of the network in figure C. Suppose the string you are going to test is "ababb." You read the first "a" and go to both stateO and statel. Then you read the first "b" and go to both stateO and state2. Next you read the second "a" and quit at state2 but continue at stateO and go to statel. When

128 BYTE • DECEMBER 1985

ENGLISH RECOGNITION

you read the second "b," you continue at stateO and go to state2. Then you read the last "b" and stay at stateO and go to state3. Finally, you read the end of the string and quit at stateO but report success at state4.

Writing a Network Recursively

There is a simple mechanism for traveling several paths—recursion. Although it isn't simultaneous, the effect is the same. Look at listing A. A state is now a separate function that tests its transition values and either calls the next function or reports failure. Where you can take several transitions on the same value (as in stateO), a reported failure along one path simply allows the program to try other paths.

In the function stateO in listing A, location is a local variable because integers are passed by value. When you first call stateO, the calling line of code might look like this:

if (stateO("ababb"0)) success();

In other words, the variable location is initially 0.

StateO checks the first character. If it is an "a," stateO calls statel passing it the string and the location of the next character. If statel returns success, then stateO can report success because statel can be successful only if state2 and state3 are also successful. If the character checked in stateO is a "b." stateO calls itself (recursively) with the location of the next character. If the character is neither an "a" nor a "b," it is an invalid character and stateO reports a failure. This failure never occurs in a valid string of characters because the transitions to statel and beyond are tested first and given a chance to succeed.

The recursive method has considerable advantages in simplicity. The amount of code necessary to implement a network is considerably less when the network allows duplicate transition values than when it does not.

{continued)

Figure D: This network performs the same function as the one in figure C. However, it is much more complex because it has a unique transition value on each arc and follows only one path.

Figure E: The WH network replaces two arcs and states and matches "wh'.

DECEMBER 1985 • B Y T E 129

ENGLISH RECOGNITION

Interestingly, both kinds of networks are equally powerful in describing and matching patterns.

Subnetworks

Calling a state as a subroutine or function has other advantages. You can build networks where a transition from one state to the next depends on the successful matching of an entire net

work, not just the matching of a single transition value. For example. look at figures E and F. The network matches

where" or "whose" but the "er" and "os" are recognized by a subnetwork If the network reaches a success state, it has matched either "where" or "whose."

A collection, or packet, of information created as the network runs is a con

Listing A: A pseudocode implementation of the pattern matching described

by figure C. A transition to a new state is made by recursively calling the

next state. Although the paths aren't taken simultaneously.

the effect is the

same, since the local variables at each state keep a current

■place marker in

the string being tested.

function stateO: arguments

string, ar

array of characters.

location,

an integer.

if the character at location in

string is 'a',

call statel passing string,

location+1.

if statel returns success,

return success.

otherwise, call stateO passing string, location+1.

if stateO returns success,

return success.

otherwise, fail.

if the character at location in

string is 'b',

call stateO passing string

location+1.

if stateO returns success,

return success.

otherwise, fail.

otherwise, fail.

function statel: arguments

string, ar

array of characters.

location,

an integer.

if the character at location in

string is 'b',

call state2 passing string

location +1.

if state2 returns success,

return success.

otherwise, fail.

otherwise, fail.

function state2: arguments

string, ar

1 array of characters.

location,

an integer.

if the character at location in

string is V,

call state3 passing string

location+1.

if state3 returns success.

return success.

otherwise, fail.

otherwise, fail.

function state3: arguments

string, ar

i array of characters.

location,

an integer.

if the character at location in

string is end,

call state4 passing string

location+1.

if state4 returns success,

return success.

otherwise, fail.

otherwise, fail.

function state4: arguments

string, an array of characters.

location,

an integer.

return success.

venient mechanism for keeping track of the path taken. (The C language calls them structures: in Pascal they are records.) Because you don't want to limit the system's ability to process very long data strings, you usually allocate storage for the packets from the runtime heap and fill them with information as the called network processes the data string, if the called network is unsuccessful, it frees the storage used by the packets and reports failure. If the called network is successful, it reports success and returns a pointer to the string of information packets. Once a subnetwork—or any network—has completed its task, the packet contains the significant information found during the matching process.

For English recognition, the packets must have a description that varies depending on the kind of information placed in them. Understanding how to use this information requires some comprehension of the reasons behind the design of a network that recognizes valid English sentences. Such a network is based on English grammar.

Grammar Like You Never Saw in School

We humans are extraordinary pattern matchers. We quickly recognize shapes and sounds and even large and complex combinations of shapes and sounds. We also have the ability to create these patterns. A pattern is a set of rules. We create shapes and sounds that fit patterns—that is, we create according to a set of rules (even if the rules aren't well understood).

English grammar works the same way. The grammar is the pattern you use to create and understand English sentences. It is also basically the pattern you use to write a program that recognizes English sentences. (The grammar used by Higgins is a bit permissive—it lets a few ungrammatical things pass by.)

Higgins's grammar is based on networks, but instead of going from one state to another based upon a specific character, the transition is based on word type. Examples of these networks are in figures G and H and in table A. The program might make a transition based on whether the incoming word is a noun, a verb, or another kind of

130 BYTE • DECEMBER 1985

ENGLISH RECOGNITION

word. The program can also make a transition based on whether the next sequence of words matches a pattern—a pattern defined by a subnetwork.

When making a transition based upon a single word, the program looks up the word in the system dictionary to determine its type (noun, verb, adjective, or preposition). There are also some rather special kinds of words that might be unfamiliar—relatives, binders, complements, determiners, and others. Luckily, these groups of words are small, and once you enter them into the dictionary, you can usually ignore them.

All of the words the recognizer program might encounter must be in the dictionary. It doesn't really understand English, and can't use the context of the sentence to make any guesses about what the word might mean. Some recognizers have the ability to ask about the type of an unfamiliar word. Since most of the words not in the dictionary are usually nouns and adjectives, this is a reasonably easy thing to do.

The network grammar for English that Higgins uses is close to one developed by Terry Winograd and described in considerable detail in his language As a Cognitive Process. Higgins's grammar bears considerable resemblance to others that are similarly constructed, such as the network grammar used in LUNAR. The purpose of Winograd's grammar is to define English syntax. This is a little different from only trying to recognize valid English. However, it works well in a large variety of situations and applications.

Making a transition based on word type is easy. You look the word up in the dictionary. If one of its usages corresponds to the one demanded by the transition (and some possible other conditions are met), then you take the transition.

Some other conditions are usually checked also. These conditions may vary at each state. They are special checks that ensure that the path taken is valid. They are often important in deciding which of several possible paths to take. In addition, most states require special actions. These are all associated with recording information about the sentence or phrase in the

Figure F: The X subnetwork replaces arcs and states matching either "er" or "os'.'

5 Pronoun

6: Proper

_ 8:Send

NP •■{

S—v//l.Det

\ 2 Jum p

9 Send

^-^ -~/ 4: Noun

( 9 J

V J 16-'3

3 Adjective 12: Number 13: Verb 14 Noun

( h I

/ 18:Conj-NP "V 7PP

\ 10:S/C J ll-.S/r

Figure G: The NP [noun phrase) network.

packets. Sometimes the actions create implied constructions, such as the "you" implied in the sentence "Go!" The transitions based on matching a network are similar. Instead of matching a word type, you match a network. When making a transition based on word type, each transition uses up one word. That is, the first word in the sentence is checked at the first state, the second word at the second, and so forth. When making transitions based on matching a network, you use up as many words as necessary to make the match. If you fail to find a match, then no words are used up.

The networks in figures G and H are examples of networks used to describe a grammar. Table A specifies the conditions and actions associated with the transitions of the NP (noun phrase) network.

English sentences are built from noun phrases, prepositional phrases, and verb phrases. A noun phrase describes the actor in a sentence or perhaps the person, place, or thing acted upon. The NP (noun phrase) network (see figure G and table A) builds an NP packet that contains pointers to determiner (Det), header

[continued)

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ENGLISH RECOGNITION

(Head), describer (Desc), and qualifier (Qual) packets. These are packets returned from calls to the other networks. The NP packet has places for four features: number (Num), Person, question (Ques). and Case. Num may be singular or plural, no default Person may be first, second, or third, default third. Ques may be yes or no. default no. Case may be SUBJ (subjective), OBJ (objective), or POSS (possessive), no default. The current word under examination is kept in a packet of its own. The values in the packet are filled from the dictionary. The features of the current-word packet depend on the type of the current word.

Associated with each arc in the network are initialize: (initializations), if: (conditions), and then: (actions). See

table A. Any of these may be absent. The initializations require the definition of a new packet before calling a subnetwork. The packet is empty except for defaults and the initializations. The conditions are checked after the word type on the arc has been matched with the current word or the subnetwork on the arc has reported success and has returned a packet. The current word may enter into these conditions. If the conditions are met, the actions are taken, and a transition to the next state may be made.

Hold is a global variable used to temporarily hold a copy of a packet. When the copy is made, the source of the copy must be made empty as its emptiness is a flag for further action. Likewise, if Hold is copied somewhere, it must also be emptied.

Table A: The transitions of the NP network.

1. then

5. then:

6. 7.

8. 9.

10.

then: then: then:

12.

13.

14.

15. 16.

17.

18.

NPNum = current-word.Num; NRQues = current-word.Ques; NRDet = current-word; none.

then: Append current-word to NP.Desc; if: current-word.Num = = NRNum or NPNum is empty; then: NPNum = current-word.Num; NP. Head = current-word; NPNum = current-word. Num;

NPPerson = current-word.Person; NPQues = current-word.Ques; NPHead = current-word;

NPNum = current-word.Num; NPHead = current-word; Append current-word to NPQual;

Success; NP. Case = NPHead.Case; return the NP packet; if: Hold is an NP;

then: Success; Empty and return Hold; initialize: S/c.Subj = copy of the current NP packet;

S/c.Mood = REL; S/c.MV = dummy VP = "to be" dictionary values; then: Append S/c to NPQual; initialize: Hold = copy of the current NP packet;

S/r.Mood = WHREL; then: Append S/r to NPQual; then: Append current-word to NP.Desc; if: VPForm == PRESPART or PASTPART; then: Append VP to NP.Desc; if: current-word.Num == SINGULAR; then: Append current-word to NPDesc; not used.

if: NPHead is not a pronoun; Note: The only thing being tested on this arc is the occurrence of the string 's indicating possession (POSS). then: Create a new NP packet; copy the current NP packet into the new NP packet; new-NRCase = POSS; set all NP values to defaults; NPDet = new-NP; not used.

Note: If the current word is a conjunction, then the NP network is recursively called; if an NP is returned, form a list of these NPs.

132 BYTE • DECEMBER 1985

ENGLISH RECOGNITION

A prepositional phrase is a sequence

Form may be INFIN (infinitive), PRES

two features: voice and mood. The

of words containing a noun phrase and

ENT (present). PAST (past), PASTPART

voice may be ACTIVE or PASSIVE,

beginning with a preposition. Its

(past participle), PRESPART (present

default ACTIVE. The mood may be

purpose is to modify or qualify a noun

participle), or THIRDSING (third

DECL (declarative), INT (interrogative),

phrase. The PP (prepositional phrase)

person present singular). Trans may be

IMPER (imperative), BOUND (bound

network builds a PP packet, which

INTRANS (intransitive), TRANS

by a binder), REL (relative), or WHREL

contains pointers to Prep (preposition)

(transitive), or BITRANS (bitransitive).

(who, what, why, where, when relative),

and Prepobj (preposition object)

Type may be NONAUX (nonauxiliary.

default DECL. These features are used

packets. These are either packets

that is, acting alone), BE, DO, HAVE,

to report the form of the sentence and

returned from calls to the NP network

or MODAL (supportive words, such as

to direct processing.

or current-word packets.

"can," "could," "may," "should," "must,"

The S/ network is shown in figure H.

The verb phrase describes the action

etc.).

NP, PP. VP, S/, Jump, and Send refer

taken in a sentence. It might be a single

The S/ (sentence) network builds a

to either a network to be entered or

verb or a series of words. The VP (verb

packet, S, that has places for pointers

to special transitions to be taken. The

phrase) network builds a VP packet

to Subj (subject), DO (direct object), 10

other labels (Noun, Verb, Particle,

that has pointers to Verb packets,

(indirect object), MV (main verb),

Binder, Rel, and so forth) are all word

current-word packets of type Verb.

Binder (binder), Auxs (auxiliaries),

types or usages.

They form a list starting at the VR Verbs

Mods (modifiers), and QE (question

The NP, VP, and PP networks match

(verb phrase.verbs) pointer. Similar to

element) packets. These are the

noun phrases, prepositional phrases,

a verb, the VP packet has Form (tense).

packets returned from the NP, PP, VP,

and verb phrases. The S/ network is

transitivity (Trans), and Type features.

and S/ networks. It also has places for

(continued)

13 Prep (for)

J^—~ ys"

[ » 1 ( y

s/«

) ( z )

\. 15 Comp (to)

s/' V^ r

30: Binder/ /^^

•^-—^20-NP j

/ /19:Verb

\ / 29 Verb

^^^ I / 27: Particle

12 Send 6.NP /

\ \ / J NP

7: Jump /

\ / 16 S/«

2VejJi__^^\ \ / [J

18.S/X /

f^\( 21 NP ^V' "

\^^ ^^s^V"^\^4 Verb ^ ~S/

^~^ ~~~^s- <S~ N 9:PP

s *\ a )— ( b

) "T c Jl 5 NP Yd]

( , 1 1 10 PP

A J ) ii pp

22: NP /

ji^^_^y ^^~^~~ ^_^—

^^^ ^ ' 28 PP

Jump

/ 3 Verb 8

I 23: PP /

s/c 26Particle 17

S/I

2t-Re\\y .. ./

V J 25 NP

S/r

Figure H: The SI (sentence) network.

DECEMBER 1985 -BYTE 133

ENGLISH RECOGNITION

rather special. The main (sentence) network can be entered at the state designated by the letter following the slant (e.g., S/x is entered at state*). This is a recursive call and control returns to the calling state, not states, just as if the NP or PP network were called. If the use of the S/ network call seems farfetched, consider "For |oe to eat spicy food is unusual." The phrase "For |oe to eat spicy food" is matched by the S/x network.

The Jump and Send transitions are special in that they don't match a word or phrase. The Jump only asks that the

special conditions be met; if they are, the transition is made without reading the current word, which is then tried at the next transition

The Send transition isn't really a transition at all. It is used to report success. If the special conditions at the state are met. the special actions are carried out and a success indication is returned to the calling state. If control returns to the caller of statea. a sentence has been recognized. The return goes through all of the states called before it reaches the Send transition.

Listing B: A pseudocode representation of a typical {skeleton) state in Wiggins.

function stateO: arguments

curword — points to the current word packet, packet — points to the packet to be filled in.

— An attempt to make a transition based on matching a word type: if curword is a NOUN, — or whatever...

if special conditions,

perform special actions.

call state1(curword.next, packet).

if statel returns success,

return success and the packet.

— An attempt to make a transition based on a subnetwork's success: create an NP-packet.

call NP(curword, NP-packet). if NP returns success,

— Presumably, curword has been modified to point to a word past the sequence matched by the subnetwork, if special conditions,

perform special actions, call state2(curword, packet). if state2 returns success,

return success and the packet.

— A Jump:

if special conditions,

perform special actions, call state3(curword, packet). if state3 returns success,

return success and the packet.

— A Send:

if special conditions,

perform special actions, return success and the packet

— If we got this far, we've failed, return failure.

The simplest sentence matched by the network is a one-word sentence, such as "Go!" or "Run!" Statea is called (see figure H). Eventually, the Jump transition to statec- is taken, "go" or "run" is recognized as a verb, and the verb transition to statec is taken. After a few attempts, the Jump transition to statee is taken, where the Send transition is finally taken. Now. success is reported to statec, which reports success to statec-. which reports success to statea. which reports success to its caller. The sentence has been successfully analyzed.

Coding a Recognizer

Listing B is a skeleton state. It shows, in pseudocode, how a state—actually the function representing the state—is programmed. It illustrates four kinds of transitions. The first is an attempt to make a transition to a new state based on the type of the current word; the second is an attempt to make a transition by calling a subnetwork; the third is a Jump—if the special conditions are met, make the transition without trying to match a word type or a subnetwork; and the fourth is a Send— success is reported. The actual coding will vary from this example, but the basic steps remain the same: If the word or phrase is of the requisite type, check the special conditions; if they are met. perform the special actions to save information and call the function representing the next state.

Much of the information saved comes from the dictionary. This information is kept in a large packet passed from state to state during the recognition process. When a network is called to recognize a phrase, an empty packet is created to hold the expected information. If the phrase is recognized, the packet is filled in and passed back to the calling state where it is appended to the calling state's packet. As a sentence is processed, the basic packet is filled in with pieces attached to it representing phrases recognized by the various subnetworks.

If success is reported from a call to a network, such as the NP network, the current position in the sentence is also returned so processing can continue following the matched phrase. If failure is reported, the position returned by the network is ignored.

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ENGLISH RECOGNITION

Comparisons can be difficult for Higgins because they often imply so much.

"Bordeaux" is the name of a place and is therefore a noun, but it can also be an adjective, as in "the Bordeaux wine." A word may also have one or more features depending on its type, and it may have more than one value for a single feature. For example. Noun.Number of "sheep" is both singular and plural. A noun's case feature is most often both subjective and objective.

When Higgins reads the definition of a word from its dictionary, it builds a packet similar to the sentence, noun phrase, and other packets. The type of the packet is the type of the word.

Unfortunately, some words are of more than one type; that is. they are used in more than one way. For example, "gun" is both a verb (gun the engine) and a noun (shoot the gun). The special types of words (relatives, binders, etc.) all make up a relatively small group. English is built mostly of nouns and adjectives with a lot of verbs added for good measure.

The words that are subclassified— the verbs, nouns, etc.—have several feature values within a subclassification. For example, "see" is both an infinitive form and a present form. These multiple feature values are critical to Higgins's operation. It is often important for a verb to have all of its relevant feature values defined in Higgins's dictionary in order to process a sentence properly. This is especially true of the "to be" type verbs.

Adding feature values to words may blur the distinctions between grammatical and ungrammatical sentences. For example, if you want to ignore the difference between nouns and proper nouns, you might type each noun as both. Comparisons are a little difficult for Higgins because a sentence containing comparisons often implies so

much. To simplify this process, words such as "greater" and "than" are typed as verbs (in addition to their other types). Their verb features are present, past, and modal, and the phrase "is greater than" is recognized as a sequence of verbs.

The features in the packet are filled in from the dictionary entry. The allowable values for each feature are also specified in figure 1; the default value, if there is one, is shown in italics.

The Analysis of a Sentence

Recognition of a sentence—including filling the packets with information from the sentence—makes understanding possible. The packet structure created during sentence analysis is a tree. As the sentence is scanned via successful transitions through the networks, packets are added to the structure. When finished, the completed structure parallels the successful path through the network. In keeping with the tree structure, lets call a packet a node.

The primary node is the sentence node. It has places for recording voice and mood information and places for pointers to other nodes. The other nodes describe the sentence's subject (there is always a subject, although it may be implied), verb (there is always a verb), and any of several other dimensions. The objects, if they exist, specify what is to be acted upon. The auxiliaries, if there are any. are helping verbs, such as "will have been" in the sentence "By tomorrow, the cat will have been drinking from the cup." The main verb is "drinking." Modifiers such as "from the cup" are attached to the sentence node when they modify the sentence. If they modify a part of the sentence, they are attached to the node representing that part of the sentence.

The parts of a sentence are represented by nodes. The subject and objects are noun-phrase nodes; the verb is a verb-phrase node; and the modifiers are prepositional-phrase nodes. There is one exception. In the place of a noun- or prepositionalphrase node, you may substitute a

sentence node. For example, in "The cat who drank the wine went to sleep." "who drank the wine" qualifies the subject of the sentence and has the form of a sentence (a subject, "who": a verb, "drank"; and an object, "the wine").

When you design a program to use the information Higgins provides, remember the model of the sentence: subject, verb, and possible objects. In the sentence "How much does a bottle of Cabernet Sauvignon cost?" according to Higgins the subject is "how much," the verb is "does." and the objects are "a bottle of Cabernet Sauvignon" and "cost." If you were translating this into a database query, it might come out: SELECT COST FROM WINELIST WHERE NAME = "Cabernet Sauvignon." In making this translation, you assume a lot about what the user might be asking, the possible range of queries, and the possible range of subject matter. You can make these kinds of simplifying assumptions because anything outside this range of information wouldn't be understood anyway—it wouldn't be in the database

Higgins is a powerful tool for an application program in understanding the language used in framing sentences. Once the purpose of the program is clearly understood, you can put a variety of sentences through your version of Higgins to see how it stores them in its packets. When you understand this, you can write the part of the program that does the real work—perhaps with a version of Higgins at the beginning. Listing 1 shows an example sentence analyzed by a version of Higgins written in C.

Limitations and Peculiarities

When placing information in the packet, Higgins can make mistakes. The fault is not entirely Higgins's, though, because English is an ambiguous language. Its ambiguity is both its power and its failing. A sentence often quoted by grammarians is "Time flies like an arrow." If "time" is a noun (a thing), then "flies" must be a verb, and the

[continued)

136 BYTE • DECEMBER 1985

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ENGLISH RECOGNITION

sentence is modified by the prepositional phrase "like an arrow." If "time" is a verb, however, then the sentence is a command (an imperative sentence). The subject is an implied "you," and "like an arrow" describes how to time the flies (nouns, things). Whether this makes any sense is unimportant to Higgins. The program

doesn't understand what the words mean, just how they fit together in English.

When we read or hear English, we process the words syntactically and semantically—by form and by meaning—at the same time so the ambiguity usually is not recognized. Therefore, the internal order Higgins uses

Listing 1: The structure of packets built during sentence analysis. This example was created by an implementation of Higgins written in C. The exact form of the structure depends on the form of the sentence. See table 1 for the meanings associated with the numbers shown.

What does the wine cost?

Sentence: mood = 2, voice = 1 S.Subject: Noun phrase: number = 2, person = 8, case = 6, question = 6 NP Determiner:

Pronoun: "what" number™2, person = 8, case = 6, question = 6 NPHead:

Pronoun: "what" number = 2, person = 8, case = 6, question = 6 S.Direct object: Noun phrase: number = 6, person = 8, case = 6, question = 4 NPHead: Noun: "cost" number = 6, case = 6 S.lndirect object: Noun phrase: number = 2. person = 8, case = 6, question = 4 NPDeterminer:

Determiner: 'the" number = 6, question = 4 NPHead: Noun: "wine" number = 2 case = 6 S.Main verb: Verb phrase: form = 40, transitivity = e, type = a VPVerbs: Verb: "does" form = 40, transitivity = e, type = a

Table 1: The various numbers are hexadecimal representations of the binary values in that feature. The meaning of each bit is determined from the constant definitions in Higgins's implementation. For example, case=6 means both bit 1 and bit 2 are set on: this word can be either subjective or objective in its present form.

mood = 2

interrogative

voice = 1

active

number = 2

singular

= 6

singular or plural

person = 8

third

case = 6

subjective or objective

question = 4

no

= 6

yes or no

form = 40

present tense

transitivity = e

intransitive, transitive, or bitransitive

type = a

do and modal

in processing sentences may be of particular interest. To see how Higgins does it, try a few potentially ambiguous sentences. If Higgins doesn't process them the way you want it to, you may have to tinker with the code or perhaps simply limit the meanings of the words in the dictionary.

Some features of English are difficult to analyze without also incorporating a great deal of knowledge about sentence meaning and context into the program. Surprisingly simple English can confuse poor Higgins. One feature that Higgins knows very little about is the simple conjunction, such as "and" or "or." Higgins can handle noun and verb phrases with embedded conjunctions, but that's all. The problem occurs when parts of the sentences are only implied, not specified. You and I have no problem with these because we understand the meaning of the sentence and fill in the missing phrases easily. Higgins doesn't understand meanings and can't fill in anything. The following sentences were taken from Terry Winograd's book Language As a Cognitive Process (Addison-Wesley 1981):

1. Paul and loy came to dinner.

2. They brought some yellow and purple flowers.

3. They gave loan a kiss and Eileen a hug.

4. We opened and drank some wine and ate falafel.

5. Paul liked to play tunes on the guitar, and Joy on the mandolin.

6. He played and she sang every old tune in the book.

The first sentence contains a simple conjunction between noun phrasesno problem for Higgins. The second sentence has a conjunction of adjectives; Higgins doesn't know how to analyze these, but it can be modified to do so. In the third sentence, "they gave" is understood to follow "and" ("They gave Joan a kiss and they gave Eileen a hug."). In the fourth sentence, "we" is understood to follow the "and." In the fifth sentence, "liked to play tunes" is understood to follow "Joy." Finally, in the sixth sentence,

[continued)

138 BYTE • DECEMBER 1985

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ENGLISH RECOGNITION

"every old tune in the book" is understood to follow "played." Higgins won't be able to do much with these kinds of sentences.

You can increase Higgins's abilities to analyze these sentences, but it is difficult to do things in a general way. You will encounter a host of details and special cases, but with some per

sistence you can successfully add a lot to your program's abilities.

Comparisons are also often difficult to analyze. The problem is much the same as that of the conjunctionsimplied meanings and implied constructs. The comparisons implemented in Higgins depend on giving words such as "greater" and "than"

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modal features so that "is greater than" is analyzed as a verb phrase. Higgins understands "Find the boxes that have width greater than height," if you define "greater" as having a "to be" verb form. However, Higgins won't analyze "Find the boxes that have width greater than height and weigh more than 20 pounds" because of the implied construction following the "and." If you want to analyze these kinds of sentences, you'll have to add to Higgins's abilities.

A final sentence form that Higgins doesn't analyze is the compound sentence: "The cat drank the wine, and he had a hangover."

Conclusion

Higgins is based on pattern matching. This pattern matching uses a particular form of state network called ATN. The network is augmented by adding packet structures that are carried from state to state in the network. Network transitions from state to state are made by recursively calling the next state rather than by simply jumping to it. The call and return allow a simplicity of control at the programming level by placing the burden on the run-time system to keep track of local variables.

Higgins's design is open and simple enough to allow modification. You can add to its abilities to analyze English and keep more information in the packet structures. You can also modify the design to allow ungrammatical sentences and to merge various word types, such as nouns and proper nouns. In addition, you may assign words in the dictionary types and features in such a way that they pass tests they otherwise would not.

Higgins can be a powerful tool for understanding and using English as a part of an application program's operating ability. Remember, Higgins doesn't do anything, it just explains the sentence to you. And recognition is the first step toward understanding.

\Editor's note: The networks described in the text box are documentation for Higgins. You can get a complete set bu sending the author a large, self-addressed stamped {two stamps) envelope.] ■

140 BYTE • DECEMBER 1985

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SCIENTIFIC SOFTWARE

On Line Databases

It is often difficult to find the "right" software by means of a database search because of the general lack of precision of the search process. Either the number of "hits" will be large and most citations will prove to be of marginal value, or the number of hits will be small because the search can find few records in the database that match the search profile entered. One reason you may end with a large number of hits is that vendors want you to see their entries even if they aren't of direct value to you. Therefore, the product description they put in the database is often overly generalized. Another reason this happens is because database suppliers want to have as many entries as possible, so they pay little attention to the package's quality or even its existence (apart from an announcement).

Despite these drawbacks. 1 recommend the following three databases that may be of help to you in your search for scientific software. These are available through the Knowledge Index service of Dialog Information Services, 3460 Hillview Avenue, Palo Alto, CA 94304. There are also agents in other countries around the world. The service rates for these databases (at the time of this writing) are $3 5 initial fee for manuals and two hours of on-line use, and S24 per hour of on-line use thereafter. (Note that there are other database services that may provide these files.)

• Menu—International Software Database (produced by Imprint Software Ltd.)

• Microcomputer Index—(produced by Microcomputer Information Services, 1982)

• Mathfile—(produced by the American Mathematical Society). The first two of these files focus on miniand microcomputer software offerings, while Mathfile contains abstracts to the mathematical, statistical, and computing literature, including application areas, and covers approximately 1600 journals.

Search Aids

Publications

The following is a list of periodicals, catalogs, and reports that often discuss scientific software packages. Some of these sources are devoted to particular subject areas. This is not a complete list: there are other sources that offer reviews of interesting software. To obtain more information on these publications, contact the addresses provided.

• ACM Transactions on Mathematical Software. Although this periodical is mainly devoted to mainframes, some of the material may be suitable to microcomputers. Contact the Association for Computing Machinery, 1133 Avenue of the Americas. New York, NY 10036.

*hdvances in Engineering Software. Some articles include program code. Microcomputers are increasingly being featured in this magazine. Contact CML Publications, 125 High St., Southampton SOI OAA. England.

• American Statistician. This magazine includes announcements of statistical software. It also has a regular statistical software review section. The emphasis is on microcomputer software. Contact the American Statistical Association. 806 15th St. NW, Washington. DC 20005.

• AMSTAT News. This magazine is mainly of value for its advertisements, which are directed at professional statisticians. It often lists workshops and meetings where software is to be discussed Contact the American Statistical Association. 806 15th St. NW, Washington, DC 20005.

• BYTE: The Small Systems \oumal. This magazine provides monthly software reviews. Contact BYTE. 70 Main St.. Peterborough. NH 03458.

• The College Mathematics \ournal. This journal has a regular software review column. Contact the Mathematical Association of America, 1529 18th St. NW, Washington. DC 20036.

• Computer Physics Communications. Includes a section on software but main

ly is of use to mainframe users. Contact North-Holland Publishing Company, Box 211, 1000 AE Amsterdam, Netherlands.

• Computers & Chemistry. Includes a regular section on software and the Quantum Chemistry Program Exchange. Contact Pergamon Press Inc.. Maxwell House, Fairview Park. Elmsford, NY 10523.

• Computers & Geosciences. Some programs included, many of which are designed for, or could be adapted to, microcomputers. Contact Pergamon Press Inc.. Maxwell House, Fairview Park, Elmsford, NY 10523.

• Computers & Structures. Discusses structural engineering methods. A software survey section is being introduced. Contact Pergamon Press Inc., Maxwell House, Fairview Park. Elmsford. NY 10523.

• Computers in Mechanical Engineering. The lanuary 1985 issue is devoted to microcomputer software for analysis and design. Other issues have included similar material. Contact the American Society of Mechanical Engineers, 345 East 47th St., New York. NY 10017.

• Econometrica. Occasional discussion of microcomputer software. Contact Econometric Society, c/o Department of Economics, Northwestern University, Evanston. IL 60201.

• "Guide to Available Mathematical Software," National Bureau of Standards Report NBSIR 84-2824 (1984). Boisvert, R. F, S. E. Howe, and D. K. Kahaner. Contact National Technical Information Service. U.S. Department of Commerce, 5285 Port Royal Rd„ Springfield. VA 22161.

• IEEE Micro. Includes announcements of microcomputer software. Contact IEEE Micro. 10662 Los Vasqueros Circle, Long Beach. CA 90720.

• \ournal of Computational Chemistry. Surprisingly little discussion of software. Contact Wiley/Interscience Scientific lournals, 605 Third Ave., New York, NY 10158.

146 BYTE • DECEMBER 1985

Inquiry 147

SCIENTIFIC SOFTWARE

• \ournal of Computational Physics. Covers only a few software packages and has a mainframe bias. Contact Academic Press Inc., 111 Fifth Ave.. New York, NY 10003.

• Journal of Forecasting. Occasional discussion of software, including that for microcomputers. Contact John Wiley and Sons, 605 Third Ave., New York, NY 10158.

• journal of Microcomputer Applications. Interesting material with some scientific applications, e.g., medicine and astronomy, but little direct treatment of software. Contact Academic Press Inc., 111 Fifth Ave., New York, NY 10003.

• Physics Education. Includes software reviews, mainly for microcomputer programs. Contact the Institute of Physics. Techno House. Redcliffe Way, Bristol BS1 6NX, England.

• Science and Engineering (1984 software catalog). Short listings on over 4300 programs, mostly for microcomputers, indexed by subject and applications. Contact Elsevier Science Publishing Company, 52 Vanderbilt Ave., New York, NY 10017.

• "Scientific Word Processing," SIAM News. Wong, P. K. November 1984, page 8. A review of several packages from a mathematician's perspective in the newspaper of the Society for Industrial and Applied Mathematics (SIAM). Related articles frequently appear. Contact SIAM, 1405 Architects Building, 117 South 17th St., Philadelphia, PA 19103.

• Simulation. Technical journal of the Society for Computer Simulation. Simulation Councils Inc.. POB 228, La Jolla, CA 92038. Periodically includes a software catalog that has a specific section for microcomputers.

• 1984 Guidebook to Statistical Analysis and Graphics Software for Microcomputers. Goss, T. I. One of the more useful directories in the statistics subject area. Available from Goss, Gilroy and Associates, 124 O'Connor St.. Ottawa, Ontario, Canada KIP 5M9.

mentation of work in a number of fields, such as a word-processing system for mathematical or scientific systems or a statistical package.

Alternatively, the package may have been designed primarily to educate users in a certain subject area rather than to provide serious computational power to practitioners. An example of this kind of program is one that illustrates how simultaneous linear equations are solved or one that prepares test questions in a specific discipline from a master set.

Style

The way a software producer presents and packages his creation is the factor that most often causes buyers to rave or curse about software. If several software packages can perform the same function, style may become the hinge of your buying decision.

To determine if a program's style suits you, you should consider three things—the way in which the program must be used, the level of satisfaction or frustration you experience while using it, and the suitability (or fit to application) of the program's packaging and documentation.

Although it is relatively easy to list the features of a software product, even extensive reviews may fail to capture the style of the product. The expanding availability of demonstration disks (especially those that allow you to try all of a program's functions) is to be welcomed as an aid to software selection.

The three subdivisions of software I described earlier—software designed to perform certain tasks, to be used as a tool, or to be used as a teaching aid—can also be applied to the discussion of style.

Early scientific software took the form of single programs or subroutines (tasks) (for example, the collected algorithms of the Association for Computing Machinery). Libraries of subroutines are still a common and useful form of software packaging. However, unless source code is available, this form of packaging requires that you write driver programs and

{continued)

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147

SCIENTIFIC SOFTWARE

Software Tools for Scientific Computations

There are a number of software products that attempt to cover most aspects of scientific computation. Others provide a toolbox for a given area of application, lack Dongarra looked at some of these and provided much of the information below.

General Scientific Software Collections

• math/library

$440; $320 for universities

This selection, which is from the wellknown 1MSL subroutine library, is for use on an IBM PC or PC XT with Microsoft FORTRAN 3.2 under MS-DOS 2.0. It contains 540 mathematical subroutines to solve for differential equations and integration, eigensystem analysis, error functions, gamma functions, interpolation, approximation, smoothing, linear algebraic equations, nonlinear equations, optimization, and vector/ matrix arithmetic and sorting. Both single- and double-precision versions of the routines are available. Contact IMSL Inc., 7500 Bellaire Blvd., NBC Building, Houston, TX 77036-5085.

• microSUB:MATH $2 50

This program consists of a set of FORTRAN subroutines in relocatableobject form. The subroutines cover special math functions, interpolation, integration, matrix/linear systems, polynomials/nonlinear systems, and differential equations. Contact Foehn Consulting. POB 5123, Klamath Falls, OR 97601.

• NAG FORTRAN PC50 Library $345; 20 percent off for universities

This package consists of 50 routines from the NAG FORTRAN library. It can be run on the IBM PC with Microsoft FORTRAN 3.13 under MS-DOS 1.0 (or later) and on the IBM PC XT with Microsoft FORTRAN 3.2 under MS-DOS 2.0. The routines cover a wide range of subjects in numerical and statistical computing, including root finding. Fourier transforms, quadrature, ordinary differential equations, optimiza

tion, linear algebra, basic statistics, random numbers, linear programming, and special functions. Contact Numerical Algorithms Group Inc.. 1011 31st St., Suite 100, Downers Grove. IL 60515.

• The Scientific Desk

One-time fee of $480; maintenance fee $84 per year

This library of subroutines can be called by a user and embedded in his or her program. The package has a set of applications program menus called Problem Solving Environments (PSEs). The PSEs provide the user with a set of commands that are familiar to the subarea and can be used without programming. They provide programs in the following areas: simultaneous linear-equation solving, vector/matrix arithmetic, inversion, matrix-condition estimation, and statistical inference and estimation. They can handle real matrices stored in two-dimensional form, calculate the roots of polynomials, eigenvalues, and eigenvectors for real square matrices. Contact C Abaci Inc.. 208 St. Mary's St.. Raleigh, NC 27605.

Software for Linear Algebra

• LEQB05 $50

This small linear-algebra algorithm package (of BASIC source code) consists of a number of subroutines and three driver programs that, on most computer systems, can be loaded simultaneously. The programs solve the following types of equations: linear least-squares problems, linear equations problems, matrix inverse. MoorePenrose generalized matrix inverse, matrix eigenvalue problems for symmetric matrices, and nonlinear leastsquares problems. Contact C. Abaci Inc.. 208 St. Mary's St., Raleigh. NC 27605.

• UNPACK $75

This collection of FORTRAN subroutines analyzes and solves linear equations and linear least-squares problems. The package solves linear systems whose matrices are general.

banded, symmetric indefinite, symmetric positive definite, triangular, and tridiagonal square. The routines are available in single-precision, doubleprecision, complex, and doubleprecision complex. Contact IMSL Inc.. 7500 Bellaire Blvd., NBC Building. Houston, TX 77036-5085.

•PC-MATLAB $695

This highly optimized second-generation MATLAB for the IBM PC has been completely rewritten in the C language. New features of the program include graphics, user-defined functions. IEEE arithmetic, test data types, fastcompiled FOR and WHILE loops, and many new analytical commands. The program is available from The Math Works Inc.. 124 Foxwood Rd., Portola Valley, CA 9402 5.

Software for Nonlinear Equations

• SEQS (The Simultaneous Equation Solver) $100

This program handles up to 20 equations with 20 variables: it is made for the Apple 11+ and lie. Contact CET Research Group Ltd.. POB 2029. Norman, OK 73069.

• TKISolver $299

This program also solves equations, but it provides a worksheet-like user interface. For more information, see TKISolver" by Alan R. Miller. December 1984 BYTE, page 263. Contact Software Arts Inc., 27 Mica Lane, Wellesley MA 02181.

Software for Mathematical Programming

•LIPS $80

• LPSUBS $99

These two products consists of FORTRAN subprograms for Large-Integer Programming (LIPS) and Linear Programming (LPSUBS) problems on the IBM PC. It is available from Software Designs 2000. POB 13238, Albuquerque, NM 87192.

148 BYTE • DECEMBER 1985

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SCIENTIFIC SOFTWARE

For your own

protection, you should be aware of the quality of a scientific program before you buy it.

learn how to link to the compiled subroutines. More recently, the microcomputer

has come to be viewed as a workstation, which in turn has led to the development of more scientific software in the form of command- or menudriven packages (tools) that do not require that you program them. As the command set becomes richer, you are given more control over data manipulation, and you can group commands into procedures that are interpreted, compiled, or otherwise processed for execution. The end product is a new programming language in all but name.

Another approach some software developers take is to provide a prototype program that is designed to be easily modified by the user (the

Microcomputer Software

for Econometric Modeling

and Forecasting

This list illustrates the variety of software that may be available for a given subject area

• ESP (The Econometric Software Package) $795

This package uses menus, function keys, and commands to build a specialized language for estimation, forecasting, simulation, and analysis. Contact Alpha Software Corporation. 30 B St., Burlington. MA 01803

• Horizon/370 Software for the AT/370 One-time fee of $50,000: maintenance fee is $5000 per year

This forecasting workstation incorporates econometric forecasting and time-series techniques. Contact Chase Decision Systems. 1000 Massachusetts Ave.. Cambridge. MA 02138.

• INSTAT-QF $19.95

The QF stands for "quick forecaster." This program is for the IBM PC or PC XT. It uses AR1MA modeling and is menu-driven. The price of both programs is more than reasonable. Contact Statistical Consulting Services, 517 East Lodge Dr.. Tempe. AZ 85283.

• MICROB) $295

This ARIMA system is based on the Box-Jenkins philosophy It is for the Apple II or IBM PC. Contact Stratix. POB 1014, Woodinville. WA 980721014.

• Nuametrics $195

This econometrics package uses singleand multiple-regression techniques for statistical analysis and forecasting. Contact Stratix, POB 1014, Woodinville, WA 98072-1014.

• RATS (Regression Analysis

of Time Series) $250

This is a comprehensive commanddriven system for knowledgeable users of the IBM PC. The summary listing of commands is 12 pages long, so it's not a product you can just switch on and use. A hard disk is not mandatory, but it helps. The program is available from VAR Econometrics. 134 Prospect Ave. S, Minneapolis, MN 55419

• XTRAPOLATOR $195

This is an automatic forecasting system. Contact Stratix. POB 1014, Woodinville, WA 98072-1014.

teaching aid approach). You can adapt it to particular tasks or personal preferences. This approach is not widely used commercially, partly because there are difficulties in protecting the authorship of programs.

Quality

The degree to which software performs as claimed is far too often taken for granted.

In scientific computations, subtle interactions between the problem presented and the floating-point arithmetic used to solve the problem may dramatically alter the results a program obtains. Thus, scientific software must operate correctly on the tasks it shares with such programs as word processors or database managers. However, it must also be produced in such a way that the approximations and iterative processes it uses give results that well-informed users consider reasonable. Alternatively, diagnostic information that allows troublesome situations to be understood and corrected in an appropriate way must be output.

For your protection, you should be aware of a program's quality before you buy it. This means you should pay attention to reviews by competent professionals in the field, the documentation of authorship, methods of program development, the history of the software, and the reputation of the software producer and vendor.

Conclusion

The text boxes "Software Tools for Scientific Computations" on page 148 and "Microcomputer Software for Econometric Modeling and Forecasting" at left list a number of scientific software packages. However, with the development of new products and the improvement of existing ones, this information will soon be dated. In order to obtain more up-to-date information, you should also consider the following sources: reviews in scientific journals, reviews in computer journals and magazines, publications dedicated to scientific software and its uses, and public-access software databases. ■

150 BYTE • DECEMBER 1985

There is

KPP^IA#»*I *%lr

W^^ |\003K

Diskettes

till inch diskettes

*LS*A3£^ « ^

rausn

With all the care and precision that goes into every Kodak diskette, it's only natural that you'd expect extraordinary performance.

And that's exactly what you'll get.

You see, Kodak diskettes are made for any application where trouble-free performance is essential and data protection is critical.

For openers, every Kodak diskette has the stamina to sustain signal strength far above industry performance standards, even after millions of read-write passes.

Every Kodak diskette is individually tested for read-write performance over every sector, every track.

And it's not until those tests and many others are completed that

> Eastman Kodak Company, 1985

Kodak diskettes are certified error-free.

Naturally, every Kodak diskette is backed by our Performance Guarantee, which promises a free replacement in the unlikely event that a Kodak diskette is defective. No other warranties are expressed or implied. You'll find Kodak diskettes at computer stores, office supply dealers, and other retail oudets. In standarddensity 8- and 5V4-inch formats, plus high-density S^-inch diskettes, and 3Vi-inch micro diskettes. The Kodak diskettes. Performance without the fine print.

KODAK.

The name says it all.

milium

COMPAQ could have stopped here 'smmws.

COMPAQ* is a registered trademark, COMPAQ PORTABLE 286™ and COMPAQ DESKPRO 286'" are trademarks of COMPAQ Computer Corporation. IBM* is a registered trademark; IBM Personal Computer AT™ is a trademark of

International Business Machines Corporation.© 1985 COMPAQ Computer Corporation

152 BYTE • DECEMBER 1985

...but we didn't.

Presenting the COMPAQ DESKPRO 286? More features, more speed...more power.

Most people think the IBM* Personal Computer-AT™ holds the records for speed, memory, and storage. But COMPAQ" has a personal computer that pushes the technology much further.

A faster computer

Most computer companies would have been satisfied with a computer that ran programs as fast as the IBM PC-AT. But not COMPAQ. The COMPAQ DESKPRO 286 runs all the popular programs 30% faster.

Work alone or network

Most would have been content with 3 Megabytes of memory, the IBM PC-AT's maximum. But again, not COMPAQ. The COMPAQ DESKPRO 286 can expand to 8.2 Megabytes.

And most would have been comfortable with 40 Megabytes of storage, the IBM PC-AT's maximum. But we designed the COMPAQ DESKPRO 286 to expand up to 70 Megabytes so it can become a faster, more powerful network file server.

Like the IBM PC-AT, COMPAQ offers 360-K byte and high-capacity 1.2-Megabyte diskette drives. But

we didn't stop there. We offer you more. Like the internal fixed disk drive back-up system pioneered by COMPAQ, to protect all the data on your 20-, 30-, or 70-Megabyte fixed disk drive system. There's room to accommodate up to four storage devices.

No compromises

The COMPAQ DESKPRO 286 offers a monitor that displays both high-resolution text and graphics. To get the same feature with the IBM PC-AT, you'd have to pay considerably more.

In short, with the COMPAQ DESKPRO 286, you don't get compromises. Just a more powerful, more advanced, more complete personal computer for anyone who demands the utmost in performance.

And if you need all this power to go, we also offer it in a package half the size of an IBM PC-AT, complete with a handle. It's called the COMPAQ PORTABLE 286™

Portable or desktop, COMPAQ offers computers without equal. Because we design them without compromise.

For a free brochure or the location of your nearest Authorized COMPAQ Computer Dealer, call tollfree 1-800-231-0900 and ask for operator 7.

comma

It simply works better.

©Gfflffim

WOULD YOU BUY A PACEMAKER FROM MATTEL?

IBMIPC-based LOGIC LINE-1 ™ artificial intelligence software is so advanced, that competitive products are toys by comparison.

There aren't very many who'd stake their lives on a toy-store pacemaker. Luckily, we won't have to worry about their rancid cells polluting mankind's gene pool very long anyhow. Such brain-damaged geeks tend to die young.

If you've recently spent money on artificial intelligence software, you might be wishing a few programmers had croaked before writing that blithering swill they named AI and palmed off onto you. What they call an "inference engine" is nothing more than an IF-THEN decision tree that can't even do a very good job of arithmetic*

We're Clarity Software, and we're introducing a product that can take a massive amount of text from any machine-readable source, and mathematically distill thought processes for query and analysis. This process, as distinguished from expert systems, is referred to as natural-language intelligence.

In this ad, we're going to explain to you why you'd be crazy not to have our package in your portfolio of data-manipulation assets.

DERIVE THE DNA/RNA OF ANY WRITER'S THOUGHT PROCESSES.

LOGIC LINE-1 was the result of the interaction between a couple of cyberneticists and a physicist, with combined experience in high-performance learning and pattern-recognition programming. The physicist was responsible for one of the first DNA/RNAtracking systems (the RNA-of-thought assertion is more than just an advertising creation). We are not your ordinary bunch of yahoos.

Imagine having the collected thoughts of Voltaire online. If you were interested in viewing Voltaire's thoughts on "job security;' you would enter that term in the search menu.

Now you're thinking: "Nuts! These yahoos are trying to sell me something my supposedly toy text editor can do with a search command. Right?"

Wrong, pussycat. Your inference process was a little quick on the trigger. Never, in any of Voltaire's writing, was there ever the phrase "job security!'

"Ok!' you reply. "You have a dictionary of synonyms, eh?" Wrong again. LOGIC LINE-1 has no dictionary. Interesting?

Essentially, LOGIC LINE-1 uses a series of mathematical transformations on text, the out

put of which is cataloged in a database analogous to a biological DNA/RNA imprint of that text.

There are approximately one dozen parameters that make up a thought's DNA/RNA. Some transformations fingerprint syntax patterns; some look at subject/predicate relationships via a small dictionary of several dozen noise words.

After setting up the above Voltaire "job security" query. LOGIC LINE-1 will present you with high-possibility "hits!' You will type " Y" when they are relevant, and "S" for skip, when they are not.

The first several "hits" might be rejected, since the term "job security" will not be found. Once you get an acceptable entry, however, and lock onto an acceptable RNA-ofthought pattern, the accuracy of LOGIC LINE-1 will be staggering. Or we'll refund your money. Simple enough?

"I'M NOT INTO VOLTAIRE',' YOU SAY. "WHY DO I NEED LOGIC LINE-1?"

How would you like to be able to turn any textbase into an expert system? For example, most PC users rely upon word processing. The problem is, we store our correspondence in files with names like "LT062185" or "REJECT21" or "RANDOMTH!' As a result, we reinvent the wheel with each letter we compose. Why do this?

Using LOGIC LINE-1, you can append all your written correspondence into one textbase file. Sure, any word processor could do a straight search for a term like "quality!' But none can do this search as fast as LOGIC LINE-1. And none could turn up the "quality" references if queried for the term "workmanship!'

Thus, when writing letters and speeches, use LOGIC LINE-1 to collect previously articulated thoughts on any given subject. Whatever your profession, be it law, medicine, engineering or information management. LOGIC LINE-1 is an indispensable tool for true thought processing.

Now that thousands of textbases are publicly available, LOGIC LINE-1 is the key to their intelligent use. Once the computer establishes associative links in a large body of material, many creative applications are possible.

TRUE AI! CLONE THE GREAT MINDS ON YOUR PC.

Did Bacon write Shakespeare? Did Albert Einstein have anything relevant to say on the subject of "generation gap?" How many congressmen consistently contradict themselves in the Congressional Record?

The uses of LOGIC LINE-1 are limited only by the availability of textbases, and by your imagination.

Do you dare send a student to college without LOGIC LINE-1 and a PC? Would YOU care to compete in business with someone else who has this leading-edge, decision-support software?

Einstein should write your papers on relativity. Alfred North Whitehead should write your papers on philosophy. And Shakespeare should write your love letters.

1985'S SPECIAL $100 LIMITED-TIME OFFER WILL BE HISTORY IN 1986.

This is our very first, and only, announcement ad. For the rest of this year, you may obtain LOGIC LINE-1 for only $ 100 (note, we didn't try to fool you with a $99.95 price tag; we do give you, as well as your computer, some credit for intelligence). As of January 1, 1986, LOGIC LINE-1 will retail for $250.

To find out more about LOGIC LINE-1, call 216/729-1132. You may order by phone by calling 800/621-5839 (or in Illinois, call 800/972-5855). Return the product for any reason whatsoever within 30 days for a full refund. If you are with the US government or one of the intelligence spook shops, LOGIC LINE-1 is available to federal/DOD buyers through IBIS Corporation, 131 Elden Street, Herndon, VA 22070 (call 800/532-3344 or 703/478-0300).

You COULD spend your next $100 for other software. You could also ask Weird AI Yankovic to install that terrific new pacemaker from your kids' Young Doctor toy kit. Call today and save more than just money.

CLARITY SOFTWARE.

A Div. of EXPANSION PGMS INT'L, Inc.

P0 BOX 839 • Chesterland, OH 44026 • USA

(216)729-1132

*The only other package out there worthy of the label "artificial intelligence" is from Teknowledge in Palo Alto, and we don't compete with them. They build "expert systems!' while our emphasis is on "natural language" systems. We mention them in passing, because they're one of the few "good guys!'Copyright © I985by Clarity Software. LOGIC LINE-1r" is a trademark of Clarity Software, and requires a I28K IBM PC with at least one diskette drive and runs under MS/DOS 2.1 and up. IBM" IBM Corp. MATTEL"' Mattel. We hope the swell people at Mattel can take a joke. Advertising & PR byTRBA. 408/258-2708.

Inquiry 60

PROGRAMMING INSIGHT

VIRTUAL FIELDING IN MICROSOFT BASIC

BY C R. J. CURRIE

A method for handling files with large record lengths

THIS ARTICLE DESCRIBES a technique for handling files with record lengths exceeding a sector on Microsoft BASIC (MBASIC) systems. I originally devised this technique for use on Tandy's TRS-80 Models I. II. and III, which have sector lengths and maximum record lengths of 2 56 bytes, but it should be usable with little or no change on most versions of MBASIC. Your version of BASIC should be able to automatically handle variablelength records of a size less than the system's maximum.

On the TRS-80s and other systems with short maximum record lengths, the usual method for handling long logical records is called span blocking. Fields of the records are written to disk one by one. Before each is written, the position of the start of the field within the physical sector is calculated. If the field will then overflow the sector, the extent of the overflow must be determined, the field split into two, and the remainder written to the next sector. The calculations are then repeated for each successive field. The procedure is slow and cumbersome.

In more advanced versions of MBASIC, including those running on

machines that use microprocessor or

the Intel 8086 its derivatives, there is automatic span blocking: logical record lengths up to 32 K. bytes can be handled directly. Nevertheless, you will encounter two serious difficulties when you manage such long records. First, the FIELD statement can only cope with buffers up to approximately 7K bytes. Second, MBASIC allows the program to address only 64 K bytes of memory (one segment if the 8086 is used). You must reserve file buffers before entering BASIC, and the space they use is deducted from the memory available for programs and data. Moreover, the space you reserve for every buffer must equal that needed for the largest file buffer. Thus, if you need to handle a large data file with 20K-byte records, using two other index files each with a much smaller record length, you still must reserve 60K bytes, which leaves hardly any space for the program. In some cases, where the total space used by the file buffers exceeds 64 K bytes, the system will appear to leave more memory— but that is deceptive and potentially disastrous, since some of the file buffers may in fact be mapped onto the

program area. Therefore, the very large file buffers that the system seems to permit are virtually useless. By contrast, the "virtual-fielding" method, which uses a virtual-memory technique to control the buffers, allows you to handle up to 15 files simultaneously, with combined record lengths of 300K bytes on the 48K-byte TRS-80 (or half a megabyte or more on a 128K-byte machine running MBASIC-86). The virtual-fielding method requires no span blocking and does most of the few needed calculations only once at the beginning of the program. Moreover, you can treat each long record (for purposes of data transfer, hash coding, or tree searching) as a single logical record. Compared with span blocking, there is usually a waste of some disk space, but it should never be as much as 1 percent within each logical record. Since span blocking generally wastes a little space in the last sec

[continued) C R. I. Currie (Institute of Historical Research, Senate House, Malet Street, London WC1E 7HU, England) has been involved since 1981 with the use of microcomputers in the fields of historical research, writing, and publishing.

DECEMBER 1985 -BYTE

155

VIRTUAL FIELDING

tor of each file, virtually fielded files will seldom be longer than spanblocked files.

The technique requires that you reserve an area of high memory for the record buffers of long files. The area must be slightly greater than the longest record length used in the files that the program accesses, and you

must protect the area when you enter BASIC from the operating system. In MBAS1C, you type MBASIC /M.nnnnn from the operating-system prompt, where nnnnn is the address above which the memory is to be protected. The same area of memory will be mapped to handle all the files' logical records.

You already own a computer that can talk.

Now let it.

Now you can upgrade almost any personal computer and make it more powerful than ever, by giving it the power of speech.

The Votrax Personal Speech System is the least expensive sophisticated voice synthesizer available today. The PSS's text-to-speech vocabulary is virtually unlimited, and you can define an exception word table and customize your translations. So the PSS can say just about anything1

It's a speech and sound specialist.

The PSS can also mix speech and sound effects or speech and music. It contains its own speaker a programmable master clock, 256 programmable frequencies, a programmable speech rate for a more natural rhythm, and 16 programmable amplitude levels for incredible control of word emphasis. You can control the volume. Plus, it doesn't use any of your computer's valuable memory

It's computer friendly.

The PSS is unbelievably easy to use. ft doesn't need an interface card for most computers. It comes with standard serial and parallel ports. Speech, music, and sound effects are as simple as printing out a document

What do you do with a talking computer?

There are countless practical applications. Businesses may want the PSS for spoken transmission of information, narration of displays, and product demonstrations It makes verification of data input possible for the blind. It can be part of a burglar alarm system. Children can use the PSS as a study aid. And it helps games come alive, speaking while you play

Whatever your computer can do, the PSS can help it do it better at a cost that makes it all worthwhile: only $395* Call (313) 583-9884 to hear an actual voice demonstration of the PSS.

"Suggested retal price

There's also the Type 'N Talk.

If you want a less sophisticated unit and want to spend a little less, consider the Votrax Type 'N Talk (TNT). Its vocabulary is also limited only by what you can type. It doesn't use any computer memory it's compatible with most computers, and rt's only $249* Just plug it in to your own speaker and go!

For more information about the Personal Speech System or the Type 'N Talk, see your local computer retailer call toll-free or write:

jU V^i-I/A\ Troy Michigan 48083 1-800-521-1350

(In Michigan, call colled 313-588-0341)

The management program must know the number of files, their record lengths, and the number and lengths of the fields in each file. For each file, an initialization routine calculates the number of 2 56-byte sectors required for each logical record and then calculates a standard buffer length. If the logical record length is (or is just one byte short of) a multiple of the sector length, the routine assigns a 12 8-byte buffer. In other cases where the record length is not an exact multiple of the sector length, the buffer length will be less than 2 56 bytes, and the record length will be rounded up to a multiple of the buffer length. Each buffer will be treated as a single field for interaction with the interpreter. Single-dimensioned arrays (one of integers, the other of strings) hold the file buffer lengths and the buffer field variables. The number of elements of the arrays is the number of files to be handled. A third array of dummy strings is set up at the same time; the length of each string element is set to that of the corresponding file buffer. You can then open the files with the appropriate buffer lengths.

Next, the routine sets up a two-dimensional array of strings for the logical fields. One dimension's size equals the total number of files; the other dimension's size is the largest number of fields used in any file. For each file, the routine points the appropriate strings in the array sequentially at the protected memory buffer by manipulating the array's VARPTR function. All the logical records are thus mapped onto the same area of memory, a safe process because only one file can be read from or written to at any time and because the buffer is only used for temporary storage.

When the routine writes a record, it transfers data to the fields in the memory buffer using the LSET or RSET block-move commands, just as if the fields were ordinary field variables. It then uses the appropriate dummy string as a window and steps across the memory buffer by manipulating the pointer to its address. After each step, it uses LSET to trans

(continued)

156 BYTE • DECEMBER 1985

Inquiry 371

»•»:

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if Staying Well informed can

keep You well ahead, CompuServe's

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Then there's USA TODAY Update, with late breaking business information available

Inquiry 71

for quick analysis by busy executives. USA TODAYs editors monitor hundreds of national and international news sources to bring you the latest, most important developments. General news reports are updated hourly. Reports for specific industries are provided daily in a concise, executive summary format.

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VIRTUAL FIELDING

Listing 1: A short demonstration program.

10 REM DEMO LONG BUFFER PROGRAM FOR TWO FILES:MULTIFILE METHOD.

11 ' C.R.J. CURRIE. 18 DECEMBER 1984

14 '

15 REM *"* CLEAR (STRING SPACE IF NEEDED), SET SAFETY MARGIN 20 ' FOR MBASIC-86, USE 600: FOR TRS-80, USE 10

24 '

25 CLEAR 5000:DEFINT F:MG = 600

26 '

27 REM •*" DETERMINE ADDRESS OF PROTECTED MEMORY BUFFER

28 ' LINE 30 MUST BE EXECUTED BEFORE ANY OTHER STRING WORK

29 '

30 A$ = A$:HI = PEEK(VARPTR(A$) + 1) + PEEK(VARPTR(A$) + 2)*256:HI = HI + MG

40 REM *" FOR TRS-80 MODEL l/lll USE:

41 REM "*• HI = PEEK(16561) + PEEK(16562)*256:HI = HI + MG

42 '

43 REM *** MOD FUNCTION IF YOUR BASIC LACKS IT

44 '

45 DEF FNMD%(A,B%) = A-(INT(A/B°/o)*B°/o)

49 '

50 READ NF%:DIM F$(NF°/o):' NUMBER OF FILES

57 '

58 REM *** TEST ON TWO EXISTING FILES FOR DEMO PURPOSES

59 '

60 FOR N°/c = 1 TO NF°/o:PRINT"NAME OF FILE NUMBER";N°/o;" ";:LINE INPUT F$(N°/o)

70 NEXT

79 '

80 GOSUB 6000: REM "*" INITIALIZE BUFFERS

87 '

88 REM *** DEMO ARRAY

89 '

90 DIM B$(FO(1))

297 '

298 REM *"* DEMO READ (E.G., OF EXISTING TEXT FILE)-SECOND RECORD

299 '

300 FOR MO/o=1 TO NF%

310 KT$ = TIME$:RC = 2:GOSUB 1000:GOSUB 700:FOR N%=1 TO FO(M°/o):PRINT B$(N°/o);:NEXT N%,M%:CLOSE:END

497 '

498 REM *•" WRITE VARIABLES TO MEMORY BUFFER: DEMO ONLY

499 '

500 FOR N°/o=1 TO FO(M°/o):LSET FA$(M°/o,N°/o) = B$(N%):NEXT:RETURN

697 '

698 REM *** READ VARIABLES FROM MEMORY BUFFER:DEMO ONLY

699 '

700 FOR N%=1 TO FO(M°/o):B$(N%) = FA$(M°/o,N°/o):NEXT:RETURN

997 '

998 REM *** READ RECORD FROM DISK-INVARIANT; M°/o = FILE NUMBER, RC = LOGICAL RECORD NUMBER

999'

1000 FSTART! = HI:FOR N%=1 TO NBUF%(M°/o)

1020 GET M%,(RC-1)*NBUF%(M°/o) + N%

1024 '

1025 GOSUB 23000:REM *** MOVE WINDOW THROUGH MEMORY BUFFER

1029 '

1030 LSET FC$(M%) = FB$(M%):NEXT 1050 RETURN

1997 '

1998 REM *** WRITE RECORD TO DISK-INVARIANT

1999 '

(continued)

fer the contents of the memory buffer to the file buffer and that buffer is written to disk. A loop handles these operations easily. Tb read a record, the routine reverses the procedure, lb ensure that the logical field strings keep pointing at their correct places in the memory buffer, you need only avoid using them on the left side of an assignment statement other than MID$, LSET, or RSET.

The sum of the longest record length and the space occupied by the 3-byte string pointers of the logical field array determines the maximum number of files and fields and the size of record. A 15-row by 100-column string array uses less than 5K bytes for pointers. With 2 55-byte logical fields, that would allow each record of each of the 15 possible files to have up to 2 5,500 bytes, or a total of 382,500 bytes, at a sacrifice of only 30K bytes of RAM (random-access read/write memory). In 16-bit MBASIC that still leaves 32K bytes for the program and space in which to manipulate the data.

A demonstration program (see listing 1) reads data from two files whose record lengths are 1066 bytes and 701 bytes. The program assumes a default record length of 2 56 bytes; in some versions of MBASIC, you must specify this default when you load BASIC. The demonstration files use all string fields, but the method is equally applicable to MBASIC's compressed numeric fields. You can use existing text files to test the program.

DATA statements at the end of the program store the number of files, and for each file the record length and the number and length of fields. For files with very long record lengths, however, it would be more appropriate to store that information in a separate sequential file and read it in at the beginning of the run, replacing all READ statements by INPUT* statements. Note that the data for the file with the most fields must head the list. Line 45 defines a modulo function; it is not needed for MBASIC versions that have a MOD function. For

{continued)

158 BYTE • DECEMBER 1985

The $69.^ solution.

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TELEPHONE 305/657-1144

'1985 Allen-Harris Industries, Inc. Inquiry 13

GP-TOOLS a division of Allen-Harris In Justries. Inc. GP-TOOLS includes GP-File. GP-Print and GP-Ulility.

DECEMBER 1985 -BYTE

159

VIRTUAL FIELDING

2000 FSTART! = HI:FOR N°/o=1 TO NBUF°/o(M°/o):GOSUB 23000:LSET

FB$(M°/o) = FC$(M%) 2010 PUT M%,(RC-1)*NBUF%(M°/o) + N°/o:NEXT 2020 RETURN

5997 '

5998 REM *** BUFFER INITIALIZATION ROUTINE: INVARIANT

5999 '

6000 DIM BU%(NF%),FC$(NF%),FB$(NF%),NBUF°/o(NF%),FO(NF%) 6010 FOR M%=1 TO NF%:GOSUB 6020:NEXT M%:RETURN

6017 '

6018 REM *"* CALCULATE BUFFER LENGTHS FOR EACH FILE

6019 '

6020 FSTART! = HI

6030 READ RLREM •** RECORD LENGTH 6040 READ FO(M%):REM *** NUMBER OF LOGICAL FIELDS 6050 IF M%=1 THEN DIM FA$(NF°/o,FO(1)):' ARRAY FOR FIELDS 6060 NBUF%(M%) = INT(RL/256):IF FNMD°/o(RL,256) = 255 THEN

RL = RL+1:GOTO6060 6070 IF FNMD%(RL,256) = 0 THEN

NBUF%(M%) = NBUF%(M%)*2:BU°/o(M°/o) = 128:GOSUB 20015 ELSE GOSUB 20000:REM "* FIELD FILE BUFFER AND DUPLICATE BUFFERS

6097 '

6098 REM *** NOW FIELD LOGICAL FIELDS

6099 '

6100 FSTART! = HI

6110 FOR N%=1 TO FO(M%):READ A%;TP = VARPTR(FA$(M°/o,N°/o)):POKE

TP,A°/o:GOSUB 25000:FSTART! = FSTART! + A°/o 6120 NEXT N% 6130 RETURN

19997 '

19998 REM *** FILE BUFFERS FOR IRREGULAR RECORD LENGTH

19999 •

20000 NBUF°/o(M%) = NBUF°/o(M°/o) + 1 :BU°/o(M%) = INT(RL/NBUF%(M%)) 20010 IF FNMD%(RL,NBUF%(M%))< >0 THEN BU°/o(M%) = BU°/o(M°/o)+ 1 20015 FC$(M°/o) = FC$(M°/o):GOSUB 22000:RETURN

21997 '

21998 REM *** OPEN FILES

21999 '

22000 OPEN"R",M%,F$(M°/o),BU°/o(M%) 22010 FIELD M°/o.(BU°/o(M%)) AS FB$(M°/o) 22020 RETURN

23000 TP = VARPTR(FC$(M%)):POKE TP,BU°/o(M%)

23010 GOSUB 25000

23020 FSTARTI = FSTART! + BU°/o(M%): RETURN

24997 '

24998 REM *" POINT STRING AT MEMORY BUFFER

24999 '

25000 POKE TP + 1,FNMD°/o(FSTART!,256);POKE TP + 2,INT(FSTART!/256):RETURN

29997 '

29998 REM *" DEMO DATA:CHANGE AS APPROPRIATE

29999 '

30000 DATA 2:REM "" NUMBER OF FILES

30005 DATA 1066:REM *** RECORD LENGTH OF FIRST FILE 30010 DATA 6:REM *** NUMBER OF LOGICAL FIELDS 30020 DATA 101,151,202,203,204,205:'LOGICAL FIELD LENGTHS 30030 DATA 701:REM *** RECORD LENGTH OF SECOND FILE 30035 DATA 4:REM *** NUMBER OF LOGICAL FIELDS, FILE 2 30040 DATA 200,200,200,101 .'FIELD LENGTHS FOR FILE 2

those versions, you can replace calls of the form X%= FNMOD°/o(A,B°/o) with X%=A MOD B°/o.

The program begins by calculating the address of the bottom of protected memory (line 30), allowing a safety margin (MG) above the top of BASIC'S string space (which you must adjust for your version of MBASIC). The program then reads the number of files and sets up an array of filenames that it reads from the keyboard. Line 6000 begins the main initialization routine, which is invariant in form for all virtual-fielding applications. The initialization sets up the arrays for buffer lengths (BU%). dummy string windows (FC$), file buffers (FB$), buffer numbers (NBUF%). and numbers of fields (FO). A separate subroutine at line 6020 calculates the number of sectors needed for the logical record of each file. If required, that separate subroutine calls the routine that computes irregular buffer lengths (beginning at line 20000) and then calls the file-opening routine at line 22000. The program can later call the file-opening routine if any file has been closed in the meantime, after setting M°/o equal to the number of the closed file. Lines 6100-6130 set up the logical fields (FAS).

Lines 500 and 700 provide two straightforward demonstration subroutines for transferring data to and from the logical record buffers; only the read routine is used here. The routines for reading and writing a record to disk are at lines 1000-1050 and 2000-2020. Like the initialization routine, they are invariant for all virtual-fielding applications. Both call a subroutine at 23000, which steps the FC$ dummy string through the memory buffer by altering its address.

Virtual fielding should remain useful in the future because the technique works well under both 8-bit and the current 16-bit versions of Microsoft BASIC. Today we have more advanced 16-bit versions of Microsoft BASIC that allow for 64K-byte strings and a megabyte or more of address space, and we have computers using optical storage media with capacities of hundreds of megabytes. ■

160 BYTE • DECEMBER 1985

READ

ONLY

A review of the IBM Personal Computer Family. Vol. 2, No. 3

HARDWARE NEWS

A growing family of PC Printers.

Different jobs demand different printers. IBM has developed a full line of printers for its Personal Computer Family to answer those demands, two of the most recentthe IBM Proprinter and the IBM Color- Jetprinter— deserve special mention.

Both are compatible with the IBM PC Family of Persona Computers as well as with many other lead ing home and office personal computers. And both offer the traditional high standard of IBM relia bility and support.

The IBM Proprinter.

The IBM Proprinter alone can help you complete a variety of different home or office jobs.

It has an unusual feature that will be welcomed by everyone who has spent time switching back and forth from single-sheet to continuous forms printing. A special slot in the front of the Proprinter allows you to print single pages or envelopes quickly and easily without removing the continuous forms paper.

The Proprinters high-speed (200 cpsl. dot-matrix technology can make short work of your day-to-day

printing tasks like first drafts of letters or reports.

For more finished work, the Proprinter does near-letter-quality printing (at 40 cpsl and lets you add emphasis to your text (at MX) cps) with bold print, condensed print and underlining.

It also has all-points-addressable graphics capabilities that can help you produce a complete range of charts and graphs to illustrate your text.

One additional plus: it's very competitively priced.

IBM Proprinter has a convenient slot for printing envelopes or single pages.

IBM Color Jetprinter quietly utilizes "drop^n-demand* ink jet technology.

The IBM Color Jetprinter.

The IBM Color Jetprinter is an unusually quiet, compact workstation printer that utilizes advanced "drop-on-demand" ink jet technology.

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■ ■ ■

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Samples of color graphics and texts produced by IBM Color Jetprinter.

Designed to be used with the IBM PC and many other personal computers, its supported by a wide selection of software programs.

You can use it to produce draft and near-letter-quality text and high-quality graphics in up to seven colors.

In addition, the Jetprinter allows you to highlight your text with bold and underlined passages done in color or printed against a background color.

The Color Jetprinter also prints graphs, charts, engineering drawings and texts directly onto special Jetprinter transparencies for presentations.

And. thanks to a unique nonclogging ink formula, it performs all these functions very reliably.

Videotex connections.

Videotex provides a key to much of our future shopping, entertainment and business information. Videotex services, using existing

telephone lines, already supply travel information, personal shopping options and personalized messaging, banking and investing services.

PC Videotex software from IBM allows you to access these services from your IBM Personal Computer. IBM Personal Computer XT™ IBM Personal Computer AT® or IBM PCjr™

With only a few simple commands, you can use your IBM PC to receive, display, store and replay the data you choose in high-resolution color graphics and texts.

And if you need more than information retrieval. PC Videotex, in certain configurations, can be used to support your own Videotex data base.

WHAT'S THE PROGRAM?

Create your own presentations.

Everyone who has ever put together a visual presentation for a business meeting or other educational purpose can now take heart. With the help of IBM PC Storyboard software, an IBM PC and a color'graphics monitor you can turn out professional-looking, captivating presentations complete w ith color, special effects and eye-catching graphics.

PC Storyboards four- modulesPicture Taker'. Picture Maker; Story Editor and Story Teller-—make it fast, easy and comparatively inexpensive to create, combine and modify pictures and stories. There's even arr animation function that makes it possible for birds to fly. ships to move across water, words to become bigger.

K***^

-'

Information at your fingertips.

IBM PC I Ideotex software makes I ideotex connections in highresolution color graphics and text.

Picture Taker lets you store the contents of screen displays from software you regularly work with, such as spreadsheet, business graphics, drawing or word processing programs.

You can use the Picture Maker module to edit and combine the graphics you've saved. Picture Maker also allows you to create completely new pictures containing both text—in a variety of type styles—and graphic figures.

Story Editor helps you organize and edit your pictures into a presentation and add various special effects. The results can be dramatic.

You can then use the Story Teller module to display the results on an IBM PC Color Display, on a TV or w itli a video projector.

The finished presentation can be copied on diskettes for distribution. \ou can also produce printed copies w ith a graphics printer like the IBM Color Jetprinter reviewed in this issue of Head Only.

After that, all you need is a director's chair from which to view the finished product.

Expand capabilities with IBM Planning Assistant Solutions. IBM Document Retrieval Assistant and PC Storyboard software.

A few months ago in this space, we reviewed Office Correspondence Retrieval System (OCRS I software from IBM. which provides a convenient way to keep track of information that otherwise might be filed and never found again.

That same application is now available as a member of the IBM Assistant Series, with an easy-to-use menu system that's consistent with those found in other Assistant Series programs.

Like the original OCRS software, IBM Document Retrieval Assistant makes life much easier for anyone who stores large amounts of information on a fixed disk or who has a library of documents, memos or files stored on diskettes.

First, it automatically summarizes information and stores it for future reference. Second, and most important. Document Retrieval Assistant allows you to locate information with simple Englishlanguage queries.

Among other popular word processing software. Document Retrieval Assistant works with IBM Writing Assistant. IBM PCWriter. the IBM DisplayWrite Series, and WordStar® (version 3 JO or higher).

WordStar is a registered trademark of MicroPro International Corporation.

Financial planning.

Life is riddled with seemingly straightforward questions that result in headaches instead of answers.Questions like. "What'smy net worth?"" and "How much will my monthly payments be?""

i in «——

IBM Planning Assistant Solutions

Storyboard

^^^S5

IBM Planning Assistant Solutions and IMM Planning Assistant work together to help yon find the answers even if you're not familiar with the math involved. All yon have to do is fill in the required informa

#3c Com?** Version1f

IBM BASIC Compiler 2.(H) updates an indispensable business programming tool.

linn on simply designed spreadsheets. Your IBM Personal Computer does the hard part.

Planning Assistant Solutions includes spreadsheets like Loan Calculation and Heal Kstate Analysis for home use. Others, like Travel Expense Form and Financial Statement Worksheet, can help you sort out your business finances.

Many of the spreadsheets can use information from files you've created with IBM Filing Assistant. \ou can also include tlie results of your Planning Assistant Solutions work in IBM Writing Assistant documents and present them graphically with IBM Graphing Assistant.

BASK; improvements.

Its good to know that in a business based on technological advances, the basics aren't forgotten.

The IBM BASK Compiler 2.00 gives exactly that reassurance. Its an improved version of an indispensable business programming tool for the entire Family of IBM Personal Computers.

Among many significant improvements, the most recent version of IBM's BASIC Compiler includes better program control structures, allows you to compile larger programs and

supports larger arrays. It also supports the IBM PC Network environment, provides better access to your IBM Disk Operating System (DOS), runs under Tbp\ iew. and offers expanded graphics capabilities.

And there's a trade-up offer for current licensees that represents a significant savings on the IBM BASIC Compiler 2.(H). See your Authorized IBM Personal Computer Dealer or IBM Product Center for details.

! 1

m

program on your display (windowing). This, in turn, makes fast work of switching back and forth among programs that you use frequently—word processing, filing and spreadsheet applications, for example.

The TopYiew Application Guides shown below are now included when you purchase a TopYiew program. They're useful listings of the many programs— IBM applications and software from non-IBM sources— that can be rrsed with TopYiew. Both are arranged alphabetically and include special operating considerations and notes whenever

necessary.

TopView Application Guide

T°PVievv

^tfo,

*Ppli,

"Gu/de

Guides to the top.

IBM TopYiew™ is a program that allows you to run more than one program at a time (multitasking) and to view screens from more than one

Ihpl iew Application Guides now

i included with the program

IBM and Personal Computer AT are registered trademarks of International Business Machines Corporation. Personal Computer XT. PC>r and TopView are trademarks of International Business Machines Corporation.

tor more information about IBM Personal Computer products discussed in this issue of Html Only. see your Authorized IBM Personal Computer Dealer or IBM Product Center. Or call 800-447-4700. In Alaska call BOO-1 I7-08«M>.

l'M."> Internatimal Business Machines G>rporati<rti Little Tramp character licensed by Bubbles Inc.. S.A.

PROGRAMMING INSIGHT

TRAVESTY WITH DATABASE

by Neil J. Rubenking

Breakdown is a fast travesty generator that stores frequency information in a database

Editor's note: Travesty generation has apparently caught the interest of BYTE readers. The original travesty generator—a Turbo Pascal program using letter-combination frequencies to generate random text—was presented by Hugh tenner and Joseph O'Rourke ("A Travesty Generator for Micros',' November 1984 BYTE, page 129). The programs execution time, however, depends on the product of the lengths of the input string (the input text file) and the output string [the desired amount of output text). Readers have been working on improving the speed and capabilities of Travesty, the original program, since then. First, we had Murray Lesser ("Travesty Rev/sited." )uly BYTE, page 163) rewrite Travesty in Microsoft BASIC. Next, we had Peter Wayner ("Build a Travesty Tree'.' September BYTE, page 183) use a BASIC program that improves execution time by storing frequency tables as data trees in memory. Now we have a different version of TravestyBreakdown—written in Turbo Pascal by Neil I. Rubenking. This program improves performance and avoids rereading the input text by storing the frequency information in a database.

I was fascinated by the original travesty-generator program, but I found the execution speed unbearably slow for large texts. Scanning the

whole text for each character took too long, and the limitations of Hellbat were not acceptable to me. I developed a different version of Travesty, which I call Breakdown to distinguish it from the original program. In brief, what makes Breakdown different from Travesty is that it stores its data as a file of frequency tables with B-tree access. You don't have to read through the original text each time you want to create a travesty, and you can even read in several texts by the same author, producing a more detailed "style table."

Note that there are calls (AddRec, FindKey, GetRec, PutRec, etc.) to an optional, software package—Turbo Toolbox—that may require modification for use with your particular configuration. This program may be freely copied for noncommercial use only. | Editor's note: The source code for Breakdown and a documentation file are available for downloading via BYTEnet Listings. The telephone number is (617) 861-9764.]

To analyze a text. Breakdown looks at it in chunks of a particular size (one less than the "order") and keeps a record of which characters occur immediately after that pattern. If the chunk is new to the frequency table,

it is added to the table. Its frequency array is initially all zeros, except for the current next character. If the chunk already exists in the table, its frequency array is incremented by one for the current next character. Then the chunk is shifted one character to the right and the process goes on—that is, the chunk's first character is dropped and the current next character is tacked onto the end.

Checking to see if the chunk is present would be a difficult task if the frequency table were stored sequentially. Fortunately, Borland International's Turbo Toolbox implements fast indexed storage using the B-tree system. The chunks of text are stored in the B-tree index file—they are the keys. The data file contains only the frequency arrays. Ordinarily, the keys would also be stored in the data file, but this redundancy is not strictly necessary. Since the data file can conceivably contain one record for every byte in the source, we want to keep the record size to a minimum. (This

[continued)

Neil ]. Rubenking (300 Page St., San Francisco, CA 94102) is a systems analyst for the Zen Center of San Francisco and is president of the San Francisco PC Users' Group.

DECEMBER 1985 -BYTE 161

TRAVESTY

Breakdown lets you combine data files to make bizarre hybrids of two authors' works.

"worst case" would occur only if no pattern in the text occurred more than once.)

At present, Breakdown tracks 34 characters. These are the 26 lowercase alphabetic characters, along with the space, period, comma, dash, question mark, number symbol, single quote, and ASCII character 20 (the paragraph symbol). If a line is shorter than the constant LineWidth (currently set to 55). it is considered to have ended "early" with a hard carriage return and is marked with the paragraph symbol at the end. In the preprocessing phase (procedure Cleanup), all letters are converted to lowercase, all numbers are reduced to a single # symbol, double quotes become single quotes, and all unused punctuation is removed. It would, of course, be possible to track more characters, but each character adds a byte to every record.

To generate new text, Breakdown randomly selects a key that begins with a space (i.e.. one that doesn't start in the middle of a word.) It then looks up the frequency array for that key and selects the next character at

random from the characters with nonzero frequencies, weighted by the frequencies. This character is added to the current output line and to the current key chunk. If the paragraph symbol is encountered, the line is automatically ended. Also, the current line ends at the first space encountered after its length surpasses the LineWidth constant. The first alphabetic character after a period, question mark, or line end is capitalized.

Breakdown is a prime candidate for RAM-disk operation. The B-tree file access limits the number of disk accesses quite a bit. but there are still several accesses for each byte in the source file. The data file of a text under 10K bytes in length will definitely fit on one 360K-byte floppy disk, but an UK-byte file could run over that length. You may distribute your files to various disk drives—a likely arrangement is DAT file on drive B and source, INX file, and the Breakdown program on drive A.

The higher the order, the more intelligible the output will be. However, a high order and a short text will mostly just regenerate the original. Experiment with various texts and various orders. You can use the List (L) option to see what sort of records are being generated. For a 2000-byte file using an order of 8, Breakdown takes 9 minutes to input and 7 minutes to output. Breakdown has been tried on a lOOK-byte text file, with the order set to the maximum of 8. It took over 6 hours and generated a 1.8-megabyte

data file, but it worked.

Breakdown will prompt you for the order each time you make a selection from the menu. After you have entered an order, you can just press the carriage return for the previous value. The filename Main works the same way—after the first time you enter it. pressing the carriage return will recall the same name. The default for the .DAT and .INX drives and the output file, if any. is the same as the source file. Thus, if you have Analyzed (A) a text with all its files on one drive, you can fill in the blanks for Generating (G) a travesty by repeatedly pressing the carriage return.

The Merge (M) option lets you combine two data files, possibly from wildly different sources. The data and index files of the "source" will be permanently changed, so you may want to keep a copy of the original files. You can also "read in" another text into an existing data file. Use this option to build up a frequency-table "model" of a particular author or to make bizarre hybrids by combining two authors' works.

Breakdown is a moderately sophisticated database program with almost no "serious" uses. However, there are all kinds of nonserious uses for it. For instance, you can read in three or four "letters from camp" and then let the computer generate more, or you can generate new speeches based on our President's proclamations, or make up your own use for this new travestygeneration technique. ■

GRAPHS WITHOUT GRAPHICS?

vtt 11.9X

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Software

No need for color monitor or graphics board. Make graphs on dot matrix printers.

Computers 19.82

Easy to Use. No Programming.

CP/M 2.2. 3, 80, or 86. MS-DOS or PC-DOS.

Excellent Manual. Most disk formats.

ms 27.OX

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Line Graphs & Scatterplots... .$69

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1 1 1

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162 BYTE • DECEMBER 1985

Inquiry 204

Which leading

monitor company

lets you best

display the

advantages of IBM's

new color graphics cards?

Princeton Gra

In a class

When you put Princeton Graphic Systems Monitors to work with IBM's new graphics cards, you step up to a new class of performance. Exciting RGB color, sharp, crisp graphics and text and Princeton's quality and reliability...all at a great pricel

Our full line of monitors clearly demonstrates why Princeton is an industry leader in high-resolution technology.

Princeton SR- 12P Color Monitor

The first IBM compatible monitor available for the IBM Professional Graphics Controller.*

Princeton HX 12L Color Monitor

The superior choice for use with IBM's Enhanced Graphics Adapter.*

^

COMPARE:

Princeton SR-12P

IBM 5175

Dot pitch

(The lower, tHe better.)

.26 mm

.31 mm

Sugg. Retail Price

(The lower, the better tool)

$999

$1295

Warranty

1 Year

90 days

Designed for demanding professionals who won't settle for anything less than the finest color graphic capabilities. Displays more than 4,000 brilliant colors.. .features an anti-reflective coated black matrix tube for less fatigue and eye strain. You get the sharpest graphics and text... at a substantial savings!

COMPARE:

Princeton HX-12E

IBM 5154

Dot pitch

.28 mm

.31 mm

Sugg. Retail Price

$785

$849

Tinted Black Matrix Tube

Yes

No

Warranty

1 Year

90 days

Ideal for most computing applications, the HX-12E offers 64 high-resolution colors and easy-to-read text. It gives you sharp colors, crisp characters... for less eye strain and easier viewing, hour after hour. Built-in versatility also allows you to display 16 colors with the IBM Color Graphics Adapter* automatically.

164 BYTE • DECEMBER 1985

phic Systems

above the rest

Princeton HX 9E

The first 9" RGB monitor to take advantage of IBM's Enhanced Graphics Adapter*

For more performance in less space, the Princeton HX-9E is in a class by itself. Nobody else—not even IBM—offers a 9", high-resolution display Features 64 brilliant colors and a .28mm dot pitch for sharp, crisp text. Can be conveniently used with IBM's Color Graphics Adapter*

Our other monitors also give you full IBM compatibility:

Princeton HX-9 Color Monitor—features a

built-in switch for green or amber text. Built-in

tilt-and-swivel base.

Princeton SR-12 Color Monitor— boasts twice

the vertical resolution of the IBM Color Display**

... and works with other cards such as the Sigma

Designs Color 400.

Princeton MAX-12 Amber Monochrome

Monitor—ergonomically designed to give you up

to 15*** shades of high-resolution amber... plus

high-resolution text and graphics when used with

a monochrome card.

Princeton HX-12 Color Monitor—16 sharp, clear

colors and superb character definition make the

HX-12 the winning choice among monitor users...

i.-=Mj-i4=-£ ::=i*i=rfx~ 1

CifjPftll eeapai*

1

See the clearly superior Princeton Monitors at your Authorized Princeton Graphic Systems Dealer. For the dealer nearest you, please call: 800-221-1490 (Extension 653),

609-683-1660 (NJ only), Telex: 821402 PGS PRIN.

Princeton Graphic Systems, 601 Ewing Street, Bldg. A, Princeton, NJ 08540.

7984 and 1985 winner of the

PC World "World Class PC Competition"!

Princeton HX-12

IBM 5153

* Or equivalents.

" When used with the Princeton Scan Doubler.

"* When used with IBM Color Graphics Adapter or equivalent.

IBM is a registered trademark of International Business Machines Corporation Sigma Designs Color 400 is a registered trademark of Sigma Designs. Inc.

PRINCETON

Inquiry 29I

GRAPHIC SYSTEMS

INTILLIBINT SYSTEMS COMPANY

DECEMBER 198 5 'BYTE 165

-J-'r-.

.)

GVTE

Computer Conferencing

An Overview of Conferencing Systems

by Brock N. Meeks 169

Conferencing Standards

by ]acob Palme 187

Database Structure in PortaCOM

by Jacob Palme 195

The Network Application Manager

by Robert A. Flavin and lack D. Wlliford . . 203

Storage Architectures

by Alastair }. W. Mayer 221

Common Ground

by Chris Hancock 239

Local Power in a Remote Link

by Chuck McManis 251

Conversations

by Douglas E. Comer

and Larry L. Peterson 263

Cross-System Conferencing

with CLACR by Sherwin M. Levinson . . . 273

COMPUTER CONFERENCES bring together people with similar interests and complementary needs to exchange information and discuss problems. Conference participants can join a discussion whenever they please, wherever they have access to a computer or a terminal, a modem, and a phone line. Often, in fact, conference members carry on lively discussions with people they have never met face to face. BYTE's own conferencing system, BIX (BYTE Information Exchange), is a good example of this emerging trend, with active discussions on hundreds of topics of interest to BYTE readers.

This month. Brock Meeks's "An Overview of Conferencing Systems" compares several conferencing systems, including systems designed for business, academia, research, and general discussion and recreation.

Many people who use conferencing systems and electronic bulletin boards extensively find themselves subscribing to several services. Communication between conferencing systems would allow users to expand their information networks without the confusion involved in joining many systems. This sort of exchange of message traffic requires standards, however. "Conferencing Standards" by Jacob Palme offers guidelines for these standards.

The internal structure of a conferencing system can affect its flexibility and efficiency. Three articles in this issue—Alastair Mayer's "Storage Architectures," Jacob Palme's "Database Structure in PortaCOM," and "Conversations" by Douglas Comer and Larry Peterson—describe effective solutions to problems inherent in designing conferencing systems.

"Common Ground" by Chris Hancock describes a microcomputer-based conferencing system designed to be flexible and easy to use. "The Network Application Manager" by Robert Flavin and Jack Williford details the design and implementation of GRANDiose, a huge network-based system that can support any application that involves communication.

It seems a shame to waste the power of the microcomputer by using it as a dumb terminal when, with proper programming and cooperation from the host system, the micro could handle much of the processing involved in conferencing. Chuck McManis's "Local Power in a Remote Link" and Sherwin Levinson's "Cross-System Conferencing with CLACR" approach this problem.

As more and more people discover the advantages of computer conferencing over more traditional forms of communication, electronic communities are beginning to take shape, bringing together people of diverse backgrounds and similar interests to exchange ideas and information.

—Donna Osgood. Associate Editor

DECEMBER 1985 -BYTE 167

At The Future is at Gold Hill Today

You know artificial intelligence is the wave of the future. Programs based on the ideas of artificial intelligence are being written today in Common Lisp-the new Lisp standard developed by researchers from universities and corporations such as Carnegie Mellon, DEC, MIT, Stanford, Symbolics and TI. Lisp allows the development of programs that are intelligent, flexible, and even human like. The problem has been that hardware needed to run Lisp is expensive.

No longer. Golden Common Lisp (GC Lisp) makes it possible for you to learn and use Lisp on your personal computer. When you use GC Lisp in combination with the AI examples provided, you will be able to develop such exciting appli cations as expert systems, natural language systems, and intelligent interfaces to complex software. The possibilities are endless. With GC Lisp you can tackle problems that you could not solve before with ordinary number crunching programs. You will be able to write powerful programs that can accommodate casual computer users who want intelligible answers quickly.

Easy to Learn

GC Lisp makes it easy for you to learn the technology of AI at your own pace. Each package includes the San Marco Lisp Explorer—an interactive software tutorial developed by Patrick H. Winston and his associciates. This 800-frame instructional

Golden Common Lisp is the best selling AI language.

system guides you through the steps of Lisp programming and makes the full range of Lisp's power accessible to both novice and experienced programmers. The second edition of the classic Lisp textbook by Winston and Horn is also included.

More Power

GC Lisp comes complete with the intelligent GMACS editor (based on EMACS), full on line documentation of all GC Lisp and GMACS functions, the Common Lisp Reference Manualby Steele, and a comprehensive user manual. In short. Golden Common Lisp comes with everything you need to program in Lisp. GC Lisp is the most powerful

Lisp available today on PCs; some of its advanced features include lexical and dynamic scoping, defstructs, closures, stream I/O, and multiplevalue returning functions.

The Complete Solution

In addition to GC Lisp, Gold Hill offers an entire line of development and delivery tools designed to increase your organization's productivity in artificial intelligence. These include the GC Lisp Compiler, PC-to-Symbolics" network, HALO"' Graphics, and training and consulting services. Gold Hill is also proud to introduce GC Lisp LM (Large Memory) -the first PC DOS language to take advantage of the 15-megabyte memory capacity of the latest generation of PCs (such as the IBM PC AT). For multiple-user sites, Gold Hill offers a Corporate License Package which features quantity discounts and service and support.

Order Today

For order information on Gold Hill products please call today.

800-2GC-LISP

GC Lisp requires an IBM PC, PC XT, PC AT, or IBM-compatible with a minimum 512KandPCDOS2.0.

Gold Hill Computers

Setting the AI Standard for

Personal Computers.

G O

HILL COMPU

163 Harvard Street, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139

GOLDEN Common Lisp and GC LISP art trademarks of Gold Hill Computers. The San Marco Lisp Explorer is a trademark of San Marco Associates.

L/spis copyrighted by Addison-Wesley Publishing Company, Inc. The COMMON LISP Reference Manual'is copyrighted by Digital Equipment

Corporation. IBM PC, PC XT, PC AT. and PC-DOS are trademarks of International Business Machines.

Halo Graphics is a trademark of Media Cybernetics, Symbolics is a trademark of Symbolics, Inc.

168 B YTE • DECEMBER 1985

Inquiry 153

COMPUTER CONFERENCING

AN OVERVIEW OF

CONFERENCING

SYSTEMS

by Brock N. Meeks

A guided tour through COM, EIES, PARTI, NOTEPAD, and other systems

NUOSO LIVES on the African continent. Exactly where he lives and the name of his tribe is not important; Nuoso is a nonperson. Convicted of a crime against his tribal society, he is forbidden to communicate with his family, his friends, in short, with anyone. His communication cut off, Nuoso quickly withdraws from the village. Eventually he will cease to exist even in his own mind, and he will literally die from lack of communication.

Just as people need food, water, and shelter, so they need to communicate. From the earliest days of history, our ancestors sought better ways to communicate. Primitive maps scrawled in the dust gave way to cave paintings, where information retrieval entailed nothing more complicated than remembering the right wall in the right cave. But just as society became more complex, so did the communication needs of the population.

Early telegraph links, in Napoleon's time, had signal speeds of about two characters per second. In 1913 vacuum-tube repeaters were introduced to telephony, and a rapid suc

cession of advancements in the world of electronics followed. In 1918 the first carrier system permitted several voice channels to occupy a single pair of wires. The early 1940s saw highcapacity coaxial cables beginning to replace twisted-pair cables. Microwave links emerged in 1946 with the capacity to carry more than 10,000 telephone channels. Today's phone system uses satellite links and will soon use fiber optics. In a hundred years our communication capability has risen from fifteen to a billion bits per second, from two to over a hundred million characters per second. And all for the sake of improving communication with each other.

The Birth

of Computer Conferencing

Early in 1970, political and economic pressures set the stage for the creation of a revolutionary means of communication. In the fall of 1971 the entire economic structure of the United States fell under the control of President Nixon's wage-price freeze. Because of the tremendous need to handle the reporting and information

dissemination of the price freeze, the Office of Emergency Preparedness (OEP) commissioned Murray Turoff to create a computerized version of the "conference call." Turoff responded by developing the Emergency Management Information System and Reference Index (EMISAR1).

The EM1SAR1 system operated as an electronic network linking the ten OEP regional offices. The new price controls created a nationwide demand for information, guidelines, rulings, official statements, and policy clarifications from businesses, labor unions, and administrators. Because EMISARI eliminated the constraints of time and geographic location, the OEP's regional administrators were able to secure time-critical information at their convenience. The instant access of EMISARI allowed Washington to update policy as it happened and gave all involved the opportunity to respond or ask questions—with both

[continued) Brock N. Meeks (161 East Main St.. San Diego. CA 92020) is a freelance writer. He can usually be found on line in places too numerous to mention.

DECEMBER 1985 -BYTE

169

OVERVIEW

answers and responses maintained on line for all to review. This revolutionary idea of storing messages on line and allowing "many-to-many" communications became the first computerbased conferencing system.

EMISARI consisted of two systems: Party-Line, the computerized counterpart of the telephone conference call, and Discussion, an on-line "file cabinet" of topic-specific messages stored on line for all to see and comment on. These two elements became the building blocks for the computer conferencing systems of today.

Although EMISARI was preceded by the Department of Defense's packet-switched message-transfer network ARPANET, the history of computer conferencing after EMISARI reads like the Bible's first chapter of Matthew: EMISARI conceived two offspring, Party-Line and Discussion. Party-Line and Discussion begat EIES EIES begat PARTICIPATE, which bore many sons (revisions). And so on. What follows is an overview of these and other top computer conferencing systems.

COM: Gateway to the World

Developed by the Swedish National Defense Research Institute starting in 1977, COM has since undergone many revisions and has even spun off a "portable" system called PortaCOM. PortaCOM, developed by a joint European research project, is designed to act like its big brother COM while running on a variety of different computers and operating systems. Because the two systems are almost identical, I'll refer to them both as simply "COM."

COM operates as a gigantic international electronic mailbox, with one incredible advantage: It offers full-blown computer conferencing capability.

COM is a gateway to the world of networks because it lets you route electronic messages through a complicated maze of networked computer systems around the world. Using computer systems at strategic sites as "gateways,'' COM routes your message to just about anyone that participates in an electronic mail IE

mail) system. (A gateway is a computer that acts as a switching point between various networks. COM sites do not have direct access to computer systems on ARPANET, for example, but by routing messages through a gateway system—one that does have access to ARPANET—it can deliver messages to ARPANET sites.)

What separates COM from the standard computer-based message system is its ability to create and maintain computer conferences. It also lets you create "parallel" conferences on systems that use COM. Parallel conferences allow participants at different sites to contribute to the conferences without logging onto a remote computer. New additions to the conference are then forwarded to the other participating computer systems and placed in the appropriate conference. Thus, identical conferences reside at separate locations.

COM operates mostly in academic and research environments and carries a very academic personality. This personality doesn't make for a lot of light conversation. However, if you want to extend your knowledge base in a global way, COM is the route to go. High-level technical discussions abound, and anyone who is anyone in computer development is within reach via COM. But there is a price to pay in that the system is difficult to learn. Experienced computer conferencing/electronic mail users will pick up on the system's intricacies in the first few on-line sessions, while a novice could be hopelessly lost. So much is possible on COM that a new user is overdosed on a plethora of menus for almost every possible user response.

Once you have slogged your way through the basic commands (to read messages, join conferences, and comment on messages), you begin to appreciate the power of COM.

Any person can create a new conference (yes, there is separate menu for that as well); however, statistics published by the system's developers show that users are reluctant to do this and instead use the comment capability to create a sort of "com

ment tree." The comment tree functions like a branching capability and lets you follow a particular line of thinking without the formality of creating a separate conference.

There is no subscription service for COM in the U.S., so to use it you must be affiliated with an organization or institution that is using the system.

For all the complexity and seriousness that is a part of COM, I found a refreshingly wry sense of humor residing just below the surface. Plowing through the seemingly neverending command structure, I hit on something called "Get Encouragement." Like the U.S. Cavalry in a lohn Wayne movie, COM delivered the following to my weary 9-inch CRT

You are a very special person, beautiful and wise, respected by everybody around you. You are doing a splendid job. Many people love you, body and soul. You make life easier for others. You are a very warm and sensitive person.

Be proud of being You! You have a very good reason.

EIES: Customized Conferencing

Murray Turoff's Electronic Information Exchange System (EIES), itself an offshoot of EMISARI, is the "biological" breeding ground of the computer conferencing world. It is the example that all other computer conferencing systems have followed—and improved upon.

Like any venerable software in today's computer environment, EIES has shouldered its share of abuse from critics and the new kids on the block. The complaints range from "Its response time is too slow" (true) to "The commands are so numerous you can never learn them all" (also true). But a software package doesn't thrive (or even survive) if it does not have solid support and input—both of which EIES is privileged to have, and from some of the best computer minds in the on-line community.

Scanning the various conference rosters (EIES has hundreds of con

(continued)

170 BYTE • DECEMBER 1985

LeieviaeoAE The Performance AE

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Innovative design brings you these significant performance advantages at a price that's a good deal less than the IBM AT. this could be the least expensive ATclass computer to own. Because the quality of its components promises better reliability and less cosdy down time. Should you need it, the Performance AT carries a complete warranty and easy TRW service around the world.

Call toll-free (800) 521-4897. Or, in California, (800) 821-3774. Ask to see the Performance AT. A computer with the power to save you hundreds of dollars.

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DECEMBER 1985 -BYTE 171

OVERVIEW

ferences on line at any one time, and each conference maintains a separate roster of members), the EIES "community" begins to read like a who's who of the computer industry

ElES's many commands, their options, and the modifiers to the commands seem endless. Someone has said that even Turoff doesn't know all the commands and the full capability of the system anymore. That is because so many people have helped with the development, creating various command sets in an effort to build the system's efficiency.

The system offers help on line (even a "Chinese menu" that allows you to create personal subsets of EIES commands, which you can rename to your liking). If you need a quick command fix, an ever-present"?" key reveals the EIES Survival Guide (and a handy piece of phosphor it is).

EIES is a curious mix of technical, academic, and nonsense conferences whose topics range from High-Level Programming Techniques to Computers in the Third World to Graffiti.

Rummaging around EIES, you almost get the feeling that you're some kind of electronic archaeologist. Conferences that at one time virtually exploded with discussion comments now lie dormant, the last entry dated, in one case, March 17, 1983. What happened to all those hundreds of participants? A "dead" conference is something of a cultural phenomenon in the Information Age, and EIES contains plenty of these kind of conferences to explore.

In keeping with the pioneer spirit of the system, a couple of EIES users have been attempting to trace and chronicle the vast electronic rivers and tributaries of the world's research networks (ARPANET. USENET. CSNET MAILNET, and so on). In so doing they are a kind of Lewis and Clark of the Information Age. Because EIES has access to the research networks via a MAILNET gateway, users of EIES have access to just about any research or academic institution that has electronic messaging capability.

EIES has a real-time capability that boils down to an electronic, person

to-person exchange of one-line electronic messages. There are two modes of sending a real-time message. One is the "flash" method, where the receiver is greeted with a one-line blast of text on his or her screen. This often causes (without too much surprise) a reciprocal action, and usually a message of like content is broadcast to your CRT. This is all done in a "semisynchronous" fashion. In other words, both parties are sending one-shot messages without really making any kind of link between their machines. If you want to engage in an extended "chat" mode, EIES allows this via its +LINK command. Using + LINK, two people can carry on a conversation much faster, as the + LINK has actually "linked" their machines via software.

Though EIES does have some shortcomings, there isn't a lot you can't do on it. If you find something you can't do. chances are someone is working on the solution right now. The whole system reminds me of draft horse: It may be big and slow, but it will never quit.

It s PARTI Time

The PARTICIPATE conferencing system offered by PSI (Participation Systems Incorporated) is aptly nicknamed PARTI.

On line with PARTI you immediately sense that a kind of electronic party is being carried on in the phosphor— this is computer conferencing for the masses. Talking to users (and using the system itself), you get a feeling that using PARTI really means "belonging" to PARTI.

C H. "Harry" Stevens, developer of PARTI and president of PSI. is known throughout the industry by a bit of online folklore surrounding what has become a personal trademark for him—the Eskimo word "chimo," which means "I'm your friend."

During a "name that newsletter" contest for the EIES conferencing system, Stevens suggested "Chimo" (the same name used for a newsletter he published as a consultant at MIT). The name won and is a de facto standard for PARTI on-line newsletters.

Stevens developed PARTI while working on the EIES system. Frustrated by the large amount of chatty conferences on EIES, Stevens began to develop a way to break a large topic into "sections" through what he calls "inquiry networking." (Ironically, PARTI has evolved into the ultimate chatty on-line system.)

Inquiry networking allows a conference to have many different branches. For example, a conference titled Programming Languages might have branches dealing with Ada, Turbo Pascal, BASIC, and so on. Once a conference has been organized. anyone involved in the conference can create a branch—which sometimes results in an unwieldy conference structure (a branch conference can have several branches itself). Should this happen, the original conference organizer can choose to prune the conference by deleting disruptive branches.

Creating a conference on PARTI is as easy as expressing your personal dogma. As a conference organizer (creator) you are free to choose any topic you wish. Conferences on PARTI run from the esoteric (Meditation and Heightened Sexual Awareness) to the serious (such as the national headlinegrabbing conference that took place after the 1983 downing of Korean Air Lines Flight 007) and all topics in between.

One unique aspect of PARTI is that users play a major role in its ongoing development. Originally just an overlay on the EIES system, PARTI first went public (on the commercial information utility The Source) with an organizational structure that was the result of suggestions and comments made to Stevens by EIES users. Even now, an ongoing conference on The Source acts as a clearinghouse for suggested improvements. Stevens takes such suggestions into serious consideration. The Suggestions conference on The Source (which uses PARTI version 3.4) led to the development of the much-improved version 4.45.

PARTI lets you operate a flexible range of on-line tools such as a

172 BYTE • DECEMBER 1985

OVERVIEW

private, person-to-person message system, searching a conference by a keyword or phrase, on-line balloting, and a person-to-person real-time messaging capability. You can send a oneline message in real time to any other person using PARTI, to which they can respond in like manner. This is not an efficient method of real-time conferencing, but it's good for "routing" someone to a critical conference he may have missed or for setting up time to get together on a voice call. The ability to create open or closed

conferences gives a conference organizer the ability to tailor the membership of any conference to his or her specifications. A conference can consist of as little as one person (pretty boring, but you don't catch a lot of flak about your opinions) to literally thousands.

PARTI is not the easiest system to use. It has many undocumented features that can remain unknown until you get your hands on a user's manual. A manual is available from PSI, but most public systems don't tell

you that, choosing instead to furnish you with their version of a "cheat sheet." Without the user's guide in hand, you can build up a good deal of frustration and a sizable bill. Online help is available, but it's only as good as your latest question. Overcoming the initial frustration, however, is well worth the time (not to mention the expense). Soon the frustration turns to fun (or addiction, depending on your self-discipline), and after a while Chimo certainly seems an apt

{continued)

Computer Conferencing and technology transfer

Computer conferencing is integral to the information and technology transfer network being developed by the Industrial Technology Institute (IT1) of Ann Arbor. Michigan, to encourage the application of advanced manufacturing technology (AMT) in the United States.

AMT falls into the category of "programmable" manufacturing technology, which refers to manufacturing technology that can be programmed for one operation and then another. In AMT, machines may or may not be integrated by a central computer, but they usually work in tandem with other programmable devices that minimize human intervention in the production process.

1TI is a not-for-profit corporation initiated in 1982 by the State of Michigan's High Technology Task Force to conduct basic research in the area of automated manufacturing, develop new techniques, and serve as a technology transfer agent between those who are familiar with AMT and those who are not.

lb encourage the use of AMT, ITI plans to use computer conferencing for three areas. First, as a complement to face-to-face seminars that address the application and implementation of specific technologies, computer conferencing will be used to extend seminars and training programs over

by Patrick L. Sweet

a period of time. Programs will be marketed to the advanced manufacturing community, including companies, trade and professional associations, academia. and government agencies.

ITI also anticipates the development of technology-specific forums (e.g.. forums on robotics, machine vision, or computer-aided design). These will be offered to the manufacturing community at large or may be organized for specific companies or users of a particular vendor's systems. A forum may be designed as a user support group, modeled after personal computer user groups, or as a means of sharing current research in an area of AMT or its application.

ITI will also offer project-focused communication services. Companies about to deploy various technologies or solve specific technological problems in different sites often establish task forces to coordinate the effort. Whether in the early stages of investigation or in the late stages of implementation, tight communication between sites can enhance deployment efforts. In addition, professional associations responsible for developing industry standards may use computer conferencing to coordinate standards-development projects. Other company- or organization-specific services are planned.

ITI has organized a number of com

puter conferences already. Its first, "The Forum on Integrating Research in Socio-Technical Systems," lasted six months and was initiated primarily to develop a research agenda for ITI's Center for Social and Economic Issues. With participants from industry, government, and labor and academic organizations, the conference proved to be a valuable follow-up to a face-toface conference titled "Managing Manufacturing Technologies Through the 1990s," cosponsored by the National Science Foundation. This initial experience provided ITI with important insight as to how to successfully organize and run a six-month-long "discussion." something that takes a good deal of experience and motivation due to the unique characteristics of computer conferencing.

Computer conferencing at ITI will take a variety of forms and is becoming an essential means for enhancing discussion and information exchange among those familiar with AMT and those just becoming aware of its potentials and implications. ITI's computer conferencing network promises to be a powerful tool for enhancing the understanding and diffusion of advanced manufacturing technology.

Patrick L. Sweet (ITI, information Systems Center. POB 1485, Ann Arbor. MI 48106) is a research associate at ITI.

DECEMBER 1985 -BYTE 173

OVERVIEW

motto for what is often called an impersonal medium.

notepad: three-piece Conferencing

NOTEPAD is the three-piece suit of the conferencing world. This con

ferencing system is a stripped-down, easy-to-use, no-nonsense business tool. Using NOTEPAD may remind you of a corporate boardroom meeting.

NOTEPAD feels less powerful than some of the other commercial con

ferencing systems, but this is because of its inherent simplicity. The number row of your keyboard (1-9) activates the entire range of NOTEPAD commands. A small three-page fold-out brochure holds all the commands and is written in straightforward English.

Computer Conferencing: The Global Connection

As if in pain, the helicopter's jet turbine engine screeched sharply, groaned once, and died. Now, silhouetted against the Himalayan mountains, the quiet helicopter began to spiral slowly toward the ground. The passengers, a group of United Nations doctors, looked around furtively as the pilot, his jaw clenched, maneuvered the paralyzed bird down in tight circles.

After a silent eternity, the pilot brought the craft down just outside of Biratnagar in the remote terrain of Nepal.

"What's wrong?" a passenger asked

"Nothing much,'' the pilot replied But we'll need to file a spare parts order: Engine. One.' "

Under almost any other circumstances, a crippled aircraft sitting on the ground in one of the most remote places on earth would rust long before a replacement engine could be located, airlifted in. and installed. But thanks to the then-new technology of computer conferencing, a worldwide spare parts order" was filled swiftly, and the chopper flew out of Nepal only days later.

Here is how computer conferencing rescued that helicopter and the U.N. project:

The helicopter was on loan from Evergreen Helicopter Company in McMinville. Oregon. The only "spare" jet engine was in France, at Allouette Helicopter Company. Four additional organizations were involved in orchestrating the "spare parts order": the United Nations office in New York, the government of Nepal, the Vvbrld Health Organization regional office in New Delhi, and a Michigan-based interna

by Lawrence B. Brilliant

tional charity, the Seva Foundation, which was funding the project.

Using a computer conferencing system to which several companies in the aerospace industry subscribe, an "electronic forum" was quickly convened. Despite the differences in time zones, computer terminals, and geographical locations, the participants were able to take part in an on-line meeting in which they could read the views and positions of all the other organizations. They quickly reached a consensus on who would pay for the replacement engine, how it would be shipped into Kathmandu, how customs duties might be waived on the new engine, how it could be trucked into the remote landing site, and what would be done with the damaged but still valuable original engine. Telephone tag. internal organizational hierarchies, and diplomatic protocols were dealt with easily, and the meeting lasted less than a day.

This event illustrates a lesson for anyone trying to get things done in complicated organizations. When speed and effectiveness are the issue, nothing surpasses electronic forums for disseminating information to all concerned and making decisions rapidly.

Today, the computer conferencing revolution is burgeoning, due to three factors: (I) The enormous investment made in the international telephone system in past decades has provided us all with relatively low-cost communication lines. (2) Technology has brought the cost of personal computers within the reach of virtually everyone in modern industrial societies. (3) Increasingly sophisticated

software enables individuals to take part in computer conferencing at home and gives them the option of renting time on worldwide networks.

Until now, organizational culture has been determined by a critical mass of intelligent people in proximity to each other. This has created towns, universities, and tall office buildings. It is why we have Bell Labs and Xerox PARC.

With the advent of electronic meeting technology, the thrust of civilization can now occur without the factor of proximity The synergism and excitement of a critical mass of intelligent people will remain a factor, but now they need not live or work close to each other. For the first time, engineers in San Diego, New York, Rome, and Hong Kong, all members of a special-interest group, can meet on line all year without ever seeing each other Perhaps, with this technology, we are seeing the realization of Marshall McLuhan's "global village."

The benefits to business are obvious: Decision making is improved by bringing the best minds of a company together without restrictions of time and location: participants can productively enter a meeting after organizing ideas: they can discuss many different subjects in one meeting without the confusion that sometimes occurs in traditional meetings: immediate printed records of the discussion are available: and spreadsheets, databases, and other productivity tools can be entered into the meeting. Used wisely, the result is increased efficiency.

Computer meeting systems can make a horizontal cut through the standard vertical organizational chart. This

174 BYTE • DECEMBER 1985

OVERVIEW

NOTEPAD provides a combination of real-time and stored-message conferencing to build the contents of a message base. A real-time computer conference discussion can consist of up to 32 people on line at the same time. Messages are stored sequential

distributed electronic organization (DEO), a horizontal stratification of personnel within a company, results in a new and higher quality of interactive group process and organizational decision making. For the first time, through computer conferencing, we will see communication exchanged on a continuous basis between all the department managers, all the engineers, and all the supervisors, no matter where they are located. These horizontal levels of communication will remove previous barriers of time and location, allowing unlimited communication in a thoughtful, productive process.

The Seva Foundation, a nonprofit international charity, is a good example of a DEO. It uses electronic meeting systems to allocate its money and make other business decisions. The board of directors meeting lasts all year, and, as a result, the structure of the organization has changed. The executive committee, whose members once flew from various corners of the world for meetings four times a year, has been abolished. Now the entire board is intimately involved on a day-to-day basis with operational decisions, though the members live all over the world.

The impact of these horizontal links within society is still difficult to foresee, but from this free exchange of ideas and information will come new solutions to old problems.

Lawrence B. Brilliant, M.D., M.P.HI., is the founder and chairman of Network Technologies International Inc. (NETI), which markets eForum and docuForum electronic meeting systems. He can be reached at NETI, 315 West Huron, Suite 320, Ann Arbor, MI 48103.

ly as they are entered by each individual. These real-time messages then become part of the complete stored-message base. This storing of real-time conference messages allows you to arrive late to a conference and quickly review all that has been said up to the time you logged on. You can even miss the entire real-time conversation, log on later, review the entire discussion, and add comments, which the others will see the next time they log on.

A Service option lets anyone in the conference create a survey ("How can we increase sales in Outer Mongolia?") or post an on-line ballot ("Should we go public with our stock?"). Members of the conference respond in essay fashion to a general survey or by "voting" (yes, no, or abstain) on ballot questions. The creator of the survey or ballot can compile the results with two keystrokes and send the results to the rest of the conference members.

Conference contents can be searched by keywords or phrases, time, dates, or person—even during a real-time conference.

NOTEPAD is marketed through InfoMedia, which is headed by computer conferencing pioneer Jacques Vallee. Vallee's influence on the concept and personality of NOTEPAD is obvious. A longtime advocate of the importance of putting the human factor in computer conferencing, Vallee has succeeded in transferring that human factor into the environment of person-computer-person communications. NOTEPAD operates under a general philosophy of "people first, then machines." This attitude leads to the phrase "transparent technology," which InfoMedia uses to describe the NOTEPAD conferencing environment.

NOTEPAD is used by corporations like Bechtel to coordinate worldwide construction projects and by governmental bodies such as NASA, which is running an ongoing international research and development conference. For this reason, most of the conferences are closed, meaning the contents are known only to the participating members. Even NOTEPAD'S

support and service team does not have access to conference contents, unless it is specifically invited. This high degree of confidentiality appeals to businesses needing to discuss sensitive issues while taking full advantage of computer conferencing technology. As a consequence, this is not a system to which you would subscribe. Most users are involved in specific projects, and the sponsoring organization picks up the tab. If you're lucky enough to use NOTEPAD, you'll find what that ambiguous phrase "user-friendly" is really all about.

eForum: New Kid on the Block

Chronologically speaking, eForum from Network Technologies International Inc. (NETI) is the youngest member of the computer conferencing family. Being the youngest, eForum has some big shoes to fill, but it appears to be off to a good start.

NETI has a long history of working with computer conferencing, and that experience shows in the features of eForum. Drawing heavily on the electronic meeting theme, eForum is another attempt to draw the business meeting into the Information Age. To achieve this goal NETI has pumped eForum full of user-friendliness while bypassing most of the "computerese" that makes boardroom executives cringe behind walnut desks. The company has also developed a slick documentation manual and a slick advertising program. If you want a computer conferencing system that "feels" like it belongs in a BMW or on the cover of the Wall Street journal, this is the package.

The documentation is by far the most complete and accurate (though not error-free) that I received during my electronic journey of conferencing systems. To a novice user, documentation is priceless. NETI gets high marks for its efforts in this area. Included in the documentation is an excellent discussion of the "how to's" of electronic meeting management and organization (no simple task, I assure you).

[continued]

DECEMBER 1985 -BYTE 175

OVERVIEW

eForum provides what it calls an eForum WS software package (the WS stands for workstation) that is compatible with IBM PCs and their clones. The WS software handles communications, word processing, printer control, and uploading/downloading procedures by interfacing with eForum's command set. The software uses an abundance of windows, similar to today's desktop utilities programs, although you don't have to have this special software to interact with eForum.

When 1 first used the system, 1 ran my workhorse engine: a pre-1984 Kay pro 2, a Prometheus 1200-bps (bits per second) modem, and MEX public-domain software. This setup worked flawlessly (though it was like eating plain yogurt after running the WS software).

NETI bills eForum as the "electronic meeting manager." True to its claim,

it is just that: a meeting manager, with no electronic mail function available. One way around this is to organize a closed meeting between two people or among a small group. (I've been told that NETI is close to releasing an integrated E-mail program.)

As in other systems, comments entered in a conference are readable by anyone who has access to the conference. There are four different levels of security you can assign to a conference. The security levels range from Open (which even the corporate janitors could contribute to if they had access to a micro) to something bordering on paranoiac—a closed, invitation-only conference that requires a special code word to enter.

Using eForum reminds me of a formal business meeting: this is indeed a "structured" system. Major discussion topics (such as Software Development) are listed as Meetings. These

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meetings can then be divided into various discussions (such as User Documentation). Anyone involved in the meeting can create a new discussion (bring up a new topic). In these different discussions you can read others' comments and contribute your own views. A particularly intriguing command is listed as punt (as in "when all else fails—punt."). Punt does exactly what you might expect: it logs you out of the system and returns you to the log-in sequence, giving you a second chance at a particular on-line session. (If only NETI could transfer the electronic punt command to face-to-face business meetings!)

If a discussion runs its course, it can be tabled, which removes it from the general meeting structure. This "selfcleaning" keeps the main topic manageable and creates an atmosphere of a face-to-face meeting where discussions are started, talked through, and then dropped.

With the growing move to regional information networks (like the Whole Earth's WELL and NETI's own MNET), eForum could be a package that springboards this new breed of network into prominence. And while eForum is not yet powerful enough to handle the needs of a Fortune 500 company, a large corporation might do well to have several eForums available for its smaller intercorporation divisions.

Putting BYTE into Conferencing

Alastair J. W. Mayer leads a charmed life. Born in London, England, in December of 1952, he just missed the infamous "Killer Fog." After several careers as a country club kitchen helper, typist, tobacco planter, and bartender, Mayer became terminally involved in the computing field during a 1974 Computing 101 course, which forced him to learn APL. He says, simply, "I was hooked."

Winding his way through various "rent-a-programmer" jobs, Mayer ended up at Concordia University in Montreal. After revamping a

{continued)

176 B YTE • DECEMBER 1985

Inquiry 110

3

An Interactive Digital Telecommunications System Sends Photos, Graphics, Text and Voice

Makes Communicating and Decision-making Easier, Faster

Now you can do it. Dial up your home office, client or service organization and have a two-way conversation with pictures, graphics and text to make your communications more effective and immediate. Point to areas of interest, draw in changes, transfer a file, exchange typed messages or switch to voice mode and hold a twoway conversation.

Easy to use PhotoMail is the system

designed for organizations that must send complex information between offices or client facilities. Applications abound in business, design and engineering, medicine, service and maintenance, insurance, security, access control, law enforcement, news and wire services.

PhotoMail is a complete hardware/ software family of products that lets you send and receive pictures over ordinary phone lines to remote computers. Pictures of people, diagrams, text, houses, construction sites, property damage — anything you can capture with standard video equipment can be displayed and transmitted at resolutions up to 640 x 400 x 16 levels of gray. PhotoMail supports disk storage and hard copy printout and file conversion for "electronic mail" systems.

Simple to Use

1. Select a picture from disk file or capture it with a video camera. 2. Dial your party. 3. When the party answers, PhotoMail automatically links the two computer systems. 4. You can now discuss your business — using a

"mouse" to select the functions you desire: communicating, filing, capturing, edit screen and send image. Subfunctions "pop-up" for additional instructions.

Configure Your Own—You may already have some

of the components ...

Component

PhotoMail Package

PhotoMail System

PhotoMail Workstation

Expansion Slots Used

Computer (IBM PC. XT. AT)

User

User

— ■

Monitor

User

—

["■

GA-1000 Graphics Adapter

•

1 Full

fM

PC-EYE Video Capture

•

1 Full

vM

PhotoMail Software

•

—

MiM

Modem

User

•••

Video Camera

User

•: n

Pointing Device

•

1/2 Slot

»

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• • Supplied with PhotoMail

••• -1 full slot (or plug-in board modem. 1 /2 slot for external modems which connect to an asynchronous

communications adapter board.

CHORUS

Write for Information including applications, operation, system configuration and specifications or call 1-800-OCHORUS.

Inquiry 58

Chorus Data Systems, Inc., 6 Continental Blvd., P.O. Box 370, Merrimack, New Hampshire 03054

OVERVIEW

documentation system for the Academic Computer Services department, he wrote his own mainframebased text formatter called FORMAL. His intensive research and development work with the Interactive Graphics Lab led him to develop VAXteroids, a mainframe color-and-sound version of the popular Asteroids video game. After VAXteroids was written, Mayer searched for a real challenge and ended up at Canada's University of Guelph working on CoSy.

CoSy, a blend of many different computer conferencing systems, echoes its developer's own background. CoSy is a type of academic system (like EIES), while maintaining a sense of electronic community (like PARTI). BYTE has chosen CoSy as the software that BIX (the BYTE Information Exchange) will run under.

CoSy is a deliberately ambiguous

acronym that originally stood for Conferencing System, Collaboration System, Conversational Syncretism, and even multilingual names like Conduite a Synergie (conduit to synergy). This identification crisis sums up CoSy well and is also the reason it functions well in a computer conferencing environment; it can be anything you want it to be.

The CoSy conferencing system at Guelph has officially been on line since April of 1983. "We started charging people real money for the service in the fall of 1984.'' said Mayer. The University provides individual accounts on CoSy, on a per-fee basis. To date there are 400 off-site users in 28 different countries using CoSy, notably by organizations that are geographically dispersed.

CoSy runs on any machine that will handle UNIX. Mayer says the software was demonstrated successfully on an

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AT&T UNIX PC with 1 megabyte of RAM (random-access read/write memory) and a 10-megabyte hard disk (with obvious limitations regarding simultaneous users and number and size of conferences).

CoSy supports electronic mail and both open and closed conferencing. In addition, a function called Conversation lets users form an informal conference of invited members. Conversation looks like regular E-mail, but when you enter comments, each person on the "guest list" is sent a copy of the message. This facilitates quick conferences without going through the formalities of setting up an official conference.

CoSy has numerous on-line help functions and even a "guided tour" that allows you to learn enough commands in 10 minutes to handle 80 percent of all the functions you will ever use on CoSy.

To make CoSy respond, you only have to hit a carriage return. If there are unread messages waiting for you, CoSy automatically displays them. If you are ever in doubt about what to do in CoSy, you just hit a carriage return, and something will pop onto your screen. If it's not an unread message, then it will be a list of executable options. The CoSy installed at Guelph has links to the BITNET network and can therefore reach any number of research networks. (As pointed out earlier, figuring out these research networks is something of a black art, but the potential is there.) If you want to take a shot at on-line "exploration," you can subscribe to CoSy (at a much more reasonable fee than EIES) and begin traveling the tributaries of the electronic community.

According to Mayer, there is talk about linking the Swedish COM with CoSy, which would allow parallel conferencing between the two systems to become a reality.

CoSy represents a trend in computer conferencing that is highly desirable—portability from a mainframe environment to the micro level. This evolution could well lead to a

[continued)

178 BYTE • DECEMBER 1985

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Inquiry 298

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DECEMBER 1985 'BYTE 179

OVERVIEW

vast network of high-powered conferencing systems dotting the phosphorescent landscape, in much the same way single-user bulletin-board systems do today.

Visionary Conferencing

The conferencing system AUGMENT can trace its roots to a 1945 Atlantic Monthly article by Vannevar Bush called "As We May Think." In the article, Bush described the "memex," a personal workstation that includes concepts such as associative indexing, windowing, and database trails. Drawing heavily on the concepts of Bush's article, Doug Engelbart began thinking of ways to "augment" the office work environment. As a result of early work in workspace augmentation, Engelbart developed a system called NLS.

Engelbart is often overlooked in the general history of the development of

computer conferencing. In the early 1960s he wrote about the type of computer system that has evolved into modern-day computer conferencing. The focus of NLS was to create a complete "knowledge workshop" for the user, not just an isolated set of tools. The early NLS system was so impressive that in 1978 Tymshare took over the rights to the NLS system and now markets it commercially as AUGMENT.

AUGMENT allows you to navigate through what it calls an "information space," using several on-line tools. In a computer conference you can display text in several ways—by subject headers only, by controlling the number of lines displayed on screen at a given time, or by presenting text only from a certain person. The system also allows the screen to be divided horizontally or vertically into eight rectangular windows for display

ing different sections of a text or separate sections of different texts. This use of a split-screen concept was an early forerunner of windowing so common today.

The manipulation of text on AUGMENT allows you to delve into what Engelbart terms "hypertext." In dealing with your "information space," you can jump to previously marked passages, to adjacent passages, to a specified point in the text, or to a point that satisfies a certain test. AUGMENT also lets users jump to other documents that are referenced in the current on-screen text. The effect is a type of "word window."

Beyond the normal aspect of storing written notes in a hierarchical fashion, with subsequent comments being added by other members of the computer conference, AUGMENT adds a fascinating dimension to the

(continued)

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180 BYTE • DECEMBER 1985

Inquiry 2

"SwyftCard" is an incredible addition to my AppleTfe?

Steve Wozniak,

This new $89-95 plug-in card gives you Apple He user an amazingly easy, blindingly fast way to write, file, communicate and calculate.

You've never seen an Apple He do word processing, filing, communicating and calculating the way it does with a SwyftCard.

Steve Wozniak calls it revolutionary, adding "If I had thought of the SwyftCard while creating the Apple II, I would have built it in." Fomenting revolutions comes naturally to SwyftCard inventor Jef Raskin, whose previous efforts to make computers simple and useful include creating the Macintosh™ project at Apple.

SwyftCard creator Jef Raskin and Apple II creator Steve Wozniak

SwyftCard transforms the Apple lie into the computer it ought to be.

The SwyftCard creates a 40K-byte working space, or "universe," capable of holding about 20 pages of single-spaced text. The universe accepts whatever you put in — text, numbers and data, in any form you choose, without you having to switch programs or modes.

Throughout your workday, you can enter information into the universe in free form: a report, names and addresses, daily to-do list, new telephone numbers, client list — anything you're working on.

A universe resides in memory while you are using it, and when you are done you save it to a disk. An unlimited number of universes can be created, each kept on a separate disk.

The secret to working in a SwyftCard universe is the patent-pending cursor. It works faster than control keys or a mouse, and doesn't make you take your hands off the keyboard.

SwyftCard is a better solution to your day in, day out word processing and data management needs. It is faster, easier and more useful.

How much faster is SwyftCard?

From a power-off start, SwyftCard loads a universe and displays exactly where you were last working in just six seconds, automatically, with no commands.

SwyftCard finds and displays any piece of information in your universe in less than 300 milliseconds.

SwyftCard saves an entire universe to a disk in just eight seconds, including automatic formatting if necessary.

How much easier is SwyftCard?

For all it does, SwyftCard uses only seven commands. And each is available immediately by pressing a single key once.

To stan using SwyftCard, simply plug the card into Slot 3 (which most other cards can't use), turn the Apple He power on, wait six seconds and begin typing.

To use an Apple program, just load it in; SwyftCard turns itself off and won't interfere.

How much more does SwyftCard do?

SwyftCard communicates with data services without you having to learn their editors, and lets you directly edit information you bring in without special commands or file transfers.

SwyftCard is great with numbers, performing calculations — including scientific work — anywhere in your universe.

Using the SwyftCard-ProDos utility disk, which is included, you can transfer information developed in SwyftCard to other programs, and vice versa.

SwyftCard is not a spreadsheet, nor will it do everything for everybody. But no other system delivers the common sense utility of SwyftCard.

Of course, SwyftCard comes with a complete manual and an on-screen tutorial.

Try SwyftCard for 30 days.

Everyone we've shown this ad to has said SwyftCard sounds too good to be true. Maybe you feel that way too. But everyone we've then shown the SwyftCard to says it's better than the ad claims. So we want you to try it at our risk.

If we sent you product literature or tried to answer your questions by phone,

we would just repeat this ad. The only practical way to find out if SwyftCard will help you is to accept the 30-day, no questions asked, money-back trial offer. If you don't like your SwyftCard, return it within 30 days and we'll send you your money back. To order, call us at:

800-982-5600 in the U.S. 800-562-7400 in Calif.

Computer system requirements

Apple He, regular or extended 80-column card, 80-column monitor, one disk drive with controller. For communications: 300 or 1200 baud modems and Super Serial card.-To transfer data between SwyftCard and Apple programs with ProDos utility: extended 80-column card or two drives. To print: any Apple, Brother, C.Itoh, Centronics, Epson, HP, NEC, Okidata, Panasonic, Qume, Star, Toshiba and most other printers.

Apple is a registered trademark of and Macintosh is a trademark licensed to Apple Computer Inc.

Order SwyftCard on a 30-day moneyback trial offer. Call toll-free: 800-982-5600 in the U.S., 800-562-7400 in California. Or use this coupon.

Name

Address

City

State

Phone(

Zip.

-)

Send

SwyftCards at $89.95* plus $3.50 U.S.

or $10.00 foreign shipping and handling each,

totalling $ 1 prefer to pay as follows:

D My check or money order is enclosed (payable to Information Appliance Inc.)

□ Please bill my credit card account:

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Signature

•California residents please add $6.30 for sales tax.

Mail to: Information Appliance Inc., 530 University Ave., Palo Alto, CA 94301.

Information Appliance Inc.

DECEMBER 1985 -BYTE 181

OVERVIEW

real-time computer conference. Users can link their terminals to allow for a common screen information display, with each person being able to control a pointer on the screen and able to call up related files on different windows.

In Engelbart's own words, AUGMENT "permits a user to call an on

line conference of two or more people, view and edit files, add and remove conferees, pass the gavel, and transparently connect to other machines."

Many of the concepts displayed in Engelbart's work with AUGMENT are being researched by computer conferencing developers today. The idea

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of a knowledge workshop goes beyond the basic needs of a computerized meeting room. It appears, however, that the types of concepts AUGMENT displays are still ahead of its time.

GENIE: Quill and Ink It Aint

Stephen Heitmann, developer of the GENIE conferencing system, must have been a medieval monk in his past life. There is no other explanation for GENlE's highly flexible textprocessing capabilities. Only a monk that had spent his entire life hand lettering with quill and ink could have turned all his frustrations into fantasies by creating a computer conferencing system with the capabilities of GENIE, which must have taken hard work, late hours, and a natural creative ability.

The first thing that hits you about GENIE is the many ways it handles text. Entering comments into a conference is handled in a standard way. You enter the comments into a scratchpad, and then the contents of your scratchpad are entered into the conference. That's where the standard procedure ends.

While participating in an on-line conference, you will sooner or later enter a message you wish you could take back, such as one written while you were mad or half asleep. Most conferencing systems allow you, as author, to delete a message if you choose. Revising the message might be preferable, but on most systems your options are to delete or suffer the consequences (usually an electronic mailbox stuffed with comments that don't exactly resemble fan mail). GENIE solves this all-or-nothing problem by letting you revise messages. You can even authorize "editing rights" to other members of the conference.

An example of this "many editors" function would be when issuing a general request for information. Instead of having everyone who replies to your message create separate entries in the conference, each person could append his or her information

{continued)

182 BYTE • DECEMBER 1985

Inquiry 361

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All too often, brand-name CPUs are "bundled" with mediocre peripherals —a practice that makes for profitable sales, but does nothing for the system's performance.

In Japan, where most computer peripherals are actually built, NEC is the largest personal computer company— by far. And NEC didn't make it to first place by offering second rate peripherals.

The monitors with the broadcast video heritage.

While dozens of companies market display monitors, only a handful possess the tube technology and manufacturing capability to actually build them. NEC is one of the few. In fact, NEC's complete line of color and monochrome monitors reflects the professional and broadcast video

expertise that twice earned NEC Emmy Awards from the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences.

Winning the printer race takes both speed and endurance.

Ask people who really know about printers, and they'll tell you that NEC builds the best. They may also point out that NEC builds printers for other computer companies. And if you ask them to choose one word to sum up what makes NEC printers stand out, it will probably be "reliable." This is why NEC has become the printer of choice for the most demanding installations.

So before you buy a peripheral from any name company, make sure the company puts more into the peripheral than just its name.

PC-PR105A IBM PC PLUG COMPATIBLE TRI MODE DOT MATRIX PRINTER

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Inquiry 263

OVERVIEW

CONFER can

broadcast notices, called bulletins.

onto your first request. In the end. you have a single message that amounts to a minidatabase of responses.

GENIE allows the author of a message to place certain locks on the text. You can stop anyone from copying a note you wrote and placing it somewhere else in the system. This hinders the "leaking" or mass distribution of critical information. (Of course, if someone downloaded the message to disk, he could upload it anywhere he desired.)

Who uses GENIE? 1 don't know, since its user base is proprietary. (I am sworn by a phosphor oath not to reveal the system 1 used to review GENIE.) I was told that the target market for GENIE is the scientific/engineering (read "research and development") community. That didn't make sense when I first heard it, but after using GENIE I see why. The science and engineering fields create an enormous amount of papers that need constant revision.

CONFER: Think Tank Without Walls

CONFER is a computer conferencing system developed by Bob Parnes that resides on a mainframe somewhere on the campus of Wayne State University in Detroit. Hewlett-Packard chose to license CONFER for its own use and now has an effective way to electronically link its employees, who are geographically dispersed among 100 major corporate divisions. HP's corporate "suits" have hailed CONFER as "the best thing on the market for distributed meetings." Meanwhile, the Army's Training and Doctrine Command uses CONFER for its "think tank without walls," called The Delta Task Force. The Independent Investor's Forum caters to investors with $5000 to $10,000 and dispenses advice to its subscribers via CONFER.

In operation since 1975. CONFER is a greenhouse for various think tanks and free thinkers. If ever a system could create a feeling of excitement, CONFER is the one. Bouncing around the various CONFER conferences, I was amazed at the level of "idea projection" taking place. This is due in part to the structure of the software.

The structure of CONFER and the philosophy behind it are based on "information mapping." This type of system, according to Robert E. Horn's book, How to Write Information Mapping (Information Resources Inc., 1982), includes the following principles and procedures:

• identifying

• categorizing

• interrelating

• sequencing

• presenting

CONFER follows these ideas in "mapping out" the way it handles computer conferencing.

CONFER differs from other conferencing systems in that its conferences are more circular than branching. A conference is described as "the basic social structure" of CONFER. Major topics of discussion within a conference are called items. Each item relates to the general conference theme. If you want to comment on a particular item, your comments are logged as responses, which are short, concise points of view or pieces of additional information relating to the item. Responses must be short and to the point because they are limited to 1500 characters (about 24 lines of text). If new ideas evolve from the responses to items, additional items can be entered into the conference. From what I saw, an incredible amount of discussion can take place under a major topic without straying from the general theme. Contributing to the overall creative force of CONFER is the ability to create an agenda for each conference.

The agenda function of CONFER allows you to digest a conference by grouping items under a single topic. For example, a conference titled Productivity may have 15 items relating

to different aspects of human relations. In your agenda you can create the heading Human Relations and then cross-reference all the items relating to the subject. This gives you a powerful information-management tool. Since everyone interprets information in different ways, each person can create an agenda according to his or her personal perspective (or if you find someone who thinks along the same lines, you can share agendas).

CONFER can broadcast notices, which it calls bulletins. Bulletins can be sent to all members of a certain conference, informing them of activities or pieces of information. Additionally, bulletins can be time-released, so that you can create a bulletin on May 8 and instruct CONFER to broadcast it on May 30. (You can do the same thing personally, by sending yourself personal bulletins called notes, which come in handy for reminding you of important dates or activities scheduled in advance.)

Private correspondence is handled through the sending of messages. Messages function like a standard E-mail system.

CONFER is also the Ferrari of computer conferencing. This software responds quickly to all commands, including those calling for keyword searches of an entire conference database. Until you've been "under the clock." knowing that each tick-tick-tick is literally being measured in greenbacks, you can't appreciate a responsive system.

The most impressive feedback I received on CONFER was this user's statement: "When using CONFER, people don't think of themselves as 'subscribing to' a system: they feel like members of a community."

Choosing a System

How do you choose a conferencing system? The best way is to try out the various systems for yourself. All the companies marketing these systems are more than willing to let you testdrive their systems. After spending some time with each one, you'll know which suits your needs best. It will be the one that "feels" right. ■

184 B YTE • DECEMBER 1985

Inquiry 8 —►

troducing the first IB

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Compatible Kit!

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uidmg your own is as easy as it li

Now, it's easy to have the IBM AT that you building your own from ADTEICs SERIES 286AT" o w, patible, board-level kit. Choose from a complete kit (chassis, motherboard, cables, disk controller, keyboard and enhancement boards) and add your own monitor and disk drives. Or buy just the parts you need for your project. Either way, all series 286AT products are hardware and software AT compatible.

But you won't be on your own. The ADTEK SERIES 286AT comes with illustrated, step by step instructions that even a beginner can follow. (Some basic knowledge of electronics will be helpful.) With just a few simple household tools you can put your new computer together in a Saturday afternoon. And you'll feel confident about your SERIES 286AT because every ADTEK product is protected by a full, one year factory warranty.

And amazingly frugal.

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If you're ready for AT power and speed, but don't want to pay IBM's premium price, rest easy. A complete ADTEK SERIES 286AT kit is priced significantly less than a comparably assembled IBM AT. That's engineering excellence at real bargain! Call or write today for detailed brochure and price It on the SERIES 286AT and other ii ADTEK products.

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186 BYTE • DECEMBER 1985

Inquiry 198

COMPUTER CONFERENCING

CONFERENCING STANDARDS

by Jacob Palme

The search for a universal conferencing standard continues

USERS OF A SINGLE computer conferencing system who communicate only with people who use the same computer have little need for standards. The need for standards arises when a user wants to communicate with people on several different computers or wants to connect a personal computer to a conferencing system.

If two different machines are to communicate, a standard for communication between them is needed. In computer conferencing, this could be either the interconnection of personal computers with multiuser conferencing systems or communication between several multiuser conferencing systems. Such a standard need not prescribe the internal functions, structuring, or user interface of the connected systems. The standard only has to prescribe the interconnection between the systems.

It is easier to develop a standard if you have some idea of the structure of the systems to be interconnected. Thus, standards are often based on models of the internal structure of the systems to be interconnected. The existence of such a model does not mean that only systems structured according to the model can be intercon

nected. A model that is used to develop standards and that does not exactly agree with existing systems is called an abstract model. To connect a system whose internal structure is somewhat different from the model requires some mapping between the model and the real system in the interconnection software.

Today, many people are forced to keep accounts in several different conferencing and message systems. A comprehensive standard for interconnections might allow them to have an account in only one system and get all their information through this system from conferences and people in other systems. They would then have to connect to only one system and learn only one user interface.

Group Communication

Computer conferencing is a tool for communication within a group of people and provides an environment similar to task groups, discussion groups, and so on. A typical computer conferencing system consists of a number of conferences, each of which has a set of members and a sequence of messages. Usually, the system stores informa

tion about how far every member has read in each conference; this is often called the conference marker. This makes it possible for the system to tell users which messages are new to them when they connect to the system.

Bulletin boards are tools very similar to computer conferences. In this article, "computer conference" will also refer to bulletin boards.

Another tool for group communication common in computer-based message systems (CBMSs) is the distribution list. A distribution list, like a conference, has a set of members. A distribution list, however, usually does not store messages. When a message is sent to a distribution list, the "list" will just expand the number of recipients of the message and forward it as individual mail to all the members

(continued) \acob Palme, chief researcher at QZ, Stockholm University Computing Center, studies the social effects of computers and specializes in research and development of computer-based message and conferencing systems. He is one of the developers of the COM and PortaCOM computer conferencing systems. He can be contacted at QZ, Stockholm University Computing Center. Box 27322, S-102 54 Stockholm. Sweden.

DECEMBER 1985 -BYTE 187

STANDARDS

of the distribution list.

Some systems provide special facilities to support other group communication tasks like voting, scheduling of face-to-face meetings, joint production of a manuscript, and so on. The first versions of future standards will probably cover only conferences and distribution lists, leaving more specialized group tasks for future versions of the standards.

The Group Agent Concept

Instead of developing one standard for each type of group communication, it is better to develop general concepts in the standard. For example, computer conferences and distribution lists can be combined into a more general concept called a group agent.

The group agent can store messages to be retrieved by some of its members, as in a computer conference, and forward messages as mail to some of its members, as with a distribution list.

Some group agents do not store messages and work as pure distribution lists. Other group agents may have no facility for automatic forwarding of messages and work as pure computer conferences. But many of the operations on the group agent (for example, adding a member or entering a message) can be similar for both kinds of group agents. This sharing of operations functionality for

both types of group agents reduces the size of the standard.

A further advantage is that the group agent concept can be used not only to interconnect a conference system to other conference systems but also to interconnect to simpler mail systems. Conferences will then appear as distribution lists to users of the mail system, who will have the conference messages sent to them as mail, as shown in figure 1.

Conference-System Interconnection

Since most conference systems can also handle personal electronic mail, one way of connecting them might be the one shown in figure 1. However, two other modes of connection are possible, as shown in figures 2 and 3.

Figure 2 shows a structure of parallel conferences. A similar structure for connecting distribution lists is possible. Every message entered into the conference in CBMS A is copied into the parallel conference in CBMS B. Any local user in either the A or the B system can read all the messages in the conference, originally entered in either the A or the B system, in the same way as in a stand-alone conference system.

The conference in system B, CB, can be seen as a member of the conference in system A, CA, and vice versa. Conference CA could work partly as a distribution list to ensure

CONF. CONF. CONF MEM- MEM- MEMBER BER BER

USER USER USER MAIL- MAIL- MAILBOX BOX BOX

Figure 1: \n this alternative, the grout) agent CA in CBMS A will act like a group agent to local users, who get messages from the conference, but like a mailing list to remote users at CBMS B, to whom messages are sent by CA.

that a new message, entered into CA, is copied into CB, automatically forwarding all new entries (except those coming from CB) to CB. This is another reason why a good standard should combine computer conferencing and distribution lists into one general concept.

Of course, messages could also be forwarded from A to B only when B asks for them. This might be suitable if, for example, B is a personal computer that does not stay on line all the time.

Figure 3 shows an alternative structure, where messages are stored only in conference CA in system A. Whenever a user of system B wants to read a message, that message is retrieved automatically from system A. This, of course, requires fast networks to give users acceptable response times.

The structures shown in figures 2 and 3 can be combined. For example, system B might request the new messages from system A the first time any user wants to read them but then keep the messages for some time for other members of CB or for retrieval by the original reader who wants to look at the message once more.

Data Structures

Standards for the interconnection of message systems need to define two things: an abstract model of the data structures involved and definitions of the operations used for communication between the systems.

Here is a typical example of the data structure and attributes for "members" of the group agent concept: A group agent will have a list of members. Members can be users or other groups (for example, a parallel conference in another system). Each member will have a number of attributes, defining his or her relationship within the group. Examples of such attributes are listed below.

Auto-forwarding: New messages to the group are forwarded automatically as mail to members with this attribute. It is used when the group agent acts as a distribution list.

Read access: Members with this at

188 BYTE • DECEMBER 1985

STANDARDS

tribute are allowed to request entries from the group.

Write access: Members with this attribute are allowed to enter messages to the group.

Organizer access: Members with this attribute are allowed to modify the list of members and other attributes of the group. Organizer access can be divided into different rights to modify various attributes. A special, but important, case is the right to modify only the value of an attribute with respect to yourself. You might thus be allowed to enter and remove yourself from the list of members of a group but not to enter and remove other members. In standards work, people with the right to modify information only about themselves are usually called friends.

The set of members with different rights in relation to a group need not always be defined by an explicit list of all the members. For open (public) conferences, for example, anyone may be allowed to read or become a member of the group. The set of members with a certain right may also be defined by what is known as a class description, for example, "everyone" or "all citizens of Sweden" or "all employees of IBM," provided that a database is available that can check whether a certain person belongs to a certain class or not.

Message Data Structure

A very important property of a standard is the facility to give every message a globally unique identifier that will not be changed even if the message is forwarded many times or stored and forwarded again. Such an ID can, for example, be used to ensure that the relation between a message and a reply to it is preserved even if the message and the reply are forwarded at different times.

The basic data structure for messages is the conference. A conference defines an ordered sequence of messages. The same message may belong to more than one conference.

Another important kind of message data structure is the binary relation

CBMS A

CBMS B

PARALLEL CONFERENCES

o

LOCAL USERS

LOCAL USERS

Figure 2: There are two parallel conferences in this alternative, CA in CBMS A and CB in CBMS B, storing the same set of messages, local users get the messages from their local instance of the conference. Mailing-list forwarding is done only between the two conferences, not to personal mailboxes.

RETRIEVAL

LOCAL USERS

REMOTE USERS

Figure 3: \n this alternative, messages are stored only in conference CA at CBMS A. Users at CBMS B get the messages at reading time from CBMS A using remote retrieval operations. No automatic forwarding of messages (mailing-list functionality) is used.

ship between messages like "in reply to." Many other relations are possible, such as "continuation of," "subchapter to" etc. A standard will probably not place a restriction on such relations, such as allowing them only between messages within the same conference.

Operations

Operations between connected systems have to be fully defined in the standard and are in many ways similar to the operations that a local user of a conference system can perform from his or her terminal. Here are some of the main types of operations:

Search Group Directory: You might search the group directory to find where a conference exists on a particular subject that interests you. All groups in the directory may, of course, not be available for search by all users.

Creation Operations: Create and remove group agents. Read and Set Attributes: Read and modify the attributes of a group, such as a list of members. Membership Operations: Read and modify information in the lists of members with various rights in relation to a group.

[continued]

DECEMBER 1985 -BYTE

189

STANDARDS

Reading News helps you find messages you have not read, based on the position of your conference marker.

Submitting Messages: Enter messages to a group.

Reading Messages: Retrieve messages from the storage connected to a group agent, using simple retrieval requests ("Give me the message with the unique identifier X") or advanced search requests ("Give me all messages between these dates with certain keywords in them"). Reading News: A special case of reading. This operation helps you find new messages you have not read from a conference, based on the position of your conference marker, which is placed after the last-read message in the conference.

An important issue is where to store this conference marker. If every message in a conference is identified by a sequential position number in the conference, the conference markers for all conferences, even on remote

systems, might be stored in your local system or personal computer.

Using Operations

You might first tell your local system to find a conference about a subject of interest to you, say. multicolor printers. Your system will then use the Search Group Directory operation to find such a conference.

When a conference has been found in some remote system, you tell your system that you want to read the description of the remote conference. Your system will find this description using the Read Group Attributes operation. If you decide that you want to join the conference, your local system sets up a local conference (in your local system) on the same subject in parallel with the remote conference. You then ask for the last 20 items in the conference. Your local system gets these from the remote system and stores them in the local conference so you can read them.

You can also tell your personal computer to connect to the networks and retrieve all news. Your personal computer then automatically connects to the networks and gets all your unread letters and unread messages in the conferences you have chosen to participate in using the Read News operation. It will then disconnect, and you can locally read the new messages and write your replies and comments. You then tell your computer to connect again to enter the new messages

you wrote locally, using the Submit Messages operation.

Layered Standards

Standards for computer network applications are based on layers. Each layer uses the facilities of the layer below. Figure 4 shows how two layers may relate to each other. Layer N sees a message consisting of a layer N header and a layer N body. Layer N sees the body only as a sequence of bytes: it does not understand any structure within the body. In layer N+ 1. however, what was only a body in layer N actually has a structure, for example, with a layer N+1 header and a layer N+ 1 body.

The MHS Model

The message-system model behind the X.400 recommendation (see the text box "Standards Work in Progress" below) is called the MHS (message handling system). The model is shown in figure 5.

The basic components of this model are user agents (UAs) and message transfer agents (MTAs). Every personal mailbox has one UA representing that user. Using the UA. a user can. for example, locally edit a message. When the message is ready, it is delivered from the UA to an MTA, and the MTA will forward the message to the MTA connected to the recipient UA.

The protocol used to communicate

[continued]

Standards Work in Progress

Two main international organizations are involved in developing computer conferencing standards. These are ISO. the International Standards Organization (whose U.S. member is ANSI), and CCITT. the International Telegraph and Telephone Consultative Committee (organization of telegraph and telephone providers). Important also is ECMA. the European Computer Manufacturers Association, which in reality also includes the major American manufacturers and provides

input to both ISO and CCITT.

CCITT has developed a standard for interconnecting message systems, called the MHS (message handling system) or X.400 recommendation. (CCITT standards are called recommendations, not standards.) This recommendation was officially accepted by CCITT in late 1984. The X.400 recommendation is purely for interconnection of personally addressed mail—there is no. facility in it for group communication, not even for distribution lists.

ISO will soon adopt a standard called MOTIS that is a copy of X.400 with minor revisions.

ISO decided in April 1985 to ask all member countries whether ISO should begin to study the group communication area. This vote will probably be ready in late 1985. and. if positive. ISO will begin work in the group communication area in 1986.

During the autumn of 1985. CCITT began studying possible revisions and extension of X.400.

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STANDARDS

The MHS is a

model of message exchange; it is not a description of how a message system must be organized.

between a UA and an MTA is called P3, and the protocol used to communicate between two MTAs is called PI. Another level of protocol is P2, which is actually on top of PI and is used

for formatting the messages being forwarded. Although the messages passed via PI and P2 are formatted according to P2 protocol, this information is not interpreted by the MTAs, so the P2 protocol can be seen as a protocol used between UAs (see figure 5).

It is very important to understand that the MHS is a model of message exchange used to develop the standard. It is not a description of how a message system must be organized. A message system can communicate perfectly well according to the X.400 recommendation but have a totally different internal structure. Some message systems with many users on one computer may not have any sharply defined user agent in them. They can

WHAT LAYER N SEES WHAT LAYER N + l SEES

HEADER LEVEL N

HEADER LEVEL N

BODY LEVEL N

HEADER LEVEL N+l

BODY LEVEL N + l

Figure 4: This figure shows how a new layer (N+l) can be built on top of a lower layer (N). The protocol in layer N is used to forward a message, but what looks like just a body with no structure to layer N is further structured by layer N+l, with, for example, a new layer N+l header and body.

P3^

PI/

\P1

P3-"' \P3

MTA

UA

UA

P2

MTA

MTA

UA

UA

Figure 5: This figure shows how messages are passed from UAs (user agents) via one or more MTAs (message transfer agents) to the recipient UA in the MHS model. The PI protocol is used between MTAs, and the P3 protocol is used between a UA and an MTA. The messages passed via PI and P2 are formatted according to the P2 protocol, but this information is not interpreted by the MTAs, so the P2 protocol can be seen as a protocol between UAs.

still communicate with other MTAs by using the PI and P2 protocols.

Since X.400 will probably be the accepted standard for message handling, a way must be found to handle group communication within X.400. Group communication will probably be implemented by introducing group agents into X.400. A group agent in this context will be similar to a user agent. It will have a name, and it will interpret the P2 protocol information.

The functions of a group agent, however, may be split into several separate modules. X.400 will be extended with a directory system, and the lists of members of groups will probably be stored there. The actual storage of messages belonging to a certain group may be done by special services for filing and retrieving messages instead of by the group agents. ■

BIBLIOGRAPHY

"CCITT-Recommendation X.400: Message Handling Systems: System Model Service Elements." For information, contact Omnicom, 501 Church St. NE, Suite 304. Vienna, VA 22180.

"GILT—Interconnection of Computer Based Message and Conference Systems," Green Version, June 1983. Available from Computing Center. Universitatsstrasse 1. Duesseldorf, Germany

Huitema, Christian. "The COSAC Electronic Conferencing Experiment." Paper presented at the IFIP Second International Symposium on Computer Message Systems. Washington, DC, September 1985.

Palme, Jacob. "Distribution Agents (Mailing Lists) in Message Handling Systems." Paper presented at the IFIP Second International Symposium on Computer Message Systems. Washington, DC, September 1985.

Palme, Jacob. "Survey of Computer-based Message Systems." Paper presented at lnteract'84. the first IFIP Conference on Human-Computer Interaction. September 1984.

Wosnitza, Lothar. "Group Communication in the MHS Context." Paper presented at the IFIP Second International Symposium on Computer Message Systems, Washington, DC September 1985. (Papers from IFIP conferences are published in book form by North-Holland.)

192 B YTE • DECEMBER 1985

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DECEMBER 1985 -BYTE 193

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COMPUTER CONFERENCING

DATABASE

STRUCTURE IN

PORTACOM

by Jacob Palme

A look at the functions that affect database structure

COMPUTER CONFERENCING systems are often more databaseoriented than other message systems. Thus, the database structure is an important property of a conferencing system. We will examine some of the functions that affect database structure within the COM and PortaCOM computer-based conferencing systems.

A message can belong to one or more ordered sets of messages. For example, such a set can be the letters to or from a certain person or the messages in a conference. The word activity is used for such a set of messages. An activity also has a name, a list of users who are members of the activity, and a sequential list of references to messages. One message can be entered into several activities. Only one copy of the message text is stored, with references from the activities to the message text. Figure 1 shows links between messages and activities containing lists of links to messages.

Every user has a personal mailbox, which is an activity containing letters sent and received by that user. A user

can also create additional personal activities and sort messages by entering references to them in one such personal activity. A computer conference is an activity with several users as members who normally can both read and write messages in the conference. For example: A certain message may be entered into the three activities "Joan Smith," "COM Experience," and "PortaCOM Development." This message is then available to "loan Smith" as a letter and to all members of the conferences COM Experience and PortaCOM Development as a conference entry. When someone writes a comment on the message, the comment is sent to all the above recipients so that all who read the original message also receive the comment. The comment is also sent to the author of the commented message if he or she is not a member of any of the other receiving activities. It is also possible to write personal answers that are sent only to the author of the message.

Linking Entries

The recipient of a message can

establish links to it. In other words, he or she can "send it along" to other activities such as personal mailboxes or conferences.

Figures 2,3, and 4 illustrate a user dialogue made up of linking entries.

The recipient links to the new entry can be changed during or after the writing of it. Commands exist for adding and removing recipient links on an entry. Figure 4 shows the use of the !move command, which removes all existing recipient links and adds one or more new links.

Message Singularity

Under the COM/PortaCOM system, you can't receive the same message twice. A chain of comments is often

[continued) \acob Palme, chief researcher at QZ, Stockholm University Computing Center, studies the social effects of computers and specializes in research and development of computer-based message and conferencing systems. He is one of the developers of the COM and PortaCOM computer conferencing systems. He can be contacted at QZ, Stockholm University Computing Center, Box 27322, S-102 54 Stockholm. Sweden.

DECEMBER 1985 -BYTE 195

PORTACOM

sent to the same set of recipients, which could be, for example, two conferences and two personal mailboxes. A user will not see this entry twice even if he or she is a member of both conferences.

Users who do not have their personal mailboxes in a certain COM system can have messages sent to them via message networks such as MAILNET or ARPANET. The recipients' COM conference will appear as a conference to local users and as a mailing list to external users. Note also

that, in this case, an external user who is a member of two COM conferences will only get one copy as mailing-list mail.

In ARPANET there is an unwritten rule that a message should not be sent to more than one mailing list. In COM/PortaCOM, there is no need for such a restriction.

Multiplying Recipients

In COM a comment is normally sent to all the recipients (conferences and mailboxes) of the commented mes

TEXT AREA

COM/PORTACOM DATABASE STRUCTURE

LIST OF ACTIVITY ACTIVITY ACTIVITY

LINKS ABC

3

—

COMMENT

5

COMMENT

COMMENT

REF. LINK

Figure 1: In the database structure shown here, message 6 is linked to activities A, B, and C Messages 7 and 8 are comments on comment 6. Activity A contains a list of links that describes the relationship between all the messages in the text area.

(Text 22545) 85-04-05 22.27 Dennis Jennings Univ. College Dublin

Receiver: Computer networks

Receiver: IBM computers

Receiver: NSIN01 @ RLGB.JNT-MAIL(Paul Bryant)

— Received: 85-04-06 05.02 Comment on: (Text 21135) by Ulf Beyschlag CERN Subject: BITNET

See my earlier comment. (Text 22545)

Figure 2: The user reads an entry, which was in this case linked to two conferences and one personal mailbox, remotely accessible via mail networks.

sage. In general, this function works well. In some cases, however, you may wish to send a message to one or more conferences or mailboxes without having them flooded with all of these extraneous comments. This can be done with a special kind of link between the text and the recipient called "single copy."

Comments (by default) are not sent to single-copy recipients of the commented message. The author of the comment can, of course, give a command to also send the comment to these recipients (unless they are writeprotected).

Types of Conferences

A COM/PortaCOM conference is categorized by the following attributes:

Open: Anyone can become a member.

Closed: Only the organizer(s) can add new members.

Restricted: Open to one set of users, closed to another set. Protected: A closed conference, where nonmembers cannot even find out that the conference exists. Write-protected: Only some can create links between texts and the conference. Note that the restriction is not on who may write texts but who can link them. An editor of a writeprotected conference can therefore link texts (written by noneditors) to that conference.

Original: These conferences are most often used for getting a selection of the most interesting items out of other conferences. The original conference will not automatically get comments on entries sent to it.

Whenever a message cannot be sent to a conference because of restrictions for write-protected or original conferences, a super-conference can be defined to which the comments are sent. For example, a newsletter may be write-protected, but anyone can comment on the news items. Comments will be sent to a writable conference for comments on the news. I will cite some examples of the types of conferences described

{continued)

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Inquiry 2I6

DECEMBER I985 -BYTE

197

PORTACOM

above and show how they relate to specific tasks.

Electronic Publishing

An author sends a new item to an activity for incoming manuscripts. This is a closed activity, readable by one or more of the editors. They look at

the paper and establish a new link from it to the personal mailbox of one or more referees.

The referees' comments are entered into a special activity for such comments, together with a reference link in the database that connects each comment to the original entry. The

What do you want to do? (Read) next notice, Quit, Comment (on

entry), (Send a) letter (to), Personal (answer), Other.

- [comm]

Comment (on entry)

Receiver: Computer networks

Receiver: IBM computers

Receiver: NSIN01 @ RLGB.JNT-MAIL(Paul Bryant)

Comment on: Text 22545 (by Dennis Jennings Univ

College Dublin)

Subject: BITNET

Figure 3: The comment command starts a new entry, with a comment link to the previous entry and with recipient links to the same entries as the previous entry.

[Imove BITNET planning] Move (entry) BITNET planning BITNET planning added as receiver

You are at the end of the entry.

Subject: Doing the rounds

[Moved entry]

[lenter]

Enter (it)

17.32 Letter (Text 30767) sent to:

BITNET planning

What do you want to do? (Read) next notice, Quit, Read (the)

rest, Comment (on entry), (Send a) letter (to), Personal (answer),

(Re-)type (the text), Other.

- [type]

(Re-)type (the text)

(Text 30767) Today 17.32 New Userman

Receiver: BITNET planning

Comment on: Text 22545 (by Dennis Jennings Univ. College Dublin)

Subject: Doing the rounds

Moved entry (Text 30767)

Figure 4: At this point, the user wishes to Imove the entry (comment on Text 22545) to the BITNET planning conference. He uses the Imove command, which removes all previous recipient links from the message.

editor decides to accept the paper (possibly after revision by its author) and then establishes a link between the paper and the activity for published papers, such as the electronic journal itself. This activity is writeprotected so that only the editors can link items to it.

System Development

A conference is opened for users of a certain software system. A user in this conference suggests an improvement to the system. Some other users comment on this improvement. The system designers then discuss how to implement this improvement in a closed conference for those responsible for development of the system.

Even though their discussion is in a separate conference, it can still be linked to the original discussion, since commentary links in COM/PortaCOM can cross conference boundaries. When the change is implemented, a comment is entered into the user conference again, commenting on the original proposal and informing the users that the change has now been implemented.

If users ask the system to print all entries in a certain structure of directly and indirectly linked messages, they will be shown only the subset that they are allowed to see. Thus, the ordinary user will be shown only the discussion in the user conference, while the implementers will be shown the discussion in their closed conference as well.

Selecting Messages

Participants in large public conferences can select messages of special interest to themselves or someone else and link them to special selection conferences. For example, I select those messages that I think my manager should read, and I send them along to him by linking them to his personal mailbox or to a closed conference for the two primary managers of our computer center.

Selected messages can also be sent to public conferences, designed so that original entries cannot again be

(continued)

198 BYTE • DECEMBER 1985

Inquiry 333 —*

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sent to them; only entries that have been referred there from other conferences can be sent.

Telex Handling

Suppose that you want to introduce a system in which all outgoing telexes have to be approved by certain telex controllers. You can then create an activity for all suggested telexes or, if you prefer, separate activities for suggested telexes, one to be handled by each telex controller.

The telex controllers have the right to move entries from these activities to other activities of messages to be sent as outgoing telexes. The program that transmits outgoing telexes appears to the system as a special kind of human user who takes messages from the activity for outgoing telexes and sends them. In the same way, incoming telexes can be entered into a conference for incoming telexes before a human decides to which activities to move these telexes for handling.

Links Between Messages

COM/PortaCOM also allows links between messages when one message is a comment on, or a reply to, a previous message. These links are also stored in the database and will create a structure consisting of all the messages related via these links.

There are commands for traversing these links. They are used, for example, to find all the comments on the message or for traversing (backward

or forward) the whole structure of all the messages linked together. There are also commands to tell the computer that you do not want to read the rest of the entries in this set of messages but that you still want to remain a member of the conference.

Database Structure

To a novice user, COM/PortaCOM is a system for handling letters and conference entries. The fact that both letters and conference entries are handled by the general-purpose activity concept is transparent to the novice user.

The database structure of COM/ PortaCOM does not use a separate storage area for each conference. Instead, the database consists of objects and links.

Text items, personal mailboxes, and conferences are objects. Entering a text item into a conference, sending it to a mailbox, or making it a comment on a previous message entails the creation of a new link in the database. Each object has a list of links to and from it. All links are members of the list of links of both the linked objects, so that a link can always be found starting at either end.

New links can be added, or old links removed, at any time. Thus, the forwarding of a message to a new recipient only entails the creation of a new link in the database, between the text item and the mailbox of the recipient. The removal of a message from a conference entails the removal of a

link (not deletion of the text itself, as it may still be linked to other conferences or mailboxes). For example, it is possible to create a link between two text items long after they have been added to the database by saying that one of them is a comment on the other.

A user has the authority to add and remove links to his or her own messages. The organizers of a conference have authority to add and remove links to the conference. The creator of a link has the authority to remove the links he has created. The COM administrator can assume privileged powers to create or remove any links in the database. One of the challenges of designing computer message systems is to find suitable principles for such access rights to further smooth information flow while protecting privacy requirements. ■

Editors note: The COM and PortaCOM manuals are available from QZ, Stockholm University Computing Center, Box 27'322, S-102 54 Stockholm, Sweden.

REFERENCES

1. Palme. Jacob, and Eva Aibertson. COM Teleconferencing System— Advanced manual. Stockholm, Sweden: QZ Computing Center, September 1983.

2. Palme, Jacob. "Survey of Computerbased Message Systems." Interact '84 conference papers. Amsterdam: NorthHolland, 1984.

3. PortaCOM Teleconferencing—User manual. Stockholm, Sweden: QZ Computing Center December 1982.

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Inquiry 29

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Inquiry 279

COMPUTER CONFERENCING

THE NETWORK

APPLICATION

MANAGER

by Robert A. Flavin and Jack D. Williford

You can put any application involving communications

on a conferencing system

WE DEFINE computer conferencing much more generally than most people do. We see traditional computer conferencing as a subset of the spectrum of applications of computermediated communications. The network application manager is a system that provides the functions needed to support many communications applications.

Even a distributed chess-playing program could be considered to be an adaptation of raw computer conferencing to a specific task. In a traditional computer conference, a group of people submit short notes or pieces of text to a system that stores and redistributes the information. You can also use such a communication system to transmit the moves of a chess game between two players and their spectators. However, specialpurpose interfaces that understand chess shorthand and how to display chess moves would be even more desirable to tailor the conferencing system to the needs of the chess players.

Convinced that such a computer communication system needed to be

built, we set about designing one. What characteristics should such a system have? We already had some in mind. But, to the consternation of many of the developers, some of the system's design considerations were premises a posteriori, design points that we weren't able to articulate until after we had seen the consequences of violating them.

Many of the characteristics that set the direction for the system were lessons learned from an earlier conferencing effort, the PALTRY Computer Conferencing System. (PALTRY was so named to ward off criticism of the early system.) Our new system was christened GRANDiose, or GRAND for short. (See the text box "GRANDiose Design Considerations" on page 204.)

VNET An Enormous Testing Ground

It would be impossible to experiment and test the ideas behind GRAND without getting it into the hands of real users. A suitable collection of such users was available on IBM's VNET system. VNET is a collection of

about 2000 major computers distributed among 215 cities throughout the world. The computers are connected together by a variety of means, including channel-to-channel adapters, satellite links, fiber-optic cables, and phone lines. The terminals and workstations of the 200,000 network users are connected to the main computers by channel attachments, 1.2-megabyte-per-second direct coaxial cables, local-area networks, and twisted-pair, dedicated, and dial-up phone links.

The major computers on VNET run various versions of IBM's VM/370 and MVS operating systems. VNET's users include experienced systems pro

(conlinued) Robert A. Flavin and }ack D. Williford are research staff members at IBM (T I. Watson Research Center, POB 218, Yorktown Heights. NY 10598). Bob studied electrical engineering and computer science at Princeton University and is interested in operatingsystem and microcomputer design. )ack studied mathematics at Lyman Briggs College of Michigan State University and has interests in natural-language processing and home computer applications.

DECEMBER

IYTE 203

APPLICATION NETWORK

grammers. novice users, computer scientists, secretaries, corporate executives, summer students, manufacturing workers, administrators, and managers. In various combinations and for various purposes, all these people need to communicate.

Because VNET is the principal electronic means by which people in IBM communicate, the conferencing applications must compete and cooperate with established electronic-mail and communications programs. Merely providing electronic mail isn't enough to get anyone's attention.

VNET is a store-and-forward net

work that can transmit both files and messages (short, about 100-byte. priority transmissions). Hardware and software problems can delay or even lose messages and files. No end-toend acknowledgments of transmission are built into the basic transmission system, which is based on VM/370's RSCS (remote-spooling control system).

Although this community is an excellent test bed for GRAND, we had to design it to fit into other operating systems and into communications networks with different characteristics. This meant that we had to include the

appropriate interfaces so it could run on and communicate with other systems.

The Network-based Application

If you wanted to write a program to maintain a database about hiking trails, you could write it on your microcomputer. If you gave a copy of the program to a friend, he or she could maintain his or her own database about hiking trails. While you have saved your friend the effort of writing the program, you will both be

[continued]

GRANDiose Design Considerations

The Network

• GRAND users should be able to remain in their normal electronic environment, which includes the operating system, file, profiles, and tools that they have available during normal use of their computers. They should not have to log onto someone else's computer, have all their commands taken by the conferencing system, and be separated from the tools and files that they are accustomed to. To accomplish this, some conferencing-system programs must run in the user's environment to transmit data to the rest of the system.

• You cannot serve all users with one main computer. Even if you are willing to force people to (logically) leave their normal environment, no one computer could support a very large community of users (i.e.. the world). Thus, you must distribute the system among a collection of computers.

• You must isolate part of the system from direct user control to ensure that data is secure from unauthorized use, to ensure data integrity, and for system reliability. Therefore, you need to establish server tasks.

• You should be electronically as close to the computer that is providing the conferencing service as possible. Computer users are neither happy nor productive if they get poor performance from their computers; therefore, transaction speed is important. If you use

a large computer and if the conferencing data is stored on disks that you have access to, you can get extremely fast service. If, however, your connection to the data is over a T-l carrier (a 1.5-megabit-per-second telecommunications line), your service is not as good. If you must go through voicegrade phone lines, it's even worse. In some situations your interactive communication must be handled by a series of hops across various communication lines. But the closer you can be, the better.

The Applications

• GRAND must support a variety of communications applications. No single design of a traditional computer conferencing system is well-suited for all users in all situations. For example, the features and functions that a computer conference needs to arrange a Frisbee game among 30 people differ from those needed by a professor to conduct a class.

• Because the tastes, expertise, and practices of different users are quite different, no single user interface is satisfactory. Therefore, you need more than one UIP (user-interface program). To make practical the support of multiple UIPs, GRAND needs a well-defined programming interface for the UIPs to communicate with. This interface must include command syntax and the for

mat and interpretation of application data

• To authenticate who each user is. run private conferences, and accommodate individual preferences about how users deal with the system. GRAND needs the ability to verify that a transmission comes from where it claims to come from. This allows the system to restrict certain commands to certain people no matter where they are. This task becomes more complex because the system is distributed throughout a large network of machines.

• The application programs within the conferencing system should be independent of the user communications programs. If users remain in their normal environments, they are unlikely to all choose the same method of communication with the system. Therefore, the applications must not contain any code for user communications.

• You don't want either central or completely independent server operation. However, the parts of the system should work in concert rather than as a collection of independent domains. Since we are unwilling to impose central control, this task becomes a difficult communications problem. To solve it. we treat managing the system as a GRAND application. Thus, even the operation and maintenance of GRAND become a specialized conferencing application.

204 BYTE • DECEMBER 1985

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1 1985, Lotus Development Corporation. Lotus and 1-2-3 are registered trademarks of Lotus Development Corporation. Intel is a registered trademark and Above is a trademark of Intel Corporation.

DECEMBER 1985 -BYTE 205

APPLICATION NETWORK

developing different databases.

If you wrote the database system on a time-sharing system, or if your microcomputers were connected together, you could maintain a common database. You could both benefit from the work that each of you does. This is a fundamental improvement in the system's usefulness.

If you gave this program to another set of people on another time-sharing system, they could create their own database. But the two databases will differ. If these time-sharing systems or networks of microcomputers were connected together, the database programs could create one massive, common database from which all the users could benefit.

For these reasons, applications should be designed so that they treat the entire network as a uniform collection of users: you should not write them with one microcomputer or one

time-sharing system in mind. The power of microcomputers is great, but it pales in comparison to the potential of networks of computers, large and small.

The Network Application Manager

Once you accept the value of networkbased applications, how do you design them? Should each hiker's database, chess-game manager, newsdistribution system, program-library manager, mail system, and conferencing system be independent? All these systems have a large overlap in the functions that they need in order to work. Rather than duplicate the effort each time a new application comes along, you should distill their common parts into a support system for all the applications. This network application manager (NAM) would provide the basic communication and

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support services that the applications need in order to maintain and distribute their data and to communicate to the users.

By providing these services, the NAM reduces the effort required to develop new network-based applications. Thus, applications that previously were too costly to develop have become cost-effective. This is an ordinary benefit of standardization and careful modular design. The virtue of establishing a network of servers that supports many applications is that the overhead cost—both in terms of computer resources consumed and administrative and operational burden—of supporting the applications in the shared system is less than the cost of operating all the applications as separate systems. Thus. still more possible applications become practical. One of our challenges is to figure out what sorts of heretofore outlandish computer uses are now reasonable.

The GRAND Design

How did we decide to organize our system? The proper choice of interfaces between parts of the system was critical to its survival as it grew and matured (see figure 1). The real work is done by the servers. A server is a task that waits for a user request to come in, interprets its commands when it arrives, and then waits for the next request. Typically, servers maintain local copies of databases and communicate to users and other servers. They treat each other as peers; there is no one server that is master of all.

Servers are sprinkled around the network so that transmission delays between the user and the local data stores are not long. Most other conferencing systems rely on only one server. In these systems your terminal is connected directly and exclusively to the conferencing system. This system design is easier because you don't have to maintain a distributed database. However, it rules out having a large number of active users and leaving them in their normal elec

[continued)

206 BYTE • DECEMBER 1985

Inquiry 419

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DECEMBER 1985 -BYTE 207

Inquiry 388

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tronic environments.

You don't need to make all applications available at all servers. And you don't need to duplicate all conference databases at all servers. These matters are specific characteristics of the applications rather than architectural requirements of GRAND itself.

Your Relationship to the Server

If you are sitting in your own environment and the servers are off somewhere else talking to each other, how do you get anything done? When you want to use some application that uses the server network, you invoke

a user-interface program (UIP) that figures out what you want and, if necessary, sends a command to the local server. Because the UIP runs in your environment, it isn't protected from you. As a matter of fact, you are encouraged to develop your own UIPs if they would better suit your needs and preferences. The server is out of your direct control, so it can do the testing required to ensure the security of the server network.

You may select any UIP you wish to communicate to the servers. Your decision may be dependent on personal preference, degree of experi

(continued)

USERS

Figure l: GRANDiose server network. Some of the main computers have servers in them, and some don't. The user workstations can be microcomputers or terminals. The blue line represents the transmission of a news bulletin over an LAN to the nearest server. The red lines from the server represent the transmission of notification of the news bulletin to various users and servers.

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DECEMBER 1985 • BYTE 209

APPLICATION NETWORK

ence, and choice of editors. All of an application's users do not need to be using the same UIP; they only need to be using UiPs that know how to deal with the particular application that they are using.

To reduce the complexity of writing UlPs. there is a service routine that provides a standard way of finding and communicating with the local server. This lets you change the communication techniques without affecting the UIP.

In a GRAND Style

One of the most important things we learned from PALTRY is that there is no one right way of doing something. Depending on the application and the needs of the users, you may need different styles of doing a particular task. This leads to the concept of style programs, interchangeable programs that

perform well one style of doing something.

In order to notify you of some news, we need notification-style programs, or NSPs. If a conference wants to notify an ARPANET user of a new entry, it might be appropriate to package the new entry with an RFC822 (ARPANET mail-format standard) header, with its "To," "From," and "Subject" lines and send it off. If you usually log on the very machine that the server is on, then sending you mail about a new entry may be unnecessary. In this case, you may prefer to have a message written to your terminal telling you to look at some file for the new entry. Both are reasonable ways of notifying you. Therefore, both methods are written into NSPs, and you select the one you want from the library of NSPs.

In addition to NSPs, other system

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Figure 2: GRANDiose server internal organization. The NAM routes commands to the CSPs that contain the application-specific code. The ASPs and NSPs transmit and receive information to and from the server. The UIP exists within the user's sphere: half of the UIP communicates with the server, and the other half interprets the applicationspecific information. The blue line from one user represents the transmission of a chess move from the CHESS UIP through an ASP to the NAM and on to the CSCHESS application. CSCHESS then forwards the move, via the red line, through an NSP out over the network.

functions that may need to be tailored to match the preferred way of doing something are broken out from the basic kernel of the system. These functions include things like conferencestyle programs (CSPs). arrival-style programs (ASPs), and user-interfacestyle programs (UIPs). See figure 2 for a diagram of how these functions interact.

The Design of a Server

Lopping off all the functions that need tailoring leaves the common part of the system, the NAM. Its function is to wake up when something needs to be done, perform various functions, and pass the request, along with any information about its context, to the program that actually does the work. The NAM finds some input, figures out who sent it, and proceeds to parse the command and execute the request. Certain common commands are processed directly by the NAM. For example, the NAM verifies that requesters are who they say they are before it honors their requests. A request usually names the application, or conference, that it is addressing. Based on the conference name, the NAM invokes the correct program to handle the request and passes the remainder of the request to it for processing.

The Conference-Style Program

The program that processes all requests directed to a particular conference is called the CSP Its scope is any matter related to the application's function. Other parts of the system merely provide services to the application, but none infringe on the CSP's ability to define what the application does. Typically, the CSP manages a database of its choosing, honors commands of its choosing, and transmits data to users and other servers. It also determines which users may execute which commands. Of course, if the CSP doesn't make a good choice about what it's going to do, it won't be a very useful application. For example, CSAPP, one of

(continued)

210 BYTE- DECEMBER 198S

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Inquiry 214

DECEMBER 1985 -BYTE

APPLICATION NETWORK

GRAND's CSPs, implements rather ordinary computer conferencing as its application. It accepts the commands ADD, DELETE. REPLACE. GET, JOIN, LEAVE, ADDTOPIC, and DELTOPIC. The database it maintains includes files that are accumulations of things that users have added and control files to tell it who is allowed

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If users running other conferences like CSAPP, they can create another instance of a CSAPP conference. If

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they feel strongly enough that they want their conference run differently, they can develop another CSP that does things the way they think best. Thus, several different conferencing applications, tailored to the needs of the users, can coexist on GRAND.

Of course, another application, such as the chess-game manager, would have vastly different assumptions about the way to manage its conference, but it would have roughly the same general organization.

At some point, the CSP is likely to need to communicate to its users. However, this is a very complicated task. Each CSP may have to communicate to users and servers on different types of machines, running all sorts of operating systems, connected to the network in strange ways, and having the most incomprehensible preferences. Rather than having the CSPs be aware of all the appropriate means of communication, the NSPs handle that function.

Notifying Users

Notification-style programs are another group of programs that the NAM calls on to honor requests from the CSPs. The NAM tells the NSP who to notify and what to tell them about; beyond that there are no limits to what the NSP can do. Typically, the NSP sends mail or a message. Some NSPs just record the fact that there is new information and that you should check the database to see what it says. Some NSPs do things, such as send the information by telegram or print the information on paper (for those people who don't routinely connect to the network). NSPs can also serve as the gateways to GRAND servers on other networks and between the GRAND network and other conferencing systems and applications.

The logical counterpart of the NSP is the arrival-style program. Usually, a server receives GRAND commands in their correct format. In order to handle input from systems that do not produce GRAND-format commands, the server lets each ASP check any in

(continued)

212

DECEMBER I?

Inquiry 328

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DECEMBER 1985 'BYTE 213

APPLICATION NETWORK

coming data for a recognizable format. If an ASP recognizes the format, the ASP accepts the data, converts it into GRAND-format commands, and passes it along to be processed normally. Using combinations of ASPs and NSPs, you can connect GRAND servers to existing non-GRAND applications like single-machine databases and other networks.

An Application Example

What must you consider to design an application for GRAND? See the text box A GRAND Application." One rather conventional GRAND computer conferencing application is news distribution. In this conference, one person, the person who writes and edits the news items, can write to the conference, while a large number of people can listen. Many of the details of how this conference works were set up for this application; if you have another application in mind, or even another way of managing this application, you can probably accommodate it by changing the control information for the conference or, if necessary, by modifying or replacing the CSP or the NSPs.

Let's say that some hot news just occurred and you want to communicate

this to the subscribers of your conference. You invoke your favorite UIP, suspending the other work you are doing. After entering the text of the bulletin, you enter a command to transmit the data from your virtual machine to your local GRAND server. The UIP prefixes the text of your entry with control information that identifies you to the conferencing system, indicates that you are addressing the News conference, and indicates that you are adding a news bulletin. When the server receives the request, it verifies that the request came from you. It then passes the command to the CSP that manages the News conference, which determines that you are permitted to add news bulletins and processes your request.

Processing the command to add a news bulletin consists of adding the bulletin to the local database and then notifying all the conference subscribers. To notify the subscribers, the CSP goes through its list of subscribers and invokes the NOTIFY program once for each subscriber. NOTIFY looks into the subscriber's profile and runs the NSP that it has selected, passing the NSP a pointer to the subscriber and another to the news bulletin.

A GRAND Application

The common parts of GRAND should not limit what an application can do. In addition to the design decisions that you would normally make when writing any computer program, as a CSP developer you need to consider the following points:

• Should you maintain the database at one server, some servers, or all of the servers? If the cost (in terms of money or time) of transmitting the data as needed is greater than the cost of maintaining the data at more than one server, then you should probably maintain multiple copies.

• How do you want to maintain a distributed database? If you have more than one server with write access, this is difficult to do well, if possible at all.

(Most attempts at maintaining distributed databases require complicated and expensive locking arrangements that make them unpalatable.) Fortunately, most applications do not require solving this problem. • What if you don't have local access to the disk containing the data you need? For most applications, this is not a problem because the CSP can easily send it. However, if you need access to a great deal of data, the server can't send you the entire database. The CSP can. however, do a search for you and send you the result. The UIP checks to see if it has local access to the data. If so. it does the search. If not, it sends the request to the server to do for you. In either case, you don't have to know how your request is being honored; you just get the result you asked for.

There are no restrictions on what an NSP may do to notify you. Typically, it sends you a file containing the news bulletin. Some NSPs send immediate messages containing the news, some print the news on printers, and some just add a pointer to a list of things that you should look at sometime.

Among the list of subscribers to the News conference are some other servers. In the same manner that you are notified of the news, the NSPs for the servers are run, and the news bulletin is transmitted to them. Typically, a server has the news bulletin delivered to it in a file over VNET with the same sort of control information your UIP added to the entry. When the bulletin arrives at the other servers, they go through the same process, updating their own databases and notifying their News subscribers of the news.

Depending upon the manner of notification that you have selected, you do different things. If you are logged onto a machine that has a server that maintains at least part of the News database, you can link to the disk that contains the data and browse it by using any of a battery of editors, utilities, and other UIPs. If you are on a machine where no local copy of the data is maintained, you may have the data sent to you in a file. You would invoke some program to see the news, either using a standard mail reader or a GRAND UIP especially written for the purpose.

It may take only a few seconds between the time that you press the button to transmit the story and the time that NEWS subscribers are reading the story. Barring network problems and unusually long delays, news on GRAND is usually available around the U.S. and Europe within 10 minutes.

The Serve Conference

Developing, maintaining, and operating the network of GRAND servers is a big communications task. Various commands, programs, and data must be transmitted between certain people and servers around the network. The details are quite complex. We

[continued]

214 B YTE • DECEMBER 1985

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decided to use GRAND itself to manage this communications task, so we developed a special CSP to manage the Serve conference.

One special feature of GRAND is the GRREP function. If you need to correct a bug or add a new feature, simply connect from your microcomputer to one of the mainframes on the network, invoke your favorite editor, edit the errant program, and execute the GRREP command. GRREP is a special-purpose UIP that can install a program on GRAND

Unless you are accessing a copy of a program that is maintained directly by the GRAND server, GRREP saves the file you have edited on your disk and transmits the edited program to the local server. GRREP then asks you to describe the nature of the changes that you have made to the program. Finally, it transmits the description of the changes to the server. (If you are

accessing a copy of a program maintained by the GRAND server. GRREP doesn't have to save the original file, because the server already has it.)

The server verifies who you are and passes your input command to the CSP that manages the Serve conference. That CSP verifies that you are allowed to replace that program on the server and replaces the old version with your new one. The previous copy of the program is saved, on the chance that you made a mistake, and the fact that you changed the program is recorded in the journal log.

With the new program in place, you issue the commands to test out the new code. You can have the server trace the execution of the program and send you the results. When you are satisfied that your change is correct, you can issue another command to the Serve conference to transmit the new version of the program to all

the servers in the network.

Each server receives the files, updates its copy of the program, makes appropriate journal entries, and notifies the appropriate operators of the change. GRAND manages this without interrupting any server's operation. Using the Serve conference we can develop and operate the entire system or parts of it from anywhere.

Conclusion

The ultimate goal of our effort is to make possible the development of computer applications that can be used throughout the network. The system should be flexible enough to accommodate the different needs and preferences of various users as well as the different needs of the applications. We don't profess to know the right ways of doing everything. GRAND's flexibility lets us try out new ideas with relatively little effort. ■

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DECEMBER I985 'BYTE 217

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218 BYTE • DECEMBER 1985

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DECEMBER 1985 "BYTE 219

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220 BYTE • DECEMBER 1985

Inquiry 128

COMPUTER CONFERENCING

STORAGE ARCHITECTURES

by Alastair J. W. Mayer

Their implications for conferencing systems

A COMPUTER CONFERENCING system can be looked on as a special case of a database where the entries consist mainly of variable-length text messages plus associated information about who wrote them, when, and in what context. The choice of file and record structures, or "storage architecture," can have profound implications on what can be implemented easily at the user-interface level and. indeed, on how the messages relate to one another.

When my colleagues and I sat down to design the conferencing system that would become known as CoSy, we did not immediately start worrying about file layouts, record structures, and the like. We started thinking about how the user would view and use the system and then worked backward from there. Of course, the design process is never quite that simple. We had to go through several iterations, because something that we'd thought might be a great idea at the user level turned out to be impossibly complicated to implement but could be done easily with a small change to the user interface.

Still, this was just a prototype. However, in a system of this sort, the files

created with the prototype tend to get inherited by successive generations of the software. Think how annoyed users would get if the old conferences became unreadable whenever a change to the software was made! (Indeed, one of the very first conferences on the prototype, for discussion among the developers and test users, was still going strong a year later when the software was well into its second release and on its third hardware home!)

Thus, the organization of the information (the storage architecture) in the system can have profound implications to later development of the software. You can't just say, "Well, with version 4 we'll go to a totally new file organization," because then conversion programs will need writing, and some of the imaginable conversions may not even make sense (because certain necessary data was never stored in the original files).

In this article I'll discuss some of the trade-offs involved in deciding how to store conferencing-system information. Since I am responsible for most of the detailed design and the coding of the University of Guelph's CoSy system, many examples will come from

that. I'll make some comparisons with other conferencing systems (COM, for example). It is not the specifics (of any particular conferencing system) but the implications and limitations of certain designs that are important. These 'designs may be considered hypothetical.

I had to decide whether to approach this subject from the top down, starting at the user-interface layer or at least the general file-layout layer, and working down to character coding. Or I could start from the bottom up, deciding how to store characters in messages. Good programming practice is to start at the top and progress downward. One of the first decisions was to use UNIX to develop the system. (UNIX doesn't care what a file contains; it is just a stream of bytes.)

Conferences

The top level of organization in all conferencing systems is obvious: conferences. All conferences can be viewed

{continued) Alastair J. W. Mayer (University of Guelph, \nstitute of Computer Science, Guelph, Ontario. Canada NIG 2W1) is the author of the CoSu conferencing system.

DECEMBER 1985 -BYTE 221

Inquiry 295

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as structures in their own right. On all systems that 1 am familiar with, a conference contains a collection of messages (which may be further grouped or structured), together with information about who reads or contributes to that collection (or has permission to).

Also associated with conferences is descriptive information, such as the date the conference was created, a short narrative about the purpose of the conference, and so on. Another type of data associated with a conference is the user ID of the person who is allowed to manipulate the conference in some special way, such as adding or removing participants, messages, or groups of messages (this person is usually referred to as the conference moderator). Information about which messages have been read by particular participants (stored to simplify the presentation of new messages to the user) can be viewed as being conference information. This information can also be treated as user information belonging with other data about the user.

We've now come to the first decision point. Does "last message read" information belong in a user-related file or in a conference-related file? Here the term "file" is used loosely; a conference "object" may be made up of several files.

Keeping "last message read" in the conference file simplifies such housekeeping operations as adding a user to a conference (or removing one), removing messages, and so on. On the other hand, an element of redundancy is lost by doing this. If such information is stored in user files, then the system becomes easier to reconstruct should something catastrophic happen to a conference file. (I am thinking more of a software error than a hardware problem here, since full backups are done regularly.)

In CoSy, I chose the latter approach, with some redundancy. Each conference has connected with it a list of the members of that conference, and each user has a list of the conferences to which he or she belongs. Should problems occur, one list can be rebuilt

from the others in the system. The "messages read" information is kept with the users' lists. Since this information changes often when a user is signed on and reading or writing messages, this list can be read into memory and continually updated without the disk I/O (input/output) that would be needed if this information were kept with conference files. COM and Telecenter also keep this information in the user files, although the details are significantly different (see references 1 and 2).

Conference-System Hierarchy

Are "conferences" really the topmost level of conference-system architecture? In any type of business environment there have to be classes of conferences. For example, there should be public or open conferences (or forums, if you prefer) that anyone can browse through or contribute to. Indeed, these are usually the most popular and active ones on the system. There are some discussions, however, that should have restricted (closed) access, although you may want to post their existence so that someone who is interested enough can ask to be invited in. Finally, there are conferences that are closed and which the participants have no intention of letting anyone else into. Such a conference might be a private conversation between two or three people, for example. These unlisted conferences are called "confidential" in CoSy parlance.

We knew at the outset that we would want these three classes of conferences. But all three classes can be treated alike (indeed, a CoSy conference can be switched from one class to another). Thus, there is no real "class layer" above the conference layer. Rather, information is logically included within each conference according to conference type.

Another upper layer is "groups" of related conferences. This is an especially useful concept in an application where there are many open conferences (electronic publishing, for ex

(continued)

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Inquiry 400 for End-Users. Inquiry 401 for DEALERS ONLY.

DECEMBER

BYTE 223

STORAGE

ample). The new user is likely to be a bit bewildered by all the available choices, so some method of grouping conferences is desirable. There might be a languages group, an operatingsystems group, and so on, each group comprising a number of separate conferences.

Had we thought of this idea at the beginning, we would have been tempted to incorporate it into the file structure, using UNIX's directory

hierarchies. This concept, however, did not arise until later, as the number of active conferences grew and the group structure became more virtual than real. A group is really just a named list of conferences, nothing more. This, I think, is preferable to the group/conference hierarchy that we might have implemented, since it permits users to transfer easily from one conference to another without worrying about whether they are crossing

a group boundary or not.

On the other hand, there are advantages to having some sort of group boundary in terms of giving users easier control over how they read their messages. The differences are better appreciated if you've actually used CoSy. However, I'll try to explain.

In CoSy, each user has a list of conferences to which he or she belongs. CoSy provides a simple mechanism

{continued)

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224 BYTE • DECEMBER I98S

Inquiry 113

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for reading messages from these conferences. Just hitting the Return key will cause an automatic search for the next unread message. The search starts within the conference topic you are already connected to, if any. and continues on to the other topics in the same conference (if the user has read all the messages in the initial topic). If all the messages in this conference have been read, the search starts at the top of the user's list of conferences and progresses down through it, stopping at the first unread message

With few conferences or a relatively quiet system, this is perfectly acceptable. An 'order" command is provided so that users can rearrange conferences on their lists, to place higherpriority ones at the top. However, in a situation where you are a member of many conferences and there are many other people on line at the same time who are adding messages.

you can sometimes find yourself "ping-ponging'' from one conference to another as messages get added elsewhere while you are reading the messages in one conference. It would be nice to be able to group conferences in such a way that the ones you use for work. say. are distinct from those you participate in out of interest, so that you are not distracted by messages in lower-priority conferences. This is not really that significant a problem, as the "order" command can deal with this, although it does illustrate that any feature can have both positive and negative effects.

Telecenter has no concept of groups of conferences in that sense, but it does use the UNIX file permissions to define open and closed classes of conferences. COM (and most other conferencing systems) also allows open, closed, and unlisted con

ferences. Neither of these systems support the concept of named groups of conferences, however.

Below Conferences

Not all conferencing systems have a named level below conferences (such as "topics"). They just start right in with messages, although there is usually some structure to the way in which messages are presented. It seemed logical to us, though, that within a given conference there should be the option of dividing discussion into several areas. One analogy is of agenda items at a faceto-face meeting, although with a computer conferencing system, users can carry out discussion on all the agenda items almost simultaneously.

This is easy to do in UNIX. We just implemented each conference as a directory and the topics as files within

{continued)

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226 BYTE • DECEMBER 1985

Inquiry 325

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Inquiry 30

DECEMBER 1985 -BYTE 227

Inquiry 146

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STORAGE

that directory. (I am simplifying slightly.) Going this route had the bonus of making it easy to add attributes to a conference. Another file could be added within the conference directory. The "UNIX-ness" of all this is transparent to the users, who are never exposed to the raw system.

COM does not provide for this hierarchical conference/topic structure. However, the method COM uses to store messages and other information does provide a number of other features. COM does most of its own storage management, relying little on the underlying operating system. This is discussed more fully later.

Although Telecenter uses the UNIX file system—indeed, relies on it heavily—conferences are not subdivided into topics. Possibly the implementers decided that the extra layer of complexity added to the user commands was not worth the slight advantage. On the Guelph CoSy system, many conferences have only one topic, but some have as many as seven, eight, or even more (there is no inherent limit).

PARTICIPATE

The PARTICIPATE conferencing system (PARTI on The Source) uses a different structuring concept altogether and allows each note in a conference the potential to become the root of another conference, building into a many-branched tree structure. The comment structure of messages within a CoSy topic is similar to this, although the branches remain within the topic and a member of the conference has access to all messages in all branches. (A new conference can be formed from them by copying, if desired.)

The Message Level

Now we get down to the real meat of a conferencing system: the messages. It is also here that the differences in implementation really start to show up. In Telecenter, for example, each message is a separate UNIX file. These are grouped into conferences following the normal UNIX directory system. A message can be shared by

two or more conferences by using UNIX file-system "links," although there is no user-friendly way to do this.

Given this implementation, several things become easy and tempting. For example, a user's new messages are links stored in the user's directory, connecting to the conference messages, and they are unlinked as they are read. This makes for a system that is easy to construct, using existing UNIX commands and writing the Telecenter commands as UNIX command files or execs (called "shell scripts"). It reportedly took Mike Pearson about one week's programming effort to get the first version of Telecenter running. (The CoSy prototype took about six or seven weeks' worth of programming plus, of course, design, documentation, and testing time.)

The disadvantages to this approach lie in the storage overhead of all those separate files, as well as the program overhead necessary for command scripts. While excellent for prototyping, this method sacrifices some speed and is portable only to other UNIX systems.

As mentioned briefly above, COM does all its own file management and indeed is almost an operating system unto itself. COM reserves several large chunks of file space and then manages its own "internal" file system using this space. Several of these files are used to store such information as numbers of objects, their names and their addresses, information and details about users, etc. (in effect, a directory).

The most interesting of these files is the TXT (for "text") file and its associated OBI and DIR files. Actual message text and some information about author and creation date is stored in the TXT file. More detailed information about the text (rather than the text itself) is stored in the OBI and DIR files, including pointers linking comments together with the texts they comment on (CoSy handles these comment pointers differently).

All the relevant information about record lengths, position in file, and so

Continued)

228

BYTE- DECEMBER 1985

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MS is a trademark ol Microsoft Corp. IBM is a registered trademark of International Business Machines. Corp. Utah COBOL. Utah BASIC. Utah PASCAL. Utah PILOT. Utah EDIT, BIGPRINT & Ellis Computing. Inc. are trademarks of Ellis Computing. Inc. © 1985 Ellis Computing, Inc.

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Inquiry 132

DECEMBER 1985 -BYTE 229

STORAGE

on. is maintained by COM. Additionally. COM buffers file blocks in and out of core. If a user accesses a particular message. COM first checks to see if that block is already in memory. The use of UNIX provides this buffering automatically for CoSy and other UNIX-based systems.

COM's ability to handle files and messages allows a very flexible file structure. As in Telecenter, all COM messages are separate entities that are linked by pointers to wherever they belong. Thus, a COM message can be in several conferences and several people's mail baskets and need not be replicated. This saves storage space and obviates the complications of "copy" and "file" commands to manipulate messages. A message can be copied to another conference, or as mail to another user, just by manipulating links.

On the other hand, the develop

ment of COM required great effort since, in effect, a major part of an operating system (storage allocation, file buffering) had to be written. An early version of COM was about 30.000 lines of DEC-10 assembly language, and the design-stage estimate for PortaCOM was 90,000 lines of Pascal. The CoSy prototype was about 3000 lines of C excluding the editor; it is now about 12.000 lines, including the editor,

COM also imposes some structure on the content of messages that is not present in CoSy or Telecenter but may be present in other systems. For example, most nonprintable ASCII characters are stripped off when text is input, and lines are restricted in length. Lines are formatted to the user's desired line length on output, up to a maximum of 76 characters. This is perfectly acceptable, even desirable, in a conferencing system consisting

solely of text messages. However, it precludes the later incorporation of graphics messages (messages containing graphics codes or information) without some serious reprogramming.

CoSy compromises by doing its own storage management within a single topic, but it falls back on the operating system's facilities for other functions. Thus, a topic is a single file containing the text of messages as well as associated information, such as the author of the message, the date and time written, and pointer information linking comments to the original message on which they comment (this pointer information is stored in a separate file in COM).

In CoSy, a topic file can be viewed as being made up of variable-length records, consisting of a fixed "header" portion containing data about the

{continued}

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230

BYTE- DECEMBER 19KS

Inquiry 112

If the Hayes Smartmodem 1200 is smart, this one is utterly brilliant.

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Inquiry 399

DECEMBER 1985 'BYTE 231

STORAGE

message (including comment pointers] and a variable-length "text' portion containing the actual message.

There are two ways of storing information of variable length. One is to include a "length" field as part of the record; the other is to have a unique terminator sequence signifying the end of the record.

Since I needed a header field anyway and wanted to speed up scans through the topic file (by doing a direct disk seek to the next header rather than reading sequentially through the intervening text). I chose the former method, encoding the text length as part of the header. This storage method turned out to have

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significant advantages for later development.

Since there is no special character indicating the end of a message, there is no limitation on what data is stored in a text field of a message. And since UNIX imposes no structure on user files either, they can be an arbitrary stream of bytes. This potentially useful feature was preserved by not doing any filtering of what the user entered as a message. Nonprintable ASCII characters were left unchanged when input and instead were converted to displayable form on output. By providing an option to turn off this output filtering (and carriage-return insertion for wrapping long text lines), we automatically created the capability of storing and sending graphic messages (or any other byte stream, for that matter).

The first tests of this technique were done using Tektronix codes and were quite successful. The currently supported code is NAPLPS (North American Presentation-Level-Protocol Syntax), which is an ANSI (American National Standards Institute) and international standard for representing graphs and images as special text and picture-drawing instructions. (See the four-part article by Jim Fleming and William Frezza, "NAPLPS: A New Standard for Text and Graphics," in the February through May 1983 issues of BYTE for more about NAPLPS.) This inherent graphics capability would have been impossible, or at least very difficult, had we limited ourselves by imposing any sort of structure as messages were input, a point in favor of not imposing limits on yourself until you have to.

User-Interface Implications

It is the user interface that can make or break the success and usability of a system (assuming that the basic requirements of a conferencing system are present). This has more to do with careful choice of command vocabulary, wording of prompts and help files, design of the command parser, and an intelligent choice of defaults than it does with the underlying

[continued]

232 BYTE • DECEMBER 1985

Inquiry 109

Inquiry 368 —►

'**W

< 1

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■ i

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TlMl

TJTMy

111

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STORAGE

Conferencing-system users can discuss multiple subjects almost simultaneously.

storage architecture.

The particular file-system design can have more subtle effects. As we've already seen with the example of exchanging graphics via CoSy, the underlying architecture (in this case, the storage of message records in the topic file) can have a significant influence on how easy or difficult it is to implement desirable features for the user. There are other ramifications, too, in terms of how users cope with the volume of information available on a busy conferencing system.

For example, suppose you are a participant in two similar but distinct conferences on a given system, and you have something to say that really fits both conferences. You may also want to explicitly mail the same message to someone who is not participating in either conference but is a user of the system.

In COM, this can be done at a single stroke, because each message or "text" is stored only once, and all references to it (whether from a conference or an individual's mailbox) are via special pointers. Telecenter also stores each message as a single physical entity but uses the UNIX file system to maintain links or pointers to the appropriate places.

In the early version of Telecenter with which I am familiar, there is no single command to direct a message to several different conferences at once: the appropriate links have to be added later. CoSy does not provide such a linking mechanism at the message level. To place a message in more than one conference, it has to be physically copied from one to the other, increasing slightly the disk space used. There are, of course, commands to facilitate this copying.

It is possible for a whole topic to be

shared between two or more conferences, with the messages entered by members of either conference available to all. In the systems described (CoSy. COM, and Telecenter) the messages entered into a conference (or conference topic) may be new thoughts, specific references, or answers to other messages.

In all three systems there is some indication when a given message is indeed a reference to or comment on another message. This contextual information is very useful—indeed, necessary—if an answering comment consists solely of "I agree" or "No." Telecenter doesn't go much beyond providing the number of the original message, but both CoSy and COM let you know, when you are reading a message, if there are any comments or responses to it. This is useful when reading an item that asks a question. It is helpful to know if anyone else has responded yet; if so. you may not need to bother answering.

COM and CoSy also provide ways for reading all the responses to a message before reading the next chronologically entered message. Other systems have similar mechanisms for handling messages and responses. In PARTICIPATE, for example, any message may have comments to it, forming a tree structure of comments, comments to comments, and so on. Any such message may become the root of a whole new conference with its own name.

CoSy also supports trees of comments to comments, but to start a new conference (or topic) at an arbitrary point, the relevant branches must be explicitly copied. In my opinion this keeps the system as a whole easier to manage and is perhaps less bewildering for users.

PicoSpan. developed by Marcus Watts, is another UNIX-based conferencing system. However, the structure of its messages and comments is perhaps more like a comb than a tree. In a PicoSpan conference, there can be sequential messages, called "items," with a number of "responses" to each. The user has the option of reading the responses before going

on to the next message, as in COM or CoSy. However, in PicoSpan the responses are handled differently than the base-level sequential messages, and there is no additional level of branching. Hence, it has a comb structure, with the base-level messages, or items, forming the spine of the comb, and the responses forming the teeth. In some respects this can be viewed as a hypothetical CoSy conference in which any participant can add a new topic, and members are only allowed to comment on the first message in a topic.

Summary

In this top-down comparison of conferencing systems I've illustrated some of the different trade-offs and compromises involved in designing systems that are intended for a broad audience. I've also shown how different decisions about data-storage methods (the storage architecture) can have later implications on what can or cannot be easily done in terms of adding new features or subsystems to existing programs.

I'm sure many of you have had to make a change in a program and thought, "Darn, if I'd done it that way instead, it would have been so easy." Or, if you're lucky or exceptionally farsighted, "Gee, I'm glad 1 did it this way, this new feature just slides right in."

Any system design involves compromises. The decisions made generally depend more on the intended users and usage than any absolute scale of "good" or "efficient" design. It is always a good idea to keep the maximum number of options open for as long as possible. ■

REFERENCES

1. Palme. Jacob, Stefan Arnborg, Lars Enderin. Carl Meyer, and Tbrgny Tholerus. "The COM Teleconferencing System Functional Specification." FOA Report C I0164-M6(H9). File COMSPE.VIP. revised October 22, 1980. QZ. Stockholm University Computing Center.

2. Pearson, Michael M. L.. and James E. Kulp. "Creating an Adaptive Computerized Conferencing System on UNIX." Laxenburg, Austria: International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis, 1981.

234 BYTE • DECEMBER 1985

Unlock powerful software with the power of speech.

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Inquiry 243

Like typing at the speed of sound.

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30022 National Logic Data Book Sat (1984) S24.95

WMumes I S It i3*85 pages!

Contains inhumation on National's TTL product Nne and CO4000 Smiry This .ndudes 7400. 74L S. AS LS and ALS Series demces and MM54HC T*HC i 54HCT ' 74HCT High Speeo Micro CMOS family,

Muffin-Style & Sprite-Style Fans

MUF60 (SPN3-15-2462)

Howard Industries 14 68"sq 60cfml. . . . $9.95

SU2C7

EGSG Rolron (3 125 sq 32clm) S9-95

2A*

Sl=l5jJHlm-!&lb

Ht?ttoM«M&ls

FhmKn 128K RAM Card

Prognrnm! For Apple II. II+ and lie'

it JEMS ■ lunclionaNy compatible with me Apple I ia"guJ"«

ilirimd with all software that can be used with a standard i&*

■es no modilicalKms to your Apple compuler f«e liey solhK

led Memory Management System utilities diagnostics dem.

rlorstor DOS 33 CP'M and Aon* Pascal Al so features DOS ie

JE868 (Ejtpand-A-RAM) S119.95

Applesurance Diagnostic Disk Controller Card

Pravwrts Crashes! For Apple II, II + and He'

disk drive controller The JE877 will verity and check <he operating hardware ol your system each lime you lurn on your Apple II II * or He' Test your RAM ROM CPU and disk drives Diagnoslic routines may be cancelled al the louch o< a key

JE877 {DRV-1/Applesurance II) $69.95

Parallel Printer Card For Apple II II + and lie'

the JCBB0 Prmtei interlace board is an intelligent interlace to most ol today i popular dot-malrir graphics printers Ihe J£880 >s luliy-omrjatibte with Apple CP V

mi

other i

packages available lor Apple II n - and De' The JEB80 is sh.pped conhgured to' the Centronics standard and can be reconfigured lor other standards it necessary Advanced let printing teatures include video screen ec»>0 ON or OfF aulo d>SabW linefeed alter carnage return set clear the Sth brt or the output data set let margin and more1 Complete with instructions

JE880 (PBT-1) S59.9S

Parallel/Serial Buffer Card For Apple II. II ■ and lie'

13 prowdes the user *

< additional or puttered memory' '8 pages Pie supplied the JE883 will attach to Ihe eralion The JE883 includes a standard i :RS212- Outlefed outputs With these

JE883 (P/S Buffer) $79.95

Jameco's New 1966 Catalog!

Filled with New Products, Reduced Pricing

and Valuable Pin-out Data.

Send $1 Postage for FREE 1986 Jameco Catalog!

i Order - U.S Funds Only CA Residents Add 6* or 6<iH Sates Tai Spec Sheets - 30* each

Shipping Add 5^ ptus SI 50 Insurance Send SI Postage for «*fF ■ 986 Jameco Caferog Pnces Subract to Change Saner i

MasterCard

J a ■JIJ*,.;M7TTga

VISA'

1355 SHORE WAY ROAP, BELMONT. CA 94002 12/85 PHONE ORDERS WELCOME - (415) 592-8097 - Telex: 176043

IBM" Accessories

GIVE YOUR COMPUTER **< A GIFT THIS SEASON... * A VOICE!

Voice Synthesizers for Apple, Commodore, IBM & RS232 Computers

:- o. J£L«on |- JE520 VOICE SYNTHESIZER

J^ Software ^^ FOR COMMODORE 64. VIC-20 - APPLE II, II+. /at

.-£—-r Available! ^*~ Add speech capability to your Commodore 64 or vtC-20 Apple

^.j. ^. II, M- «e computer wilh JAMECO s JES20 Series Voice Synthe

r\ aA AAA r A AA k, K^V\ slle' Speech the most effective means ol communication

' /'|/r " /»yvMilN\ avertable to man is now immediately available tor your computer

f , ^^^^ajaa^H * Education - Entertainment ■ Instrumentation

ytXCE SYNTMtstZTR ^Lmmm ' t^amet ' Telecommunications Handicap Aids

^^k ^B JESM Features

^^HJ i More than 2S0 basK words prefiMes suitines which altovr ■■F ^^^ m* tormahon ot we* over WC toiai -jrdi

JB^H^HF g^\ Allow* music graphics and speech vmuitaneouiiy

AwLmmmW^^^aW MaWWr Proorwu «> BASK i™i .» a»«-c»'

%| vw

-.aj-, JCS23 (Appkt) ■ Rug-in u

a^easaa. kTCT«C£ M DUU sample sorrwera

very clear natural male voice The outstanding speech Quality is produced using JES21 I Commodore) National Semiconductor s Dig i talker '* speech processor IC with lour JAMECO custom

interface mooule memory chips Case sue 7vl > 3'."W » ivh Weight 1 lb

pAnttso COMMODORE 64 or VIC-20

JE520CM Voice Synthesizer for Commodore 64 or VIC-20 includes JE5?i interface Module S 99.95

JE521TS ><t-tc Speech Program tor Commoctore 64 or VIC-20 ,5'i-Dw*) $ 9.95

JES21 Comrnootore Interface Module S 19.95

APPLE II, 11+ and//©

JE520AP Voice Synthesizer tor Apple II. II- or .re .includes J€523 interlace Modutei $119.95

JE523TS Text-to-Speech Program tor Apple II. 11+ or /to 5. [>sn $ 9,95

JE523 Apple Interlace Module S 39 95

/*j# r JE520 VOICE SYNTHESIZER

faT '"'"Hl'lllllln ™-'BM OR^RS232 COMPUTER

^ Wm "Mllll \ ^he same teatures as listed above The jE52S interface Module

. allows the JES20 Series voice Synthesuer to be interlaced

^•as^--- with most popular microcomputers wrfh the use ot Ihe standard

& RS232 port and logic levels The JE525 Interlace Module -i powered'roma weNtranstormer Sample program ismcbdedm

... the User Manual

/lift ) ) I JE52S Intarfaca Module Features

////'•'' / - ley nomr-abte

/ f // 'I aawaaaBB* ' °P'M Como^,tM*

Iff/ fijIPIfL, - It"" ON indicator

-eai^51aBBT

JE5Z0 VOICE SYNTHESIZER ^VMHP^- Indicators tor OTI or DCI modes

WITH JE525 (IBM oi EQUV.) WPPW"

RS232 INTERFACE MOOULE 'T* ^ ' Standard DB25 female connector

piuono IBM or Computers with RS232

JE520IBM Voice Synthesizer (or IBM or RS232 Computer* iincimii.-. JEW5 ini.ii.ice Moduli". $199.95

JE525TS Text-to-Speech Program tor IBM [Sw Disk I S 9.95

JE525 IBM/RS232 Interlace Module S119.95

NEW! QUALITY APPLE new, COMPATIBLE CARDS

For Apple II, 11+ and lie*

IBM PC/XT Compatible Keyboard

I .1 I I I J l_l L I I II I 11« 11

mmm

IBM-5151 lEguivaieni to fueyfronics 51SH

$129.95

Additional Add-Ons Available!

MEMORY EXPANSION KITS

IBM PC, PC XT and Compatibles

The l8Mt>4r< Kit will increase memory in 64K Dyte increments The Kil is simple to install - iust insert the 9 64K RAM Chios m the provided sockets and se! the 2 groups ol switches ConvwrsKyi rjocumentation included

IBM64K (Nine 200ns 64K RAMs) S7.95

IBM PC AT

mplete with nine 128K dynamic RAMs and i

IBM128K (Nine 200ns 128K RAMs).. $43.95

Each kit comes <

lfaatari

IBM PC XT Equivalent 130 Watt Power Supply

UPGRADE YOUR PC!

Input 110V • 60Hz- Output: +5VDC @ 15A.-5VDC @ 0 5A. +12VDC • 4 2A. -12VDC i 0.5A • Plug compatible connectors • Fits into IBM PC • Weight: 6 lbs.

IBM-PS $99.95

Prometheus Modems

The ProModem 1200B/BS is a 1200/300 baud modem card which plugs into IBM PC and XT Provides a third serial Comport Two versions available: 1200B (without software) and 1200BS (with software) The PM1200BS is supplied with powerful MITE communications software from Mycroft Labs Software available: PC DOS or MS DOS.

PM1200B (without Software) $239.95

PM1200BS (with MITE Software) $274.95

ibM ,e. DISK DRIVES

DocumentationsIncluded

RFP4S0 (Retnex SV DS tull-ht > $69.95

FD55B (Teac 5V DS hall-ht.) $99.95

SA455 (Shugarl 5V DS half-tit.). . . . $99.95

TM100-2 (Tandon 5 V DS tull-ht) $99.95

JMR 51A DISK DRIVE ENCLOSURES

Complete with power supply, switch, power cord.

fuseholder and connectors

DDE-1FH IHouwsl tull-ht SV torn dnvei .. $ 69.95

DDE-2HH mouses 2 hai!-hi 5V - _. .

tlopoy drives - vertical) $ /9.95

HDDE-1FH ikou„, i MdM $199.95

General Application Keyboards

Mitsumi 54-Key

Unencoded

Keyboard

PS1:

■ SPST keyswitches • 20 pin ribbon cable connection

■ Low profile keys • Features: cursor controls, control, caps (lock), function, enter and shift keys • Color (keycaps): grey • Weight 1 lb • Pinout incl. ■ Size: 13'%"l x

4VWxVH

KB54 $9.95

^^^^{1^/1^+

74-Key ASCII Cherry Keyboard

■ 7-bit parallel ASCII • Full Upper Case. Full Lower Case except I, m, n, o and p * Cursor keypad ■ SPST mechanical keyswitches • 26-pin header connector • Color: white • Size 18"L x 6'VW x IVH • Spec included KB8201 {1500 available) $14.95

UV-EPROM ERASER

8 Chips - 21 Minutes |

i 1 Chip-15 Minutes

Erases all EPROMs Erases upto 8 Chips within 21 minutes 11 chip m 15 minutes) Maintains constant exposure distance otone inch Special conductive foam liner eliminates static build-up Built-in safety lock to prevent UV exposure Compact - only 9 00"L x 3 70"W x 2 60"H Complete with holding tray tor 8 chips

DE-4 UV-EPROM Eraser $74.95

UVS-11EL Replacement Bulb $17.95

236 BYTE • DECEMBER 1985

Inquiry I9l

mnsm

ELECTRONICS

NEW LOW, LOW PRICES!!! J

mssaa

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CALL FOR QUANTITY DISCOUNTS l SPECIAL!! SPECIAL!! SPECIAL!!

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74LSOO 74LS01 74LS02 MLS03

741S04 741S05 74LS06 ■■use741 soe 741S09

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74LSH MLSI2

74LSI4 '4LS15 741S20 74LS21 741S26

741S28 741SJO 741S32 ■41 Si) '4L&J7 741S38 74LS*2 74LS47 74LS48 741S51 741S54 .'4LS.M MLS74

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5N74273N 10

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C04584

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CQ4724

MCI4411

MC14490P

MC14572

*> MOTOflOL

IP

MC68701 - Microcomputer with EPROM

The MC68701 is an 8-bil single chip microcomouter unit (MCU) which sigmticantiy enhances the capabilities of the MC6800 tamily of parts. On-chip resources include 2046 bytes ot EPROM, 128 Bytes Ol RAM, Serial Communications Interface (SCI). parallel I/O, and a three function Programmable Timer

MC68701 S24.95

CUSTOM COMMODORE CHIPS

for VIC-20. C-64 and C-128 Personal Computers

Prtc* ^rt Wo. DmcrtpMon

'6510 CPU $19.95

•6525 TPI $20.95

-SPECS AVAILABLE % SI SO EA.

Pr.ce P»n Mo. Descnpdor.

'6526 CIA. $25.95

■6560 VIC-I $29.95

•6567 V1C-II $44.95

.^IMzMd.Wtj^W-IgiT

MICROPROCESSOR CHIPS

0765AC

CWiBOTCt

2661-3

■ I ■:,

2H.

Z80-CTC

ZStHMRI

:- :■■■■ 28O-P10

zeo-sio'0

Z80-S10M

;bo-sio/2

,'FilJ-S)l|.":l

;soa

280A-CTC

noMm

.'■■■MA :IMA

ZBQA-P10

aoMian

/itliASHJ I /KiiASHK' Z80AS10'9

;«!« bin u

/r-ilH SIN !

/mm si*) ;■

40 Floppy Disk ContiCfci

40 CPU25MH;

21 ami UuRiptewi & Refresh Counter

-ZW.Z80A.Z8QB. SEMES

40 CPUIt«CS8tnii780Q25MHi

21 Counter Timet Cue jit

40 Dual Asynchronous flee Trans

40 Oiteci Memory Access Ocwl

40 Par^ibei i.O imertace ConmXIei

40 Serai i'O rf<CB and R>CB BonOMI

40 Sena I'O (Lacks DTBBi

40 Serial |<C ILacks SVNCBl

all/0

l|4MHt

CPJIMK3880N-4 CounW Timer Cir

Dual Asynchronous Rec (Trans 525

Diiecl Memory Access Cucutl 5 95

Parallel I'O interface Controller 1.95

Serial I'O (TiCe anO R»CS aondedi 525

Serial I/O ILkW 0TRB). 5.25

Serial I/O lLacks SYNCB) 525

Serial l/G 5.25

CPU IMK3680N-6) 6MHz 3.95

Counter Timer Circuit 4.95

Dual Asynchronous Rec ffrans 695

Parallel i'0 imertace Controller 495 Ser l<0 ifrCB&iWaBoth HMK3884-6) 1295

Senai it) iLacMDTRBi 1285 12 79

(KB

IS024

r,',:>(j

>-'■.:.■■ 6860 680OOL8

eoesA

BOBSA.2 S0B6-2

40 MPU «W CWc* ,2MHri

40 MPU win Dock (3WU)

40 Peripheral Inter Adapter

40 Versatile inter Adapter

41 CRI Controller 'CRTCi

21 Async Cnmm menace Adapt

40 MPU

40 MPU wim Clock and RAM

40 CPU - 8 ftt lOn-Crap Osc*a»|

40 CPU - 8ftt lEitemal Clocking)

40 CPU - B-Bit (En Ckxkmgi 2MW

24 128»B State HAM

24 128^ Stanc RAM i2MHii

40 Penpherai tain.Adapt iMC6820i

40 (¥npherai miertace Adaotei <2MH.)

21 Programmable Timer

40 Progranrnabie Floppy De* ConhHer

40 CRT Controller (CflTCl

40 OT Contra* iCflTO 2MK. 24 Asyncnronous Comm AOaptet 24 Synchronous Serial Data Adapter 24 O-6OO00S 6gitai MCOEM

14 MPU <&84 18MH71

41 6eM0 Puroose w Adapw

8255

8255A-5 8257 5

B2H

— 8000' 80000 SERIES

40 Control Oienlea CPU w RAM f. 1 0

40 CPU wJSaSK Msro merpreter

40 CPU

40 CPU

40 CPU 8-Btt N-Channei|5MHil

40 CPU 16-W BMHi

40 Anmmetic Processor |5Mrt»

40 Arithmetic Processor

40 CPU6.16-B1I

IB Dim Baud Rale Generator

40 HMOS RAM 1 '0 Port- Timer

40 HAM with 1/0 Port and Timer

40 Dynamic RAM Controller

40 64K Dynamic RAM Controller

IB Hi Speed 1 out ot 8 Binary Decoder

24 8 Bit Input/Output I74S412)

IB Clock Generator/Drrvei

28 Sys Corn 'Bus Drner |74S428)

40 High Pert Piog DMA Coot (5MHi|

21 System Controller (74S43S)

24 I/O Expander tot 48 Series

40 Async Comm Etemenl

40 ACE (IBM PC or XT Software Ctimpaiible)

21 Prog Comm I/O (USART)

21 Piog Comm Interface (USART 1

24 Programmable Interval Timer

24 Programmable interval Timet

40 Prog Peripheral I'D iPPI)

40 Prog Penpherai I/O iPPI> 5MHj

40 Prog DMA Controller

21 Prog Interrupt Control

7m Prog interrupt Controller

249

„jl Sehal Coni (720H 14.95

Prog C«T Controller 14.95

Prog Keytmarilt>spiay menace Z49

Prog Keyooara/Disoiay infcrtace 2 95

Octal Latch 395

Oock Generatni'Driver 2.95

Octal Bus franscerve" 395

Octal Bus yanscener itnvenedl 395

Bus Controller 4.95

BusArorKr . 1495

■fj-ai Urw. Peripheral tnlenace B.9S

mwosbummpu 795

Mf\j 8-tkt lEPBOM version ol 8049) 995

CPU-'4X.8 EPBOM S '28*8 RAM 2995

MM EPROM wm WJ 1495

Hoh mtegtabon 16-Btt MPU 4995 rkghlrt»gra 16-EVt MPU 1S-B1T Data Bus! 4995

Numeric Processur E<t 22995

6581 SID $32.95

82S1OOPLA PLA.. $37.95

MOTE: 82S10O ■ U17 (C-64)

i^::i^;itt

OYMMIC RAMS

4027

4H6V15

4116N-20

412B

4164W-150

4164N-2O0

TMS4416 12

MM5261

MWITir

ma "■.

WMf.f'Wi

MHttOsVS 8118 41256' 150

-i:.-Ui:-'tj0

50464-15

4096>i

16.384.:

t6.384.i

■ ■■ ■ ■

65.536i 1

65,536.t

16.384i4

102411

2048.1

4096.1

4096,t

8192.1

i300nsj

i250nsi

H50ns)

1200ns)

j200ns)

1150ns)

I200ns)

(120nsi

1300ns)

i365ns)

I250nsl

I200nsi 2107

(20Dns)

ll20ns)i*5VOnryfleQ.I

■I50ns)

(200ns)

(150nsl(4t2S4||414641

TMM2016-12 24

2114NL

21I4N-2

2114N-2L

2ICI4

2I16N-25L

2125A

2147HN

2148HN

2149

27LS00

TMS40U7.45

5101

MM5257

HMGI16P-3

HM6itaP-3

HM6264P-12 HM6264LP-12 HM6264P 15 HM6264LP-15

1702A WBZ II

•v-,.- .

■ ■.' ■ ■.

2708 TMS27I6 2716 27C16

,v;f,2732

; 73JA ,'u t7 ai. i

2732A-45

27C32 2758

2764-20 2764 25 1 tW H

2764-45 27C64 27128 25

;'712bAlH 27256-25 27C256 25 68764

■*.'".

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82S23 B2S115 82S123 S2S126 82S129

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VSi-r 82S19I

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1024x1 256.4 256x4 1024x4 1024.4 1024x4 1024x4

4096.1 1024x4

1024.4 256x1 1024.4 256)4

4096.1 2048x8 2048)8

|12CnS).

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1450ns) M0S

450ns

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DECEMBER 1985 -BYTE 237

lit il

111

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238 BYTE • DECEMBER 1985

Inquiry 157

COMPUTER CONFERENCING

COMMON GROUND

by Chris Hancock

The user-friendliness of this microcomputer-based conferencing system derives from its easy-to-visualize functions

IN THE COURSE of putting together a computer-based conference for science teachers, my colleagues and I wound up writing a complete conferencing system that runs on a microcomputer. It's called Common Ground, and we think it's the best in its class. In this article I'll talk about the program and some of the thinking that went into its design, and I'll present some of the program's internal structures. I'll also discuss some issues to consider in running your own conference using Common Ground.

The Educational Technology Center is an organization funded by the National Institute of Education and based at the Harvard Graduate School of Education. Its mission is to study how computers and other new technologies might help improve the teaching of math, science, and computing. One problem we've been looking at is the isolation of science teachers: Many science teachers, especially in rural areas, have very limited opportunities to share ideas with colleagues or to find out what's new and interesting in their scientific fields. Computer conferencing seems to be one promising way to address

the problem. We've been putting together an experimental computerbased conference for science teachers in order to see the ways it might help.

We needed our conferencing software to satisfy several requirements. First, it had to be easy to understand and use: this was our single most important criterion. At the same time, it needed to be a real conferencing system with enrolled participants, full capabilities for private messages, flexible organization of public discussions, and effective ways of searching through messages to find what you're looking for. Finally, we wanted a system that would run on a microcomputer.

School districts, like many other organizations, have modest budgets, and for most of them a large computer is out of reach. Of course, there are limitations to using a microcomputer. For the time being, at least, most micros can support only one user at a time. This imposes a pretty hard limit on the total number of participants, but the limit is not as low as one might think, provided people's schedules are varied enough. We have seen a conference with as many as

100 regular participants run comfortably on a micro. Given that one of our goals is to develop a strong conference community, more than 100 people would probably be undesirable anyway. The one-user-at-a-time limit also means that occasionally you do get a busy signal when you call, and you have to try again later. This wouldn't do for businesses where messages need to get through quickly and without fail, but for our application that isn't so crucial.

An Easy System to Use

We couldn't find the system we wanted, so I wrote it. We feel that its simplicity and ease of use are a design triumph. The single most important reason for this is the spatial metaphor around which the system is structured. We picture the Common Ground system as a building with rooms in it. Every enrolled participant has a private office that no one else can get into. Private mail sent to a par

(continued) Chris Hancock is a project associate at Harvard's Educational Technology Center (Gutman 337. Harvard Graduate School of Education, 6 Appian Way, Cambridge. MA 02138).

DECEMBER 1985 -BYTE 239

COMMON GROUND

ticipant is delivered to that person's office. The building also has other rooms, called forums, that anyone can visit. Each forum is devoted to a particular discussion topic.

The power of the spatial metaphor is that it makes it easy to understand the state of the program ("where" you are in it) at any moment. Most interactive programs can change their states in a couple of ways: The data that is active or loaded may change (for example, you might load a new text file into a word-processor buffer] or the current mode may change (for example, in a database program you might go from record-definition mode to data-entry mode]. In the Common Ground system, the idea of moving from room to room stands for a change of active data. When you are in your office, you have access to your personal mail; if you move to a public forum, you have access to the public mail there. As for modes, I have consciously worked to keep the number to a minimum. In fact, for the ordinary user there are just three modes. The main mode has just 10 commands. Then there's message-entry mode, where you type in your messages. The third mode is the text editor, which can be avoided by novices. (There are also special modes for the operator and other privileged users.) The mainmode commands are as follows:

scan: lists the messages in the current room.

read: reads messages in the current room. The scan and read commands both accept qualifiers that select messages in the room, based on date, author, topic, and whether you've read them before.

send: sends a message to any room or combination of rooms. The send command features a line editor for those who want to edit their messages before sending them. scout: lists all forums on the system and the number of new (for you) messages in each one. visit: lets you move from room to room.

home: takes you back to your own office.

whois: provides information about a participant or a forum. set: lets you change your password as well as specify the width and height of your screen.

help: provides full on-line documentation. bye: ends the session.

The short sample session shown in figure I gives the flavor of the system. As you can see, private and public mail is read and sent in pretty much the same way. using the read. scan, and send commands. Their effect simply depends on what room you're in and what room(s) you send messages to. This is a good example of the design principle known as orthogonality: One set of features operates independently from another set, with every possible combination having a meaning.

Orthogonality is prized by software people because it generally lets you express a lot in terms of just a few basic concepts. Sometimes, though, an orthogonal structure forces you to abandon your commonsense understanding of the application in favor of a more abstract one. This trade-off came up in the issue of groups and forums. Besides participants and forums, there is one other kind of entity to which you can address a message: a group. Groups do not correspond to rooms in the system. Instead, each group has a membership list, and any message sent to that group is distributed to the offices of all members of the group. Membership in groups is controlled; you have to ask to be enrolled in them. Groups are intended for topics that are confidential or urgent.

So groups and forums differ in two ways: Groups have restricted access, while forums have open access; and group messages are delivered to their members, while forum messages go to a room of their own. Thinking orthogonally, it's possible to imagine two other kinds of entities: forums with limited access, so that not everyone can visit them; and groups with free access, which participants can enroll in at will (perhaps using com

mands like subscribe and cancel, to invoke the home-delivery feature).

This time, we decided the orthogonality wasn't worth it. For one thing, it makes the solution more complicated than the problem. For almost any conceivable purpose, one of the existing options (forum or group) will do just fine. Moreover, a lot of attention devoted to access and privacy schemes would be out of place in a system intended to promote a feeling of community. The other important consideration was simplicity. Forums and groups are easy to understand: The words "forum" and "group" resonate well with the way they actually work on the system. Abstracting out the two dimensions they differ on would lose us that valuable intuitive base, unless we devoted a lot of effort and emphasis to a more extended metaphor (perhaps involving keys or secret passwords to forum rooms, which begins to seem more like an adventure game!).

Design issues

The most important work in producing a piece of software like Common Ground is not implementing it but specifying it—designing the way it will appear to users. Furthermore, in order to decide how the program should behave, you need, in effect, to design all the activities that will take place around the program. It is vital to recognize that the software system functions as a part of a larger system of human and technical interactions. As the principle of top-down design implies, the first task is to design that larger system and then to proceed down to the computer program itself. Design decisions at the top level will have implications for the design of the actual program.

In principle, this is true for any program. It is crucial in the case of a computer conferencing program for two reasons. First, computer conferencing consists of more than just the running of a computer program. Second, because computer conferencing is in its infancy, there are plenty of open questions concerning how a con

240 BYTE • DECEMBER 1985

COMPUTER CONFERENCING

LOCAL POWER IN A REMOTE LINK

by Chuck McManis

Conferencing systems can let micros handle much of the processing load

BY FAR THE MOST common remote systems are those that handle electronic conferencing. Despite their diversity, most of these systems share one unpleasant characteristic: They are too slow. However, there is a solution. The designers of conferencing systems can incorporate facilities into conferencing software for allowing microcomputers to handle much of the conferencing load.

This article describes a two-part software solution to the traditional I/O (input/output) bottleneck when you connect to a remote computer system. The first is a method of encoding the information you transmit to decrease the average number of bits per character. The second transfers from the conferencing system to your computer the task of providing the user interface.

As a user of the conferencing system, you will experience a dramatic increase in speed. With a faster connection, you can get more done in the same amount of time or reduce the amount of connect time. And, because you can personalize the commands, you will also find it easier to use the system.

System administrators will also ex

perience a dramatic increase in speed. As the serial lines become intelligent I/O channels, they demand less of the CPU (central processing unit). The system could therefore support more serial lines, permitting more subscribers to have access to the system, or you might be able to use a less powerful, less expensive computer.

The relatively slow speed of remote systems owes mainly to two factors. The first is the rate at which the data can transfer to your system over a voice-grade phone line. The second concerns the sheer size of the data. Even in modest microcomputer bulletin-board systems (BBSs), the data can total several megabytes a month. Larger systems handle several megabytes a day. Handling all of this data does not require sophisticated numerical abilities, but it can quickly overwhelm the I/O bandwidth of any system.

There are two ways to mitigate the I/O bottleneck. One is to improve the communications hardware between the conferencing system and the remote site. Manufacturers are making remarkable improvements in this area. There are now full-duplex.

2400-bps (bits per second), asynchronous modems at prices that were attractive for 1200-bps modems five years ago. The other method is to maximize use of the existing bandwidth by adding an I/O processor at the remote site. This might seem more expensive than upgrading your communications hardware until you consider that, already at the remote site, there is probably an I/O processor, your computer, that is acting like a very expensive piece of wire between your terminal and the modem.

You can use your computer as an I/O processor in one of two ways. First, you could implement some form of data compression on the data stream between your computer and the host system. A somewhat more involved solution is to have your computer provide some of the facilities that the conferencing system traditionally provides.

(continued)

Chuck McManis is an engineer at Mel. He has been programming professionally for 10 years and spends his spare time writing system software for a Cromemco S-100 system running CP/M with ZCPR3. He can be reached at 1141 Vasquez Ave., Sunnyvale. CA 94086.

DECEMBER 1985 -BYTE 251

LOCAL POWER

Data-compression techniques maximize the amount of meaningful information in a given number of bits by applying some statistical analysis on the original data. Obviously the frequency of occurrence of various ASCII (American Standard Code for Information Interchange) codes in text-only data streams will be greater than others; several letters appear often and most special symbols appear infrequently. One way to take advantage of this information is to apply a data-compression algorithm that reduces the number of bits used for frequently used characters. Huffman encoding, for example, can provide compressions on the order of 2 5 percent when used with a fixed encoding/decoding tree for textual data. With 2 5 percent compression a modem that transmits at 1200 bps will have an effective data-transfer rate of 1500 bps.

Data compression is effective for reducing the number of bits that you transmit to the host system, but you can program your computer to further reduce the amount of data you need to send. Careful analysis of the facilities that conferencing systems provide indicates that you can implement many of these facilities equally well with your computer.

What Is the Conferencing System Doing?

A conferencing system has two parts, the user interface and low-level code to open data files and display them on a terminal. The low-level code is machine-dependent, but the user interface is entirely the creation of the programmer who designed it. Generally, there are three principal capabilities: editing, command interpretation, and user-profile maintenance. A computer system that accepts spontaneous user input must have built-in editing facilities. The degree of editing complexity can range from a single cancel command that erases previous input and allows you to start again, to a full set of line- and character-manipulation commands. During command entry, you are usually limited to using the backspace or

delete key to erase the previous character. Occasionally, you also have the option to delete the entire line. This type of editing is simple to implement in the terminal driver of the conferencing system. However, it requires some CPU intervention to determine if a character is in the input buffer when the delete key is pressed, to erase the character from your screen, or to indicate in some other way that the character has been discarded from the input stream.

Complex editing places more demand on the CPU. For example, when editing messages (limited-distribution files that are the basic unit of an electronic mail system), you must frequently change characters or words on a line other than the one on which you are currently working. Typically, the conferencing system will have available a section of code, either an integral part of the system or a separate program, for editing large amounts of input. The code may use some features of your terminal or none at all. Typically you will use this editor often, but it will probably differ from the other editors you regularly use.

Both line editors and screen editors help you to manipulate text before you send it to the world or save it in a file. Line editors were initially developed to be used over low-speed data lines, such as a modem connection, and with hard-copy terminals, such as the Teletype model 33. Line editors minimize the amount of information that you must transmit through the modem, but at the expense of both user-friendliness and cohesiveness of the displayed output. They perform equally well on dumb or smart terminals and are therefore somewhat "universal" in nature. Screen editors, on the other hand, were developed for use on highspeed data lines and are much more user-friendly. They can keep the message display up to date with continuous screen updates. However, continual updates reduce the effective data rate of your modem since character insertions and deletions can cause the updated contents of the

message buffer to rewrite large portions of the screen. A screen editor also needs to know more about your terminal functions than does a line editor. For example, it needs to know how your terminal addresses the cursor and how it clears a line. Naturally, managers cannot possibly know all of the various terminals that will access the system, nor can they write software to support all possible terminals and still leave room in memory for other things. As a result, screen editors are much less common on conferencing systems. Some editors, such as Digital Equipment Corporation's EDT, attempt to fill the needs of all users by changing from a line editor to a screen editor on command.

However, the editing functions of the conferencing system are some of the easiest to give to your computer.

Your Computer Can Help

If the conferencing program could command your computer to get an edited line of text from your keyboard, you would free up the time and memory that the conferencing system would normally use to provide the editing functions. Admittedly, this is a rather small portion of the overhead associated with command input. However, when applied to several users, the time savings was significant enough for IBM to provide this capability in its 3270 series terminals.

The next logical step would be a command from the conferencing system asking your computer to return an entire block of already-edited text. As opposed to the rather crude "block mode of some terminals, your computer could invoke your favorite editor for entering a message or article and then transmit the edited text to the conferencing system only after you were satisfied with its appearance.

There are several benefits to local editing. First, the response time will be independent of both your modem speed and the number of users accessing the conferencing system. Second, it eliminates the performance

[continued]

252 BYTE • DECEMBER 1985

Want to hear a demonstration of Hewlett-Packard's

ITS BETTER TO HAVE MORE POWER

THAN YOU NEED THAN NOT ENOUGH.

There's a funny thing about database users. A lot of people buy a program that has all the power they need to get started. And not a whole lot more.

Well, that makes perfect sense. If you plan to stay in the same place all your life. But as most users get the feel of things, they want to push themselves farther and farther. That's when they wish they'd bought a program that had some extra muscle. And if you look at this chart, you'll see that's the whole idea behind R:base™ 5000.

DBMS POWER R:base 5000 vs. dBASE III

R:base 5000

dBASE III

Comprehensive procedural language

Yes

Yes

Built-in

application compiler

Yes

No

development tools that the most intense programmers can't outgrow. To give you a better idea what this extra power can do, just take a look at one feature. With R:base 5000, you get a relational operator called SUBTRACT which dBASE III doesn't offer. By using this command, you could take all the names in one file (such as your customer list) and subtract them from any other file (like the Fortune 500). The result? An instant list of new business opportunities. And this is only one way to use one of the extra capabilities on this chart,- there are literally hundreds more.

SEE FOR YOURSELF: 1-800-547-4000. If you believe in common sense as much as we do, you won't take our

\A/nrn Tor tr. xmi/ll crt^t- \r/-»xit- U-i**Ae> ~« -*

ITS BETTER TO HAVE MORE POWER

THAN YOU NEED THAN NOT ENOUGH.

There's a funny thing about database users. A lot of people buy a program that has all the power they need to get started. And not a whole lot more.

Well, that makes perfect sense. If you plan to stay in the same place all your life. But as most users get the feel of things, they want to push themselves farther and farther. That's when they wish they'd bought a program that had some extra muscle. And if you look at this chart, you'll see that's the whole idea behind R:base™ 5000.

DBMS POWER R:base 5000 vs. dBASE III

R:base 5000

dBASE III

Comprehensive procedural language

Yes

Yes

Built-in

application compiler

Yes

No

Choice of row or column report format

Yes

No

Accessible tables per report

40

10

Number of relational operators

6

2

Password security

Yes

No

User-definable data entry rules

Yes

No

Automatic key index maintenance

Yes

No

Data dictionary

Yes

No

THE KIND OF POWER THAT'S EASY TO HANDLE. We made R:base 5000 so easy to use that a complete novice can develop applications with it right off the bat. But that's just the beginning; we've built in a whole arsenal of high-powered

development tools that the most intense programmers can't outgrow. To give you a better idea what this extra power can do, just take a look at one feature. With R:base 5000, you get a relational operator called SUBTRACT which dBASE III doesn't offer. By using this command, you could take all the names in one file (such as your customer list) and subtract them from any other file (like the Fortune 500). The result? An instant list of new business opportunities. And this is only one way to use one of the extra capabilities on this chart; there are literally hundreds more.

SEE FOR YOURSELF:

1-800-547-4000.

If you believe in common sense as much as we do, you won't take our word for it; you'll get your hands on a copy and see for yourself. And that's just what we'd like you to do. For only $9.95 (plus shipping) we'll send you a mini-version of the product that lets you build real applications.

Just call 1-800-547-4000 and ask for Dept. 836 . From Oregon, or outside the U.S., call 1-503-684-3000, Dept. 836. We'll send your copy right out. If you'd like to see R:base 5000 today, head straight for a leading store or computer dealer.

And see how far you can go when your DBMS has all its oars in the water.

R:BASE 5000

FROM MICRORIM IT ALL COMES DOWN TO COMMON SENSE.

EE 111 is a trademark of AshtonTate.

&*

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f«ll!i*fln

SMASHER

Triple your PC speed for only $799!

8087 Upgrades

MicroWay is the world leader in 8087 support. Our 8087 development software has been in use since 1982. By 1984 we had become Intel's 97th largest OEM account. When you buy from us, you can be confident that you will receive the 8087 chip designed for your PC and that our unique diagnostics will instantly verify that your processor works correctly as installed. Call for current prices.

287Turbo"

This card plugs into the 80287 socket on your AT or COMPAQ, doubling the 80287 clock from 4 to 8 Mhz. It does not change the 80286 clock speed or affect your warranty. The card comes with an 8 Mhz 80287 and has provisions for faster crystals as better 80287s become available. It also has a reset button and circuit that provide a hardware alternative to CNTRL-ALT-DEL. 287Turbo with Diagnostics and Reset $395

Micro Way~

Inquiry 247

Number Smasher"

Number Smasher gives you AT speed and 100% compatibility with all PC software and hardware. It comes with a 10 Mhz 8086 and 512K of no wait state RAM. Most are shipped with an optional matched 10 Mhz 8087 and 128K daughterboard. The card runs programs a factor of 2.5 to 4.0 faster than the PC, XT or compatibles it runs in. Other features include FASTROM, a Ram Disk, Print Spooler and Disk Cache. Revision 2 of the Smasher is designed and manufactured by MicroWay in the U.S.A. and has the best service and support of any accelerator card.

MegaPage

MicroWays "Lotus/Intel" extended memory card has all the features of the others plus one: it uses low power, cool running CMOS DRAM. Ask for our pamphlet "Extended vs Expanded Memory" and learn why MegaPage is the right card for you. MegaPage with 2 Megabytes CMOS $549

Tempo House. London, U.K. call 01-223-7662

Number Smasher. MegaPage and 287Turbo are trademarks of MicroWay. Inc MicroWay is a registered trademark ot MicroWay. Inc.

. Wjntto. „ hear it again?

You made about as much noise turning the page as the

Thinkjet Printer makes turning one out.

So it lets you do two things at once. Print. And think.

Without sound hoods. Without remote printing stations.

Without aspirin. (And without a lot of clutter. The only thing

smaller than the Thinkjet Printer is its price: $495*)

Better still, it works with just about every personal computer.

Hear the Thinkjet Printer sound off.

Call (800) FOR-HPPC, Dept.276X, for the

Hewlett-Packard dealer nearest you.

ra

HEWLETT PACKARD

Inquiry 168

V

HEWLETT PACKAPD

*U.S. list price. PG02511

DECEMBER 1985 -BYTE 257

THE CMO ADVANTAGE

*- THE BEST PRICES!

^ Next day shipping on all in stock items.

v Free easy access order inquiry

v* Orders from outside

Pennsylvania save state sales tax.

*• Free techmcial support with our factory trained technical staff

*■ There is no limit and no deposit on COD. orders

-- There's no extra charge for using your credit card. Your card is not charged until we ship.

^ No waiting period for cashiers checks

-- We accept purchase orders from qualified corporations. Subject to approval.

^ Educational discounts available to qualified institutions.

m- FREE CATALOG MEMBERSHIP

ORDER LINE

CALL TOLL-FREE 1-800-233-8950

CUSTOMER SERVICE & TECH SUPPORT

1-717-327-1450

Dept. A112

MAILING ADDRESS

Computer Mail Order

Dept. A112

477 East Third Street Williamsport. PA 17701

HOME COMPUTERS

MODEMS

.. mat*

Mf fvieER DIRECT MARKETING ASSOCIATION

CREDIT CARDS

'"*}"• ! Inquiry 77 ' IJ

SHIPPING"™

Add 3%. minimum $500 shipping and handling on all orders Larger shipments may require additional charges

All items subject to availability and price change

Returned shipments may be subject to a restocking fee

CANADIAN ORDERS

1-800-268-3974

Ontario/Quebec

1 800 268-4559

Other Provinces

1-416-828-0866

In Toronto

TELEX: 06-218960

2505 Dunwm Drive,

Mississauga, Ontario

Canada L5L1T1

All prices shown are for U.S.A.

orders.

Call The Canadian Office for

Canadian prices.

ATARI

130XE (128K) CALL

520ST (512K) CALL

800XL 64K CALL

1010 Recorder $49.99

1050 Disk Drive $144.00

1027 Letter Quality Printer S209 00

1030 Direct Connect Modem $59 99

Software Specials

8036 Atari Writer $29 99

Star Haiders $4.99

Missile Command $4.99

Defender $4 99

Galaxian $4,99

Asteroids $4.99

Centipede $4.99

Robotron $4.99

APPLE

APPLE Me CALL

APPLE lie CALL

MaclNTOSH CALL

lie LCD Display CALL

ASSIMULATION

Mac Pon Adapter $59 99

HAYDEN An Grabber $31 99

Home Design $49 99

Media Works $63 99

PALADIN Crunch 512 S189 00

fS commodore

C128 Computer $299.00

C1571 (Disk Drive for C128) SNEW

r. 1902 (RGB 13 Monitor tor C128I . SHEW

C1670 (Modem lor C128I SNEW

Commodore Plus 4 $19900

CBM 64 $149 00

C1541 Disk Drive $19900

C1530 Datasette $39.99

M-801 Dot Matrix Printer $169 00

MCS 803 Dot Matrix $179.00

C1702 Color Monitor $18900

C1660 Auto Modem $59.99

DPS 1101 Daisy Printer $339 00

PORTABLE COMPUTERS

That HEWLETT mi/iM PACKARD

4ICV $189 99

41CX $249 99

HP 71B $419 99

HP 11C $62 99

HP 12C/15C/16C $89 99

HP 75D $949 00

HPIL Module $98 99

HPIL Cassette or Printer $359 99

Card Reader $14399

Extended Function Module $63 99

Time Module $63 99

We stock the lull line of HP calculator products

NEC

PC-8401 . CALL

PC-8201 Ponable Computer $289 00

PC-8231 Disk Drive S599 00

PC-8221A Thermal Primers $149 00

PC-8281A Data Recorder $99 99

PC-8201 06 8K RAM Chips $105 00

SHARP

PC-1350 .......... $159 99

PC 1261 $159 99

PC-1260 $109 99

PC-1500A $165 99

PC1250A $88 99

CE-125 Printer/Cassette $128 99 CE-150 Color Printer Cassette $171 99

CE-161 16K RAM $134 99

Christmas Special!

EPSON/COMREX CR220AT

for Atari 800

80 column, dot matrix printer with built-in Atari interface

was $199.00. Now $79.99

While They Last!

Eastern Front $4.99

SynCalc $19.99

SynFile $19.99

BOARDS FOR ATARI

Axlon 32K . $39.99

Axlon 48K (400) $69.99

Axlon 128K $199.00

Bit 3 Full View 80 $169.00

Macintosh Software

Lotus Jazz CALL

Microsoft Excel $259.00

Living Vldeotext

ThinkTank 512 $159.00

Manhattan Ready. Set. Go $79.99

Crelghton Development

Mac Spell $6999

Monogram Dollars & Sense ..$99.99 Peachtree Back to Basics - GL5109 00 PFS File & Report (New Version)$119 00 Silicon Beach Airborn $25.99

ProfessionaJ Software

Fleet System II w/Spell^ $49.99

Trivia Fever $29.99

Word Pro 4 Plus/5 Plus each $239 00

Into Pro . $179.00

BRODERBUND

The Print Shop $29.99

Music Shop $29.99

File (64) $49.99

■ • - xry"

Paperclip w/Spell Pack $79.99

The Consultant DBMS $69.99

Bus Card II $139.00

80 Col Display $129.00

DISKETTES

maxEll

3V4" SS/DD $3999

3Vs" DS/DD $54 99

514" MD-1 w/Hardcase $14.99

5V MD-2 w/Hardcase $19.99

5V»" MD-2-HD for AT $44 99

ni Verbatim.

5%" SS/DD $1999

5V«" DS/DD $24.99

Disk Analyzer $24.99

LaaSB

Elephant 3\4" SS/DD. . S29.99

Elephant 5% SS/SD $1399

Elephant 5'<4 SS/DD $15 99

Elephant 5"„ DS/DD $16.99

Elephant Premium DS/DD $22.99

5'V DS/DD Floppy Disks

(Box of 10) $25.99

DISK HOLDERS

INNOVATIVE CONCEPTS

Flip-in-File 10 $3.99

Flip-in-File 50 $17.99

Flip-in-File 50 w/lock $24.99

Flip-in-File (400/800 ROM) $11.99

Fhp-in-File 100 $24.99

AMARAY

50 Disk Tub 5'/4" $9.99

30 Disk Tub 3(4" $8.99

aWNCHOR

Volksmodem $59.99

Volksmodem 300/1200 $189.99

Signalman Express $299.00

Lightning 2400 Baud $399 00

DIGITAL DEVICES

AT300 - 300 Baud (Atari) $99 99

D Hayes

Smartmodem 300 $139

Smartmodem 1200 $389

Smartmodem 1200B $359

Smartmodem 2400 $599

Micromodem He $149

Smart Com II $89

Chronograph $199

Transet 1000 $309

AST

Reach 1200 Baud Hall Card $39900

mpp miCROBITS

MPP-1064 AD/AA (C-64) $69.99

Novation [SP

Smart Cat Plus $319.00

J-Cat $99.99

Novation 2400 CALL

Apple Cat II $229 00

212 Apple Cat II $379.00

Apple Cat 212 Upgrade $229.00

Macmodem $319.00

QUAJJRAM^ Quadmodem II nP^

300/1200 $339.00

300/1200/2400 $499.00

TELELEARNINC

C64 300 Baud (Closeout) $39.99

GRAPHICS

©lioala

IBM $89 99

Apple/Franklin $79 99

■Polaroid

Palette $1299.00

DRIVES

HARD ALLOY

PC Stor CALL

U-SCI

10 meg Internal IBM $429.00

20 meg Internal IBM $569 00

[■MEGA

10 meg Bernoulli Box $189900

20 meg Bernoulli Box $2599 00

5 meg "MacNoulli" . $149900

Ml TECHNOLOGIES

12. 25. 35. 50. 80 meg (PC)

from $1499 00

IRWIN

Tape Backup CALL

EVEREX

20 Meg Internal (IBM $799 00

60 Meg Internal Backup System$879 00

FLOPPY

INDUS

Atari GT $21900

C-64 GT $229.00

MICRO SCI

A1 5 Apple $179.00

A2 Apple $179.00

SD1 C-64 Single $219.00

SD2 C-64 Dual $469.00

landon

320K 5'A" (PC) $109.00

TEAC

320K 5V4" $109.00

di-raE

MONITORS

Amtjek

300 Green $129.00

300 Amber $139.00

310 Amber IBM-Plug $169.00

Color 300 Composite $179.00

Color 500 Composite/RGB $389.00

Color 600 Hi-Res (640x240) $399.00

Color 700 Hi-Res (720x240) $499.00

Color 710 Long Phosphor $579.00

Color 722 IBM Enhanced $579.00

(HP

12" Amber/Green Comp....(ea.) $99.99 12" Amber/Green TTL (ea.) $119.00

NEC

JB 1260 Green $59.99

JB 1201/1205 (ea.) $99.99

JB 1270 Green/1275 $119.00

JB 1275 Amber $119.00

JB 1280 G TTL/1285 A TTL $149.00

JC 1410 RGB $669.00

JC 1225 Composite $179.00

PRINCETON

MAX-12E Amber $179.00

HX-9 9" RGB $469.00

HX-9E Enhanced $519.00

HX-12 12" RGB $46900

HX-12E Enhanced $559.00

SR-12 Hi-Res $599.00

SR-12 P Enhanced $649.00

STAXAM

115 12" Green Mono $119.00

116 12" Amber Mono $119.00

121 Green TTL $139.00

122 Amber TTL $149.00

420 Hi-Res RGB (IBM) $429.00

440 Ultra Hi-Res RGB $559.00

QUADrWl||^

8400 Quadchrome I $479.00

8410 Quachrome II $429.00

8420 Amberchrome $179.00

8500 Quad Screen $1499.00

ZVM 1220/1230 (ea.) $99.99

ZVM 1240 IBM Amber $149.00

ZVM 130 Color $269.00

ZVM 131 Color $249.00

ZVM 133 RGB/Color $429.00

ZVM 135 RGB/Color $459.00

ZVM 136 RGB/Color $599.00

AST

Multi I/O (Apple II) $169.00

MMpwumcAL

MPBtrHERALS __

Graphcard. $79.99

Senall Card $99.99

Microbuffer II + $169.00

Microbuffer 32K $189.00

Microfazer from $139.00

Elazer (Epson) from $79.99

§JOrange micro

Grappler CD (C64) $99.99

Grappler + (Apple) $89.99

Grappler 16K + (Apple) $159.00

DIGITAL DEVICES

Ape Face (Atari) $49.99

LJ-Print A (Atari) $54.99

U-A167Butfer (Atari) $74.99

U-Call Interface (Atari) $39.99

U-Print C (C64) $49.99

P-16 Print Buffer $74 99

U-Print II Apple lie $89.99

TYMAC

C64 Epson $59.99

C64 Okidata $59.99

C64 Star $59.99

INTERFACES

PRINTERS

Canon

A40 CALL

LBP-8A1 Laser CALL

#CITIZEN

MSP-10 (80 col.) $279.00

MSP-15 (132 col.) $389.00

MSP-20 (80 col.) $349.00

MSP-25 (132 col.) $509.00

citoh

Prowriter 7500 $219.00

Prowriter 8510 NLQ $329.00

Prowriter 1550P $449.00

Starwriter 10-30 $459.00

corona

Lazer LP-300 $2799.00

DIABLO

D25 Daisywheel $549.00

630-109 Daisywheel $1749.00

D80IF Daisywheel CALL

d*sywriter

2000 $749.00

EPSON

LX-80, LX-90, FX-85, FX-185 JX-80. DX-10. DX-20, SQ 2000 HS-80. Homewriter 10. DX-35 CALL

■JUKI

6000 Letter Quality CALL

6100 Letter Quality CALL

6200 Letter Quality CALL

6300 Letter Quality CALL

5510 CALL

LEGEND

808 Dot Matrix 100 cps $179.00

1080 Dot Matrix 100 cps $259.00

1380 Dot Matrix 130 cps $289.00

1385 Dot Matrix 165 cps $339 00

NEC

8027 Transportable $229.00

2000 Series $699.00

3000 Series $1099.00

8000 Series $1449.00

ELF 360 $449.00

Pinwriter 560 $999.00

OKIDATA

182, 183. 192. 193. 2410, 84 CALL

Okimate 10 (Specify C64/Atari)$189.00 Okimate 20 (IBM) CALL

OLYMPIA

Needlepoint Dot Matrix $289.00

Compact RO $289.00

Compact 2 $349.00

Panasonic

KX1091 $259.00

KX1092 $389.00

KX1093 $479.00

Quadjet $399.00

Quad Laser CALL

Vjf SJIYER-RECO

500 Letter Quality $279.00

550 Letter Quality $419.00

770 Letter Quality $759.00

star

SG-10C (C64 Interface) CALL

SB/SD/SG/SR Series CALL

Powertype Letter Quality CALL

Texas Instruments

TI850 $529.00

TI855 $799.00

TI865 $1049.00

TOSHIBA

1340 (80 column) $589.00

P351 (132 column) $1149.00

PC COMPATIBLES

IBM PC SYSTEMS

Configured to your

specification. Call for Best Price!

IBM-PC, IBM-PC II, IBM-XT, IBM-AT

Sperry-AT as low as $1749.00

Sperry-IT as low as $2699.00

Call for Specific Configuration! All Models CALL

KP-2000 Portable CALL

SOFTWARE FOR IBM

ASHTON-TATE

Framework $369.00

dBase III $369.00

BORLAND

Turbo Pascal 3.0 $49.99

Sidekick (unprotected) $59.99

CENTRAL POINT

Copy II PC-Backup $29.99

DECISION RESOURCES

Chartmaster $229.00

Signmaster $169.00

ENERTRONICS

Energraphics/Plot $289.00

FOX & GELLER

Quickcode III $169.00

FUNK SOFTWARE

Sideways $39.99

HARVARD SOFTWARE INC.

Harvard Project Manager $209.00

Total Project Manager $269.00

LIFETREE

Volkswriter Deluxe $159.00

, LIVING VIDEOTEXT

Think Tank $109.00

Ready CALL

LOTUS

Symphony $429.00

1-2-3 $309.00

MECA SOFTWARE

Managing Your Money 2.0 $109.00

MICROSTUF SOFTWARE

Crosstalk XVI $89.99

Crosstalk Mark IV $149.00

Remote $89.99

MICRORIM SOFTWARE

R:Base 4000 $249.00

R:Base 5000 $389.00

Clout 2.0 $129.00

MICROPRO

WordStar 2000 $249.00

WordStar 2000+ $309.00

WordStar Professional $299.00

Easy CALL

MICROSOFT

Word $239.00

Mouse $139.00

Flight Simulator $39.99

MultiPlan $129.00

MULTIMATE

Advantage $289.00

Multi Mate Word Proc $249.00

NOUMENON

Intuit $69.99

NORTON

Norton Utilities 3 0 $59.99

PEACHTREE SOFTWARE

Peachtext 5000 $169.00

PeachPack (GL/AP/AR) $199.00

PFS: IBM

First Success $218.00

Access $79.99

File/Graph (ea).$79.99

Report $74.99

Plan $79.99

Write/Proof Combo $79.99

PROFESSIONAL SOFTWARE

Wordplus-PC w/Boss $249.00

ROSESOFT

Prokey $89.99

THE SOFTWARE GROUP

Enable $339.00

SATELLITE SYSTEMS

Word Perfect 4.0 $219.00

SORCIM/IUS Accounting

AP/AR/GL/INV/OE (ea.) $295.00

SuperCalc III $195.00

EasyWriter II System $195.00

Super Project $195.00

SPI SOFTWARE

Open Access $379.00

SUBLOGIC

Jet $39.99

THOUGHTWARE

Trigger $28900

Sell. Sell, Sell

Training $299.00

Application $179.00

TLB Solomon III GL $519.00

ypATW

Safari (7300) CALL

6300 CALL

corona

PPC400 Dual Portable $1289.00

PPCXT 10 meg Portable $1989.00

PC40022 Dual Desktop $1389.00

PC400-HD2 10 meg $1989.00

TTT

ITT X-TRA J-J~t

256K, 2 Drive System CALL

256K.10 meg Hard Drive System CALL

XP5. 20 meg CALL

®SANYO

MBC 550-2 Single Drive $669.00

MBC 555-2 Dual Drive $969.00

MBC 675 Portable CALL

MBC775 CALL

MBC 880 Desktop CALL

PC-158-21 Single Desktop CALL

PC-158-52 Dual Desktop CALL

PC-158-53 10 meg Desktop CALL

PC-161-21 Single Portable CALL

PC-161-52 Dual Portable CALL

Z-200 (AT) CALL

171 (Portable) ^\... CALL

138 (Transportable) >£• CALL

148 (DeskTop) V^ CALL

MULTIFUNCTION CARDS

Six Pack Plus $239.00

Mega Plus II $269 00

I/O Plus II $139.00

Advantage-AT $399.00

Graph Pak /64K $599 00

MonoGraph Plus $399.00

Preview Mono $299 00

PC Net Cards $379.00

5251/11 On-line $669.00

5251/12 Remote $579.00

3780 Emulation Card $639.00

deei

IRMA 3270 $879.00

IRMA Print $999.00

IRMA Smart Alec $779.00

=SVEREX—

Edge Card $299.0C

Color Card (Graphics Edge) $299.00

Magic Card II $179.00

HERCULES

Graphics $299 00

Color $159.00

IDEAssociaies

IDEAmax - ZPR, 64K. C, S. P.$229.00

IDEAminimax - MPR 128K $229 00

IDEA 5251 $699.00

MYLEX

The Chairman $479.00

PARADISE

Modular Graphics Card $279.00

Multi Display Card $229.00

Five Pack C, S $159.00

PEPSY5T

Bob Board $359.00

ii i ^m

Captain - 64 $199.00

Captain Jr. 128K $279.00

Graphics Master $469.00

QUAgwi^

Ouadport-AT $119.00

Quadmeg - AT (128K) $349.00

The Gold Quadboard $449.00

The Silver Quadboard $239.00

Expanded Quadboard $219.00

Quad 512 + $229.00

Liberty $309.00

QuadSprint $499.00

QuadLink $399.00

Quadcolor 1 $199.00

QuadJr. Expansion Chassis $469.00

Expansion Chassis Memory $199.00

Chronagraph $79.99

Parallel Interface Board $64.99

lit" li)

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it

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£&£<=&

JU5 rW7 (V

PRINTERS

32-2727

User-Friendly Prices ':^'"^

EPSON FX-85 $339.

WITH NLQ (REPLACES FX-80

Suggested Retail $499

■ J\m I 03 WITH NLQ

WIDE CARRIAGE

(REPLACES FX100 + )

• 160 CPS • IBM 5152 GRAPHICS

• NLQ MODE • 8K BUFFER

• SELECTYPE™ • 160 TYPESTYLES

• ONE YEAR WARRANTY

$459.

Suggested Retail $699

EPSON LO-1500

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ALL SALES ARE FINAL. WE CANNOT GUARANTEE EQUIPMENT COMPATIBILITY. Inquiry 293

COMPUTER CONFERENCING

CONVERSATIONS

by Douglas E. Comer and Larry L. Peterson

An alternative to memos and conferences

This article is based on excerpts from a paper entitled "Conversations: An Alternative to Memos and Conferences'.' which was presented at the Workshop on Computer Conferencing and Electronic Messaging, University of Guelph, Canada, January 22-23, 1985.

A CONVERSATION-BASED SYSTEM groups messages into conversations, with messages within a conversation ordered according to the context in which they are written. Message context defines a relation between messages that makes it easy to implement conversations in a distributed environment.

Data Structure

The underlying structures that support both the memobased system DRAGON MAIL and teleconferencing systems are the mailbox and the conference, respectively. Simple interfaces, such as the UNIX mail system, place saved messages in a named file. Other interfaces, such as MH, MS, and Laurel, provide more advanced mechanisms for archiving messages, such as "folders" into which messages are filed. Commands allow the user to browse through the hierarchy of saved messages and select particular messages based on a specified attributevalue pair. User interfaces like Edmas and AUGMENT use the technique of "linking" related messages, providing yet another mechanism for allowing the user to traverse through a list of messages and replies to messages.

Despite their differences, all conventional user interfaces are founded on a memo-based model that resembles the office practice of memo communication. A new model for exchanging information combines the memo-based model and the teleconferencing model. This approach replaces

the first-in/first-out ordering of memos with a mechanism that groups messages into conversations and orders the messages within a conversation according to the context in which they were created. This model places a high-level structure on messages, where the fundamental object of communication is the conversation rather than the memo. Instead of reading, writing, and filing individual memos, users participate in a set of conversations.

The Underlying Model

A conversation consists of a group of messages, denoted M = {m, | i>0}, shared by a set of participants, denoted P = {Pi | i>0}. Also associated with a conversation is a topic defined by the user who starts the conversation. A topic is a short phrase that describes the conversation's general area of discussion.

Participants view the messages associated with a conversation as well as add new messages. In this system, participants submit messages to a specific conversation rather than mail them to a set of recipients. A conversation begins when a user defines the set of participants P and submits an initial message m0. New members are added

(continued) Douglas E. Comer, who has a Ph.D. in computer science from Pennsylvania State University, has worked as a professor and researcher at Purdue University and Bell Laboratories. He can be contacted at the Department of Computer Science. Purdue University, West Lafayette. IN 47907.

Larry L. Peterson received his Ph.D. in computer science from Purdue University, where his thesis investigated issues in electronic mail systems. He can be contacted at the Department of Computer Science, University of Arizona, Tucson. AZ 85721.

DECEMBER

35 • B Y T E 263

CONVERSATIONS

to a conversation by having the list expanded to include them. Similarly, old members may be removed. Being added to a conversation means having access to the entire history of the conversation (i.e., all of set M). Removal implies not being able to read any further messages submitted to the conversation. The system also allows users to manipulate entire conversations; a user can delete an unwanted conversation, as well as merge two related conversations and split a diverging conversation.

The conversation-based system partitions messages in a conversation into visible and hidden subsets. The system automatically displays visible messages to participants when a conversation is viewed. Hidden messages are maintained in the history of the conversation and can be viewed by users via special commands. Participants may

Figure 1: A context graph for a conversation in which message a was the initial message of the conversation. Messages b and c were submitted after their respective authors had read message a, but independently of each other. Message d was submitted after its author had viewed messages a and c but before he had viewed message b.

hide messages determined to be irrelevant to the conversation and supersede a group of messages with a single summarizing message.

Message Structure

An individual message in a conversation consists of a header, a body, and a set of attachments. The header consists of the sender of the message, the creation or date of the message, and the subject of the message. The header may also contain a set of parameters, including the urgency and lifetime of the message.

The body of the message contains the lines of text meant to be viewed by the participants. Along with the text, a user may send a set of attachments with the message. Attachments might be binary programs, source programs, or data files that are not necessarily meant to be viewed by participants. Instead, participants remove attachments from the message and place them in files for further computation.

Participant Hierarchy

Participants in a conversation are categorized according to their privileges within the system. Here are the classes of participants and their respective privileges:

Reader: A participant who is only allowed to read messages in a conversation.

Contributor: A participant who reads and also has the right to add messages to a conversation. Administrator: A person who can remove or add participants as well as move irrelevant messages into the set of hidden messages.

Owner: The person who starts a conversation. In addition to having administrative authority the owner has the right to extend or restrict the privileges of other participants.

Message Context

The underlying structure of a conversation maintains the relationship among the messages that make up the conversation. Informally, when participants compose a message, they do so in the context of the messages they have already seen. Specifically, message context is a relation R that holds between messages i and / such that mt R ms if and only if m, had been read by the author of m} before composing m.j.

The set of message-context relations for the messages in a conversation is represented by a directed acyclic graph called a context graph, denoted C = (M. £). The vertices of G correspond to the messages in the conversation, while the edges of the graph represent the message-context relation. An edge leading from node i to node /' implies rrii R ms and reads "ml precedes m/.' Figure 1 is an example of a context graph.

Associated with each participant p, is a subset of M. denoted M,, corresponding to those messages in M

(continued)

264 BYTE • DECEMBER 1985

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CONVERSATIONS

Conversations move

into the background after

n idle days, whether

a participant has viewed all the messages there or not

already viewed by pf. We informally think of the context graph as having each node marked according to whether or not each participant has read it. Thus, when participant Pi views a message, the message is added to ft?,, and when Pi submits a message, it is connected to the context graph by edges leading from all the vertices in M,.

The messages in the graph are arranged topologically. Thus, if message m,- was composed by a participant after reading message m„ then m, is displayed to those viewing the conversation before m,.

Anytime a user participates in_a set of conversations, denoted K = {fe,|i>0}, he or she defines subsets of K by supplying a subset name and specifying the conversations in K contained in the subset. (We represent the subset named S as Ks.) Defining subsets of conversations allows the user to treat a group of conversations collectively.

In addition to user-defined subsets of K, conversationbased mail maintains a collection of system-defined subsets. For example, the system partitions K into foreground and background subsets, denoted KF and KB. respectively. Conversation kt E KF if and only if a participant has acted on it in the last n days.

The system also partitions K into the subset of conversations that contain messages not yet seen by the user, denoted KN. and the subset of conversations in which the user is up to date, denoted Kc. Finally. Kv denotes the set of conversations containing unread urgent messages. K £ KN, but K £ KF because conversations move into the background after n idle days, whether a participant has viewed all the messages it contains or not.

Distributed System Implementation

We abstractly view a conversation as having a single context graph. But because users expect a fast response time when viewing messages, a single graph is not practical if the participants in a conversation are distributed over two or more computer systems with inherent communication delays between them.

Therefore, each participant pt is seen as having a resident copy of a subgraph of G. denoted G,-, that is quickly accessible for viewing. When participant pt views the messages in a conversation, he or she sees only the messages

[continued)

266 BYTE • DECEMBER 1985

Inquiry III

"A true data management product is

inherently multi-user."

Edward M. Esber, Jr. President AshtonTate Software, "InfoWorld" July 22,1985

Thank you Mr. Esber. We at DataAccess Corp. couldn't agree more! That's why DataFlex was designed and implemented with true multiuser capabilities right from the start, way back in 1981.

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Another of DataFlex's multi-user facilities is its sophisticated, yet easy to use, on-line query program. Query allows even inexperienced users to produce complex multi-file reports simply by using a mouse or the cursor control keys to "point & shoot" at the data they wish to see presented. And because DataFlex maintains on-line data indices, query's output is sent to the screen, printer or file as quickly as it can be read from disk. You even have the option of generating errorfree source code and using it as the basis of a more complex report.

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Inquiry 102

DECEMBER 1985 -BYTE 267

TOTALCONTROL

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urn

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CONVERSATIONS

DRAGONMAIL is configured to run on three VAX/UNIX 4.2BSD computers connected by a \0-megabit token ring: the source code is written in C.

that are contained in G,, where M, ^ M is the set of messages resident at p/s system, and M, = M,. Furthermore, when p, submits a message, that message is added to G, and the system propagates the update to all the other participants' copies to effect the change to G previously described.

Specifically, when p,- submits message mnew to a conversation, a new node is first attached to his or her graph G, and then to each remote copy of G. Updating a graph involves transporting information over computer networks. Because of varying communication delays between computers, however, it is possible for p; to receive a message, read it, and respond to it before p, receives the original message.

Thus, we must ensure that all the nodes to which m„ew connects are also present in G> That is, the operation of adding m„ew to a given Gj is blocked until each node that precedes m„«M, is present in Gj. Finally, because a path from each message that precedes m„,», is sufficient (rather than a direct edge), we require that the new message be attached only to the leaf vertices of Mt, thereby reducing the overhead of adding new nodes to a context graph.

The Prototype

A prototype conversation-based mail system called DRAGONMAIL is being used as part of the TILDE project at Purdue University. DRAGONMAIL currently serves over 100 users and a dozen groups in the Computer Sciences Department and is configured to run on three VAX/UNIX 4.2BSD computers connected by a 10-megabit token ring. The DRAGONMAIL source code is written in C and is approximately 6500 lines long.

DRAGONMAILs user population is distributed over three hosts, with a particular host designated as each user's home machine. Each host maintains a copy of all conversations in which the residents of that host participate. Also, a single copy of the context graph is replicated on each host for each of its resident participants.

When a user invokes an operation that alters a conversation, the local version of DRAGONMAIL distributes the change to the home machine of each participant. At each destination host DRAGONMAIL then makes appropriate

{continued)

268 BYTE • DECEMBER 1985

Inquiry 202

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DECEMBER 1985 -BYTE 269

CONVERSATIONS

A DRAGONMAIL Conversation

CONV

TOPIC

NEW/TOT

1

TILDE reports

0/15

*2

Do What I Mean

2/4

*3

Dragon Bugs

3/10

4

Ethernet on 8086s

0/18

Conversation 2: Do What I Mean

MSG Synopsis

1 Chris / 5-16 9:30 / CR

2 Steve / 5-17 8:44/ Control L

*3 Doug / 5-17 18:50 / More on CR

*4 Tim / 5-17 19:31 / I disagree

Figure A: Screen display after initiating a mail session. The Topic column contains a brief synopsis of the conversations shown. The lines in boldface are highlighted on the screen to indicate that the conversation contains an unread message. Conversations marked with an asterisk contain urgent messages. The user selects a conversation by entering the corresponding number in the command window.

Figure B: Screen display after selecting conversation 2. This time the user selects message 1 via the command window. Note that the ID of the conversation is displayed in the upper window. Unread messages are in boldface. Previously read messages appear in this display to give surrounding context to new messages. Operations such as list, add. and delete participants can be executed at this level.

Conversation 2: Do What 1 Mean Msg 1: Chris / 5-16 9:30 / CR

Instead of returning to the conversation level, carriage return should do what I mean (DWIM)—automatically display the next unread message.

Cheers, Chris

Figure C: Screen display of conversation 2. Note that at this level conversation ID and message ID are displayed in the two upper windows. Executing an S [submit] command at

this point puts the user in the edit mode. An H (help) command may be executed at any point in the process and will display the command syntax for that level.

changes to its copy of the conversation.

Information is distributed between copies of a conversation through the existing mail-transport system. SENDMAIL. DRAGONMAIL was implemented on top of the existing message-transport system because the component hosts do not share a common transport-level protocol. The "sending" DRAGONMAIL encapsulates the message and header lines inside a "standard message." Specific header lines are added to the regular header, and other data is placed within the message body.

When a message arrives at a remote copy of the conversation, the local DRAGONMAIL updates its copy of the context graph associated with that conversation. If the message cannot be added to the local copy of G because the messages that precede it are not present, then the

message is placed in a queue. As additional messages arrive. DRAGONMAIL checks the queue for messages that can be added to G.

Because the message-transport system occasionally loses messages, queued messages "timeout" after a period of time, and the local copy of the conversation is refreshed by requesting the conversation's history from the home host. Figure A shows a typical screen display when a mail session is initiated. Figure B shows the display when a specific conversation ("Do What I Mean"! is selected. Figure C is the display of the actual message viewed in the conversation "Do What I Mean."

We have described a new high-level computer mail service based on conversations rather than independent

[continued)

270 BYTE- DECEMBER

Inquiry 28I

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Inquiry 209

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CONVERSATIONS

memos. Conversations have the advantage of being more consistent with the way humans communicate. Conversation-based mail also supports various message-exchange paradigms such as memo communication, mailing lists, and journals.

Conversations are as powerful as teleconferencing systems in their ability to group related messages while remaining as inexpensive to use (and start) as conventional memo-based systems. Conversation-based mail also supports a uniform interface to all forms of mail-like services. Most important, conversations provide a flexible communication paradigm that users can tailor to their needs. ■

Editor's note: Dr. Peterson is currently working on a second version of DRAGONMAIL at the University of Arizona. The initial prototype demonstrated the workability of conversations as a medium for communication and pointed to several improvements in the initial model. The second version of DRAGONMAIL will be a stand-alone mail system that is fully integrated with the current computer mail environment. In other words. DRAGONMAIL will serve both as a conversation-based message system and as an interface to conventional memo-based mail.

BIBLIOGRAPHY

"The AUGMENT Mail User's Guide." Journal Document <AUG

MENT.103481 >. Tymshare Inc.. Office Automation Division,

November 1983. Allman, E. "SENDMA!L-An Internetwork Mail Router." UNIX

Programmer's Manual, version 4.2. Berkeley Software Distribution,

vol. 2. August 1983. Almes, G., A. Black. C. Bunje, and D. Wiebe. "Edmas: A Locally

Distributed Mail System." Technical Report 83-07-01, University

of Washington, July 1983. Borden, B. S., R. S. Gaines, and N. Z. Shapiro. "The MH Message

Handling System." User's Manual R-2367-AF. Rand Corp.,

November 1979. Brotz, D K. Laurel Manual. Technical Report CSL-81-6. Palo Alto,

CA: Xerox Palo Alto Research Center, May 1981. Comer, D E.. and L. L. Peterson. "Conversation-Based Mail."

TILDE Report CSD-TR-465. Purdue University, March 1984. Comer. D. E. "Transparent Integrated Local and Distant

Environment (TILDE): Project Overview." TILDE Report CSD

TR-466. Purdue University March 1984. Crocker, D H. "Framework and Functions of the MS Personal

Message System." R-2134-ARPA. Rand Corp., December 1977. Horton. M. "How to Read Network News." UNIX Programmer's

Manual, version 4.1. Berkeley Software Distribution, vol. 2, 1979. loy. W., and Wasley D Msgs. UNIX Programmer's Manual, version

4,1. Berkeley Software Distribution, vol. 1, 1979. Knuth, D. E. The Art of Computer Programming, vol. 3. Reading, MA:

Addison-Wesley 1973. Lipinski, H. M., and R. H. Miller. "FORUM: A Computer-Assisted

Communications Medium." Proceedings of the 2nd International

Conference on Computer Communications. August 1974, pages

143-147. Palme, I. COM/PortaCOM Conference System Design Coals and Principles.

Stockholm. Sweden: QZ, Stockholm University Computing

Center, March 1984. Shoens. K. "Mail Reference Manual." UNIX Programmer's Manual.

version 4.1. Berkeley Software Distribution, vol. 2, 1979.

272 BYTE • DECEMBER 1985

Inquiry 83

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i RENT BtEFfDRE YOU BUY-Members are el-gtble to -oio the NET WORK s Bustnetis and Game software Rental Ubranes and evaluate products tor a lull 14 (Regular) or 30 I VIP) days to see if it meets you' needs And The NE TWORK s lenlal charges are far less than other software -etMal serv-ces- Jusl 20**. OF TME MEMBER WHOlE SALE FWICE Rental UH« available in IBal/Appto/llAC and CP/TH Formate Hardware pr.ces highnied by ► retlecl recent ma(« pr

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COMPUTER CONFERENCING

CROSS-SYSTEM

CONFERENCING

WITH CLACR

BY Sherwin M. Levinson

Microcomputers may offer a way to link systems and cut costs

MOST PEOPLE HAVE probably used one or more electronic mail systems, bulletin-board systems (BBSs), or computer conferencing systems (CCSs). As on-line communications systems proliferate, many barriers make it difficult for any individual to regularly use more than a few of them. If you know people on several different systems, it may be hard to keep track of who is on which system. Also, command structures are inconsistent from one system to the next. Then there's the cost. To reach all the people you want, you need to access a number of systems that may charge for connect time, involve extra phone charges, or both.

By linking systems you could have a broader base of potential conference participants without the difficulties described above. You could communicate with a large pool of people who closely match your own specific interests without having to remember which system they are on or what the command structure for that system is. Any solution to the problem of linking systems must also take cost factors into account and pro

vide an affordable means of communicating across systems.

What 1 propose is a personal computer communications program that provides timed automatic log-on to multiple systems, offers an index of incoming messages according to prespecified categories, and allows the organization of computer conferences that span multiple BBSs, CCSs, and electronic mail systems. Cross-system conferences should be accomplished with no additional effort on the part of the conference's organizer or any of its members by porting the conference entries from each host system to all of the other systems where the conference is taking place.

I call the proposed software I will describe here the Conference Linker and Cost Reducer (CLACR). As the name implies, CLACR (pronounced "clacker") is intended to link conferences taking place on separate systems and to reduce the cost of using messaging systems. It also aims to address the other barriers to use described above.

The design goals for a full implementation of CLACR are as follows:

1. To make possible a computer conference whose participants span several different computer conferencing systems.

2. To make possible true computer conferencing on BBS and electronic mail systems.

3. To reduce the cost of participating in computer conferencing; especially, to reduce the cost sufficiently to make up for the additional cost of copying conference entries from one system to another.

4. To make participation on numerous different systems easier by providing a consistent user interface; to make that interface one that can be tailored to each user's preference.

5. To make the process of composing, sending, retrieving, and organizing messages easier.

6. To let users communicate with any other users without needing to remember what conferencing systems

[continued) After a 13-year management career, Sherwin M. Levinson left big business to devote full time to his consulting practice. He can be reached at POB 888231. Atlanta, GA 30356.

DECEMBER 1985 -BYTE 273

CLACR

they are on or what IDs they use on those systems.

7. To operate effectively without any changes required to the host messaging systems themselves.

The list is certainly ambitious, but it's quite possible to do using established programming techniques.

To accomplish these goals. CLACR must maintain a database containing several different tables of information. These are System Data for each remote system used. User Data for each user involved in correspondence, Conference Data, Message Pointers, Message Text, Inbox pointers to messages received but not

Table 1: The System Data table contains essential information about each remote system.

Internal system code

For each access method (different networks, direct dial):

Phone number

Sequence required to connect to target system

Unique costs Log-on sequence (account, password, etc.) Type of system (BBS, CCS, or electronic mail) Commands to reach BBS, CCS, or electronic mail system Cost details by data-transfer rate, time of day, day of week, etc. Holiday schedule Downtime schedule Activity history

Effective data-transfer rate history Cost history Maximum weekly cost

Use history (e.g., average messages retrieved per session) Desired frequency of message retrieval Command translation table

Table 2: The User Data table contains necessary data for each person involved in correspondence.

Internal user code

User nickname

"Real" name

For each system where this user is active:

Internal system code

The user's name on that system Optional, address, phone numbers, comments, etc

Table 3: The Conference Data table contains all the information necessary to organize and manage a conference. Message number and author's internal user code together uniquely define this conference and point to the text of the opening statement stored in the Message Text table.

Message number

Author's internal user code

Conference nickname

List of addressees and system where each invitation was sent

Public or private

List of joiners and system from which each joiner participates

List of conference organizers

read, and Outbox pointers to messages to be transmitted (see tables 1 through 7 for detailed contents). These tables contain the information CLACR needs to achieve its goals.

Message Format

CLACR is to be designed so that the organizer of a cross-system conference is the only one who absolutely must have CLACR. In fact, members of the cross-system conference who participate in a computer conferencing system don't even need to know that there's anything unusal about their conference; to them it will just seem that there's a higher level of activity than usual and they'll notice that some of the entries have a few odd lines at the top.

CLACR expects the first couple of lines of the body of each cross-system conference entry to conform to a specific format. The standard CLACR message format can be used on any messaging system and provides information about message routing and message type on the first line of text. Messages imported by CLACR also contain a second line describing the origins of the message. Because the CLACR header information is part of the message text as far as the host system is concerned, CLACR messages are totally transparent to the host system. This scheme doesn't significantly detract from the message's readability for those not using CLACR, and it allows CLACR to scan messages as they're being received to determine if they are to be saved by CLACR.

Message types include the following: conference entries, requests to join, requests to leave, conference invitations, requests for a joiner list, and private messages. As shown in table 4, each message pointer contains a message number and message author. If individual systems cannot be relied on to provide some message identification that is at least unique to that author on that system, CLACR could provide message numbers such that the message number and message author information

[conlinued]

274 BYTE • DECEMBER 1985

VTERM. THE FASTEST \SAY

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That's why we wrote VTERM-the fastest, most advanced communications program for PC users who communicate with VAXes, and other minis or mainframes.

Of course, VTERM starts with everything you'd expect from state-of-the-art terminal emulation software. Like full keyboard emulation. Macros. Disk capture. Unlimited setup files. Printer support. True plug compatibility, so you can run any VT100 or Tektronix 4010 program right from your PC keyboard.

MAKE YOUR PC FLY.

But then VTERM goes beyond everything else on the market. With a Hotkey that instantly toggles between host and DOS sessions while preserving your terminal screen and communications link. That means you can run host and local programs almost simultaneously. And because VTERM is written in assembly language, you get full throughput at 9600 baud

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With VTERM, there's nothing to get in your way or slow you down. It's easy to use, yet packed with time-saving features. Like backscrolling, which redisplays up to 80 scrolled-off screens. And horizontal scrolling, which emulates 132-column display. (Of course, VTERM provides true 132-column display with an optional video board.)

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And you also get VTRANS, a remarkably easy-to-use file transfer system that transmits any file under local or host control. It even comes with ready-to-run host software for UNIX and three DEC operating systems - VMS, RSTS/E, andRSXll-M/M + .

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Coefficient Systems Corporation, 611 Broadway, New York, New York 10012, (212) 777-6707, Ext. 221

© 1985, Coefficient Systems Corp. TM signifies manufacturer's trademark.

Inquiry 62

DECEMBER 1985 • BYTE 275

CLACR

together uniquely identify any message.

Participants on a BBS will need to understand those odd lines placed at the top of the messages by the con

ference organizer's CLACR program (if they're to fully appreciate the discussion] because these messages will be interspersed with the normal message traffic of the BBS. They'll also need to

Table 4: The Message Pointers contain the header information needed to identify a message. CLACR uses this information to assemble the CLACR header if the message is being sent to a BBS or electronic mail system.

Message number

Location of text

Length

Subject

Author's internal user code

System of origin

Addressees (individuals or conferences)

For each addressee:

Date/time to be sent

Date/time actually sent

Is acknowledgment requested?

Is reply requested?

Table 5: The actual text of a message is stripped of any CLACR header lines and stored in the Message Text table. Use of separate pointers and text speeds identification and retrieval of message text.

Message number

Length

Text

Table 7: The CLACR Outbox contains pointers to messages to be transmitted.

Message number

Location of text

Author's name on destination system

Destination system

Addressees (individuals or conferences)

For each addressee:

Date/time to be sent

Date/time actually sent

Is acknowledgment requested?

Is reply requested?

Table 6: The CLACR \nbox contains pointers read.

to

messages

received but

not

yet

Message number

Location of text

Length

Subject

Author's name on system of origin

System of origin

manually enter such lines in their own messages if they want them ported to the other systems hosting the conference. Of course, if they too were using CLACR, all these things would be taken care of automatically and they would receive their BBS messages organized by conference rather than strict chronology.

A cross-system conference would appear most foreign to those participating from an electronic mail system because by its nature a mail system forces all such conferences to be private. Again, CLACR would be helpful but not necessary to such conference participants. They could add their own comments to the conference by manually entering a header line showing the conference to which the comments are directed and then sending the message to the conference organizer. The organizer's CLACR would forward the message not only to the conference members on other systems but also to those on the same electronic mail system.

Since virtually all messaging systems provide your name as part of the message header, this need not be repeated on the first line of the text. (For internal purposes, once a message has been received, CLACR uses the unique internal user code as found in the User Data table based on the system of origin and the message author's name on that system.) The first line of text in a message conforming to CLACR's specifications contains a two-character combination identifying a CLACR header line, messagetype code, message number, message number of target conference, urgent flag, reply-requested flag, acknowledgment-requested flag, typedependent information such as subject or title of conference, and checksum (optional if the header was created manually).

The actual messages received during a connect session are scanned as they are received to check for a CLACR header line. If the CLACR header line is present and contains a checksum, the checksum is verified; if verification fails, CLACR requests the

(continued)

276 BYTE • DECEMBER 1985

To keep yourself from being burned to a crisp by a fire-breathing dragon, just cast a nitfol spell.

Oops. Make that agondar spell.

ne moment you're slipping the first disk of The Enchanter Trilogy in your computer— the next you're a novice magician, chosen by fate to battle an evil that threatens the I very foundations of magic. And since you're the main character, every decision I you make will determine the story's outcome. Suppose, for instance, that when faced with a giant fire-breathing dragon you decide to cast a nitfol spell, which allows you to converse with beasts in their own tongue. You simply type, in plain English:

>CAST THE NITFOL SPELL ON THE DRAGON

And the story responds:

THE DRAGON PAUSES AND ROARS OUT A BENEVOLENT GREETING, WHICH, TO YOUR CHAGRIN, FRIES YOU TO A DELICATE CRISP. YOU HAVE DIED.

Suppose, on the other hand, you decide to invoke a spell that quenches open flames:

>CAST THE GONDAR SPELL ON THE DRAGON

In that case the story responds:

THE DRAGON'S FLAME IS DOUSED IN A TORRENT Of RUSHING WATER. IT DISAPPEARS WITH A TORTUOUS SCREAM.

As you progress from each story in this spellbinding trilogy to the next, the dangers you must face, the spells you must' learn and the puzzles you must unravel grow to thrilling proportions. But so will gf your powers. Conquer the ■ * evil that lurks within all threeT and you'll be elevated from

sorcerer's apprentice to Leader of the Circle of Enchanters. And along the way you'll face situations that are as lively as the text that describes them:

YOU FEEL VERY FUNNY, SORT OF SQUASHED AND PUSHED AND SQUEEZED. YOUR SURROUNDINGS ARE WAVERING, THEN GROWING, THEN WAVERING AGAIN. THE FEELING VANISHES, BUT YOUR SURROUNDINGS ARE TEN TIMES THEIR FORMER SIZE...OR IS IT THAT YOU ARE ONE-TENTH YOUR FORMER SIZE?

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Progress from Standard Level ENCHANTER* to new Expert Level SPELLBREAKER™ and vou'U gain the powers of a true Sorcerer.

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© 1985 lnfocora. Inc. SORCERER and SPELLBREAKER are trademarks of Infocom. ENCHANTER is a registered trademark.

For more information call l-8O0-262-«8()8. Or write to us at 125 CambridgePark Dr.. Cambridge. MA 02140

.vailable for most personal computers. Inquiry 178

n

CLACR

system to resend that particular message. Once a valid CLACR header line has been received, the message is saved if it is directed to a conference that is organized or joined by the owner of this CLACR system. CLACR also checks if the acknowledgmentrequested flag is on and, if so, immediately places an acknowledgment

of-receipt message in the Outbox.

If there is no CLACR header line present, CLACR can scan the entire text for sets of keywords that you have specified to identify non-CLACR messages of interest. In this way CLACR could even scan for messages that might be relevant to ongoing conferences. It might also be desirable to

Atron's PC/AT Bugbusters

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A BUGBUSTER STORY

Brad Crain, a project manager at Software Publishing (the people who developed both PFS:WRITE and PFS: FILE), relates the following: "On Friday, March 22, 1985, I was about to get on an airplane with Jeff Tucker, who was coauthor of PFS WRITE with me, and fly to IBM's Boca Raton, Florida facility. For a week, we had been unsuccessfully trying to isolate a bug in a new software product. In a last, desperation move, I set up an early-Saturday morning appointment with ATRON.

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HOW BUGBUSTERS KEEP YOU FROM GETTING SLIMED

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allow a provision to always skip messages that contain certain keywords or were authored by certain users.

Once all incoming messages have been received, CLACR reviews the contents of the Outbox and sends all messages that are destined for this system and that do not indicate a delivery date and time later than the current date and time. As each message is sent, it is removed from the Outbox. This is also when any special commands are sent to the host system for execution; these would include such functions as deletion of old entries, modification of access permissions, modification of conference joiner lists, and so on.

CLACR adds a second header line to the messages it ports to other systems. This line identifies the author of the message, the system where it originated, and the date and time of its entry.

Inbox Processing

While CLACR is connected to a remote system, messages that are to be saved are placed in an input buffer where they're held until after CLACR disconnects. They are then scanned to create the Inbox, Message Pointer, and Message Text entries as well as a portion of the Outbox. The Outbox is key to cross-system conferencing because through it conference entries made on one system get to all the others where the same conference is active.

Likewise, special CLACR messages representing requests to join or leave a conference or to get a copy of the full list of conference members are processed at this stage. Exactly how these are processed depends on the types of systems where the conference is active (BBS, CCS, or E-mail) and whether the conference is public or private. These concepts are discussed further in the next section.

When input-buffer processing is complete, you are notified that there are messages in the Inbox. These may be retrieved in various ways, including by keywords, by author, by subject, by system of origin, and by conference.

[continued)

278 BYTE • DECEMBER 1985

Inquiry 28

AT™ Pfantasies for your PC or XT.™

Want better speed and memory on your PC or XT without buying an AT?

You've got it!

Phoenix's new Pfaster™286 co-processor board turns your PC or XT into a highspeed engine 60 percent faster than an AT Three times faster than an XT. It even supports PCs with third-party hard disks. But that's only the beginning.

You can handle spreadsheets and programs you never thought possible. Set up RAM disks in both 8088 and 80286 memory for linkage editor overlays or super-high-speed disk caching. All with Pfaster286's lmb of standard RAM. expandable to 2mb, and dual-mode design.

You can develop 8086/186/286 software on your XT faster. Execute 95 percent of the application packages that run on the AT, excluding those that require fancy I/O capabilities your PC or XT hardware just isn't designed to handle. Queue multi-copy, multi-format print jobs for spooling. Or, switch to native 8088 mode to handle

hardware-dependent programs and

back again without rebooting. All with

Pfaster286's compatible ROM software.

And, Pfaster286 does the job unintrusively!

No motherboard to exchange. No wires to

solder. No chips to pull. Just plug it into a

standard card slot, and type the

magic word. "PFAST"

If you really didn't want an AT in the first

place, just what it could do for you, call or

write: Phoenix Computer Products Corp..

320 Norwood Park South, Norwood, MA

02062; (800) 344-7200. In Massachusetts,

617-762-5030.

Programmers' Pfantasies™

XT and AT are trademarks of International Business Machines Corporation. Pfasicr286 and Programmers' Pfantasies are trademarks of Phoenix Computer Products Corporation For the Ferrari aficionado: yes. we know this is a rear engine car. We are showing the addition of a second engine to symbolize how Pfastcr can be added to your PC or XT to increase performance

Inquiry 284

DECEMBER

BYTE 279

CLACR

The number of messages falling into each of these categories may also be displayed. You may store several standard Inbox processing methods and choose the desired one each time the Inbox is reviewed.

As each message in the Inbox is displayed, you may compose a reply and specify that it be directed privately to the message author, to the conference, or both. Of course, it's not necessary to reply, but CLACR will remind you to do so if the reply-requested flag is on. You may forward the message to other individuals and conferences, adding comments if desired. The message may also be left in the Inbox, either specifying a category or having it by default held in a "pending" category. Finally, action on the message may be deferred until some future date and time, in which case it is kept in the Inbox but not displayed until the specified date and time.

For each message in a conference you organize, you are asked if the message is to be ported to the other systems where the conference is active. While porting would normally be chosen, you have the option of not porting all notes. This can help avoid duplication and keep costs down. If porting is approved, appropriate Outbox pointers are created. Then the next time CLACR is connected to each of these systems, the appropriate messages are transmitted. In this way all the discussion from all the systems where this conference is active appears on every one of these systems.

The final action on each message is to specify whether it is to be kept in the Message Text table (and Message Pointer table) or purged. If it is to be kept, a retention period may be specified: a default retention will apply if none is specified. Regardless of the retention period chosen, any

message for which an Outbox entry exists will be held until the Outbox entry is cleared.

A simple full-screen editor would be available when you want to enter replies and new messages. Since messages destined for electronic messaging systems are usually brief, the CLACR editor is relatively unsophisticated. Still, it would be far more usabie than the line editor typically found in messaging systems, and it would be easier to learn, since the same editor would be used for all systems.

New messages may be addressed to any combination of users and conferences. And here is where one of CLACR's most valuable features comes into play. Addressees are specified by conference or user nicknames of your choosing: you need not keep track of the proper

[continued]

MSCLAT1

FxMYr^KVj users can share the advantage to LATI, Just take off your main KAYPRO board and put LAT1-K into your cabinet. All advantage of LATI is yours now/

MSCMTC

ZENET NETWORK through twist pair

• 6Mhz HD64B180 (Z80 upward compatible ) 512K byte on board (256K installed, 384K RAM DISK)

• LANZENETport 800K baud CSMA CD twist pair bus type upto 500 meters HDLC

• Floppy: 3.5, 5 and 8 inch, d/s density, d/s sided and dls track automatic desity/format checking

• Hard disk: SCSI interface on board

• Video: 80 X 24 characters (color) and 640 X 200 pixies color graphic 128K byte video RAM character set is dowloaded from disk

• Timer: battery back up calendar

WORLD SMALLEST COMPUTER

• Full personal CPIM system in palm 4mhz Z80 256K • OS.: CP/M plus bank version

CP/M plus <s a registered trademark of Digital Research Inn

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Mountain Side Computer and ZENET are trademark of Southern Pacific Limited

• Serial: RS232C X2andTTLXl

• Pararell: Centronics type, 16 bit TTL, 7/8 bit keyboard port (32 characters FIFO)

• OS: Turbo Dos, MP/M (multiuser) banked CP/M plus (single user)

• Size: 10X6 inch 4 layered

• Assembled and tested

• BIOS source code available

• Completely faster than other Z80SBC

MSCPCX

8088 expansion card for LATI soon available

RAM (128K RAM DISK)

• Serial: RS232C X 2 automatic baud rate checking

• Pararell Centronics type printer port

• Floppy: 3.5 inch micro floppy disk drive 800K byte (option 5, 3.5 inch drive d/s sided d/s track.automatic density checking)

> BIOS source code available • Completely faster than other Z80SBC

MSC-MTC/P

Full assembled pcb of MTC Under $189 in OEM quantity

^

Full featured CP/1M plus system

• Z80 4mhz 128K Byte RAM Floppy: 3 5, 5 and 8 inch d/s density, d/s sided and d/s track upto 4 disk drives Automatic density/ format check

• Serial: RS232CX 2

• Pararell Centronics type, 16 bits I/O, 7/8 bit keyboard port

• Timer: battery back up calendar

• Video: 80 X 24 high speed CRT controller

• OS.: CP/M plus bank version included

• Size: 10X6 inch 4 layered

• BIOS source code available

• DRI CP/M plus manual $50

• New word word processor program for MSC-ICO ADD $50

• Completely faster than other Z80SBC^

MSCHCS

^P

Distributors

England-Quanta systems Denmark-Danbit Finland-BB Soft

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01253 8423 SOUTHERN PACIFIC LIMITED

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Expansion card tor ICO RAM disk (upto 2M byte) and SCSI hard disk interface card for ICO with installation program USA distributer ■

SOUTHERN PACIFIC

COMPUTER PRODCTS U.S.A., INC.

PO.BOX 4427, Berkeley. CA 94704-0427 U.S.A. .

Phone 415-253-1270

Dealer and distributer inquiries welcome

280 BYTE • DECEMBER 1985

Inquiry 338

DOESYOUR HI-RES GRAPHICS

BOARD SHOW YOU ONIY PART

OFASPREADSHEE

When it comes to printing out spreadsheets, most IBlVTcompatible graphics boards come up short.

But not the Genoa Spectrum™ Color/Mono/Graphics Board.

what you're doing. On the screen. And on paper.

But the best part is, you don't have to pay more to do it. Here's why:

Up until now, if you wanted

The Spectrum Color/Graphics Board is the most compatible board you can buy. Which means it runs the most software. Including Flight Simulator"' Lotus' 1-2-3™ Symphony™ SideKklC PC Paint,™ and much, much more.

It goes all the way to 132 columns. The largest text display of any graphics board you can buy There's even a special driver that'll show you 132 columns of Lotus, which normally only has 80.

And together with your 132column printer, the Spectrum can also print every one of those 132 columns. So you can see more of

Spectrum is a trademark of Genoa Systems Corporation. © 1985 Genoa Systems Corporation. Inquiry 152

both graphics and color, you had to buy two boards. One for hi-res mono graphics, one for color

But the Genoa Spectrum puts color and graphics on the same board. So you save yourself a slot. And about $250.

You can also save yourself the price of a color monitor. Because Spectrum will emulate your color

software in monochrome. And for

your monochrome software there's

a 720x348 hi-res mode. So either way, you're covered.

Spectrum is compatible with all color and monochrome monitors. So you'll always get 16 beautiful colors in color. Or 16 shades of monochrome in mono.

For all the technical specs or the Genoa Spectrum dealer nearest you, just call us at

408-945-9720. Or write Genoa

Systems Corporation, 73 E.Trimble

Road, San Jose, CA 95131. The Genoa Spectrum. It's the

only board you'll ever need for color,

graphics, and full size output. Anything else is either too much

money or incomple

Genoa

We make IBM PCs better

DECEMBER 1985 -BYTE 281

Inquiry 47 for End-Users. Inquiry 48 for DEALERS ONLY.

BUILD YOUR OWN IBM XT & IBM AT COMPATIBLE SYSTEMS

Introducing XT-16 Self-Assembly Kit

At Super Low Cost

• Including640KXT-16 CPL Mother Board, Color Graphic Card. Floppy Controller, One DS/DD Slim Drive, Flip-Top Case, 13S W Power Supply. Keyboard. Assembly Instruction, and User's Svstem Manual

ONLY $775.00

XT, AT CASE

• Same Dimension as IBM PC/AT

• For IBM PC/AT & Compatible Mother Boards $115.00

• Flip-Top For Easy & Quick Access to Inside

• IBM Jtofc&Ude-In Case Alsi

$69.1

XT, AT POWER SUPPLY

XT-1.55W

(SideOr Rear Switch: XT-150 W AT-200 W

$ 89.00

$115.00 $165.00

XT, AT KEYBOARD

\T— LED for Cap

Lock & Num. Lock Big Return Kev & Shift Ke\ $^9.00

-Same Layout as IBM PC/AT S10900

XT. AT MOTHER BOARD

XT-16-II MOTHER BOARD

• IBM PC/XT Fully Compatible

• 8088 Microprocessor w/8087 Optional

• 8 I/O Slots, up to 640K on Board Assembled & Tested w/BlOS

With 256K on Board $265.00

With (wOK on Board $349.00

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• 6-tOK Standard, Upgradable to 1 MB on Board

• On Board Clock Calendar

• 8 I/O Slots $Call

PC/AT ADD-ON CARD

• ATS 1 MB Memory Card $Call

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• ATS Hard & Floppy Drive Controller $Call

• PCP-128 Eprom Programmer $139.00

• Disk I/O Card (handle 2 Floppy Drive, Serial 2nd Optional), Parallel. Game, Clock w/cables

& Software $149.00

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(handle 4 drives) $ 59.00

• Multi-Function (OK) $139.00

• OEM Dealers Welcome

• Please Call For Our Special Dealer Price

C.J. COMPUTERS CORP.

(Manufacturer & Distributor)

2-124 W Ball Road, STE B

Anaheim, CA 92804

Mail Order HM Line: ("14) 821-8922. ("14) 821-8923

(IBM is a trademark of International Business Machines Corporation)

282 BYTE • DECEMBER 1985

CLACR

destination systems—this information is retrieved by CLACR from the User Data and Conference Data tables. Either of these tables could be scanned through windows during message creation and editing.

Cross-System Conferencing

Several concepts have already been alluded to without being fully explained. There are certain basic functions present in any viable computer conferencing system regardless of what the system authors choose to call these functions. So while one system may use the command COMPOSE, another WRITE, and a third SAY, all three mean the same thing: Accept text that, once entered, is to be made available to particular other users of the system. This function requires that the system be told to whom the text is to be made available, the subject of the transmission, and the text itself.

Recognition of the list of basic functions is essential to our design because CLACR must provide a way to accomplish each of these on any system it uses. The basic functions available to all users include message creation, message addressing, message retrieval (both new and previously received), message deletion, joining and leaving conferences, accessing lists of joiners, and finding active conferences. Functions available to conference organizers include conference creation, management of conference access, management of retention periods, and deletion of conferences and individual messages.

That is far from a complete list, but it conveys the idea of what basics must be accomplished in any viable conferencing system. Some of these basic functions assume other components. For example, message creation assumes the ability to edit text that's already been entered, to retrieve and use text of previous messages, to forward received messages to other users, and so on.

The User Interface

The first step in designing CLACR's user interface is to provide a CLACR

command for each of the basic functions. Ease of use dictates typical design considerations such as the ability to perform any function with a single command, the ability to provide user-defined synonyms for each command, recognition of the shortest unique abbreviation for commands, display of a list of possible choices when a nonunique abbreviation or possible misspelling is entered, the availability of context-sensitive help, and, perhaps, a dual menu-driven and command-driven interface that lets you graduate to the briefer commanddriven interface (once you have learned the command set) but still provides guidance when needed.

The set of basic conferencing functions is directly available on a computer conferencing system. However, if you are to extend conferencing to BBS and mail systems, the effects of some of these commands must be synthesized. Further, for a conference that spans several systems, even if these are computer conferencing systems, some of the native commands would not reflect the full extent of the conference. For example, the command to display the list of those who have joined the conference would only display those members who reside on that particular system.

The most important aspect of a cross-system conference is making available to all the members of the conference the entries of all other members. This is relatively easy. As part of Inbox processing, when CLACR receives entries in any conference, the Conference Data table is scanned to determine if you are the organizer of that conference. If not, the entry is handled as any normal received entry. But if you are the conference organizer, then (with your permission) pointers are added to your Outbox indicating that this entry is to be sent to each of the other systems where this conference resides. If a target system is a traditional electronic mail system, a mailing list is created using the list of joiners from the Conference Data table.

You can control what does and does

[continued)

"It's easy to spot the difference between our IBM PC-based frame grabber and the others'.'

High performance and affordable cost, just $1495 for a single plug-in board.

Unlike other video I/O systems, the new DT2803 provides real-time image capture capabilities, digitizing a 6-bit video field every 1/30 second. An on-board, memory-mapped, dual-ported frame store memory (256 x 256 x 8) makes it ideal for the IBM PC's 64K buffer size. And for real number crunching,

SPECIFICATIONS: DT2803

A/D Input RS-170 (CCIRR). 6-bitsat5MHz

Frame Grab 1/30 (1/25) second per field

LUTs 8.64 x 8input:4,256 x 12output

D/A Output 64 colors x 64 intensities. R-G-B; 64 grey levels, monochrome

Frame Memory 256 x 256 x 8 (2-bits for graphic overlays)

the DT2803's external ports interface to high speed co-processors.

With our software package, VIDEOLAB,™ the DT2803 is easy to use for image operations like averages, histograms, and convolutions.

So, if your application is manufacturing/automatic inspection, robotics, or medical research, our new high performance video I/O board will really open your eyes-at an unbeatable price.

Call (617) 481-3700

Call for our new 576 pg. catalog/ handbook or see it in Gold Book 1985.

DATA TRANSLATION

World Headquarters: Data Translation, Inc., 100 Locke Dr., Marlboro, MA 01752 (617) 481-3700 Tlx 951 646.

European Headquarters: Data Translation, Ltd., 13 The Business Centre, Molly Millars Lane, Wokingham Berks, RG112QZ, England Tlx: 851849862 (#D)

In Canada: (416) 625-1907. IBM PC is a registered trademark of IBM. VIDEOLAB is a registered trademark of Data Translation, Inc.

Inquiry 107

DECEMBER 1985 'BYTE 283

inquiry n tor tnd-users. inquiry a tor DLALtKS ONLY.

DECEMBER 1985 • B Y T E 285

CLACR

urgent. That way you can take note of any changes in the remote system's prompts or responses, any special announcements about downtime or access numbers, or any failures in the automatic message transmission and retrieval and take corrective action if necessary. While some of these exceptions can be eliminated by errorcorrecting protocols like X.PC, exceptions such as system announcements cannot.

Whenever a choice is available, CLACR should be set up to use the "brief" or "expert" modes of the target systems, thereby minimizing the number of characters transmitted and received and. consequently, the cost of connection.

Conclusion

Of course, the proposed CLACR software would still require some human intervention. But I believe it would

make cross-system conferencing possible at a lower cost and with far less effort than with any existing microcomputer software package. At the time of this writing, CLACR is no more than a dream. But if other people find the idea anywhere near as exciting as I do, it may soon be a reality, opening the benefits of computer conferencing to thousands and even millions who previously found it too complicated or too expensive. ■

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82164A IURS-232 Interface $ 227.15

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100cps & NLQ Dot Matrix* 219.00

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M1509 180cps Wide Carriage. HR-15XL 17cps Dalsywheel

HR-35 36cps Dalsywheel

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certified check.

286 BYTE • DECEMBER 1985

OEM & OWN BRAND

COMPOSITE & TTL COMPATBLE COLOR & MONO MONITOR

TERMINAL

SX SAMSUNG

Electron Devices

SEOUL OFFICE

LONDON OFFICE

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Inquiry 322

SOUTHAMPTON ROW W.C.

1 LONDON, ENGLAND TEL: (01) 831-6951/5 TLX: 264606 STARS LG FAX: (01) 430-0096

SUITE 201 SANTA CLARA,

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TEL: (986)8473

TLX: 171685 SAMSUNG SNTA

KASUMIGASEKI BLDG., 2522 KASUMIGASEKI 3-2-5 CHIYOTA-KU, TOKYO, JAPAN

TEL: (03) 581-5804, (03) 581-9521-4 TLX: 228009 SANSEl

DECEMBER I985 'BYTE 287

It's not surprising that the company which invented Daisywheel printing should be the one to take it to a breakthrough level of performance.

. iu^ v^.™, £tc rv»ui~

for a busy office. That's way ahead of our competition. But

And because it's a Xerox printer, the 635 then so is our printer. And it's our way of

just won't quit showing our confidence in the technologi

In fact, we are so convinced of the 635's cal advancement it represents.

^ naJioKilitv \u(*\\ qHH *)1 monthc nf fripg-g^ri/iru? — Th*» AiS rtahlri Printer hac Hn7Pnc nf

N

\

BITE

Reviews

Reviewer s Notebook

by Glenn Hartwig 293

The AT&T PC 6300

by Bob Troiano 294

The Tandy 200 and the NEC PC-8401A

by Harry Krause 306

Golden Common LISP

by Bruce D'Ambrosio 317

The Norton Utilities

by Rubin Rabinovitz 323

HyperDrive for the Macintosh

by Gregg Williams 329

Upgrades for the TRS-80 Model 100

by Jerry Kepner 335

The IBM Proprinter

by Rich Malloy 343

Panasonic s 4-Color Graphic Penwriter

by \on R. Edwards 351

Review Feedback 359

AT&T'S PC 6300. designed jointly by AT&T and Olivetti and manufactured by Olivetti, is fast, expandable, compatible with IBM PC software, and less expensive than the IBM product. Bob Troiano has taken a look at this machine and reports his findings in this month's first review.

Two laptop computers are compared by Harry Krause. Both the Tandy 200 and the NEC PC-8401A are flip-top LCD-screen portables with generally closed architectures. Each weighs between four and five pounds, uses a Z80equivalent microprocessor, and may be operated on battery power. NEC has slightly modified its offering since this review was written. Chiefly, the Japanese laptop now has a series of click-stops built into the cover/screen's hinges as it folds back. This allows you to have more confidence in the screen staying where it is positioned. The unit is not, however, different in any substantive way from the one described in this review.

Golden Common LISP from Gold Hill Computers is an extended subset of Common LISP. It supports more than 400 primitives and includes stack groups, macros, closures, streams, and other advanced LISP features. In fact, this language implementation gets high marks from reviewer Bruce D'Ambrosio in just about every area.

Rubin Rabinovitz takes a look at Peter Norton's data-recovery tools, the Norton Utilities. Mr. Rabinovitz describes types of data destruction and tells how the program gets your information back. Losing data is common enough, and infuriating enough, that this review should have a helpful tip or two for almost everyone.

Next. Gregg Williams, BYTE senior technical editor, takes a look at General Computer Company's HyperDrive hard-disk upgrade for the 512K-byte Apple Macintosh. Mr. Williams reports that, true to its promise, the HyperDrive is fast, unobtrusive, and easy to use. Less heartening, however, is a series of problems he encountered with the unit.

Back when the Radio Shack Model 100 was new, it was praised for being the only true laptop portable computer but criticized for its lack of hardware expandability. Since then, options have been introduced that let you increase memory, add disk drives, increase the display size, and add interface expansion boxes. In his review of "Upgrades for the TRS-80 Model 100," Terry Kepner takes a look at several products now available for the pioneer laptop and provides his assessment of their usefulness.

BYTE's New York editor, Rich Malloy, delivers his analysis of IBM's Proprinter. This unit lets you print fanfold and single-sheet paper, as well as envelopes, without going through several time-consuming paper changes.

Ion Edwards, one of our staff's technical editors, takes a close look at Panasonic's 4-Color Graphic Penwriter. At first glance, you'd think this was one of the newer electronic typewriters. Then you notice that it uses pens and is actually a writing typer. Portable, multifunctional, and shipped with builtin graphics programs, the Penwriter has a number of characteristics that make it worth considering.

DECEMBER 1985 'BYTE 291

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Track fixed, variable, and to jnquiry 337

REVIEWER'S NOTEBOOK

Apple's enhancements for the He and lie consist of a color monitor, a 3'/2-inch disk drive, a 300/1200bps modem, and a memory-expansion card. The color monitor gave us no surprises. It worked right out of the box and provides a good-size focal point after using the smaller lie monochrome screen. The monochrome unit, however, has a crisp, bright, highcontrast display. The color monitor is pale, with shades more like pastels than bold primary colors.

I don't feel it can be used comfortably with text. With the lack of sharpness common to any color monitor and the muted shades provided by the Apple palette, I have some difficulty keeping my place as I work.

In spite of its shortcomings, the color monitor at least worked. The 3!/2-inch disk drive didn't work at all. After being plugged in, it simply disappeared as far as the computer was concerned. We found later that you need either ProDOS version 2.0 (or later) or the Apple He Add-On Kit enhancement to make the Unidisk visible to the computer. This information, however, was contained in a manual for "Apple Access II on the Unidisk," rather than in any information about the disk drive itself.

The manual packed with the unit was disappointingly uninformative. However, you will observe that the documentation provides the same sketchy generalities in English, German, Italian, Spanish, and French. Getting precious little to go on in five languages was not as helpful to me as getting details in one language.

Apple's new modem is a half-size 300/1200-bps unit. There is a circular seven-pin socket for the serial communications cable on the modem itself, but you can get a variety of interface cables to connect this modem with Apple computers other than a

lie. Interface cables must be purchased separately. The technology represented by the choice of transmission rates and by the small size has been around for a while, but having it available for the Apple II line (and from Apple) is worth noting.

The memory-expansion card reportedly gives you an extra megabyte of RAM in your lie. As with the modem, what's interesting is the fact that the product comes from Apple.

Seiko recently sent us a new version of its wrist terminal, the 2001. It's a fun little memo device as well as a pretty good timepiece. You download short messages from an Apple computer to your watch's memory. Then, when the alarm goes off, your watch tells you what you're supposed to be doing instead of making you puzzle out just why this little machine is chirping at you. 1 thought it was a little odd, however, that an expensive accessory like this would be designed to work with a less-expensive-type computer. I'm also curious about who would get a lot of use out of the terminal. It makes you run over to your computer whenever you want to load up on a new supply of memos. I wonder how convenient that would be after a couple of weeks or months.

Finally, a brief mention of the new Texas Instruments 80286 machine. The Business Pro emphasizes storage capacity in terms of both size and variety. Ours came with a 33megabyte hard disk (but you can get them up to 72 megabytes), a 60megabyte tape backup, a high-density 1.2-megabyte floppy-disk drive, and a 360K-byte double-density floppy-disk drive. Something else it seems to emphasize, albeit subtly, is compatibility with IBM software. For example, it comes with its own operating system

as well as a version of MS-DOS. This laying down of the welcome mat to an extended family of DOS applications is complemented by a less wellknown compatibility with PODOS 3.0. Having more and more, instead of less and less, can do wonders for your whole attitude.

Using a variety of operating systems on the same machine results in some mental double-takes from time to time. For example, Tl's operating system calls the hard-disk drive E, while MS- and PC-DOS call it drive C. If you put something on the hard disk under one type of operating system, you won't be able to call it up under the other. The files will still show up in the directory—they'll just be out of reach until you boot up again with the appropriate operating system. I didn't find it too confusing, especially since the prompt is different for each mode ( \ > for TI mode as opposed to > for the others), but I'm not sure whether or not this could get to be a headache in a busy office.

I like the Business Pro keyboard. It has a nice solid feel, a definite tactileresistance threshold, and an audible click. I also find the middle-fingerbumps on the home row to be helpful. The display doesn't especially appeal to me. It's a color model, and it looks like TI chose gray as the default color for text. In color programs where characters are specifically designed to show up in other colors, the white lettering is quite brilliant. For the normal run of word-processing programs, however, you have the impression of looking at a screen with the brightness level turned way down.

The Business Pro is going to be treated fully as a review subject. I'm looking forward to reading the impression it makes on somebody else. —Glenn Hartwig Technical Editor, Reviews

DECEMBER 1985 -BYTE 293

IBM PC

compatibility

with a speed

advantage

by Bob Troiano

SYSTEM REVIEW

The AT&T PC 6300

Bob Iroiano is an independent consultant and also does work for

General instrument Corp., Hicksville. Hew York. He can be contacted at

POB 97. Farmingdale. NY 1173 5.

The AT&T PC 6300 is an IBM PCcompatible computer featuring a fast 8-MHz 8086-2 processor, graphics capability, and high-resolution color text (see photo 1). The PC 6300, designed jointly by AT&T and Olivetti and manufactured by Olivetti, was introduced about a year ago and is quite similar to Olivetti's model M24. The computer is targeted at large corporate users, professionals, and others who desire a high-quality machine that runs two to three times faster than the IBM PC.

The PC 6300 will run most popular programs, such as Lotus 1-2-3, WordStar, dBASE III, Framework, and Flight Simulator, and it performs admirably in most respects. You can purchase a complete monochrome system with 128K bytes of RAM (randomaccess read/write memory), two floppy-disk drives, and a nonglare green monitor for less than $3000, while a 10-megabyte harddisk system costs about $4000. The PC 6300's price includes MS-DOS 2.11 and GWBAS1C Dealers are giving substantial discounts on this machine. I suggest that you check out a number of dealers' prices before making a purchase.

Hardware

The AT&T PC 6300 consists of three separate units: the main system unit, a monitor, and a detached keyboard. The system unit is more compact than most other PC-compatibles, measuring 15 by 15'/2 by 6/2 inches. The keyboard, which is slightly longer than the system unit, measures 17 !4 by 7/2 by 1.

On the rear of the system unit sits a large, slow-speed fan that keeps the computer cool 24 hours a day. The sound of this fan is quite unobtrusive, even in a quiet room. The trick here is that increasing the size of the fan and reducing the speed still maintains the same cooling capability while lowering the noise level.

The computer's circuitry is located in two areas: a large motherboard mounted on the bottom side of a dividing panel and a

smaller bus converter with seven expansion slots mounted on the top side with the dual floppy-disk drives and the power supply.

The main circuitry and DIP (dual in-line package) switches are easily accessible on the motherboard (see figure 1). You remove two screws on the rear panel, then slip off the bottom cover to expose the component side of the board. The bottom cover has vent holes punched on three sides to let air pass over the motherboard's components. Two screws on the rear panel attach the top cover. When removed, it allows access to the seven empty slots.

Most of the lCs (integrated circuits) are not socketed, with the exception of half of the RAM, all PROMs (programmable readonly memories), and a few large ICs. The motherboard has an empty socket for an optional 8087 numeric coprocessor. This computer requires the 8087-2, the 8-MHz version of the chip that costs almost two times more than the slower version. Another large empty socket is on this board, possibly for a special PROM chip that activates some networking or communications capabilities already built into the machine. 1 had no way to confirm this, however.

On the front panel you will find a green power indicator, access to the two floppydisk drives (or one floppy and one hard disk), and a reset switch.

The power indicator is nearly useless because it is very faint, but the reset switch is a godsend. When a program crashes and the computer stops, you cannot always revive it with Ctrl-Alt-Del. A reset switch is handy because it lets you reboot the computer without having to turn it off and on, which is not particularly good for computers. I Editor's note: AT&T says that the problem with the dim light-emitting diodes (LEDs) has been resolved on later units]

KEYBOARD

The keyboard layout is similar to that of the IBM PC (see photo 2), with undersize enter

294 BYTE • DECEMBER 1985

and shift keys in the same locations. The keys have a distinctive snap to them, similar to the IBM PC's keyboard but not quite as loud, and the touch is not as heavy. The keys are responsive and not at all mushy.

The keyboard is moderately light, weighing about 4 pounds. It is made of impacttype plastic and has two feet that enable it to tilt upward slightly. It has two LEDs, one on the Num Lock and one on the Caps Lock keys. These LEDs reflect the actual status of the machine, as opposed to just toggling on and off when pressed. When the computer is first turned on or reset, the LEDs flash rapidly during the diagnostic checks.

A 5-foot coiled cord attached to the keyboard is connected to the rear of the computer by a DB-type 9-pin connector. On the rear of the keyboard is a connector for a mouse that AT&T has just released.

This keyboard is not compatible with any of the others available for the IBM PC, so if you don't like the way it feels, you're stuck. Maybe some third-party vendors will adapt their keyboards to work with the PC 6300.

Video Display

The video display is one area where this computer really shines. Two monitors are available for the PC 6300: a green monochrome (see photo 3) and an RGB (redgreen-blue) unit.

Built into the computer is the equivalent of a monochrome card and a color-graphics card. The same text font is used for both (an 8- by 16-pixel matrix), whereas the PC has a matrix of 8 by 8 pixels for the color mode and 9 by 14 for a monochrome monitor. All the graphics modes that are available on the IBM PC are available on the PC 6300, and 640- by 400-pixel monochrome high-resolution graphics are available as well. GW-BASIC has been modified to accommodate commands for this special graphics mode.

There is no obvious way at this time to use a color and a monochrome monitor simultaneously as you can with the IBM PC

and other compatibles. Some programs that use graphics allow text on one screen and graphics on the other simultaneously. This would be a nice feature, especially in scientific work.

The text font on the PC 6300 is a little different from the IBM PC font. It has 16 colors available in the text mode. With the high quality of the color text, you can easily use this system for word processing without strain on your eyes.

Both the monochrome and color monitors have only two controls hidden either on top or bottom: brightness and contrast. The monitors plug into the back of the computer and come on when you turn on the computer. In fact, the monochrome moni

icontinued)

Photo I: The AT&T PC 6300 with one floppy-disk drive, monochrome monitor, and keyboard.

DECEMBER 1985 -BYTE 295

REVIEW: AT&T PC 6300

tor doesn't even have a power cord; it gets its DC power from the computer's power supply.

One complaint 1 have about the color monitor is a slight lack of linearity at the screen's upper left and lower left corners; the text at these positions "pulls" toward the screen's periphery I inspected several units to see if it was a common problem. It was. Most people would not notice it,

but considering that the monitor lists for $945. I find it unacceptable. Good engineering design should eliminate this kind of distortion. AT&T has been notified of the problem.

Processor and Memory

The PC 6300 is a true 16-bit machine with 16 address lines and 16 data lines. This means that the computer's memory is accessed in words instead

-Wfi?

I I I I 1

Photo 2: The AT&T PC 6300 keyboard. Note that the keyboard layout is similar to the IBM PC's except for the Num lock and Caps Lock keys, which contain LEDs.

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of bytes (a word is 2 bytes or 16 bits). The PC 6300 uses an 8086-2 microprocessor with a clock speed of 8 MHz, nearly twice as fast as the IBM PC. This setup could theoretically run more than three times faster than the IBM PC, but in practice it is somewhere between two and three times faster and is program-dependent.

The bus-converter board contains the seven-slot expansion bus. It multiplexes the 16-bit data lines down to 8 bits to maintain compatibility with the existing IBM PC-type cards. The bus converter runs at 4 MHz instead of 4.77 MHz, so clock-speed-dependent IBM-compatible cards might not work. Most cards should run.

Two of the seven slots have an extra connector available for boards that can accept a 16-bit data bus. One problem here is that the second connector is not the same as in the IBM PC AT or any other computer, and 1 suspect that few manufacturers will market products that use this feature.

Some problems have been reported with standard memory cards other than the AT&T memory-expansion board (which has true 16-bit access by way of the second connector). Check out any memory-expansion boards before you make a purchase.

The motherboard of the dual floppy-disk unit comes with 128K bytes of RAM soldered in and has 18 additional sockets for RAM expansion. The hard-disk unit comes with 2 56K bytes of RAM soldered into the motherboard. All additional memory requires expansion boards.

The preliminary technical manual that I obtained from AT&T claimed that 2 56K-byte RAM chips will work in the 0 bank of memory (the ones soldered in) but gave no information on whether the 2 56K-byte chips will work in bank 1 (the socketed memory). A little experimentation with the DIP-switch settings showed that 2 56Kbyte chips do work in bank 1, allowing 640K bytes of RAM on the motherboard. This was not mentioned in the technical manual. In fact, you won't find any switch settings in the manuals that come with the computer. If you

(continued)

296 BYTE • DECEMBER 1985

AT A GLANCE

Name

AT&T PC 6300

Company

AT&T Information Systems National Sales Center Suite 300

111 Westwood Place Brentwood, TN 37027 (800) 247-1212

Size

15 by 151/2 by 6V2 inches

Components

Processor: 8-MHz 8086 Memory: 128K bytes or 256K bytes, expandable to 640K bytes

Mass storage: Two 360K-byte floppy-disk drives or one floppy-disk drive and one 10-megabyte hard-disk drive Display: Monochrome or color

Keyboard: IBM PC-type keyboard layout, not plug-compatible Expansion: Seven IBM PCcompatible slots I/O Interfaces: Serial, parallel, mouse

Software

MS-DOS 2.11,

GW-BASIC

Options

Extended 16-bit memory board (384K bytes) $595

Color display $945

Mouse $150

XENIX operating system $395 External 10-megabyte hard disk price n.a.

Optional display adapter

less than $900

Documentation

User's guide, guide to MSDOS, guide to GW-BASIC

Price

With monochrome monitor, 128K bytes of RAM, two floppy-disk drives, and keyboard $2745 With color monitor, 128K bytes of RAM, two floppy-disk drives, and keyboard $3395 With monochrome monitor, 256K bytes of RAM, and 10-megabyte hard disk $3975

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The Memory Size graph shows the standard and optional memory available for the three computers under comparison. The Disk Storage graph shows the capacity of the AT&T PC 6300 in comparison with each of the other computers. The Bundled Software Packages graph shows the number of software packages

included with each system. The Price graph shows the list price of each system with two high-capacity floppy-disk drives, a printer port and a serial port, 256K bytes of memory (64K bytes for 8-bit systems), and a monochrome monitor. Price includes the standard operating system and BASIC interpreter for each system.

DECEMBER 1985 • BYTE 297

Rear view of the AT&T PC 6300 showing connectors for the serial port, parallel port, keyboard, and monitor. Note the oversize cooling fan, protective shroud, and connector access slots for the seven expansion boards.

DISK ACCESS IN BASIC 250

(SEC)

50

WRITE SYSTEM UTILITIES (SEC)

40K FORMAT/ DISK COPY

40K FILE COPY ATBT PC 6300

The graph for Disk Access in BASIC shows how long it takes to write and to read a 64K-byte sequential text file to a blank floppy disk, (For the program listings, see June 1984 BYTE, page 327, and October 1984, page 33.) In the BASIC Performance graph, the Sieve results show how long it takes to run one iteration of the Sieve of Eratosthenes prime-number benchmark. In the same graph, the Calculations column shows how long it takes to do 10,000 multiplication and 10,000 division operations using single-precision numbers.

The inside of the AT&T PC 6300 showing disk drive, power supply, and motherboard with expansion connectors.

BASIC PERFORMANCE (SEC) 2 50

CALCULATIONS

SPREADSHEET (SEC

The System Utilities graph shows how long it takes to format and copy a disk (adjusted for 40K bytes of disk data) and to transfer a 40K-byte file using the system utilities. The Spreadsheet graph shows how long it takes to load and recalculate a 25- by 25-cell spreadsheet where each cell equals 1.001 times the cell to its left. The tests for the AT&T PC 6300 used MS-DOS 2.11 and GW-BASIC. The tests for the Apple lie were done with ProDOS. The IBM PC was tested with PC-DOS 2,0 and BASICA.

298 BYTE • DECEMBER 1985

REVIEW: AT&T PC 6300

want this information, you will have to call AT&T or ask your dealer. The switch settings 1 used for a 640K-byte motherboard are shown in figure 1. You can use only memory chips with access times of 150 nanoseconds or less for expansion.

The preliminary technical manual mentions a Z8001 coprocessor board for added throughput, but it is not clear how it would operate or if it will be available from AT&T.

Power Supply and Interfaces

The power supply in the PC 6300 is rated at 168 watts (output power) and has additional capability for momentary surges during power-up when you use a hard disk. In the system with dual floppy-disk drives, all seven slots are empty and available for expansion purposes. The floppy-disk controller is built into the motherboard, and the standard display controller is connected to the edge of the bus converter. The system includes as standard an RS-232C serial port, a Centronics parallel port, and a clock/ calender with battery backup. A connector for a mouse is provided on the rear of the keyboard. AT&T has recently released a mouse for this machine and claims that it is Microsoft-compatible. I was unable to completely verify this, but the Microsoft programs that I tested worked perfectly.

The PC 6300 is ready to run as shipped, with no hidden costs except the extra memory that you might want to add to the motherboard (if you have the system with dual floppydisk drives) or a memory-expansion board (if you have the hard-disk 2 56Kbyte system).

AT&T has specifically stated that this is not a game machine and that it does not support games. This is because of the clock-speed differences mentioned earlier. However, I installed a game-port controller card and a joystick and had no trouble using them with Flight Simulator and a few other games. The games seem to run a little faster.

1 discovered a slight problem when attempting to run the computer with a serial printer. When the MODE

command is used to redirect the computer's output to the serial port, the computer fails to initialize the DTR line and the printer doesn't respond (AT&T has been notified of this problem).

I got around this by writing a short assembly-language program that initializes the DTR line after MODE is run. The IBM PC-DOS MODE command works perfectly on this machine.

Software

The PC 6300 comes with MS-DOS 2.11 and GW-BAS1C I recently received an updated disk from AT&T containing release 1.1 of MS-DOS 2.11 and an update to GW-BASIC A BASICA driver program that loads GW-BASIC is now included and might help some programs that did not run before. Many bugs have been corrected in both DOS and BASIC. This disk should now be available from AT&T.

Another important change is that the hard-disk routines in DOS have

been modified to let more than one hard disk be present in the system. The FORMAT command can now format a hard disk larger than 16 megabytes, with or without bad sectors. This means that you could buy a 20megabyte high-speed hard-disk drive and be running at almost the same speed as the AT.

Two types of diagnostics are included with the PC 6300: ROM-based and disk-based. The ROM diagnostics are performed upon power-up or reset and take only 15 seconds with 640K bytes of memory. If you do a warm boot, the memory test is excluded and the time is shortened to 5 seconds. The disk-based diagnostics are extensive: they include motherboard and video tests and a complex set of memory tests. They also can log errors to a printer.

Compatibility

Compatibility is probably the key issue that people will want to consider

[continued]

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DECEMBER 1985 -BYTE 299

REVIEW: AT&T PC 6300

when deciding which computer to buy. The AT&T PC 6300 was designed to be software- and hardware-compatible with the IBM PC. Most of the desirable programs that run on the IBM PC will run on this computer. AT&T has sent dealers a list of about 3 50 programs that will run on the PC 6300, although a few require patches.

The patches are available free of charge from AT&T. Also on the list are several programs that don't run.

Among the programs that have been tested so far and do work are 20 word processors, 12 spreadsheet programs, 15 database programs, and some graphics and communications programs. All Borland products seem

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The Example 1 routine of a circuitdesign-and-analysis program called PSPICE demonstrates the compatibility between the IBM PC AT and the PC 6300. This program from Microsim Corporation is written in FORTRAN and does mathematical calculations that make extensive use of the numeric coprocessor. Both computers tested were equipped with 640K bytes of RAM and numeric coprocessor chips (the 8087 in the PC 6300 and the 80287 in the PC AT). The test results show a high degree of mathematical processing compatibility.

The calculating time for the transient-analysis routine was 31.7 seconds for the PC AT and 36.5 seconds for the PC 6300. Calculating time for the AC-analysis routine was 31.86 seconds for the PC AT and 37 seconds for the PC 6300. The difference in speed for these tests is only about 15 percent, not bad considering that the PC AT uses a 20-megabyte hard disk and the PC 6300 has only two floppydisk drives.

The overall time including I/O (input/ output) was 137.3 seconds for the PC AT and 213 seconds for the PC 6300. These times reflect the effect of a hard disk on the overall job time.

Compatibility is dynamic in nature, and a program that doesn't run now might run in the future because software manufacturers want their programs to work on as many computers as possible.

Release 1.0 of MS-DOS and GWBASIC and any other program using the UCSD p-System will not work. Also, programs that are dependent on clock speed, like disk-drive analyzers and certain copy programs, will not run. However, I tried PC-DOS 2.1 and 3.0 and had no difficulty with either.

If you are considering purchasing this computer, you should ask your dealer or AT&T for a copy of the program list.

Limitations

The PC 6300s limitations are few in

[continued)

300 BYTE • DECEMBER 1985

Inquiry 36

SOLVE PROGRAMMING PROBLEMS THE WAY YOU THINK.

PURE AND SYMBOL.

Introducing the new APL* PLUS® PC System, Release 5.0

The shortest distance between two points is a straight line. But unfortunately, that's not the case in programming.

Most languages require you to go through an enormous number of steps before an idea becomes reality.

That's why the APL* PLUS PC System is such a dramatic and exciting software tool for serious PC programmers and application developers.

Instead of requiring you to learn—and write—long-winded and complicated programs, APL is based on your instinctive ability to deal in symbols. And once you begin using APL's quick notations, you'll find it the ideal programming

environment for all your application needs.

The incredible shortcuts you get with APL will let you spend less time on drudgery and more time creating. Intricate calculations and modeling on PC's are a snap.

The Release 5.0 version features:

• multi-window, full-screen editing

• graphics primitives, now with EGA support

• spreadsheet-like numeric editing

• fast Assembler library

• built-in terminal mode

• and report formatting. Plus concise notation for

programs like sorting, matrix inversions, string searching,

and more. And the complete package price is just $595 with major credit cards accepted.

Act now, and we'll send you a free Convincer Kit. Contact your local dealer, or call 800-592-0050 (in Maryland, call 301-984-5123) to order your system, or for more information about our other APL * PLUS products—from our UNIX™ version to the new streamlined Pocket APL™ Or write STSC, Inc., Software Publishing Group, 2115 East Jefferson St., Rockville, MD 20852.

You'll see how symbol PLUS • WARE products are to use, the very first time you use them.

Problem-solving at the speed of thought.

STSC

A Contel Company

Inquiry 340

APL* PLUS PC System requires 256K and DOS 2.0 or later. A soft character set can be used for computers with IBM compatible graphics board. A character generator

ROM or software is included for the IBM PC or selected compatibles.

PLUS * WARE and Pocket APL are trademarks of STSC. Inc. APL * PLUS is a registered trademark of STSC. Inc. UNIX is a trademark of AT&T Bell Laboratories.

DECEMBER 1985 -BYTE

301

REVIEW: AT&T PC 6300

About 350 IBM PC programs will run, but some require patches.

comparison to its many features, low cost, and terrific color text. Aside from those already mentioned, the only problem I noticed is that, if you remove the bottom cover, you must be careful when you replace it because a plastic button that acts as an extension for the reset switch is located on the motherboard. It is somewhat fragile, and I damaged it when putting the cover back on.

The 8086 processor is quite fast when running programs that do a lot of calculations and screen I/O. However, disk access is not improved significantly by the faster CPU and clock speed. If the program you are going to use does a lot of disk access, you should consider buying the 10-megabyte hard-disk version of this machine.

Speed

I was curious to know how this 8086 machine fares against the 80286based IBM PC AT. There is no question that the 80286 is a more powerful chip and that the throughput of the AT with its fast-access hard-disk drive would be better.

Disk Read and Disk Write BASIC benchmarks and the Sieve of Eratosthenes prime-number benchmark compare favorably with times for the IBM PC AT. Disk Read in BASIC takes 30 seconds for the PC 6300 versus 26 seconds for the PC AT. Disk

Write in BASIC takes 32 seconds for the PC 6300 versus 24 seconds for the PC AT. The Sieve of Eratosthenes benchmark comes very close to the PC AT time, taking 87 seconds for the PC 6300 and 80 seconds for the IBM PC AT.

These benchmarks demonstrate the raw processing power of the PC 6300, particularly when you consider that in these tests the IBM PC AT is using a hard disk. The 'At a Glance" graphs show the results of the BYTE benchmarks for the PC 6300, the IBM PC and the Apple He.

Documentation

Three manuals are included with the computer: a user's guide, a programmer's guide to GW-BASIC and a user's guide for MS-DOS. All are in threering binders with slip covers and are fully typeset with illustrations. Each has a table of contents and a good index.

The user's guide has an introduction to the computer's hardware and some brief instructions on starting up the first time. It also has a nice glossary of computer terms. The disk diagnostic operating instructions are included in this manual. I would have liked a little more detail on what the diagnostics were doing, but for most users the information included will be sufficient.

Both the GW-BASIC and the MSDOS manuals have a tutorial section and a reference section. Each command has at least one example showing how it is used. For some reason, the instructions for DEBUG and LINK usage were not mentioned in any of the manuals. I later found out that these programs are described in the

Table 1: Part numbers and estimated

prices for optional PC 6300 manuals.

Manual

Part number

Estimated price

System programmer's manual

403319015

$65

(available now)

Technical reference manual

403319023

$65

(available soon)

Service manual

403319031

$125

(available soon)

system programmer's manual.

I obtained a final copy of the system programmer's manual and a preliminary copy of the technical reference manual. I was also assured by AT&T personnel that a complete service manual with advanced diagnostics was in preparation. The system programmer's manual contains information on DEBUG, LINK, memory maps, file allocation tables, system calls, and drivers, and a complete commented ROM BIOS printout.

The technical reference manual is equally good. It describes each circuit subsection in detail, gives a summary of how the computer works overall, and has all DIP-switch information with the exception of how to set up the 2 56K-byte RAM chips on the motherboard. All that was missing was a complete set of schematics.

The manuals are expected to sell for under $65, except the service manual, which will probably be about $12 5. It was a wise move on AT&T's part to make this information available to users and programmers, especially since the computer's enhanced graphics and other special features can't be fully used without this kind of information. The part numbers for the above manuals are shown in table 1.

Summary

The PC 6300 is a fine computer with relatively minor problems. AT&T's reputation for product support is a guarantee that you won't end up with an orphan. The PC 6300 runs most of the best IBM PC software around and runs it two to three times faster.

The color monitor and text screen are considerably better than those of the standard IBM PC and are comparable to a PC with an Enhanced Graphics Adapter board. I would recommend this machine to anyone contemplating the purchase of a PC-compatible computer, including business users, programmers, and scientists. ■

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS 1 would like to thank Tony Nuzzi of Falcon Computers, Hicksville, New York, and lohn Logowski of Computer Factory, Garden City, New York, for their assistance in the preparation of this article.

302 BYTE- DECEMBER

WW///////////

^

SehablaModula. OnparleModula. Modulagesprochen.

We speak Modula. Lilith speaks Moduta. Lilith is a computer designed expressly for Modula by Niklaus Wirth, author of Modula and Pascal. Wirth intended Lilith to be the ideal programmer's workstation for developing programs in Modula-2. He succeeded.

Modula Corporation proudly introduces a new version of the Lilith—the Lilith/PC. The powerful Lilith engine is now available as a co-processor to the ubiquitous IBM PC/XT and compatibles.

In this set-up, the Lilith provides the computing horsepower and the PC provides the input/output. The disks, keyboard, mouse and other I/O are all handled on the PC side. The Lilith runs the display and the laser printer and does all the calculations. When the Lilith wants a disk sector, for example, the PC passes the sector from the PC disk directly into Lilith memory by maximum speed DMA transfer. The entire system is as effective as the original Lilith and only half the cost. And, of course, you still have the full usability of your PC.

All the wonderful software, developed by Wirth's group at the ETH (Swiss Federal Instituteof Technology) in Zurich, runs on this system, including Wirth's spectacular WYSIWYG* multi-font word processor, the Lidas Relational Database System, and the entire Modula-2 development system. For engineering applications, there are schematic generation programs, drawing packages, and our elaborate printed circuit board layout package. Source files are available for almost everything, as is customary with ETH software. It's hard to imagine a better environment for a Modula programmer!

When you see this system, you'll know why Jerry Pournelle is so up on it. (See "Chaos Manor, "Byte, Jul. &Dec, 1985.) Call us. We speak Modula. And we are compatible.

• Lilith/PC Co-Processor, 2 Megabytes Memory, PC Interface, Display Interface,

System Software $6551

Other products from Modula Corporation

• MacModula Compiler (for Apple Macintosh). . . $150

• PC Modula-2(for IBM PC and Compatibles) . . . $150

• Wirth's Single-Pass. Native Code

Modula-2 Compiler for the PC $300

To order, or for more information, call toll-free:

* 1-800-LILITH-2

Charge cards accepted.

MODULA

CORPORATION

Inquiry 251

'Vial YouSeels ifbal You Gel ©198S Modula Corporation

950 N. University Ave. Provo, UT 84604 (801)375-7400

CLow power omplete hard disk kit $395

Comes complete with virtually the identical controller that's in the IBM@XT, and Xerox® warranties the hard disk for one year

G

uaranteed 100 percent IBM PC compatible

How can we offer this fantastic price? Simple. We buy in such volume that even the most avaricious hard disk businessmen understand they have to give us the best price possible. We could pocket the difference, but we don't.

Instead, we put the extra profit into our testing facilities. That's whv Xerox guarantees our $395 10 megabyte hard disk for one year.

Xerox knows, as our customers know, that we have an extensive testing program. Here is what we contribute toward giving you the maximum hard disk performance.

Best Drives Available

First, we buy the best drives available. Sounds trite, doesn't it? I mean, a drive's a driveright? Hardly. You should see some of the junk we get in our labs. Some have such high failure rates that we even questioned our own $10,000 hard disk tester. But when we tested other manufacturers- drives we were assured that our equipment was fine, which just confirmed that the bad hard disks were not only bad—they were real bad.

But that's just the weeding out process. We then take each drive that we've put through our tester and test it again with the controller you've requested. We call this a "tested pair."

DOS Doesn't Do It

In case you're thinking that all

this is an unnecessary duplication of what DOS does for you, let me explain the disk facts of life.

If DOS did what you may think it is supposed to do when you format the disk, DOS would map around these bad areas. Unfortunately, DOS doesn't do this.

DOS 2.0 and 2.1 can't enter the bad tracks. DOS 3.0 can, but only on the IBM AT. Unfortunately, as the press has so well documentated, the AT's hard disk develops bad tracks later on.

We do what DOS can't

We believe the problem is so bad, we use a software program that performs a powerful test of your disk drive on all of the IBM or IBM compatible computers— PCs, XTs, and ATs. Our format takes hours to analyze the disk. But when we finish, you know that the bad tracks are really mapped out so you won't write good data that will disappear into a black hole. We even send you a printed statement of our test results.

Our software allows you to type in the bad track locations from the list supplied by the manufacturers, so you'll never write good data to them—even if DOS didn't identify them as bad. The software even lets you save the location of these bad sections to a file, so that you can reformat your disk without spending hours retesting.

We even include a program that will give you continuous comments on the status of your hard disk. No more waiting for that catastrophic failure.

Average Access Time

As you might suspect, some hard disks are faster than others in their ability to move from one track of data to another. The time it takes the hard disk to move one-half way between the beginning of the disk to the end is called the "average access time."

The first generation of 10 megabyte hard disks had average access times of 80-85 milliseconds (msec). But computer users love speed, and guess what—the average access time for the new 20 megabyte hard disk in the IBM AT is only 40 msec. (We sell an AT equivalent with only 30 msec access time!)

There are some legitimate reasons for the shorter access time. It's particularly helpful when there are multiple users on the same hard disk. It's also important when running a compiler. But remember, before you get too wrapped up in the access speed, there's always that ST 506 interface which won't let data transfer from the hard disk to the computer any faster than 5 megabits/second. We've bypassed that choke hole, too. If you want the functional equivalent of a Ferrari with a turbocharger, order our 10 Mbit per second 100

megabyte hard disk with 18 mst of average access speed.

Compatibility

To be sure that your hard disk 100 percent compatible with tl IBM XT you don't need to bi the same hard disk that's in tl XT. You can't even be sure wh brand hard disk it is becau IBM, like Express Systems, goi into the marketplace and bu hard disks from several vendor However, they buy their X hard disk controller from on one vendor—the same one v do.

You can buy the IBM XT co troller from IBM for $495 or yc can buy from us, the function equivalent, manufactured by tl same company that makes it f> IBM for only $195. Is it the e actly identical IBM XT contrc ler? No. it's better. First, it tak less power, and secondly, it c; control from 5 to 32 meg bytes—the IBM controller c; work with only 10 megabytes. is 100 percent IBM XT compa ble, and 100 percent is 100 pe cent. If you want to save a sic we carry a version that lets yc operate two hard disks and tv floppy disk drives.

More than 32 Megabyte!

You can operate with more th; 32 megabytes (the limit of DO through the use of "device dri ers." Express Systems can supp you with device drivers for o hard disks for over 32 megabyt formatted. But, if you don't ha individual files, or databases th are large, you might want to co sider one of our controllers th can divide our 65 megabya (formatted) hard disk into tv equal volumes of 32 megabyt each.

Reliability

We offer you a choice betwe iron oxide and plated media the stuff that covers the ha disk and gives it its magne properties. Iron oxide is,—we it's rust. If you inadvertent joust your disk, you may cau the low flying head to dig o some iron oxide. A little rt flake can ruin your whole d; Plated media is more resistant damage, and if it happens. It data is lost.

We offer both types of ha disks. The iron oxide is old

IBM* Is a registered trademark of the International Business Machines Corporation. Express Systems, and Express Certified 555 are trademarks of Express Systems, Inc.

;chnology. and quite frankly, lanufacturers understand it bet;r. Their better understanding, ambined with some of the spelal head locking mechanisms, ives us peace of mind when we ;ll you one.

lard disks consume power. Our nail, half-high hard disks conitne so little power that you can se them with your existing IBM C power supply. If you plan to se lots of slots, you'll want to icrease your power supply to be ife. We offer the same amount f power for your PC that comes i the XT.

Our Customers

irae folks just never feel comirtable buying mail order. They >rget that Sears began as a mail der house or that IBM is now to mail order. But, if it helps, ;re is a partial list of customers ho have felt comfortable to buy

om us.

JM

Sears

merican Express .S. Army T&T (Bell Labs) ausch & Lomb

Honeywell MIT RCA Lockheed

erox

Sperry

Easv to Install

you're like most of us. raised 1 the boob tube rather than the reat Books, you'd rather see e movie than read the book, ell, now you can choose to ad our installation manual or r only $9.95 more, you can get VHS or Beta video cassette owing the simple steps for inillation.

Warranty

e offer you a one year warnty on our hard disks-—the me as IBM on the AT and 90 ys on the tape drives. (It's all e manufacturer gives us.) If

Complete Hard Disk Kits

Formatted

Plated

Average

Transfer

PC or PC/XT

AT

MB

Height

Media

Access

Rate

10

'A

no

85 msec

5Mbits s

$ 395

$ N/A

10

'/:

yes

85 msec

5 Mbils/s

$ 495

$ N/A

21

</2

ves

85 msec

5 Mbits/s

$ 795

$ 595

21

Full

no

30 msec

5 Mbits/s

$ 1,535

$ 1.340

32

'/:

yes

85 msec

5 Mbits/s

$ 995

$ 795

32

Full

no

30 msec

5 Mbits/s

$ 1.775

$ 1,575

65

Full

no

30 msec

5 Mbits/s

$ 2,295

$ 2,070

100

Full

yes

18 msec

lOMbif, >•

$ 4,995

$ 4,995

Removable Hard Disk

10

'/:

no

90 msec

5 Mbits/s

$ 1,095

N/A

Tape Syst

ems and

Subsystems

Data Transfer

PC or PC/XT

AT

Formatted Storage Capacity

Height

Rate (k sec)

60 Mbytes

'/:

88

$ 995

$ 995

60 Mbytes

Subsystem

88

$ 1,295

$ 1,295

21 Mbytes

(unforma

tted)Start/stop Subsystem 24

$ 595

$ 595

26 Mbytes

Floppy T

ipe® Subsystem

31

$ 749

$ 749

Controllers

All of our hard disk and tape controllers are available separately: Please call for prices

Subsystem Chassis

Any of our disk or tape units are available in an external subsystem for an additional

$250.00. You can mix & match any of our '/; high hard disks or tape drives together or

add any single full height hard disk:

Tape Cartridges

Express Certified 555 foot 310 Hci '/.-inch Data Cartridge $35.00

Power Supply

130 Watt Power supply $75.00*

150 Watt Power supply $125.00

'with the purchase of any drive

anything goes wrong with your tape or disk drive or hard disk, send it back in the box it came in. However, we have found that we can usually solve the problem over the phone. So call first for a return authorization number because we can't accept any returns without it.

Comes complete

All Express Systems products come complete with the appropriate software, tape and/or hard disk controllers, and cables where required. Hard disks are formatted and tested with the PC DOS of your choice. All drive sizes are formatted capacities.

If your application requires a stacking kit, power splitter cables, daisy chain cable, or some other variation, we'll supply these items at a nominal charge. We even ship our hard disks with Command Assist™ an on- line DOS-like manual to give you help with your DOS commands.

More questions?

Because we spend so much attention on the front end with ensuring that our disks will arrive in working order, we have a customer service department that, unlike many of our competitors, has little to do. When you need us, you won't get a constant busy signal.

Call our friendly, knowledgable customer service staff to get answers to your questions—before or after the sale. Our people , who know the PC, can talk you through the sticky parts, and they'll respond to you quickly. Just call us.

How to order

Pick up the telephone and call 1800-341-7549, to order. We accept Master Card. VISA, American Express and Diners Club. Or send a cashier's check or

money order (We'll take a check, but you'll have to wait for it to clear) and tell us if you want one of our recommended configurations or you want to mix and match yourself. Corporations with a DUNS number may send purchase orders for quantities over five.

Call Toll Free 1-800-341-7549 Ext. 1400 In Illinois call (312) 882-7733 Ext. 1400

Express Systems, Inc.. 1254 Remington, Schaumburg. IL 60195

Inquiry 138

IBM

Command Assist is a trademark of Micro Design International

SYSTEM REVIEW

The Tandy 200

and the NEC PC-8401A

Real

portability

by Harry Krause

The Tandy 200 (see photo 1) and the NEC PC-8401A (see photo 2) are both second-generation offerings, substantially improved over their preat a price decessors. the Tandy Model 100 and the NEC 8201A. Neither, however, seems designed to replace a full-featured desktop or transportable microcomputer; despite their refinements, these laptops present serious users with significant shortcomings. And, in relation to the low prices for which you can now buy an Apple lie or even an IBM PCcompatible 16-bit machine, these laptops— at approximately $1000 each—are expensive.

The Tandy 200 and the NEC 8401A are about the same size (12 by 8/2 by 2'/2 inches) and weight (4 to 5 pounds), use a Z80-equivalent central processing unit (CPU), work off batteries or AC power, and have a built-in 300-bps (bits per second) modem. Both have a decent keyboard with full-size keys. Both are "closed" systems; you cannot easily open them to upgrade or add hardware functions. Lots of extra-cost (and pricey) exterior accessories are available for both. Aside from these similarities, the machines move along quite different paths.

The Tandy 200

The Tandy 200 has fewer potential software capabilities than the NEC 8401A but is easier and more fun to use. Software burned into its read-only memory (ROM) includes a functional but limited word processor called TEXT, an appointment calendar (SCHEDL), an address database (ADDRSS), a subset of the Microsoft Multiplan spreadsheet (PLAN), a communications program (TELCOM), a version of Microsoft's BASIC programming language, and a built-in four-function calculator. These are displayed on a readable liquid-crystal display (LCD) that is 40 characters wide and 16 lines deep (see photo 3). The LCD case is hinged at the back and also serves as the machine's cover. A thumbwheel on the right

Harry Krause (10214 Forest Lake

Dr.. Great Falls. VA 22066) is a

marketing consultant whose clients

suddenly got microcomputers

three years ago.

of the machine controls the contrast.

You access the word processor and other applications through the machine's opening menu, which lists the available programs. To select a program, you simply move the cursor over the name of the program and tap the Enter key.

There are 72 keys on the QWERTY keyboard (see photo 4), including cursor controls and function keys, and I had no difficulties entering text or data. The keyboard's feel isn't much different than that of most other microcomputers, and the alphanumeric keys are in the usual places. The function keys are along the top of the keyboard, and the cursor controls are at the upper right-hand side.

Once selected, the TEXT word-processing program begins by asking you the name of the file you want to edit (or create). The Tandy 200 uses a six-character file-naming convention and creates its own extension. If you entered a letter named GEORGE, upon retrieval it would appear on the opening menu as GEORGE.DO, the .DO indicating the file is a text file and not a program.

As you enter text and reach the end of the 40 columns available on the screen, your words wrap to the next line. A printed file can be 132 columns wide. Because of the screen-width limitations, however, it is impossible to visualize how paragraphs and sentences will break in the final printed document. Also, while the PRINT command lets you control printout width, left margin, lines per page, and top margin, there were no direct references to printer control codes that would allow people with dot-matrix printers to select draft or correspondence quality or different type fonts or sizes. Since the Tandy 200 does include BASIC you could write little routines to gain more complete printer control, but this assumes that you know or want to learn how to program.

The TEXT program allows you to cut and paste copy, move to the next word, find specific text, and move to the top or bot

306 BYTE • DECEMBER 1985

torn of a file. Word processing is viable on the Tandy 200, but not if you have a high level of expectation. The machine's predecessor, the Tandy 100. was very popular with itinerant journalists taking notes while on assignment. The Tandy 200 should be equally popular with them.

The SCHEDL, ADDRSS. and TELCOM programs use files created with the word processor and work similarly. In SCHEDL. for example, you create a text file called NOTE.DO. In the file, you'd enter information in the following format:

7/14/85. Call Fred about overdue check 7/23/85, File property tax records 12/31/85. Quit work early

Search functions call up entries with the same date or the same keywords.

The ADDRSS program uses a variation of the NOTE.DO format, with names listed first, followed by telephone numbers and addresses:

Joe Tandy: 703/936-321 Alexandria, VA 22314

123 Main St.,

You can also access these address files through the TELCOM program in conjunction with the Model 200's built-in 300-bps modem (or an external 1200-bps modem). TELCOM also lets you set communications parameters and auto-dial phone numbers directly from the keyboard. The program makes good use of the function keys in interactive mode to auto-dial numbers, display communications parameters, enter the terminal mode, and return you to the main menu. In terminal mode, you can hit function keys for printing out transmitted data, sending special break signals, and saving data into text files.

Other than the built-in BASIC, the remaining software of interest is a variation of Multiplan. This spreadsheet program holds data in up to 63 columns and 99 rows (6237 cells), size enough for a substantial amount of data. It would not be fair to measure this implementation of Multiplan against the

versions that run on IBM PCs and compatibles. The subset includes more than three dozen functions and more than a

{continued}

Photo 1: The Tandy 200.

Photo 2: The NEC PC-8401A.

DECEMBER 1985 • BYTE 307

REVIEW: TANDY & NEC

dozen commands from the Multiplan repertoire. Tandy commissioned a special instruction manual for its version of the spreadsheet; it is easier to read and follow than the manuals usually packed with this kind of software.

Tandy's ROM implementation of Microsoft BASIC is quite impressive and complete. People with IBM PC

compatibles will recognize virtually all the commands and syntax on the Tandy 200 because they are a subset of the ones they've been using. In fact, to check compatibility, I entered the well-known Sieve of Eratosthenes program directly from a listing on my PC, changing only a comma into a semicolon on the final line: PRINT J$; TIMES.

Photo 3: The Tandy 200's LCD displays 16 lines of 40 characters each.

Photo 4: The Tandy 200's 72-key keyboard.

On the Tandy 200, the program found 15 primes and ran in 190 seconds. The same program on an IBM PC takes only about 30 seconds less.

Storage capacity for BASIC programs and other files is somewhat limited. The Tandy 200 comes standard with 24K bytes of RAM (randomaccess read/write memory), 19.5K bytes of which is accessible for programs or files. The machine can hold up to 72K bytes of RAM in "banks" that are switchable by tapping on the Fl or Tab key. Each bank is an island with room for 47 filenames. Programs will crash if they require more memory than is available on a single bank. All the ROM-based programs except SCHEDL are accessible from any of the RAM banks. The 24K-byte RAM banks are installed by the dealer and list for $249.95, or slightly more than $10 for each IK byte of RAM—a fairly steep price.

If you have files that will not fit in internal RAM, you'll need to consider an exterior storage device, such as Tandy's data cassette recorder ($59.95) or disk drive/CRT (cathoderay tube) display unit ($799). The latter includes a 5!4-inch floppy-disk drive and an adapter that you can attach to a television set or video monitor. The Tandy disk drive/display adapter unit seems overpriced, especially since its drive is only singlesided and formats floppy disks holding just 184K bytes.

Tandy says it will soon have a substantial library of software for the Model 200 available on cassette tape or in special ROM cartridges that plug into the bottom of the machine. In its instruction manual, the company points out that most of the software available for the Model 100 will not work on the 200.

I should briefly mention some of the machine's other features. There's a built-in calendar/clock addressable from BASIC an automatic power shutdown, the four-function calculator that can be used in the midst of other programs, some modest graphics available from BASIC (and presumably from programs Tandy will release), an

308 BYTE • DECEMBER 1985

REVIEW: TANDY & NEC

AC adapter, free introductory time on a couple of well-known databases, cables to connect the built-in modem and the phone jack, a printer cable, and a canvas carrying bag with shoulder strap. Actually, the bag may be an extra-cost accessory, but I have seen it advertised as a giveaway with the purchase of a Model 200. Tandy also claims its dealers can adapt the Model 200 to run on rechargeable nicad batteries. 1 got 10 hours of operation out of a fresh set of AA alkalines; according to Tandy's manual, I should have gotten 14.

The NEC PC-8401A

The NEC PC-8401A is substantially more capable than the Tandy 200, with a subset of the 8-bit CP/M 2.2 operating system built in. The NEC's LCD (see photo 5) is 80 characters wide by 16 lines deep, a standard that perhaps exceeds the capabilities of the video hardware. The display, plain and simple, has so little contrast it is next to impossible to read in almost any kind of reflected light.

At first, I thought I had received a defective evaluation unit, so I looked over a few others at a dealer's. They were just as bad. The display has a contrast control and, like the Tandy 200, is hinged to serve as the machine's cover. All 1 had to show for my efforts was eyestrain. Readability is not helped by characters that barely fit in the allocated space; descenders on one line crash into ascenders on the next line. |Editor's note: As this review was being edited. NEC announced a new LCD screen for the 8401A that is 9/2 inches wide by 3 inches high, approximately 40 percent larger than the earlier IVt-inch by IVi-inch LCD. NEC claims the larger LCD allows for bigger dot size, larger characters, and a "substantial improvement in legibility'.' Other features of the 8401A remain the same]

Two alternate character sets are available: Greek and graphics symbols. The Greek characters are no more readable than the alphanumerics.

The NEC keyboard has 68 keys (see photo 6), including 4 cursor control keys and 5 function keys that can per

form more than one task. The keys are full size and work smoothly but make a loud click-clack sound when you're typing rapidly.

NEC is generous with built-in memory, with 64K bytes of RAM and 96K bytes of ROM. If you need more RAM. you can buy a 32K-byte cartridge for $199. a sum that seems substantial when you consider that 150-nanosec

ond 64K-byte RAM chips are available for $2 each. Still, NEC's memory modules are cheaper than Tandy's. The back of the machine is filled with ports: a DC input (the AC adapter is provided); a line jack and phone jack for connecting the built-in modem, an external modem, or a phone; an RS-232C port for a serial

{continued)

Photo 5: The NEC PC-8401A features an 80-character by 16-line LCD that is often difficult to read.

Photo 6: The NEC PC-8401A 68-% keyboard.

DECEMBER 1985 -BYTE 309

AT A GLANCE

Memory:

Display:

Keyboard: Modem: Power: Expansion:

Interfaces: Software

Options

Documentation

Price

Name

Tandy 200

Type

Laptop computer

Manufacturer

Tandy Corp.

1500 One Tandy Center Fort Worth, TX 76102 (817) 654-9369

Size

11% by 8'/4 by 2 inches

Components

Processor:

80C85, 8-bit, 2.4-MHz

24K-byte RAM standard, expandable to 74K bytes; unspecified amount of ROM holding software programs

40-character by 16-line LCD; black letters on gray background

72 keys (8 function keys), QWERTY

Built-in, 300-bps

Battery or AC

Memory can be added internally by authorized dealers; no slots

RS-232C, cassette, parallel printer (Centronics), modem, bar-code reader, external bus

Proprietary operating system, Microsoft BASIC, Multiplan, word processor, appointment calendar, database, and telecommunications, all in ROM

Disk drive with display adapter, $799; cassette recorder, $59.95; 24K-byte RAM, installed, $249.95

Owner's manual, Multiplan manual, TELCOM manual. BASIC manual

$999

rrr

* ■ i i tiii

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«-»££!

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fill

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NEC PC-8401A

Laptop computer

NEC Home Electronics Inc. 1401 Estes Ave. Elk Grove, IL 60007 (312) 228-5900

11% by 81/2 by 2Va inches, 4.5 pounds

Z80-compatible mPD70008C, 3.9936-MHz

64K-byte RAM standard, expandable to 96K bytes; 96K bytes of ROM holding software programs

80-character by 16-line LCD; black letters on gray background

68 keys (5 function keys), QWERTY

Built-in, 300-bps

Battery or AC

Memory can be added externally with a plug-in cartridge

RS-232C, cassette, parallel printer (Centronics), modem/phone/line jacks, external bus

CP/M 2.2 operating system, MicroPro WordStar-To-Go, Calc-To-Go, Personal Filer database, and telecommunications, all in ROM

Display/disk-drive adapter, $249; 31/2-inch disk drive, $599; second drive, $299; 32K-byte RAM cartridge, $199; 1200-bps modem cartridge, $299

User's manual, quick guide, Calc-To-Go manual, WordStar-To-Go manual, TELCOM and Personal Filer manual

$999

310 BYTE • DECEMBER 1985

The Memory Size graph shows the standard and optional memory available for the three computers under comparison. The Disk Storage graph shows the highest capacity ot one and two floppy-disk drives for each system. The Bundled Software Packages graph shows the number of software packages included with each system. The Price graph shows the list price of a system with two highcapacity floppy-disk drives, a monochrome monitor, a printer port and a serial port, 64K bytes of memory, and the standard operating system and BASIC interpreter for each system. Note that the Tandy Model 100 has a maximum of 32K bytes of RAM.

MEMORY SIZE (K BYTES)

0 20 40 60 80 100

DISK STORAGE (K BYTES)

0 400 800 1200 1600 2000

1

1

m

//

BUNDLED SOFTWARE PACKAGES 0 2 4 6 8

10

PRICE ($1000) 0 2 4

=T

z

D

TANDY 200

NEC 8401A

TANDY MODEL 100

The back of the Tandy 200

The back of the NEC PC-8401A.

The Tandy 200's internal circuitry.

The NEC PC-8401A's internal circuitry.

DECEMBER 1985 'BYTE 311

REVIEW: TANDY & NEC

JiMMiI

Exoer

If you want to add peripherals to the 8401 A, you will most likely have to stick with NEC offerings.

When you use your AT&T Card at a public phone,

you don't need a pocketful of coins. In fact,

the AT&T Card is cheaper than coins for out-of-state

AT&T Long Distance Service calls. You'll be

provided with itemized billing. And you can use your

AT&T Card anywhere. So on your next business

trip—get organized. With the AT&T Card.

Apply today. Dial 1 800 CALL ATT Ext. 4586

AT&T

The right choice.

printer or direct connection to another computer; a parallel printer port; and a data-recorder interface. On the side, there's a system slot for connecting a RAM cartridge, a CRT/ disk-drive adapter, or NEC's proprietary 1200-bps modem.

Because the machine is a closed system, users who want to add flexibility with peripherals will most likely have to stick with NEC offerings. The list prices for many of these seem unnecessarily high. The CRT display/ disk-drive adapter, for example, is $249, and a 327K-byte 3'/2-inch disk drive (in a box big enough to hold two) is $599. The second disk drive is $299.

A system configured this way seems like less than the sum of its parts, since you'd end up paying around $2300 for the machine, the display/ disk-drive adapter, two drives, and an inexpensive monitor to replace the LCD. In today's market, $2300 will buy a fully dressed IBM PC or Apple lie or the new portable Kaypro 16—not laptops, to be sure, but more capable machines.

While operating on batteries, the NEC is a power hog. When I first got the machine, 1 popped in four fresh C batteries of the "el cheapo" variety. They were eaten up in a little more than two hours, or so said an indicator light on the machine's control panel. Next, 1 tried a set of name-brand alkalines; they lasted about six hours. The NEC also seems to drain batteries when turned off. 1 left the machine alone for a week with a new set of nonalkaline batteries installed; when I came back to it. 1 got the indicator light after only 45 minutes of opera

REVIEW: TANDY & NEC

tion. In its instruction manual, NEC mentions using rechargeable nicad batteries but states it makes neither nicads nor chargers. I'd be leery about installing nicads in a $1000 piece of hardware without a specific recommendation from the manufacturer about approved vendors.

In a somewhat strange way to conserve battery power, NEC builds in what it calls a "sleep" mode. You can put the machine to sleep (without actually shutting it off) and then have it wake itself up at a predetermined time. Why you would want to do this instead of just turning off the computer escapes me, and none of the bundled software mentions the sleep capability. If it works with TELCOM. the ROM telecommunications program, I assume you could have the unit automatically dial a data bank at off-peak hours and download information while you sleep. But there's no documentation to support my theory; I simply don't know how the sleep mode could be addressed through software. While the sleep mode uses less battery power than the awake mode, it still consumes more of the machine's juice than the off mode. Perhaps later software implementations will make use of this peculiarity.

f

Software

The ROM-based software includes CP/M 2.2, WordStar-To-Go, Personal Filer, TELCOM, and Calc-To-Go, a spreadsheet. The MicroPro WordStar is a subset of the full 8-bit CP/M version; people who have grown up with it on other machines will adapt quickly. The CP/M implementation is interesting, to say the least. You can control it almost totally through the opening menu and the function keys. The CP/M commands for TYPE, RENAME, PIP, STAT, and ERASE are on function keys 1 through 5, while additional commands are available by calling up an option macro and tapping the same function keys. I could find no CP/M assembler commands, however, and some of the CP/M commands varied from their disk-based counterparts.

(continued)

When you use your AT&T Card at a public phone, you don t have to hang up after each

call. Just hit this button after your

first conversation, and dial the number of your

next long distance call. The phone automatically

remembers your AT&T Card number. So you

have more time to take care of business.

AT&T

The right choice.

Inquiry 311

Instant-C:

The Fastest

Interpreter for C

Runs your programs 50

to 500 times faster than

any other C language

interpreter.

Any C interpreter can save you compile Land link time when developing your programs. But only Instant-C saves your time by running your program at compiled-code speed.

Fastest Development. A program that runs in one second when compiled with an optimizing compiler runs in two or three seconds with Instant-C. Other interpreters will run the same program in two minutes. Or even ten minutes. Don't trade slow compiling and linking for slow testing and debugging. Only Instant-C will let you edit, test, and debug at the fastest possible speeds.

Fastest Testing. Instant-C immediately executes any C expression, statement, or function call, and display the results. Learn C, or test your programs faster than ever before.

Fastest Debugging. Instant-C gives you the best source-level debugger for C. Single-step by source statement, or set any number of conditional breakpoints throughout your program. Errors always show the source statements involved. Once you find the problem, test the correction in seconds.

Fastest Programming. Instant-C can directly generate executable files, supports full K & R standard C, comes with complete library source, and works under PC-DOS, MS-DOS, or CP/M-86. Instant-C gives you working welltested programs faster than any other programming tool. Satisfaction guaranteed, or your money back in first 31 days. Instant-C is $495■

Rational

Systems, Inc.

P.O. Box 480

Natick, MA 01760

(617) 653-6194

REVIEW: TANDY & NEC

The CP/M possibilities can be expanded with the optional disk drive. When the 8401A is used as a true laptop, without an external storage device, the 64K bytes of RAM is actually divided in half, with 32K bytes used to hold the ROM-based software (copied from ROM into RAM) and the other 32K bytes available to store the files created by the software. You can store up to 31 files. With the optional disk drive or with a plug-in external RAM cartridge, NEC offers a "32Kbyte CP/M Mode," and files can be stored externally. With the "64K-byte CP/M Mode," the machine with a disk drive (but not with the plug-in RAM cartridge) can operate as a fairly standard CP/M desktop. Much disk-based CP/M software, however, requires a screen 80 columns wide by 2 5 lines deep, so an optional monitor would be necessary.

Notably missing from the NEC is built-in programming capability; if you want BASIC, you have to buy it separately and load it from an optional tape recorder or disk drive.

Calc-To-Go is another MicroPro product and can hold a spreadsheet 64 columns wide and 2 56 rows deep, or 16,384 cells. That's more than twice as much capacity as the CALC program on the Tandy machine. Since the NEC's display shows a full 80 columns, you can fit the full width of Calc-To-Go on the LCD screen. Files created with Calc-To-Go can be stored in the data interchange format (D1F) and transferred to a desktop microcomputer using a spreadsheet that incorporates DIF files, such as VisiCalc.

NEC's ROM telecommunications software, TELCOM, is a complete implementation that takes full advantage of the machine's built-in 300-bps modem; it also lets you use an external 1200-bps modem. The program uses the machine's function keys to change communications parameters, to automatically dial numbers and log on, to upload and download, to list filenames on a disk, and to break a connection quickly. The documentation on TELCOM is easy to understand yet goes far enough to show you exactly how the little NEC can

establish communications with a Digital Equipment Corporation VAX minicomputer. In addition, instructions are given for connections with other computers, such as IBM PCs and Apples.

Personal Filer, the database manager, allows records to hold 13 lines of type. 80 characters across. The program lets you sort files alphabetically on any named field, delete records, edit records, search for character strings, and scroll through files forward and backward. If you have telephone numbers in your database, Personal Filer can dial them for you.

If you pay the price for a disk drive, the world of CP/M 2.2 opens and you have access to thousands of existing programs. CP/M 2.2, however, is somewhat of an obsolete 8-bit operating system. Few programs being written these days are crafted with CP/M 2.2 in mind.

Why a Laptop?

The most important question about the NEC and the Tandy 200 has nothing to do with software. What you really have to ask yourself before forking over $1000 is, "Why do ! want a laptop and what am 1 going to do with it?"

lournalists and other traveling writers can make good use of the Tandy 200, and they probably wouldn't need the extra accessories. Tap in your notes, work on them in the hotel room, and transmit the finished story to the newsroom, all for about $1000. There's nothing heavy to lug around, either. Well-heeled students could use the machine to take readable lecture notes. The built-in scheduler and spreadsheet would enable a frequent flyer to get some real work done in what is usually dead air time, assuming the airline on which you are traveling lets you use portable computers.

A buyer of the NEC machine can enjoy the same advantages: however, the screen display might not be sufficient. The NEC is potentially much more useful than the Tandy, but if you can't read what you're entering, it won't do you much good. ■

314 BYTE- DECEMBER

Tools That Make Your Job Easier

For PCDOS/MSDOS (2.0 and above/128K) • IBM PC/Compatibles, PCjr., Tandy 1000/1200/2000, & others For CPM80 2.2/3.0 (Z80 required/64K) • 8" SSSD, Kaypro 2/4, Osborne ISD/DD, Apple II, & others

MIX EDITOR

Programmable, Full/Split Screen Text Processor

95

Introductory Offer

29

Great For All Languages

A general purpose text processor, the MIX Editor is packed with features that make it useful with any language. It has auto indent for structured languages like Pascal or C. It has automatic line numbering for BASIC (255 character lines). It even has fill and justify for English.

Split Screen

You can split the screen horizontally or vertically and edit two files simultaneously.

Custom Key Layouts

Commands are mapped to keys just like WordStar. If you don't like the WordStar layout, it's easy to change it. Any key can be mapped to any command. You can also define a key to generate a string of characters, great for entering keywords.

Macro Commands

The MEX Editor allows a sequence of commands to be executed with a single keystroke. You can define a complete editing operation and perform it at the touch of a key.

Custom Setup Files

Custom keyboard layouts and macro commands can be saved in setup files. You can create a different setup file for each language you use.

MSDOS Features

Execute any DOS command or run another program from inside the editor. You can even enter DOS and then return to the editor by typing exit.

MIX C COMPILER

Full K&R Standard C Language Unix Compatible Function Library

95

Introductory Offer

Complete & Standard

MDC C is a complete and standard implementation of C as defined by Kernighan and Ritchie. Coupled with a Unix compatible function library, it greatly enhances your ability to write portable programs.

The Best C Manual

MEX C is complemented by a 400 page manual that includes a tutorial. It explains all the various features of the C language. You may find it more helpful than many of the books written about C.

Fast Development

MEX C includes a fast single pass compiler and an equally fast linker. Both are executed with a simple one line command. Together they make program development a quick and easy process.

Fast Execution

The programs developed with MDC C are fast. For example, the often quoted prime number benchmark executes in a very respectable 17 seconds on a standard IBM PC.

39

Standard Functions

In addition to the functions described by K&R, MEX C includes the more exotic functions like setj'mp and longjmp. Source code is also included.

Special Functions

MK C provides access to your machine's specific features through BDOS and BIOS functions. The CHAIN function lets you chain from one program to another. The MSDOS version even has one function that executes any DOS command string while another executes programs and returns.

Language Features

• Data Types: char, short, int, unsigned, long, float, double (MSDOS version performs

BCD arithmetic on float and double-no roundoff errors)

• Data Classes: auto, static, extern, register

• Struct, Union, Bit Fields (struct assignment

supported)

• Typedef, Initialization

• All operators and macro commands are supported

30 DAY MONEY BACK GUARANTEE

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MIX Editor 129 95 + shipping (»5 USA/»10 Foreign) Texas residents add 6% sales tax

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Dealer Inquiries Welcome Call (214) 783-6001

MSXK is a trademark of Microsoft PCDOS is 1 trademark of IBM CPM80 is a trademark of Digiu] Research WordStar is alrademarkof MicroPro

DECEMBER 1985 'BYTE 315

Compare the Hercules Color Card

to IBM's.

Five reasons why the Hercules Color Card is better.

1. Compatibility

3. Size.

4. Flexibility.

5. Warranty.

IBM Color Adapter $244

Runs hundreds of graphics programs.

2. Printer port. None.

13.25 inches. Limited to long slots.

Can't always work with a Hercules Graphics Card.

90 days.

Hercules Color Card $245

Runs the same hundreds of graphics programs. "The Hercules Color Card is so nearly identical to the IBM Color/ Graphics Card that it's almost uncanny." PC Mag.

Standard. Our parallel port allows you to hook up to any IBM compatible printer.

5.25 inches. Fits in a long or short slot in a PC, XT, AT or Portable.

Always works with a Hercules Graphics Card by means of a software switch.

Two years.

Any one of these five features is enough reason to buy a Hercules Color Card. But perhaps the most convincing reason of all is just how easy the Hercules Color Card is to use: "Right out of the box, the Hercules Color Card goes into an empty expansion slot, ready for you to plug in. . . and go to work—no jumpers, no software. For most applications, it's just that easy." PC Magazine.

Call 1-800-532-0600 Ext. 432 for the name of the Hercules dealer nearest you and we'll rush you our free info kit. tt i

Hercules.

We're strong on graphics.

Inquiry 166 Address: Hercules. 2550 Ninth St, Berkeley, C A 94710 Ph: 415 540-tiOOO Telex: 754063 Trademarks /Owners: Hercules/Hercules Computer Technology: IBM/IBM.

SOFTWARE REVIEW

An advanced

LISP

environment

for micro

computers

by Bruce D'Ambrosio

Golden Common LISP

Bruce D'Ambrosio (555 Tulsa St..

San Lorenzo. CA 94580) is a

Ph.D. student at the University of

California at Berkeley. He is doing

research in efficient reasoning.

Golden Common LISP (GCLISP) is an extended subset of Common LISP that supports more than 400 primitives and includes stack groups, macros, closures, streams, and other advanced LISP features such as GMACS, an integrated, sophisticated EMACS-like editor.

GCLISP also comes with two books, LISP by Patrick H. Winston and Berthold K. Horn and the Common LISP Reference Manual by Guy Steele, together with a fat binder containing the GCLISP documentation and disks. Thoughtfulness and attention to detail are immediately apparent in the packaging and seem equally apparent in the product itself.

Two weeks, several hundred lines of LISP code, and tens of GMACS hours after opening the package, my initial impression has been confirmed. The wizards at Gold Hill Computers have not squeezed an entire LISP-machine programming environment into those five disks ("LISP machine" refers to a $100,000 high-end system developed at MIT in the late 1970s specifically to execute LISP and programmed entirely in LISP). However, they have packed an amazing amount of functionality and performance into GCLISP, and, with a few caveats, I can recommend it as a LISP system worth serious consideration for several uses.

GCLISP seems intended for use as a training system for learning LISP. Two of the five disks included in the GCLISP package are devoted to an extensive LISP tutorial, and I can think of no other reason for the inclusion of the Winston and Horn book.

It might also be used as a system for developing serious (as opposed to toy or homework exercise) programs. These programs might be stand-alone or serve as the user-interface portion of larger programs running on larger machines. Finally, you might use GCLISP as a delivery vehicle for systems developed on larger LISP machines. The cost of an IBM PC is about onefortieth the cost of a LISP machine, so this might offer an inexpensive way to distribute artificial-intelligence (AI) systems.

I will comment separately on each of three components of GCLISP: the language and interpreter, the development environment including the GMACS editor, and the LISP tutorial. While all three components are interrelated and the dividing lines are somewhat arbitrary, the distinctions are useful for review purposes.

The GCLISP Interpreter

GCLISP is a variant of Common LISP (a standard LISP blessed by the Department of Defense) and is a synthesis of many of the best ideas from previous experimental and research LISP systems (e.g.. MacLISP, Franz LISP, Zetalisp, Scheme, and Nil). Unfortunately, GCLISP is a variant, not a fully faithful implementation.

The variances are of two types. First, GCLISP is a subset. This is not unreasonable since the complete language is large and would never fit in the 640K-byte memory limitation of MS-DOS. Second, GCLISP does not follow Common LISP'S rules for variable scoping. These rules specify how the interpreter is to determine the value for a variable referenced within a function and not declared as either a parameter or local to the function. The Common LISP specification calls for lexical scoping (it looks at the program listing and uses the value assigned in the function that most immediately encloses the current one). But GCLISP is dynamically scoped (it uses the most recently assigned value for the variable). In this, GCLISP follows the tradition for LISP interpreters, which historically have implemented dynamic scoping. Lexical scoping has some theoretical advantages but is difficult to implement efficiently in an interpreter.

The choice of dynamic scoping for GCLISP is a serious problem in that some advanced LISP constructs cannot be written in GCLISP so they will work correctly in a true Common LISP system. This is perhaps not crucial for many applications,

[continued)

DECEMBER 1985 'BYTE 317

REVIEW: GCLISP

AT A GLANCE

Name

Golden Common LISP

Type

LISP interpreter and development environment

Manufacturer

Gold Hill Computers 163 Harvard St. Cambridge, MA 02139 (617) 492-2071

Format

Five 51/t-inch floppy disks

Computer

IBM PC, XT, AT, or compatibles; DEC Rainbow; Wang Professional Computer

Features

LISP Interpreter, GMACS editor debugging tools, and tutorial system

Documentation

100-page user's guide, 200-page reference

manual

LISP by Winston and Horn

Common LISP Reference Manual by Steele

Price

$495

since novices will never be aware of the difference as long as they follow a few simple conventions regarding variable use. The combined effect of these differences is that programs will not be easily transportable between GCLISP and more faithful Common LISP implementations unless they are originally implemented with the restrictions of GCLISP in mind. Also, the impact of the scoping-rule differences can be difficult for a novice to understand, and this reduces the utility of Golden Common LISP as a training system for Common LISP.

Aside from these variations, the GCLISP interpreter seems to faithfully implement a thoughtfully chosen subset of the Common LISP specification. For example, I could enter and run (with only minor modification) several pages of Common LISP code I had been developing on a Symbolics 3600 (a LISP-based personal computer derived from the MIT LISP-machine research).

GCLISP has a wide selection of primitive functions, including arrays (one-dimensional only, with no support for bit arrays), stack groups (a primitive mechanism out of which you can construct various forms of multitasking systems), defstruct (the LISP equivalent of Pascal records—GCLISP doesn't support subfields of arbitrary bit length), streams (the Common LISP input/output facility), macros (a facility that lets the skilled programmer extend the LISP language), readtables (LISP lets you redefine the meaning of each character in the basic character set), and a simple window system.

Those features that are part of the Common LISP specification (stack groups and windows are not) are implemented in a "compatible subset" of the standard. However, very few aspects of Common LISP are implemented in their entirety. Constant cross-reference between the Common LISP reference manual and the GCLISP reference manual is necessary to find out what features are valid. Also, a number of features are missing, including packages (despite what the documentation says, pack

ages are not currently supported), bignums (arbitrary-precision integers, much appreciated by the symbolicmath folks), transcendental functions (e.g., sine, cosine), rational numbers, and hash tables.

In general, GCLISP retains the most useful aspects of any feature and omits those of more limited utility. But the cuts are deep, and anyone hoping for a full Common LISP implementation will be disappointed. Some features are implemented separately from the core interpreter and loaded only on demand. This permits a large number of language features, much larger than could all fit into memory at once. This is wonderful as long as you don't need all those features in any one program. And there's the rub. GCLISP wants lots of memory—more than MS-DOS on an IBM PC will support. The minimal interpreter requires about 2 50K bytes, and, once I loaded a few standard LISP features, my 512K-byte system had only 18,000 cons cells and about 80K bytes of atom space left. This was enough to load a typical program of several thousand lines, as long as it didn't create many large data structures. But a major piece of the programming environment, the editor, hadn't been loaded yet. On a 512K-byte system you can load either the editor or a large program, but not both.

Speed

GCLISP is not the fastest LISP I have ever run, but its overall speed is quite respectable. As shown in table I, it is almost as fast as the Franz LISP (a LISP system developed at the University of California at Berkeley) interpreter running on a VAX-11/750. On a PC, muLISP is faster, but it's a highly nonstandard LISP and cannot use as much memory as GCLISP. XLISP is a public-domain LISP interpreter written in C by David Betz. The version I used was extensively modified by a friend. Frank Korzeniewski, and compiled using Digital Research's C compiler under the large-memory model.

One way to increase execution speed in LISP is to use a compiler. Typically, those functions that you

318 BYTE • DECEMBER 1985

REVIEW: GCLISP

have already debugged are compiled and loaded into the environment as compiled functions, while those under development are executed interpretively. That way. you get the best of both worlds: the speed of compiled code for most of the overall system, and the flexibility and debugging support of an interpreter for those portions still under development.

Unfortunately. GCLISP does not come with a compiler. Gold Hill Computers has announced one. initially to be available in mid-1984, but now scheduled for release before the end of 1985 together with a large-memory (read 80286) version of GCLISP. The compiler has been announced for both versions of GCLISP but will apparently be more convenient to use in the large-memory system. Lexical scoping is also supposed to be part of the new improved GCLISP due at that time. I suspect that memory limitations will grow more restrictive with this release.

The GCLISP Environment

The environment includes all those aspects of a language system outside the syntax and semantics of the language itself. For GCLISP, this is the LISP listener, use of the keyboard, error handling, debugging facilities, and the editor.

LISP, like BASIC, is interpreted. That means that the interpreter is "listening" to the keyboard, waiting for you to enter an executable statement. The 17 "keychords" (combinations of Ctrl

or Alt with another key or keys) provide a variety of support functions, such as invoking the editor or tutorial system, help, and debugging support. One that suggests the power and convenience of a good LISP programming environment is the Alt-L keychord, which prompts for a function name and then displays its argument list. (How often have you been writing a line of code invoking some function and been unable to remember the correct argument sequence? This is likely in LISP, since the standard style uses many short functions.)

Another important part of a good programming environment is error detection and recovery. GCLISP is reasonably competent at error detection but provides minimal recovery capability. Like most of the larger LISP systems after which it is patterned, GCLISP will trap references to "unbound symbols" (variables that have never been assigned a value), arithmetic overflow and underflow errors, type errors (such as attempting to add a character string to a number), attempts to exceed array bounds, and other run-time errors. Once an error has been detected and reported, the system enters a "break level." Again, this is a standard LISP technique—at this point you can enter any executable LISP statement just as you can at the top level, but it is executed in the context of the error (with all the variable values in effect). This facility is useful for displaying the values of variables (for example, the parameters

of the routine executing at the time the error was detected). The Ctrl-B keychord displays the control stack, but unfortunately you cannot move around in the stack and examine locals in different procedure invocations as you can in many LISP systems. GCLISP takes the somewhat unusual but useful tack of displaying the stack by showing the actual LISP forms in evaluation. A sample display is shown in figure 1.

Unfortunately, once you have detected an error in GCLISP and found out why things went wrong, it is impossible to continue. In a few LISP systems, when evaluation stops (because, for example, the program attempts to reference an unbound symbol) you can assign a value on the spot and continue evaluation. In GCLISP. you can assign a value, but the only break level from which you can continue is a user-inserted call to the break function. Once the interpreter detects an error, the only way to restart execution is to abort (return to the top level) and start over.

Error detection and recovery are supplemented in a good LISP programming environment by various debugging support packages. In GCLISP these include a trace facility, step facility, and break function. The trace facility lets you specify the names of functions to be traced. Then each time one of the named functions is entered or exited, that fact is displayed on the screen along with

[continued)

Table 1: Sample execution times for GCLISP compared with the times for a number of other LISP implementations. Where two columns are presented, the first is for interpreted code and the second is for compiled code. All times are in milliseconds for a single execution of the named function. Note that the speed measurements are rough and will vary among individual systems.

GCLISP

muLISP

XLISP

Franz LISP

Zeta

isp

Operation

PC AT

IBM PC

IBM PC

IBM PC

VAX-11/750

Symbolics 3600

Iteration

06

1.8

2.1

35

1.0

0.4

0.4

0.004

List create

3 0

9.0

1.5

65

4.2

3.1

1.1

0.3

CADDDR

0.4

1.1

0.6

25

0.7

0.3

03

0.005

Structure create

4 0

9.1

3.5

—

6.9

4.2

12.0

0.55

Structure reference

06

1 7

0.5

—

1.9

0.9

2.4

0.008

Function call

02

04

0.1

—

07

0.4

04

0.006

Closure application

0.4

1.2

—

—

1.9

1.3

0.4

0.09

DECEMBER I985 'BYTE 319

REVIEW: GCLISP

parameter values (on entry) or returned values (on exit). You can't "conditionally" trace a function in GCLISP; that is. you can't ask to see its execution traced only when some condition is satisfied (e.g.. when it is executed from within some other function).

The step facility is nicely implemented. It lets you see each step in the execution of any arbitrary LISP expression. You have two basic options when stepping through a computation. The down-arrow key resumes evaluation and stops at the next level of detail in the current expression. The right-arrow key completes evaluation of the current expression and stops before beginning evaluation of the next expression at the same level. Finally, you can insert the break function at any arbitrary point in a LISP expression. When executed, it interrupts the interpreter and returns control to the console in the same manner as a detected error.

GMACS Editor

Perhaps the most powerful aspect of an integrated LISP environment is the editor. GCLISP provides GMACS. an EMACS-like editor that is fully inte

grated into the LISP environment. It supports multiple (two) windows (you can cut and paste across windows) and more buffers than 1 can use, is reasonably quick (although it's not hard to type ahead of it), and does preemptive scrolling.

Most noticeably lacking from GMACS are an undo command and the ability to bind key sequences. If those seem fairly primitive facilities to you. it's likely that your favorite advanced EMACS feature is missing also, but enough of EMACS is there for most EMACS users to feel relatively comfortable. Also. GCLISP comes with all the sources for the editor (in LISP, of course) and describes key bindings in a file called EDCOMTAB.LSP that is fairly easy for a hacker to customize to his or her heart's content.

Most important, GMACS is an integral part of the LISP environment. Besides little features like parentheses balancing, expression indentation, and cursor positioning and delete functions that work for S-expressions (the basic LISP syntactic form), GMACS provides keychords to evaluate function definitions, evaluate

* (setf b 3)

3

*(+ 1 (+ ab))

ERROR:

Unbound variable: A

1> ~B

(BACKTRACE)

(+ AB)

(+ 1 (+ AB))

NIL

1 > (setf a 4)

4

1 > (continue)

Can't CONTINUE from this error, use CLEAN-UP-ERROR.

Figure l: A sample error-detection and stack display taken from a GCLISP screen dump. For purposes of clarity, user input appears in color.

S-expressions, display argument lists and documentation, and macroexpand an expression.

All these features mean an incredibly rapid debug cycle. Suppose, for example, you are debugging and discover that you need to add a function call to function y within function x. All you do is enter the editor (via a single keychord, Ctrl-E) and edit the change into function x. Now suppose that you forgot the calling sequence for function y. lust depress the Ctrl-ZL keychord and enter the name of function y. GMACS displays the argument list for function y on the screen. Once you have finished editing the definition of function x, press Ctrl-ZC and the definition is evaluated. Finally, press Fl and you are back in the LISP listener, ready to continue debugging. Since the entire system is memory-resident, most of this happens in less time than it took to read this paragraph.

All this is wonderful, but unfortunately the quality of the GMACS implementation is not up to the standard set by the rest of GCLISP. In the version I used (l.O), several annoying bugs occurred in the cursor positioning and display-refresh logic, and the system was slow enough to be occasionally annoying. Also, it takes more than two minutes to initially load the editor from floppy disk.

The most annoying problem is that once I loaded the editor, l had only enough room left on my 5l2K-byte system to edit one modest-size (about 20K-byte) file. And once the file was loaded, I had no room left to load any LISP programs for debugging. That seriously crimps the utility of GCLISP as a development system. However, there are several alternatives. Apparently, GCLISP can use memory beyond the 640K bytes that MS-DOS supports, although I haven't actually tried this to see if it works. Some microcomputers (the DEC Rainbow and the Wang, for example) are configured to directly support more than 640K bytes. GCLISP will use all available memory in these cases. Finally, you can always reserve 60K to 100K bytes of memory for a separate DOS

320 B YTE • DECEMBER I985

Inquiry 233

REVIEW: GCLISP

partition and use a small stand-alone editor rather than the built-in GMACS. In this case, the interface is through files and you lose the wonderful integrated editing facilities described above, but you still have the GCLISP interpreter and debugging facilities.

The Tutorial System

To help you learn the language, GCLISP includes San Marco Explorer and Inspector, some of the most extensive and well-executed tutorial material 1 have seen. The Explorer is an extensive programmed instruction sequence, occupying two entire double-sided disks. It is coordinated with and covers most of the material of Winston and Horn's LISP, widely used in university LISP courses and generally acknowledged as one of the best introductory texts. The San Marco Inspector provides dynamic graphic displays of program execution, enabling simple demonstration of program control flow.

In scope alone, the Explorer is quite impressive. The list of topics covered includes some 60 items, or "slide trays," and each of these consists of 10 or more separate screens of material. I cannot imagine a better, more enjoyable, more painless, or more comprehensive introduction to LISP than this tutorial; it definitely sets a new standard for software instructional material. If you complete this program, you will learn at least as much as you would in the average one-semester college introductory course on LISP.

USES FOR GCLISP

I can envision three separate uses for GCLISP: training, software development, and application delivery. As a training system, GCLISP is unsurpassed. The tutorial is extensive and extremely well done, and the San Marco Inspector is a wonderfully graphic way to examine control flow. The only flaw is the use of dynamic rather than lexical scoping, and this is an issue only when you use GCLISP as a training device for other Common LISP systems. Similarly, as an application-delivery

The tutorial material

is extensive

and well executed.

system, GCLISP offers a large subset of Common LISP, a robust implementation, and reasonably fast execution. The availability of streams and windows and the ability to access color graphics, combined with an assemblylanguage interface, make GCLISP suited for writing high-quality "intelligent" user interfaces, either to other software resident within GCLISP or to software running on other machines. Unfortunately, GCLISP is somewhat less attractive as a development system. The large amount of memory required by the editor and debugging tools makes it useful only on a 640Kbyte or larger system, and the editor's slowness and quirks are occasionally annoying. Also, the lack of ability to inspect the control stack and the lack of error recovery (ability to continue from an error) slow the debugging process. Despite all this, if you have enough memory on your computer, this could be an attractive development system.

Conclusion

Golden Common LISP attempts, largely successfully, to provide a highquality Common LISP programming environment on a microcomputer. It is very similar in feel to the larger LISP systems, and I found myself automatically considering it a peer of those systems.

If you are looking for a way to learn LISP or know you want to work in LISP and can't afford a LISP machine, I highly recommend that you look into this product. However, if you intend to use this system for program development, be prepared to load up your machine with as much memory as you can possibly afford, at least 640K bytes. If you do have enough memory (or, even better, an 80286 machine with 1 or 2 megabytes). GCLISP can provide a solid LISP environment. ■

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DECEMBER 1985 -BYTE 321

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DECEMBER I985 Inquiry 394 for End-Users. Inquiry 395 for DEALERS ONLY.

SOFTWARE REVIEW

The Norton Utilities

recovering data and

directories

TV-vz-Jc for 'BP^ke':er Nortons data-recovery tool . <>_, v.-...... _ „• ■Jr really recovers lost data. I've used

ML it successfully dozens of times. Will it save every lost file? No. Unfortunately, there are some kinds of damage that the ; Norton Utilities can't repair. Can you tell

managing before buying the program whether it will help you recover a particular file? The answer to this question has to be inconclusive. There are different kinds of lost data, and sometimes, even when you know BY RUBIN RABINOVITZ how tne damage occurred, it is difficult to

predict whether it can be repaired.

The simplest kind of loss occurs when you delete a file by using the ERASE or DEL commands in DOS. Even though your directory indicates that the file no longer exists, it hasn't really been erased. What's happened is that an instruction prohibiting DOS from writing in certain areas of the disk has been altered. Your data is retained until information is actually written into these sectors. If you change your mind and decide that you need the discarded data after all, the Norton Utilities will reverse the changes made by the ERASE command and your old file will be restored.

Certain types of equipment failures can produce more serious data losses. Every DOS-formatted disk contains hidden files called the boot record and the file allocation table; these, together with the directory, are used for managing the data stored on the rest of the disk. If garbled information is entered into these files—a common cause is a disk drive out of alignment—your data may become inaccessible. But sometimes the data files themselves may survive this damage; if so, you may be able to recover some or all of them.

Rubin Rabinovitz [Department of English, Campus Box 226. University of Colorado, Boulder, CO 80309) is a professor of English. He received his doctorate at Columbia University and has reviewed books for the New York Times and New York magazine.

Retrieving Lost Data

If you plan to use the Norton file-recovery procedure, you should be careful not to write on a disk with a lost file. You'll risk having new data entered in the sectors containing the file you hope to save. Once the old information has been overwritten in this

way, it can't be recovered.

If you did write on the disk, there's still a chance that the sectors holding the erased file were not the ones that received the new data; this depends on factors like how much free space was on your disk and which version of DOS you're using. So until you actually begin the recovery procedure, you won't know for sure whether the lost file was destroyed. Still, it's best not to take chances. Make it a rule to never write on a disk containing damaged files.

Another good idea is to make a copy of your damaged file whenever possible. If you're working with floppy disks, you should use the DOS DISKCOPY command (as opposed to the COPY * . * command); DISKCOPY works by reproducing what's on the source disk exactly, byte by byte, so even deleted data is copied. Carrying out the recovery procedure on a copied version of the damaged file means that if you make a mistake, you'll have a chance to recopy the original and try again.

After taking these precautions, you can begin the file-recovery procedures. In general, for simple problems like unintentionally invoking an ERASE command, you can expect the Norton Utilities to retrieve lost files consistently. When a problem is caused by a current spike, static electricity, or a disk drive out of alignment, it's harder to predict how much of a file can be recovered; this is because so many different varieties of error can occur.

With many types of errors, the Norton Utilities can often help you salvage something. At times you may be able to recover only portions of a file. This is similar to what happens when the CHKDSK procedure in DOS restores only some of the lost clusters (groups of isolated sectors) in a file. In many cases you can save enough of a file to be able to reconstruct the missing portions with little trouble. But for some files, such as those created with spreadsheet programs, even a small amount of data loss can

[continued]

DECEMBER 1985 -BYTE 323

NSTRUMENTS LOGO IS A REGISTERED TRADEMARK OF JDR MICRODEVICES JDR INSTRUMENTS IS A TRADEMARK OF JDR MICRODEVICES.

Inquiry 74

At Christmas I no more desire a rose

Than wish a snow in May's new fangled mirth

But like of each thing that in season grows

—King Lear

Mac Inker

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If Shakespeare had had a word processor, he would have consumed about 25 cartridges to run a first draft of his works. At an average cost of $10/cartridge, the cost is $250. With MAC INKER he would use one cartridge, his total would be 50 cents in ink, and his print-out quality would be much improved. And now one UNIVERSAL CARTRIDGE MAC INKER (UC) reinks all fabric cartridges and one UNIVERSAL SPOOL MAC INKER (US) re-inks all spools. MAC INKER (UC) is $60. Cartridge drivers are $8.50 ea. MAC INKER (US) is $66.95. We still have our first generation, dedicated MAC INKER(s) for most popular printers, with prices starting at $54.95. You can also use any MAC INKER to create and/or re-ink your own colored cartridges. There are more than 45,000 MAC INKERS in the field in the U.S. and overseas. MAC INKER has been reviewed, approved and flattered in most magazines, and even in the New York Times and the Chicago Sun Times.

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REVIEW: NORTON UTILITIES

some simple formatting and printing options and permits you to add line numbers to documents automatically. Another series of programs is designed to help you learn about your computer and use it more efficiently. You can test a compatible machine against an IBM Personal Computer, find the addresses in RAM (randomaccess read/write memory) where application programs are loaded, display a map showing the locations of the files on a disk, read the data in a hidden file, change archive files into read-only files or vice versa, reset screen attributes such as colors and reverse video, or make the computer beep to signal that a command sequence has been executed.

Directory Management

Among other inducements to buy the Norton Utilities, even if you don't need it for recovering lost data, are programs for managing directories. One of these programs. Directory Sort, is very useful. It lets you sort by filename or by file extension, by file size, or by the date or the time a file was created. Directory Sort is a great help for locating files quickly and for organizing large directories.

File Find will be welcomed by harddisk users. It searches through directories and subdirectories for a specified file. File Find permits you to use the wild-card characters * and ?, letting you search for a range of files with similar names or extensions. List Directories is another Norton program for managing hard-disk directories. It displays all the directories and subdirectories that are contained on a disk.

File Size supplements the information given in DOS directories. When File Size displays dates, it lists the day of the week along with the other information The display also gives you the amount of space occupied by the data in a file, the amount of space taken up by a file on the disk (the figure for the data plus whatever room may be in partially filled sectors), and the amount of space needed to copy the file onto another disk (this number is necessary when

the sizes of the clusters on two different disks aren't the same size).

Using the Program

Working with most of the smaller Norton programs is easy. The instructions are clear and the command sequences are simple. Learning to use the file-restoration program, however, is somewhat more difficult. Unlike earlier releases of the Norton Utilities, the new version (3.0) has its menus arranged in a tree array. To use a function available in menu 2.3, you start at the main menu, then go to menu 2. then go to menu 2.3. But the manual has no list indicating where each function is located; instead, you're advised to experiment with the program and assured that you'll quickly catch on.

Well, maybe. Although I was familiar with an earlier release of the Utilities, it still took some guesswork to get from one part of the program to another. First-time users of the program—some of them still numb from the shock of a FATAL ERROR message—may not be in the mood for experimenting. Without detailed instructions, they could add to the damage they're trying to fix.

A valuable addition to the manual would be a chart showing the contents of all the file-repair menus and the command keystrokes needed to get from one menu to another. Also, a more detailed set of troubleshooting procedures and a more comprehensive discussion of the causes of data loss would be useful.

In general, I think the Norton Utilities is an excellent set of programs. It provides a good way to learn more about how a computer works and how information is stored on disks. Among the many Norton programs, there are a few that you'll probably use regularly; the rest may initially seem less valuable. But they're like specialized tools: In some situations, you'll find them indispensable. This is certainly true of the Norton datarecovery procedure. Using it once to retrieve a valuable file can make it pay for itself. Not many programs can promise as much. ■

326 BYTE • DECEMBER 1985

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Inquiry 32

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DECEMBER 1985 -BYTE 327

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A class act with caveats

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HARDWARE REVIEW

HyperDrive

for the Macintosh

G

Gregg Williams is a senior technical

editor at BYTE. He can be

contacted at POB 372. Hancock.

NH 03449

eneral Computer Company's ■ HyperDrive isn't much to look at. In fact, the only difference between a HyperDrive-equipped Mac and a normal one is a sticker just below the screen (see photo 1). But that's one of the HyperDrive's best features: There isn't anything to look at. It looks like a normal Macintosh, but inside is a 10-megabyte (or, in the case of HyperDrive 20, a 20-megabyte) hard disk. A HyperDrive-equipped Mac fits in the same carrying case and still has two free serial ports (many add-on Mac hard disks use one of the two serial ports). As an added bonus, a HyperDrive-equipped Mac uses itself as the start-up disk, eliminating the usual practice of having to start up with a special floppy disk.

The HyperDrive is fast, unobtrusive, and easy to use. Unfortunately, I had some problems that might affect your view of it.

Inside the HyperDrive

The HyperDrive is an add-on hard-disk drive installed inside your 512K-byte Macintosh by one of General Computer Company's authorized dealers. Formerly, the company offered its own 512K-byte upgrade: it no longer does. The disk is housed in a shockmounted case: the dealer also installs one circuit board, an auxiliary power supply, and a small fan (see photo 2). This adds just under 5 pounds to the Mac's weight (just over 5 pounds for the HyperDrive 20).

The HyperDrive with installation costs $1695 ($2195 for the HyperDrive 20). GCC provides a 90-day warranty, and the HyperDrive can be serviced by the dealer who installed it or by any authorized Apple dealer (last lune, Apple announced that adding a HyperDrive does not void your Mac warranty). You can also purchase a one-year maintenance contract covering the HyperDrive for $195 ($2 50 for the HyperDrive 20).

I found the HyperDrive and the HyperDrive 20 to be identical except for the amount of storage they deliver. From here on, anything I say about the HyperDrive will

refer to both models unless I explicitly indicate the HyperDrive 20.

Running the HyperDrive

A HyperDrive-equipped Mac uses modified software that partitions the hard disk into as many drawers as you want. A drawer is essentially the same as a disk drive: it has its own desktop icon that opens, like a normal Macintosh disk-drive icon, to a window containing its contents. Unlike a normal disk, a drawer can take up to 16 megabytes of disk storage; the only other limitation is in the number of files it can store in one drawer. (The Macintosh, like many other computers, was not designed with hard disks in mind. Vendors of add-on hard disks modify the existing operating system so the hard disk looks like multiple floppy disks. The Macintosh floppy disk contains space for only 128 files, a maximum large enough for the standard 400K-byte 3'/2-inch floppy disk but not for a larger mass-storage device.)

A HyperDrive drawer can be larger than 400K bytes but still has a natural limitation in the number of files it can hold. GCC has altered the Finder so a drawer can contain up to 128 (normal), 2 56, or 512 files. A drawer allocates storage from the hard disk in units of 2 56K bytes—a drawer with just one file in it takes 2 56K bytes, and a set of files totaling 2 57K bytes takes 512K bytes.

Because of the way the HyperDrive allocates disk space, drawers have an interesting quirk: The available memory messages in the upper left corner of various drawer windows might be different (they should be the same, since they reflect the amount of memory available on the entire hard disk).

The Manager

lust as a normal Macintosh runs faster if you're not using the external drive, the HyperDrive-equipped Mac runs faster if you have fewer drawers on the desktop. You can

{continued)

. Inquiry 246

DECEMBER 1985 'BYTE 329

REVIEW: HYPERDRIVE

AT A GLANCE

Name

HyperDrive (or HyperDnve 20)

Type

An internal 10-megabyte (or 20-megabyte) hard disk for the Macintosh computer

Manufacturer

General Computer Co. 215 First St. Cambridge, MA 02142 (617) 492-5500

Software

Modified System file plus Manager, Hyperlnstall, Backup, and print-spooling programs

Price

$1695 ($2195 for HyperDnve 20), optional HyperCare maintenance contract is $195 ($250 for HyperDnve 20)

use the Manager program (included with HyperDrive) to open or close drawers. Closed drawers are invisible to the Macintosh: they do not appear on the desktop, nor do they slow start-up and launch times (launch time is the amount of time needed to start a selected program). The Manager gives you a "Drawers" menu that lists all existing drawers. You can check (open) and uncheck (close) a drawer by selecting its name.

With the Manager program, you can also initialize, format, or nondestructive^ test the hard disk, create and delete drawers, change a drawer's password, and do garbage collection (reclaim fragmented areas of storage too small to use). The Preferences screen lets you modify the HyperDrive's behavior in several ways (see photo 3).

The Drawers Accessory

To the Macintosh, the Manager is just another program, and entering and leaving it take time. As a partial, faster substitute. GCC has added a new desk

accessory titled Drawers. When you launch the Drawers accessory, the Mac adds the Drawers menu to the title bar and you can open new drawers, even while you're inside an executing program.

Occasionally, you can't close drawers this way and must do it via the Manager program. This happens when the HyperDrive software sees that a file is still open and might happen when you try to open or close a drawer created with the 2 56- or 512-fiIe directory.

Backups

GCC includes a Backup program that lets you copy files or some or all of the drawers, either to another part of the HyperDrive or to multiple floppy disks. Once you have done that, you can later do an incremental backup on one or more drawers—this is faster because it updates only the data that has changed since the last backup. However, each incremental backup takes at least one disk, even if you have changed only a few files. This is

Photo 1: A Macintosh computer with a GCC HyperDrive 20 20-megabyte hard disk in it.

330 BYTE • DECEMBER 198=.

REVIEW: HYPERDRIVE

wasteful, and you will eventually want to do a complete backup (which will use disks more efficiently).

Print Spooler

The print-spooling utility supplied with the HyperDrive is an innovative and useful program that uses the free space on the hard disk (i.e., diskstorage capacity not used by any open or closed drawer) to spool any output that goes to the printer. All other Mac print spoolers to date print only text files. (Ordinary text spoolers use a small amount of the Mac's memory to store the file in ASCII format and then print it in draft mode. The Mac cannot spare enough memory to save the high-resolution graphics image that it sends to the printer when a document is printed in standard- or high-quality modes, but a HyperDrive-equipped Mac with several unused megabytes of storage can.)

You can install the print-spooling capability by moving the Spooler Install program onto the Startup drawer and launching it; the print-spooling capability is available automatically when you restart the computer until you remove it by running the Spooler Install program again. The feature works well; for example, I started printing a 14-page MacWrite document and found that my Mac was free for other tasks after the printer had produced four pages. (The spooler does not spool everything to disk, only what the printer can't handle; for the first four pages, the Mac was continuously printing the document and saving the rest of it to disk. This is slower than a scheme that would dump everything to disk, but it saves a lot of time.) The spooler continues to print your document, pausing only during times of heavy disk access, even if you leave one application and go to another; however, it does not survive a complete reset or powerdown/power-up of the Mac.

Performance

The more files that are on the desktop, the longer the Mac takes to start

{continued)

Photo 2: An interior shot of a HyperDrive-equipped Mac. The hard disk is the vertically mounted box. The circuit hoard in front of the hard disk is not part of the HyperDrive: it is an enhancement that gives the Mac an external video output jack.

Photo 3: The Preferences screen. This screen allows you to change the way the HyperDrive works.

DECEMBER 1985 -BYTE 331

REVIEW: HYPERDRIVE

up or exit from an application (which essentially restarts the system). Surprisingly, the launch time also varies with the amount of data on the desktop. This is Macintosh Finder 4.1 behavior, not HyperDrive behavior. However, the problem is magnified with a HyperDrive because you can have many more files on the desktop at a time.

Table 1 shows the timing results of three operations (initial start-up of disk and launch and exit times for the Manager program) under varying conditions. (The launch and exit times for the Manager are representative of applications in general; 1 found the respective times for MacPaint, for example, to be within a second of those for Manager.) The table shows that the more files visible on the desktop, the longer the HyperDrive-equipped Mac takes to start the system and leave an application (the time needed to launch an application increases only slightly with the load).

The table also shows that the overhead of an empty drawer (which takes up 4K bytes) is pretty low. and that there is a slight advantage (never more than two seconds) to putting all your files in one drawer instead of several. Note that the drawers in the last example contain less data than the example with four loaded drawers; 1 could not triple the number of files in the second drawer because

1 ran out of space in the drawer's directory.

Because of the preceding results, the best strategy is to place your files so that you can work with the fewest number of drawers and the smallest amount of disk storage visible at one time. In my use of the HyperDrive. I put my more commonly used applications in one drawer and the less frequently used ones in another, and I closed any drawer not in use.

Problems

The add-on nature of the HyperDrive causes occasional odd things to happen, none of them serious. GCC has taken care of them in ways that cause little inconvenience.

The drawer icons become normal disk icons when you return from an application that's on a floppy disk. This is because that disk becomes the start-up disk, and it lacks the drawer icon and a few other things. This is only an annoyance, but you can prevent it by running a supplied HyperInstall program, which adds the missing elements to the disk.

If you create a drawer and turn the Mac off without putting something in it. you will get a "disk needs minor repairs'' alert box the next time you turn on your Mac. Nothing has gone wrong—it's just that the Finder looks for an invisible Desktop file on each disk, which is normally created as

soon as you put one file on it. When it doesn't see it. the Finder gives you the "minor repairs'' box and creates the Desktop file when you tell it to go ahead with the repairs. This is a function of the Macintosh Finder program, not the HyperDrive.

Caveats

1 used a 10-megabyte HyperDriveequipped Mac eight hours a day for two months without a problem, in the month that followed, however, I had one crash that resulted in GCC replacing the unit (GCC said it was a bad disk-controller card), a major softwarerelated problem (somehow the System Folder software got corrupted), and another crash that caused the loss of two drawers. (I use "crash" to denote a system failure that leaves the computer unable to start up from the internal hard disk.) Three times, the fan in the second HyperDriveequipped Mac made a buzzing sound that went away in about an hour. I will not elaborate on these errors because GCC maintains that it has improved both its software and its method of adding the HyperDrive to a 512K-byte Macintosh.

I received a HyperDrive 20 in late August and used it for about two weeks. In that time, I had several problems of varying severity.

Some 3!/2-inch floppy disks that usually worked crashed when trans

Table

I: Event times

in seconds

on the HyperDrive-equipped Macintosh.

The events measured are time to start up [from

computer turned on to

appearance

of the desktop).

time to enter

the Manager program

and time to exit if and return to

the desktop. The top section shows the effect of adding empty drawers (4K bytes each)

to the desktop, which

is negligible.

The middle section shows the effect of adding data

to the extra drawers. The bottom section shows the speed advantage of

putting

approximately the same amount of data in

one drawer.

Drawers (K bytes in each)

Total

Launch

Exit

1

2

3

4

K bytes

Start-up

Manager

Manager

966

1142

2108

27.0

5.7

9.6

966

1142

4

2112

274

6 2

9.8

966

1142

4

4

2116

28.0

R7

9.9

966

1142

4

4

2116

28.0

e^

9.9

966

1142

1142

3250

33.7

7.6

16.3

966

1142

1142

1142

4392

42.3

7.5

24.3

970

1142

2112

277

7.3

9.6

970

2273

3243

31.4

7.4

14.3

970

3026

3996

33.8

7.3

16.7

332 BYTE • DECEMBER I985

Inquiry 133

REVIEW: HYPERDRIVE

ferred to the HyperDrive. I eventually discovered that, in almost every case, the solution was to remove the System Folder from that disk so the software would go to the System Folder, as modified for the HyperDrive, in the Startup drawer. Tom Westberg of GCC said that his company now recommends that you put all your applications in the Startup drawer, which would prevent this problem.

One time I was unable to open a drawer, even from the Manager program. Westberg said this stems from a complicated algorithm that manages the hard disk; paradoxically, the problem goes away as you use more and more of the HyperDrive's capacity. Westberg said that it rarely happens, and the system software is always able to open at least three drawers before it happens.

Twice, on entering the Manager program, I was given an alert box telling me that "The HyperDrive has not been formatted properly. The only function you may execute at this point is 'Format.'" (1 could also quit.) When I quit the alert box and reentered the Manager program, I did not get this message again (formatting the HyperDrive would have erased everything on the disk). Westberg, who was always very helpful, said he thinks that the spurious alert box was a bug in the software.

My last problem occurred as I was writing this review: The HyperDrive crashed whenever I tried to use the internal or external floppy-disk drive. The hardware was probably not at fault; the drives booted and operated correctly when I caused the Mac to ignore the HyperDrive and use a floppy as the start-up disk. I did not have time to correct this error and sent the HyperDrive back to GCC.

Conclusions

1 like the HyperDrive very much, but I can't deny the severity and number of problems I had with it. I might still buy one, but only if my dealer were nearby and he or she reported no problems with previous HyperDrives. ■

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DECEMBER 1985 -BYTE 333

HOW TO GET

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The Spartan™ is the Apple'" II + emulator for your Commodore 64'" that will open

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"All prices quoted ore in U.S funds, freight and taxes not included Value of components equivalent tern are quoted (fom Apple " II + CPU and Apple" II + single disk drive 1983 list prices, and from current suggested list prices and component specifications ol other peripheral manufacturers Commodore 64'" and Commodore logo are trademarks of Commodore Electronics Ltd and or Commodore Business Machines, Inc. Apple " II + Is a trademark of Apple Computer Inc Spartan " is a trademark ol Mimic Systems Inc and has no association with Commodore Electronics or Apple Computer Inc. The Spartan" Is manufactured by Mimic Systems under license granted by ATG Electronics Inc of

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• -•

HARDWARE REVIEW

Upgrades for the TRS-80 Model 100

Equipment

for adding

versatility and

convenience

BY TERRY KEPNER

Terry Kepner (POB 481,

Peterborough, NH 03458) is a

freelance writer and programmer. He

has been writing about computers

since 1979.

The Radio Shack Model 100 was the first truly portable computer with built-in software. Because of that, it received rave reviews and gained immense popularity. But it was also criticized because it couldn't be expanded with hardware: It lacked a disk-drive interface and options for increasing the memory, for using a video monitor or larger screen display, and for an expansion box.

But all that has changed. You can now increase the memory capacity to 96K bytes with more software, add disk drives, increase the display to a full 80 characters by 24 lines, and add expansion boxes that include real-world interfaces (analog to digital) for connecting to other equipment.

Memory Modules

When the Model 100 was introduced, only Radio Shack sold the 8K-byte memory modules. Now six companies sell the chips for considerably less. (See the text box on page 336 for the sources of products mentioned.) These modules are literally a snap to install: Turn off the computer, remove the back, locate the empty RAM (randomaccess read/write memory) sockets, plug in the 8K-byte chip modules, and reassemble the unit. Any technician can do the job in 15 minutes, and a brave novice can do it almost as quickly.

Memory Expansion

The Model 100 gives you 32 K bytes of RAM with all the memory sockets filled. The next step in expanding RAM involves the upgrades that use the bus socket located on the bottom of the computer, in the expansion compartment.

PG Design's 32K-byte RAM bank ($32 5) plugs into the expansion socket and includes its own battery. It uses CMOS (complementary metal-oxide semiconductor) memory, like the internal RAM, and the inclusion of the battery turns the expansion board into a miniature self-powered bank. The unit can be removed for several weeks

without losing data. Unfortunately, the board also covers up the access to the expansion ROM (read-only memory) socket, so you can't use any other devices while the "memory bank" is installed. Nor can you transfer data between the external bank and the internal memory. In operation you can use either the internal or the external memory: programs can't span the banks (i.e., you can't have a 40K-byte program or data file). A simple one-line BASIC program is used to switch between the two banks.

Cryptronics offers even more convenience with its 96K-byte expansion memory bank ($42 5). It fits inside the expansion compartment but doesn't cover the expansion ROM socket. It. too, includes a battery'. A program is provided for transferring data from bank to bank.

The next level of memory upgrade is also made by Cryptronics, the PortaPac Z-100 RAM disk. This device plugs into the RS-232C port of the Model 100 and provides storage capacities of 60K bytes ($325). 120K bytes ($395), 180K bytes ($465). and 240K bytes ($53 5). Each block of 60K bytes is treated as a "drive." The unit measures 1.75 inches high by 6 inches wide by 10 inches deep and weighs 3.75 pounds (including its internal sealed lead-acid battery). The battery is recharged with an AC adapter while the unit is in use: it powers the RAM disk for 2Vi to 4 hours of continuous use or 6 to 20 hours of storage time (depending on the amount of RAM). The PortaPac Z-100 includes operating software in internal ROM and a BASIC program you load into your computer and use to control the unit. The disadvantages of the unit are its short memory retention and its hefty amount of radio frequency interference. Radios and televisions can't operate within about 30 feet of the unit.

Data Storage

Permanent data storage for the Model 100 was originally limited to cassette tapes. Now

{continued)

«— Inquiry 249

DECEMBER 1985 -BYTE 335

REVIEW: MODEL 100 UPGRADES

several choices are available: wafer tape. 5 W-inch floppy disks, and 3 '/2-inch disks, with bubble-memory under development

Holmes Engineering was first on the scene with its wafer-tape drive system, the Portable Micro Drive (PMD) ($369.50), which operates from the Model 100 RS-232C port. The PMD is about the same size as the Model 100. The drive is battery-powered with an AC adapter/charger and includes its own internal RAM for RAM-disk operation. The wafer tapes are about 20 to 30 times faster than cassette tapes for data saving and loading and

are "endless loop" tapes. Micro wafer tapes come in various sizes from 5 to 50 feet. The PMD treats the tapes as "slow" disk drives, automatically searching for sections large enough to store files. (You don't have to worry about "overwriting" other files or programs: the PMD won't let you unless you specifically tell it to erase a tape file.) Like the PortaPac Z-100. the PMD can store only ASCII (American Standard Code for Information Interchange) files and is controlled primarily through the Model 100 TELCOM program. Standard disk drives and an 80

character by 2 5-line display on a video monitor are available with Radio Shack's Disk/Video Interface ($799). But this ties you to a desk. If you want portability, you have two choices: the Holmes Engineering Chipmunk and the PICdisc Micro Drive, which both use 3!/2-inch disks with 360K-byte capacity.

The Chipmunk, available from the Portable Computer Support Group for $599, is a battery-operated unit with an AC adapter/charger. It measures 5'/2 inches wide by 2'/2 inches tall by 7/2 inches deep and weighs only 2/2

{continued)

Where to Get Upgrades

Memory Modules

Memory Expansion

Expansion ROMs

Radio Shack/Tandy Corp.

PG Design

Lucid. Write-ROM

1800 One Tandy Center

(see address above)

Portable Computer Support

Fort Worth. TX 76102

Group

$119.95

Cryptronics Inc. (see address above)

(see address above)

Purple Computing

The Ultimate ROM

2068 Ventura Blvd.

Traveling Software Inc.

Camarilla CA 93010

11050 Fifth Ave. NE

$44.95

Data Storage

Portable Micro Drive

Seattle. WA 9812 5

Cryptronics Inc.

Holmes Engineering

Multiplan

11711 Coley River Circle

(see address above)

Radio Shack/Tandy Corp.

Suite 7

(see address above)

Fountain Valley. CA 92708

Disk/Video Interface

$29

Radio Shack/Tandy Corp.

ROM2

(see address above)

Polar Engineering and

PC Design

Consulting

66040 Gratiot Richmond, MI 48062

The Chipmunk

Portable Computer Support

Box 7188 Nikishka. AK 9963 5

$48.50

Economy Computer Concepts

Group

11035 Harry Hines Blvd.

No. 207

Peripherals

Thinview LCD panel

Box 2047

Dallas. TX 75229

AXONIX

North Babylon. NY 11703

417 Wakara Way

$39

PICdisc Micro Drive

Salt Lake City. UT 84108

I.O. DataTech

Personal Integrated Computers

PL-1000

48-60 38th St.

18013 Skypark Circle

Elexor Associates

Long Island City. NY 11101

Suite D

Box 246

$69.95

Irvine. CA 92714

Morris Plains. N| 07950

Holmes Engineering

Bubble-memory device

Black lack modem adapter

5175 Green Pine Dr.

SoundSight Communications

Microperipheral Corp.

Salt Lake City, UT 84123

2807 Pelham Place

2 565 152nd Ave. NE

$49.95

Hollywood. CA 90668

Redmond, WA 98052

336 BYTE • DECEMBER 1985

Kir 112

LIMITED EDITION

INTELLIGENT REFLECTIONS

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The two 1985 Byte covers shown above are now available as 16" X 20" limited edition prints. Each edition is strictly limited to 1000 prints, which are individually inspected, signed and numbered by the artist. Robert Tinney. These excellent reproductions are made from the original paintings(not from transparencies or photos) to ensure accurate color fidelity.

Byte Limited Edition Classics are printed on select 100% cotton fiber stock This is a museum grade acid free paper, highly resistant to yellowing and cracking: you will be assured of a print which will retain its color and beauty for generations Accompanying each print is a handsome Certificate of Authenticity, which is also personally signed and numbered by the artist, and which certifies the quality and limited number of the edition.

Price and Shipping

The price of each Byte Limited Edition Classic is $55: if two or more prints are ordered, the price of each is only $45.

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Ordering

To order your Byte Limited Edition Classic(s). just clip out and mail the coupon below. If you prefer, you may call in a MasterCard or Visa order to Robert Tinney Graphics. I-(504)272-7266.

Send me the following print for $55($45 each for two or more) Qty # Title Amount

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postage & handling $4($10 overseas) $ Total $ Bill my □ Visa or □ Mastercharge: Exp Date Card No.

DECEMBER 1985 'BYTE 337

Inquiry 125 for End-Users. Inquiry 126 for DEALERS ONLY

EARTH LAUNCHES NEW STARS

EARTH COMPUTERS launches two of the "Hottest" new stars in the S-100 Universe. Both the TURBOMASTER 8" and TURBOSLAVE P are Star performers, featuring high speed Z-80H CPUs. EARTH'S new stars are fully compatible with the Multi-user TurboDOS operating system, and will operate in most S-100 systems, including pre-IEEE 696 systems.

TURBOMASTER 8

I This outstanding new 8-Bit Single [Board Computer offers features that are out of this world:

• On-board ST-506 Winchester Controller

• TurboDOS, CP/M, MP/M compatible

• 5-V4" and 8" Floppy Controller

• Up to 256KB of memory* 2 Serial ports

• 8 MHz, Z-80H CPU • 1 Parallel port

TURBOSLAVE I

fi

[The perfect companion to the TURBOMASTER 8 or other

18/16-Bit Master processor. This high speed slave utilizes an 8 MHz Z-80H CPU and offers extensive on-board diagnostics... an industry exclusive.

• No paddle boards

• S-100, IEEE 696 compatible

• 128KB of RAM

• 2 RS-232 ports, 50-38.4K Baud

• FIFO communications

EARTH COMPUTERS also manufacturers a growing line of PC compatible stellar performers such as: • TURBOSLAVE PC™—an 8 MHz

Z-80 single board slave processor that runs CP/M applications on a PC and is compatible with the TurboDOS multi-user operating system.

• TURBOACCEL 286"—a high performance 80286 accelerator that boosts PC performance up to five times.

• EARTHNET PC™ and EARTHNET S-100, the low cost, ARCNETcompatible way to tie PC and S-100 systems together.

To put these stars to work for you, call or write EARTH COMPUTERS. BE SURE TO ASK ABOUT HOW YOU CAN WIN A FREE Z-80 CO-PROCESSOR BOARD.

EARTH COMPUTERS

"Building Blocks For The Super Micro"

P.O. Box 8067, Fountain Valley, CA 92728 TELEX: 910997 6120 EARTH FV PHONE: (714) 964-5784

338 BYTE • DECEMBER I985

REVIEW: MODEL 100 UPGRADES

PICdisc turns the Model 100 into a CP/M computer.

pounds. It plugs into the expansion socket on the bottom of the Model 100. You can't use the memoryexpansion modules with the Chipmunk plugged in. It uses a small CDOS program to control the unit. The internal batteries provide 2 hours of continuous use (such as a disk data sort) or about 12 hours of intermittent use (loading and saving files).

PICdisc ($799) is manufactured by Personal Integrated Computers (PIC) and uses a different approach. It includes a 32K-byte RAM bank and turns a Model 100 into a 64K-byte CP/M computer. (You must have a 32K-byte Model 100 to use PICdisc.) The unit attaches directly to the left side of the Model 100 with a special metal mounting plate you bolt to its bottom. The mounting plate holds the drive connector and attaches to the expansion bus with a short cable that runs to the expansion compartment. A plastic lid covers the entire bottom of the computer and the connecting cable to prevent the mounting plate from scratching tabletops.

With the mounting plate in position, the PICdisc drive can be quickly installed or removed without putting stress on the delicate expansion socket of the Model 100. The mounting plate has an expansion connector for the drive. The bottom lid adds only one-quarter inch to the depth of the Model 100. The PICdisc runs for 2/2 hours continuously or about 20 hours intermittently.

The disadvantage of the PICdisc is that it completely usurps the computer's ROM operating system and programs, turning the Model 100 into a CP/M computer. Special software automatically saves a RAM image to disk when you boot the PICdisc, so you don't lose the data in memory. (When you exit CP/M, this image is reloaded into your computer.) And

you can pull files out of the RAM image for use in CP/M programs. In other words, PICdisc wasn't designed to complement the Model 100 programs—it was designed to replace the Model 100 ROM.

The advantage of the PICdisc is access to the CP/M system and all the programs available for it. Unfortunately, only PIC supplies the CP/M programs in the 3 '/2-inch format, but the company will transfer programs and files to that format if you supply the original 5!4-inch disk.

The PICdisc system incorporates the T/Maker Integrated Software System, which includes word processing, relational database management, spreadsheet, graphics, and a spelling checker. This almost offsets the disadvantage of losing the Model 100 ROM programs. Once you start using T/Maker, you probably won't notice the loss of the Model 100 native mode.

SoundSight Communications manufactures a bubble-memory expansion device. The device uses bubble-memory modules that are slower than normal RAM but faster than a disk drive, and they never lose stored data until you order it erased. The price runs from $750 to $900 for the first 128K bytes, with possible expansion to 512 megabytes.

The bubble-memory unit is a simple bolt-on case that attaches to the bottom of the computer, leaving the expansion compartment door accessible. It makes the Model 100 about one-half inch thicker. Like the Model 100, it's powered by A A batteries.

Expansion ROMs

ROMs have advantages over RAMbased programs because they don't require any RAM and you don't have to load them into RAM to use them. Lucid ($149.95) and Write-ROM ($149.95) are produced by the Portable Computer Support Group. Lucid is a spreadsheet program that rivals Lotus 1-2-3 in capabilities (except disk I/O routines, of course). Trying to describe all its abilities would require a separate review. Its most unusual

[continued)

EXECUTIVE PRIVILEGE.

Introducing the $268 OKIMATE 20 color printer for IBM® and Apple® users.

We admit it-the OKIMATE 20 isn't for everyone. Just IBM and Apple users who like to execute their big ideas with style.

The OKIMATE 20 is a powerful business tool, capable of printing ruthlessly accurate performance charts in over 100 vivid colors. It can paint sales records and forecasts with the same dynamic intensity. Or process your conclusions with crisp, near-letter quality

text. It can even make overhead transparencies to show your recommendations to the entire company. And it's easy enough for a busy executive to operate— everything is included.*

Rank sure has its privileges. And the new OKIMATE 20 certainly is one. For your nearest Okidata dealer, call l-800-OKIDATA (in New Jersey 609-235-2600). Mt. Laurel. NJ 08054.

58*

* 15

: 7.5

I 5

NARKET FORECAST

5X - 8

83 84 85 86 87

K .

'W^PUJWPHJHWM

OKIDATA

m an OKI AMERICA company

Inquiry 269.

•$268 f& manufacturers suggested retail price,

OKIMATE 20 "Plug n Print" package includes black and color ribbon cartridges, paper and two <

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The above charts were created with Fast Graphs* and printed using OKIMATE 20 s

Color Screen Print program through multiple-passes.

Apple is a registered trademark of Apple Computer, Inc.

IBM is a registered trademark of International Business Machines, Inc.

Inquiry 314

I B M / P C

CROSS

ASSEMBLERS

We've been selling these industrial-quality assemblers to the development system market since 1978. They are now available for the IBM PC.

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Assemblers now available

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8051

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9900/9995

6804

Z8000

6805

68000

6809

6301

6811

8048/49/50/42

8085

65C02/C102/C112

Take advantage of leading-edge technology. Get your own Reims assembler today. Use your Mastercard or order by phone: (408) 265-5411

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Prices subject to change without notice. Software distributor inquiries invited.

rains

REVIEW: MODEL 100 UPGRADES

feature is that it doesn't require RAM for empty cells; only spreadsheet cells holding data use up memory. Its maximum size is 126 columns by 254 rows.

Write-ROM upgrades the Model 100 by replacing the built-in TEXT program with a more powerful word processor. It has all the features you might expect: margin control, centering, justification, headers, footers, search and replace, and 3 5 other functions. You can also prepare WordStarcompatible files on it and perform mail-merge functions.

The Ultimate ROM ($229.95) is a collection of three Traveling Software programs on one plug-in ROM chip. The trio consists of T-base, a relational database manager; Traveling Writer, a text formatter; and Idea!, a thought processor that can organize ideas into outlines. All the programs use a Config file that lets you modify them.

Multiplan ($149.95) from Radio Shack is the popular spreadsheet program scaled down to the Model 100. Almost all the features, except disk I/O commands, have been reproduced, including template and data portability to other versions of Multiplan. Its size limit is 63 columns by 99 rows.

For the 8085 machine-language programmer there is ROM2 ($85), a macro assembler/symbolic debugger. The assembler allows macros with symbolic arguments, conditional assembly-code blocks, and label table retention. The debugger allows interactive code patching, interactive code execution, program simulation tracing, single-stepping, breakpoint setting, and other functions. ROM2 is also of interest to BASIC programmers. It includes a renumber utility, lists a RAM directory with file sizes, can copy and compare .DO files, and has a global search-and-replace utility.

Peripherals

For Model 100 owners unhappy with the laptop's limited display, Axonix has the Thinview LCD panel ($699). It measures 1 % inches thick by 6\i inches high by 11 Va inches wide. It's an 80-column by 2 5-line battery-operated display. The unit plugs into the

RS-232C port or expansion bus socket and includes driver software that routes the normal LCD input to the Thinview. Weight, including batteries, is less than three pounds. The nicad batteries provide up to 16 hours of continuous use. The display is 640 by 200 pixels for a total of 128,000 addressable pixels. While the unit is normally set for 80 characters, you can get a compressed display of up to 106 characters per line. The Thinview has its own 16K bytes of memory for the display and has scrolling, paging, and cursor-control capability. You can even get up to 64 K bytes of programmable memory in the unit.

To connect your Model 100 to the real world, there is the $549 PL-1000 from Elexor Associates. This RS-232C device has a 16-channel 12-bit analogto-digital input, a 2-channel digital-toanalog input, 32-bit digital I/O, nonvolatile memory, and room for two additional boards in the chassis. Expansion boards currently available handle digital I/O, A/D timer/counter, triac, optoisolator, relay, battery option, and a direct bus to the Model 100. The unit is only slightly larger than the Model 100.

Finally, if you are frustrated with hotel phone systems that don't give you access to the phone lines (no modular plugs) and don't like the low reliability of the Radio Shack acoustic couplers, the Black lack modular jack ($49.95) adapter from Microperipheral Corp. might be just what you want. To use it, you remove the mouthpiece from the telephone, screw in the Black Jack, plug the modular cable into the Black Jack, dial your remote system, and start communicating. The Black Jack circumvents unreliable and noisy acoustic couplers and lets you transmit and receive from phones that don't use the standard modular plugs.

Summary

The Model 100 has come quite a distance since its introduction. With its current low price and the number of upgrades available, the Model 100 is one of the most versatile laptop computers in the world. ■

340 BYTE • DECEMBER 1985

2400 bps modems: Do you Really need another speed?

Inquiry 254 for End-Users. Inquiry 255 for DEALERS ONLY

For more information, call us toll-free at 1-800-328-9717 (in Minnesota, call 1-612-631-3550).

• Is the shift from 300 to 1200 bps going to repeat itself at 2400 bps? The answer is both yes and no. There certainly are applications for 2400 bps asynch dial-up modems, but we shouldn't expect 1200 bps to die overnight.

• 2400 bps modems can improve throughput, thereby getting tasks done quicker and more economically. However, 1200 bps has become the virtual standard for professional dial-up communications, and most users are satisfied with it. So why consider a 2400 bps modem at all?

• One reason is flexibility. If the modem you select operates at all three speeds (300,1200 & 2400) in accordance with accepted industry standards, it will serve virtually all dial-up applications now and in the foreseeable future.

• The modem you select should be the MultiModem224. It is Bell 212A and 103 compatible at 1200 and 300 bps, and CCITT V.22bis compatible at 2400. It is also 100% compatible with the Hayes command set, meaning that it will work with virtually all communications software packages, at all three speeds. Other features include both synchronous and asynchronous operation, full intelligence and a phone number memory.

• The MultiModem224 is available in both desktop and IBM PC™ internal card versions. (There is also a rackmounted version for central sites.) And as a bonus, we provide free offers from ten of the most popular on-line information services, including CompuServe™ Dow Jones™ and The Source.™

• A 2400/1200/300 bps modem is just a plain good investment. Why not let the MultiModem224 provide your communications for both today and tomorrow?

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The right answer every time.

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Princeton

Graphic Systems

Number One

Again

Sharp resolution, full compatiblity, and rugged reliability. That's what you get in every Princeton Graphic Systems monitor. That's why Princeton Graphic Systems is number one in the minds of more and more personal computer owners every year.

Only Princeton Graphic Systems offers a complete family of quality personal computer

displays. Our color and monochrome monitors outperform the competition every time. That's why, for the second year in a row, our HX-12 high resolution color monitor has been voted best in the world.*

So for the very best in personal computer monitors, pick the company that's number one. Princeton Graphic Systems.

•PC WORLD Magiztne's 1985 World Class Survey

PRINCETON

PRINCETON

GRAPHIC SVSTEMS

AN INTELLIGENT SYSTEMS COMPANY

601 Ewing Street, Bldg. A, Princeton, NJ 08540, (609) 683-1660, Telex: 821402 PGSPRIN, (800) 221-1490 Ext. 704 342 BYTE • DECEMBER 1985

Inquiry 292

IBM's

replacement

for its

Graphics

Printer

by Rich Malloy

Rich Malloy is BYTE's New York

editor. He can be reached at

SYTEIMcGraw-Hill. 43rd Floor.

1221 Avenue of the Americas, New

York. NY 10020.

HARDWARE REVIEW

The IBM Proprinter

You've just printed out a three-page letter on fanfold microperforated paper. You remove the perforation strips and separate the pages. The letter looks professionally typed, but now you have to print the address on the envelope. You remove the fanfold paper and insert the envelope, being careful not to catch it on the tractor-feed sprockets. Then you print the envelope and reinsert the fanfold paper. The whole process takes about 20 minutes. You think that there has to be a better way to print envelopes. And you begin to wipe the dust off your neglected typewriter.

The new Proprinter from IBM offers a simple solution. It has a long slot on the front panel into which you can easily insert envelopes and single-sheet paper. The beauty of the design is that you never have to remove the fanfold paper.

The Proprinter has other features, too. It can print at 84 characters per second in draft mode or 27 cps in near-letter-quality (what IBM calls NLQ) mode. It is compatible with the Epson MX-80 and with IBM's previous dot-matrix Graphics Printer, and it costs a fairly reasonable $549. Unfortunately, the Proprinter is not without its problems.

At first glance, the Proprinter seems a little larger than the Epson MX-80 or FX-80. The control panel is on the left side of the front panel, which makes it easier to see. The on/off switch is on the right side, just where it is on the IBM Personal Computer. It fits attractively on a desk, but note that you will probably have to use it with some type of printer stand.

Speed

The Proprinter is fast but, like most dotmatrix printers, not as fast as advertised. In my tests, the printer produced at an average of 84 cps, a long way from the advertised 200 cps. Actual speeds varied widely from 72 to 115 cps. By comparison, an Epson FX-80 printed at 81 cps in the same test. In emphasized mode, the Proprinter

slowed to an average of 42 cps, far from the advertised 100 cps. And in NLQ mode, the printer slowed to a moderate but respectable 27 cps, which is the closest of the three modes to its advertised speed, 40 cps.

The Proprinter could have had better results in our benchmark tests but, toward the end of each test, it paused between lines. 1 repeated the tests with a word-processing program (XyWrite II Plus) and had similar results. According to the optional Proprinter technical reference manual, the printer pauses for "dense patterns" because it thinks the print head is too hot. The manual suggests that you not turn the printer on and off unnecessarily, but I got similar results whether I had just turned the printer on or left it on for a day. The guide to operations, the only manual bundled with the printer, does not explain the problem. The benchmark test is fairly simple (a BASIC program that prints 50 lines of 60 As each) and should not have caused any problems.

Print Quality

The Proprinter's print quality in draft and emphasized modes is almost exactly like that of the Epson MX-80. This is passable, if not aesthetically pleasing.

In NLQ mode, the printer does much better (see figure 1). The characters are distinct and the dots are indiscernible. However. I would have preferred a better typeface: 1 dislike the sans serif style, the square O, and the house-like A. Also, in draft and emphasized modes, the dot of the i is not lined up with the rest of the character. The Proprinter does let you download other characters. I did not try this feature, but it looks fairly straightforward.

Noise

The new ink-jet, thermal-transfer, and laser printers are very quiet. The Proprinter harks back to a noisier time. It seems as loud as any dot-matrix printer I have used. Also, because of its rather high speed, the

[continued]

DECEMBER 1985 'BYTE 343

AT A GLANCE

Name

IBM Proprmter

Type

Dot-matrix printer

Manufacturer

IBM National Distribution

Division

1000 Westchester Ave

White Plains, NY 10604

(800) 426-2468

Features

Draft mode: 200 cps (84 cps

actual) NLQ mode: 40 cps (27 cps

actual) Maximum graphics resolution:

240 dots per inch Compatible with IBM

Graphics Printer and Epson

MX-80 Front slot allows easy insertion

of single-sheet paper and

envelopes Tractor-feed and friction-feed

mechanisms

Options

Serial interface $99

5K-byte buffer $35

Ribbon cartridge $9.25

Technical reference notes $28

Documentation

160-page guide to operations

Warranty

One year

Price

$549

^^^^^^^^^^^BtBK^^*

PRINT SPEED (CHARACTERS/SEC)

III

105

_ m

107

WZMMM /'WHi%

PRINT SPEED (CHARACTERS/SEC)

0 20 40 60 80

DRAFT MODE

PRINT SPEED (CHARACTERS/SEC]

100 0 20 40 60 80

EMPHASIZED MODE

1

WfflMSk

LIST PRICE ($100)

\

~^

1

WMWA

0 10 20 30 40 50 0

NEAR-LETTER-QUALITY MODE

| IBM PROPRINTER HI 1 EPSON FX-80

0KIDATA MICROLINE 92

10

This is the IBM Proprinter, Emphasized mode

This is the Epson FX-80, draft mode.

This is the Ok 1 data v.ictoI ine 9£ in draft

A comparison of the IBM Proprinter with the The print speeds were determined by timing how Epson FX-80 and the Okidata Microlme 92. The long it took the printers to print 50 lines of 60 As pitch for all the printers is 10 characters per inch. each. The prices shown are list prices.

344 B YTE • DECEMBER 198 =i

• 13

■Bra^K'^a

■ a ^—

jjflll

IBtimaEIHB ■^t'itEf'<a»>IEMSi'

fl"~flf

E5u, i.-B IB

CHOOSE «. ENTER

THE X-10 POWERHOUSE INTERFACES WITH YOUR COMPUTER TO CONTROL YOUR HOME...FOR SECURITY, COMFORT AND ENERGY SAVINGS.

This remarkable Interface lets you run your home through your Apple lie or He, Commodore 64 or 128 and a mouse, keyboard or joystick.

When you're away, it makes your home look and sound lived in. When you're home, it can turn off the TV at night and wake you up to stereo and fresh brewed coffee in the morning. It can even turn on your air conditioner and control your heating.

SPECIAL COLOR GRAPHICS MAKE PROGRAMMING A SNAP.

You simply pick a room from the display screen. Use your mouse, joystick, or keyboard to position graphics of i lights or appliances. Then follow on-screen instructions to program any light or appliance to go on or off whenever you choose. You can even control thermostats, light intensity and more.

THE WAY IT WORKS. The X-10 Powerhouse Interface is cableconnected to an Apple RS-232 port or a Commodore "User" port and plugged into a standard 110V outlet. After it is programmed, the Interface sends digitally encoded signals through your home wiring to special X-10 Modules. To control a lamp or appliance, you simply plug the electrical device into a Module

Inquiry 379

»

-I " J J '

i] I L J

I

THE CAT.

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Model CP290

and then plug the Module into an outlet. The Interface can control up to 256 Modules throughout your home and won't interfere with normal use of lights and appliances.

There are plug-in Appliance Modules, , Lamp Modules, Wall Switch Replacement

^*^ Modules and Special 220V Modules for heavy duty appliances such as water heaters and room air conditioners. Plus Thermostat Controllers for central heating and air conditioning, Telephone Responders to control your home from any phone, and much more.

IT WON'T TIE UP YOUR COMPUTER. Use your computer only for programming. When you're finished, disconnect the Interface from your computer and keep it plugged into any convenient power outlet in your home. It will operate as a stand-alone controller with battery back-up and will run your home automatically.

SURPRISINGLY INEXPENSIVE. A Powerhouse System including the Interface, software and connecting cables costs less than $150. X-10 Modules are less than $20 each. Software for IBM PC and compatibles available soon.

For the Dealer Nearest You Call: 1-800 526-0027

Or, write to: X-10 (USA) Pn NJ: (201) 784-9700]

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NUMBER ONE IN HOME CONTROL

Apple, Apple lie and Apple He are registered trademarks of Apple Computer. Inc. Commodore 64 and 128 are registered trademarks of Commodore Int'l Ltd IBM PC is a registered trademark of International Business Machines Corporation.

DECEMBER 1985 -BYTE 345

REVIEW: PROPRINTER

sound it produces is up in the highfrequency end of the audio spectrum. This can be disturbing. Because of the noise, I would not recommend this printer in crowded office situations unless a soundproof enclosure is available.

Compatibility

Compatibility ensures that a large number of software packages will run on a new printer. The Proprinter is not only compatible with the graphics and accented characters used by the IBM PC. but IBM claims that it is compatible with all the software designed for the Graphics Printer. I tested XyWrite II Plus configured for an Epson printer, and it ran fine even during microjustification (i.e., justifying the right margin by inserting small spaces between each letter in a line). I also tested WordStar 3.3 without problems.

For graphics I tested Fancy Font, a software package from SoftCraft Inc. that can print a document in various type styles and is similar to MacWrite on the Macintosh. The program worked well when set up in Epson MX-80 mode but not when set up for an Epson FX-80.

I found only one major difference between the control codes of the Pro

printer and those of the Epsons. In the Epson family, the sequence EscG causes the printer to go into double-strike mode (each dot of a character is printed twice, one right below the other). On the Proprinter. Esc-G starts the NLQ mode (see figure 2 for a demonstration of printing capabilities).

Learning and Ease of Use

The Proprinter is fairly easy to set up, but the manual leaves something to be desired. Installing fanfold paper is not explained until page 49. And although the manual is well written and contains only a couple of typos, it is littered with little boxes marked "Operator Note!" For some reason, the author apparently expected people other than the operator to read the manual. I have always preferred to think of myself as a user rather than an operator.

Using this printer with cut-sheet paper is straightforward but not easy. To advance the paper line by line, you need only insert the paper into the front slot and press the Line Feed button until you reach the desired position. However, it is hard to determine the correct print position. It is very difficult to view the part of the page where the print head is positioned

and, for some completely unfathomable reason, the printer begins onehalf inch below the print head's current position. As a result, you might find it very difficult to position preprinted forms accurately.

I also found it a little hard to use fanfold paper. The printer includes a tractor-feed mechanism, but it is a "pusher" rather than a "puller"; in other words, it pushes the paper through the print mechanism. This saves paper by letting you tear off a sheet right after it has been printed, but the scheme can cause problems, especially with inexpensive, lightweight paper. A few times when I installed fanfold paper, the paper's leading edge stuck on part of the print-head mechanism. It is almost impossible to back up the paper manually without mangling the paper's perforation strips, and it is difficult to disengage the paper from the tractorfeed's sprocket wheels. I therefore found it very hard to remove a mangled page from the printer.

The Proprinter lacks two features that, although missing on many printers, would make life much easier for the user. First, a prominent switch on the front panel should let you change print modes. The Proprinter

{continued}

1

«

#*•/.&■' ( )*+,-. /0123<+56789: ;< = >

?

Si

ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZC \ ]

S\

—

'abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz-C !

>

"V

9G£aaaa9ee£'i j iAA£aefESo6GCiyou<t

£

V

P* f a i 6 li n K a 2 t r- -, '£ V4 i « » !;; | | | J J jl _ - Jj II

Tl

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a J i L *- r r - f- F lr "■ if - rr lr = ir *- * f w °- L r ir iH" J

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4 n 2 .

Figure I: An example of the characters printed by the IBM Proprinter in NLQ mode.

346 BYTE • DECEMBER 1985

REVIEW: PROPRINTER

Draft r, ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYabcdefghijkImnopqrstuv

wxyOiS345&7

Boldfaces ABCDEf-GHI JKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYabcdefghi jklmnopqrs

tuvwxy0123^t

Under i. i ned : ABCDEFGHI JKl HNOF QRSTUVWXYabe de ? qh \ ^ I :ti icpq

f'StUVK,-! vOlc:

Nonprinting:

Compressed: ABCDEFGHI JKLmJ0PQRSTUyi4XVabcdefghiikl«riopQr5tuvwxy0i23456?B9

S(11 "iei"'SC V" 3 D t '.'. ^"c°KF ra,H I "T''::'■"Mlvl''F <:;<"* ' UVMXV«be d«?■r <al"> * .i ►< 1 «<>io r->

<::| v tin t; *..t \s w >■< y O X

;::> U b S C V" 1 p t 5 /a, 3 c Ei e;: F1::) 1 -1 X ..')' K t... r-i isi 0 R cc! P» ra T U v w X v m. b> <:.- el »» f cj n 1 ,<i k- :i. m 1 > <::. p cq 1™

tut "l: t..t >• t*M x y O X t-V.' 3

Special accent characters (codes 131—140): a'aaaC=e'ee'i 5.'

'i selected ttcmb character set S)

C o n t r o 1 C o d e s

Escape E: Emphasi xed

Escape F s Cancels Emphasized

Escape G: Double-Strike (near letter qual)

Escape Hs Cancels above

Escape E & G: Emphasized Double strike

Escape F t. H: Cancel emphasized double stv ike

Escape I ASCII E: Near Letter Quality

Else ape 1 ASCII 0: Normal quality

(••!:ue- .«p:> «n s-ij AS3G2 I X O u *'::S*.-i pa «ro i•■■ hu<:. r" :t. p tj

Escape T : C a n c: e I s a b o v e

F:~. Ml <::: .w pa e» 3 A S3 d X X X n t'ii t..l l-j «n c:: V j. p:> t:

E s c a p e "!' :: C a nc e 1 s a b o v e

Escape " " ASCII is Underline foil owing te>»:t

Escape " " ASCII Os Cancel above

Escape ":": Start 1H characters per inch pitch

ASCII IS: Start 10 characters per inch pitch

EI S-CC SH |3 «~* i-J rt £:::>< 1. I. 1 S OoUtfcj 1 ©• IVM

i. ci ms? |3 s

Escape W ASCII 0: Cancel double-wide printing

ASCII 15: Condensed printing

ASCII 18: Cancels above

ASCII 15 Escape E: Emphasized Condensed printing

ASCII IS Escape F: Cancels Emphasized Condensed print

i ng

ASCII 15 Escape S: Double strike Condensed printing

ASCII IS Escape H: Cancels Double strike Condensed pr

:i nting

Escape ":" Escape G: Start 12 characters per inch pitch, double

strike

ASCII IS Escape H: Cancel above

Figure 2: Samples of the Proprinter's printing capabilities.

DECEMBER 1985 -BYTE 347

■*

• With Hub Rings

• With Write Protect Tabs

• With Static-Free, Dust-Free Envelopes

• With User ID Labels

• In Factory Sealed

Poly Packs

100",. ERROR FREE ■ LIFETIME WARRANTY MEET OR EXCEED APPLICABLE ANSI ECMA ISO

STANDARDS Minimum quantity 50diskeiles Discount for 300or more diskettes Shipping and Handling: S4 00 per 100diskette5 Reduced shipping charge for larger quantities COD add S4 00 Cash or certified check Ml residents add 4%sales tax Prices subject to change without notice

IF

J

Precision Data Products

P.O. Bo» 8367. Grand Rapids. MI 49508 (616) 452-3457 • Michigan I-800-632-2468 Outside Michigan I-800-258-0028

Inquiry 287

PC EXPANSIONS

AST StxPakPlus(64K)

$229

StxPakPlus (384k)

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MegaPlus(64k)

. $269

Advantage (128k)

$409

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. $569

I/O Plus

$129

PCnet - starter kit

$809

Ouadboard (64k)

$193

Quadboard (384k)

$229

Ouadmeg-AT (128k)

$319

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$529

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$105

HERCULES graphics board

$319

Color Card with PP

$159

HAYES Modems 2400

Seal

Smartmodem 1 200

$409

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$379

Set ol 9 chips (64k)

.. $6

256k chips (each)

.. $3

8087 chip

$119

Maynard Disk Controller

$100

Sandstar Series

Scall

Internal Hard Disks from ...

$609

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Inquiry 343

EPROM PROGRAMMER

A great value, here's why:

• Programs and reads 2716 through 27513 EPROMs. 2516 through 2564 EPROMs. 52B13 through 52B33 EEPROMs and others to manufacturers' specs

• Programs A suffix and CMOS parts

• Uses fast programming algorithm

• Requires no pesonahty modules

• RS-232 input requires no special software

• Includes communications software for IBM PC and compatibles

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• Splits files for 16 bit systems

• Gold Textool ZlF socket

• Sturdy Construction

• Full 1 Year Warranty

BP

MICROSYSTEMS

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Inquiry 43

Software for Engineers

Electronic Circuit Analysis

• Nonlinear transient, DC, AC analysis

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• Full delay analysis

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Both have:

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• Macros (unlimited)

• Large circuits

For MS-DOS, 192k minimum

Tatum Labs 33 Main Street Newtown, CT 06470 (203) 426-2184

Inquiry 35

Inquiry 346

REVIEW: PROPRINTER

In many ways,

the IBM Proprinter seems to be a done of the Epson FX-80.

has such a switch, but it is tiny, unlabeled, and hidden deep inside the machine. Second, you should not have to press the Online button before the Line Feed or Form Feed buttons. In order to skip to the next page on the Proprinter, you have to press Online, Form Feed, and Online again. Why not just Form Feed? Almost all printers are set up this way, and I have no idea why. In fact, the only printer 1 know that has both of the above features is the Texas Instruments Model 855.

Conclusion

In many ways, the Proprinter seems to be a clone of the Epson FX-80. Its two distinguishing features are its NLQ mode and its slot in the front to allow easy printing on single-sheet paper and envelopes. Unfortunately, the printer has some problems handling fanfold paper, and the NLQ font could have been made more pleasing without much extra work.

The important things to consider in a dot-matrix printer are cost, print quality, speed, noise, compatibility, reliability, and ease of use. The Proprinter has a reasonable price of $549. An equivalent Epson FX-80 sells for $499. In terms of print quality, speed, noise, and compatibility, the Proprinter is unexceptional. As for reliability, it is difficult to say much after a short test; the printer seems solidly built and has a one-year warranty, but the jury is still out. The only area where the Proprinter excels is ease of use, and that only because of its front slot. If you will not be using this slot much, I suggest you look around at other dot-matrix printers. However, if you would be using this feature fairly often. I recommend this printer. ■

An unbelievable number of software companies will try to tell you their word processors are easy to use. But one look at even the simplest command calls their bluff.

The boldface feature, for instance. This "simple" command can require up to six keystrokes on some systems. You could spend months learning to use them. And that's no exaggeration.

Boldfacing with our system requires only one keystroke: b to boldface. Just as c will copy text, d will delete it, and e will end the edit.

Our system is Final Draft. And we spent months designing it to be the best system on today's market. Best because our edit commands are alphabetically-assigned so that you can remember them easily. Best because we have only 35 commands, not 305. Best because you can learn our system the first day and master it the second.

But let's not distort the facts: Final Draft isn't just simple. It's powerful. Features like the thesaurus, floating footnotes, canned paragraphs and automatic

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There's only one thing about Final Draft that's hard to believe: the price. It's $395.

So if you're tired of hearing one boldface lie after another, just heed this simple truth: Final Draft is a great word processor.

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350 BYTE • DECEMBER I985

Inquiry 398

HARDWARE REVIEW

Panasonic's 4-Color Graphic Penwriter

It's an

electronic

a printer,

and

graph maker

by Jon R. Edwards

The Panasonic 4-Color Graphic Penwriter, a versatile electronic typewriter and graph maker, has so great a list of "stand-alone" features that it typewriter, is easy to overlook the RS-232C serial interface that permits the Penwriter to function as a printer. The Penwriter has a builtin graphics package, including column layout and pie, bar, line, and radar graphs. You can easily change colors and select from among two fonts and 10 different character sizes. The list of features also includes vertical printing, a 4K-byte text-memory buffer for editing short documents, and a command mode for composing lines and figures. The printer can also access the command mode, letting you write simple programs to generate printed graphics.

The Penwriter is certainly portable. It can run on batteries, and it measures 14!^ by 10'/2 by 2'/2 inches and weighs slightly less than 6 pounds (without batteries). A plastic dust cover holds additional pen sets.

The Penwriter uses water-based ballpoint pens to print. Panasonic rates the life of each pen at approximately 40,000 characters. Characters are not as well formed as they are with daisy-wheel printers, however; many of the characters have a dot-matrix appearance, but the printing method does allow a variety of fonts, character sizes, and graphics.

At first glance, the top of the unit appears daunting. The keyboard contains a number of nonstandard keys, and many switches and buttons complicate its appearance. In truth, however, 1 must admit that 1 have long disliked DIP (dual in-line package) switches; I prefer to have quick access to every option.

In the upper right-hand area of the keyboard are eight switches and a color-change button. Pressing the color button rotates the pen holder one stage through the cycle of black-red-green-blue. You can set the eight switches for interesting combinations Ion r. Edwards is a technical editor of printing modes and character fonts, sizes, for byte. He can be contacted at and shapes. You can, for example, choose pob 372. Hancock, nh 03449 between italics and a "normal font," select

bold type or underlining, alter the horizontal or vertical size of individual characters (see figure 1), change the line spacing, select one of two available character sets, type or draw in direct mode, or set up the Penwriter as a printer.

Above the keyboard and to the left are five graphics keys (see photo 1). The column-layout function frames information within boxes. Like all the graph functions, however, it does not work in conjunction with software. Rather, you must set up the columns either in direct-printing (DP) mode or in line-by-line (LL) mode. This is perhaps the most severe limitation of the "printer," since the other charts, while able to use data from any other type of graph, are limited to 12 data entries. The appearance of the graphs is impressive (see figure 2). They are available in three sizes, with selective hatching and color, and there's a dataediting feature, but you may miss the ability to tie the functions to spreadsheets.

The keyboard contains several keys common to typewriters but not to computers. These keys handle the setting and releasing of tabs and margins. The character-set selector introduces a range of additional characters, including international symbols. Five accent symbols are designated as dead keys, facilitating their use with other characters. There is. however, no easy way to use these additional keys and features in the printer mode.

As a Typewriter

As an electronic typewriter, the Penwriter has four modes. In DP mode, it immediately prints the keys that you press. You can set the margins, use the tab, backspace to move the carriage, and use the margin release to pass the right margin. As with some typewriters, a buzzer sounds to indicate the approaching right margin. The Penwriter can center text, flush text against the right margin, and produce overlays for very distinctive printing (see figure 3).

[continued)

DECEMBER 1985 'BYTE 351

REVIEW: PANASONIC PEN WRITER

SPACING

HORIZONTAL

1

2

3

sf 1

abcdefg

sl Id cz cL

a. 1=3 cz;

ERTIC)

abcdefg

abed

abc

3

JCG

letcj

abc

abc .

Figure 1: Two of the switches on the Penwriter keyboard control the horizontal and vertical sizes of the characters. The standard line has about 10 characters per inch. Note that the linefeed space is proportional to the vertical size of the character. Other switches change the print color, select among boldface, underlining, and italics, set the line spacing, and put the Penwriter into its printer mode.

Photo I: The Penwriter'$ five graphics keys are used for pie charts, bar charts, line graphs, radar graphs, and column layout.

In LL mode, characters are displayed on the 24-character-wide liquid-crystal display (LCD) before they are printed. You can edit the text appearing on the screen with the Backspace or the Forward key. The Delete key erases characters under the screen cursor. You can print vertically in both modes by pressing Code and the V key. When printing vertically, the space bar and the Reverse Index, Index, Return, and Backspace keys adjust the paper, but you cannot set the top margin and tabs.

The command mode accepts and executes graphics commands. You can move the pen; establish an origin; draw lines, dashes, axes, and circles; and set the character size, color, and rotation. You can generate graphics immediately or use the printer, a method that vastly enhances the graphics potential of the Penwriter. One control code (12 hexadecimal) puts the printer into command mode. I was therefore able to use the BASIC LPRINT command to change color, draw circles, and rotate characters. Using several examples in the documentation as a guide, I wrote a short BASIC program (see listing 1) that generates figure 4. I also printed some letterheads.

Pressing the Mode In/Out key enables the fourth mode, text memory. In this mode, the Penwriter can store up to 3310 characters in its memory; you can divide the work space into nine phrase memories. Special keys print the text, search for specified words, delete the contents of a phrase, check the amount of memory available, and shift the cursor left, right, and up or down one line. You can set margins before or after entering text. There is an automatic word-wrap feature.

You can use the Penwriter with batteries or with an external AC power adapter that comes with the unit but does not neatly tuck away inside the dust cover. When the batteries are weak, the LCD begins to flash. With batteries in, or if the AC adapter is continually connected, text memory, graphics data, RS-232C transmission

(continued)

352 BYTE • DECEMBER 1985

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AT A GLANCE

Name

Panasonic 4-Color Graphic Penwriter

Type

Electronic typewriter, graph maker, and printer

Manufacturer

Panasonic One Panasonic Way Secaucus, NJ 07094 (201) 348-7000

Size

14V2 by 101/2 by 2Vz inches

Features

Four water-based ballpoint pens (each has 40,000-character capacity), 24-character LCD, five graphics packages, Courier and italic fonts, boldface, underlining, variable character size, 13 graphics commands, 4K-byte memory buffer, RS-232C interface (receiveonly), battery option, 80 characters per line

Documentation

64-page user's manual

Price

$350

PRINT SPEED (CHARACTERS/SEC)

LIST PRICE (SIC

—

0)

V////////////)

0 20 40 60 80 100 0 2 4 6 8

| PANASONIC PENWRITER |] EPSON RX-80 V//A GEMINI -IPX

This

is

the

Panasonic

4-C

olor

Graphic

Penwri

This

is

the

Epson

RX

-80

in emphasiz

ed

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The Panasonic 4-Color Graphic Penwriter is ing how long it took the machines to print the

compared with the Epson RX-80 and the Star Shannon test (573 characters; see "The Art of

Micronics Gemini 10-X in emphasized mode. Benchmarking Printers" by Sergio Mello-Grand

The pitch for all printers is 10 characters per in the February 1984 BYTE, page 193). The

inch. The print speeds were determined by tim- prices shown are list prices.

354

IYTE • DECEMBER 1985

REVIEW: PANASONIC PEN WRITER

format, margins, and tab-setting positions remain in memory. As an extra feature for forgetful battery users, the Penwriter automatically switches off (without harming text memory, etc.) when there has been no input for about 10 minutes. This does not apply when you use the Penwriter as a printer.

Loading paper is a relatively straightforward procedure. Insert the paper into the paper channel, press the Insert key. and the paper moves forward automatically. I miss not having a platen knob to move the paper, however, and I found the paperrelease lever, which must be released to adjust the paper, flimsy and far too tiny. It is almost impossible to insert the paper manually by releasing the lever and maneuvering the paper through; you must follow the directions.

The sheet feeder is not intended for continuous paper, and there is no optional tractor-feed mechanism. It would not be easy to use continuous paper. And in ordinary use, metal paper guides that press against the platen tend to perforate the left and right edges of even the thickest paper, distracting from the otherwise fine appearance of the printed output.

As a Printer

I hooked the printer to the serial port of an IBM Personal Computer. Before going on line, the printer can accept new values for transmission rate, data length, and automatic linefeed. Once set. the values become defaults. You can also set the switches for color, boldface, underlining, italics, and character size. Alternatively, you can use underlining, boldface, and italics by calling upon the appropriate escape functions cited in the manual. Panasonic claims a printing speed for the Penwriter of 6.5 characters per second (cps). However, using the Shannon test (see "The Art of Benchmarking Printers" by Sergio MelloGrand in the February 1984 BYTE, page 193), I recorded the speed at 5.7 cps. Printing in boldface or with larger characters visibly slows the machine.

[continued)

Figure 2: A comparative line graph.

Figure 3: The Penwriter supports overlay printing in its direct-printing mode.

Figure 4: An example of Penwriter graphics.

DECEMBER

IYTE 355

REVIEW: PANASONIC PEN WRITER

Listing 1: This program uses the printer in command mode to produce figure 4.

10 LPRINT CHR$(18):REM enter command mode

20 LPRINT "r500,0:i":REM initialize origin

30 LPRINT "c3:y150:c2:y145:c1:y140":REM draw circles

35 LPRINT "r-75,75":REM relative move from origin

40 FOR X = 0 TO 3

50 LPRINT "q";X:REM print in four directions

60 LPRINT 70 LPRINT 80 LPRINT 90 NEXT X

'c1:s1,1 'c2:s2,2 c3:s3,3

pabc" pdef" P9"

I recorded the slowest operation, boldface printing of characters three times the standard width and height, at 0.8 cps.

Cables are available to connect the printer to a serial port on an IBM PC, to the superserial card on the Apple, to the VICI011A on a Commodore, or to the built-in serial port of the Panasonic Sr. Partner RL-H7000.

There is no optional parallel port. The RS-232C port is receive-only: you cannot use the Penwriter as a dumb terminal. Unfortunately, there is no provision to use the 4K-byte buffer as a spooler.

Documentation

The manual is excellent. Careful, diagramed instructions cover every

aspect of use. There are instructions for replacing batteries and pens and for inserting paper: the manual explains every special key, switch, and printing mode. A section on use as a printer includes pen assignments and control codes.

Summary

I enjoyed working with the 4-Color Graphic Penwriter. It combines versatility with a good price, though 1 remain concerned that some of the plastic components, including the paper guide and the transparent cover over the carriage, are too fragile to hold up under heavy use. I was also distracted by the perforation of the margins. Still, the Penwriter is a good value for people who require its versatility: One moment it's a printer, the next an electric typewriter with memory, and then a fancy printer of graphs and graphics. ■

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356 BYTE • DECEMBER I985

Inquiry I83

TELECOMMUNICATIONS ENGINEERS

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358 BYTE • DECEMBER I985

Inquiry 61

REVIEW FEEDBACK

Osborne 3

I'd like to bring up some features of the Osborne 3 computer not covered by Donna Osgood in her review (September, page 284] and to emphasize others that I feel were covered too briefly. I have owned my Osborne 3 for seven months and have explored many of its limitations and advantages.

I wanted a machine that could support compilers for all the current languages, which meant I needed MS-DOS. I also craved the background print spooler and easy 1200-bps modem support. IBM media compatibility was a feature I desired so I could borrow one of the PC ATs at work for my large jobs. Above all, I wanted to avoid planned obsolescence. Portability was indicated, so 1 also put battery operation on the wish list. The Osborne 3 was the only machine on the market that met a majority of the criteria on my list.

I purchased my machine with 512K bytes of RAM, a nicad battery, and some free software my dealer threw in. The disk drives are very slow due largely to the lack of a track-zero detector on the Panasonic drives used in the machine; this necessitates a lot of grinding during disk access. So the first piece of software 1 obtained was a RAM-disk utility—end of that problem.

As I dislike editors that use the screen for anything but text, 1 haven't experienced the difficulty Osgood discussed in her article. She did neglect to mention the Osborne's auto-cursor mode. In this mode, the 24-line logical screen is auto-scrolled onto the 16-line Osborne LCD so the cursor is always visible. The fast repeat speed of the keys makes it easy to zip the cursor about to see any part of the screen.

Possibly the most unique feature of this machine does not appear in any manual. Since the Osborne runs on any voltage between 12 and 15 volts, I bought a power connector to match the Osborne's, a cigarette lighter plug, and 20 feet of heavygauge wire. I can compute anywhere I can drive my car without depleting the Osborne's on-board battery.

Osgood properly emphasized the limitations of the Osborne LCD. While vastly better than the Data General/One or

Kaypro 2000 displays, the contrast is still weak in normal room lighting. This is readily improved with strong over-theshoulder lighting. The contrast is then entirely acceptable, and I have experienced no eyestrain after lengthy sessions at the machine.

I can easily carry my entire setup in a tote bag, including a tub of 50 disks. My projects on the machine include a quickand-dirty database program written in Prolog for my Naval Reserve unit, a full relational database system with query language written in C, a set of MS-DOS utilities in C, and the design of an EMACS-like editor system to be written in either muLISP or IQLISP. When Turbo Pascal arrives, I'll probably finish some of the projects left over from my p-System Apple.

Last of all, I'd like to address the inevitable questions about the superiority of the Morrow Pivot and Zenith machines. They are better; for more than double the price, they had better be. And they certainly are not anywhere near double the machine.

Robert W. Cunningham San Diego, CA

Paradise Card

1 am writing in response to Harry Krause's review of the Paradise Modular Graphics Card (September, page 321). We use the card on IBM PCs with Princeton Graphic Systems MAX-12 amber monitors. We are unable to run programs such as DisplayWrite 2 that default to color mode when a color card is used. Although we turn the contrast and brightness knobs to full intensity, many of the shades representing colors are too dim to be easily read. The MAX-12 has no internal adjustment for intensity. We do not have this problem on IBM monochrome monitors because they have sufficient brightness control to make all shades easily readable.

We have tried using the MODE BW command at the operating-system level prior to running the application programs. This does not solve the problem because it seems that the MODE command operates only on the composite signal produced by the color card, not the RGB signal.

We welcome suggestions from readers on how to solve the problem. Unless a

solution is found, I suggest that users considering purchasing the Paradise Modular Graphics Card first test the card on their systems, using a program that produces text in several colors.

Jay Francis Colorado Springs, CO

Juki 6100

In response to David Lewiston's letter on the Juki 6100 (August, page 286), I would like to say that I have been using a Juki 6100 for over a year now. The printer has seen fairly heavy use. My setup includes a tractor feed. I have not had the problems that Lewiston describes.

I do have some suggestions based on experience. For the sticking ribbon problem, the only IBM-style ribbons that don't stick are the pink-leader'single-strike filament ribbons. The orange-leader ribbons and blue-leader multistrike correctable carbon-film ribbons jam within 8 to 10 pages. While the yellow-leader ribbons don't jam quite that fast, they do shed, so you get tiny black specks all over the paper while the letters fall off the page. I've heard reports that the noncorrecting blue-leader multistrike fabric ribbons also work, but 1 don't know that from my own experience.

I've run into the take-up problem to an extent. The solution seems to be to wind the ribbon up to the point where the colored leader has gone into the cartridge. Sometimes it does hang up if the leader isn't all the way inside the reel. (Of course, using a ribbon that tends to jam anyway would exacerbate this.)

I don't know what to say about the irregular spacing or the crooked lines. I suggest checking the software for the spacing problem. I had some weird results until I edited my word processor's printer driver a bit. For the slanting lines, try clamping the paper onto the back of the tractordrive unit as well as the front.

James D. Macdonald Miami, FLU

REVIEW FEEDBACK is a column of readers letters. We welcome responses that support or challenge BYTE reviews. Send letters to Review Feedback. BYTE Publications. POB 372. Hancock. NH 03449. Name and address must be on all letters.

DECEMBER 1985 'BYTE 359

\

\

EVTE

Kernel

Computing at Chaos Manor: The European Connection

by \erry Poumelle 363

Chaos Manor Mail

conducted by ]erry Pournelle 383

BYTE U.K.:

The Torch Triple X

by Dick Pountain 385

BYTE Japan: Computing in Taiwan

by William M. Raike 397

According to Webster: Microcomputer Color Graphics-Observations

by Bruce Webster 405

Circuit Cellar Feedback

conducted by Steve Ciarcia 420

IERRY AND HIS WIFE recently left Chaos Manor to take a trip to Europe. It proved to be a working vacation because he visited locations to be found in his next novel. But he didn't entirely forget computers, being able to spend a few days at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology—one of the important centers of the computer revolution. This month's column describes some of the projects taking place there.

In BYTE U.K., Dick describes the new Torch Triple X—a low-cost personal computer that runs UNIX System V and is driven by Motorola's 68010. Dick claims that the Torch Triple X is aimed at the AT&T market (although the Torch is priced lower), but Dick believes Torch may get its most serious competition from Commodore's Amiga.

In July Bill Raike visited Taiwan, where he attended the Computex '85 computer show and checked out the software piracy problem in that country. In this month's BYTE japan column he discusses several of the products he saw at the show; most of them are IBM PC, PC XT, or PC AT clones. He also describes a pirate software shop he found in Taiwan.

Bruce Webster's column deals almost entirely with the subject of color graphics on microcomputers. He gives a brief survey of the field, describing the graphics systems on some of the popular computers. This includes his opinion on whether or not Apple should come out with a color Macintosh.

DECEMBER 1985 • BYTE 361

The Classic Returns.

Now... newly udated to include ail versions of MS-DOS through 3.1... the 2nd edition of RUNNING MS-DOS is your ultimate sourcebook for mastering the full power of the software that tells your computer how to think. It continues the tradition of the first edition, proclaimed by Jim Seymour of PC Week magazine to be the "Best PC-Related Book ot 1984."

Here is the inside information—directly from the company that developed MS-DOS-that will help you streamline your computer, set up a multi-level filing system, use the MS-DOS text editor, build and sort a miniature database, create customized commands, and manage your monitor, printer, disk drives and modem. Plus new information on using the IBM PC AT's high-capacity diskette drive (MS-DOS 3.0) and using MS-Networks (MS-DOS 3.1).

If you use one of the more than five million personal computers with MS-DOS.. .then you need RUNNING MS-DOS.

$2195 wherever books and software are sold.

Microsoft Press 10700 Northup Way Bellevue, WA 98004

COMPUTING

AT CHAOS MANOR

The European Connection

ETH

Lilith

Modems

Percy

Starlet

Purple Computing

Terminals

by Jerry Pournelle

ferry Pournelle holds a doctorate in

psychology and is a science-fiction

writer who also earns a comfortable

living writing about computers

present and future.

I'm starting this in Graz, a city I never even heard of until a few weeks ago. It's in the Steiermark district of southern Austria and is the location of AIMS, the American Institute of Musical Studies. AIMS is a nonprofit organization operating out of Dallas, Texas, that trains American singers for careers in European opera houses, and a very good job it does. My next novel involves intrigue, high tech, and an American coloratura soprano, so this is a working vacation.

We drove in driving rains to Graz from Liechtenstein, a country no one but stamp collectors knew about until a few years ago. It is now a center of high-tech enterprises and, incidentally, the third or fourth wealthiest country per capita in the world: a great location for parts of my novel. The rainstorm, it turned out, was one of the worst they'd had in 20 years. It washed out many of the roads we wanted to take, as well as flooding much of Innsbruck and Salzburg. Getting to Graz was an adventure in itself. After Graz we go to Vienna, then Salzburg, then on a general tour of the Tirol. If all this sounds like 1 didn't do much computing at Chaos Manor this month, you're right; even so there's plenty to report. As part of our travels, I managed to spend a couple of days in Zurich, Switzerland, at the Eidgenossische Technische Hochschule, otherwise known as ETH, the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology. Hochschule sounds like "high school," but don't let that fool you. Einstein taught at ETH; it corresponds closely to MIT or Caltech. Like MIT, ETH has a number of departments. The one of particular interest to me is the Institut fur Informatik, where Professor Niklaus Wirth invented both Pascal and Modula-2.

We were fortunate to be at ETH with Dr. Richard Ohran, whom I've mentioned before in this column. Richard is a former member of the faculty at ETH who now runs the Modula Research Institute, a nonprofit organization founded to help ETH Infor

matik distribute programs and other publicdomain technologies developed by the faculty and students. He also heads the Modula Corporation, a for-profit company that sells a really excellent Modula-2 compiler for the Macintosh. The Modula-2 language is in the public domain, as are most ETH research results; but particular implementations of ETH's work, including Modula-2, are developed and sold by private companies. Ohran's Modula Corporation also manufactures the Lilith computer.

Richard is a good man to have with you on a visit to ETH. Not only did he get his doctorate (with a silver medal) there, but in his earlier stay he was the hardware member of the team that designed the Lilith; now his Modula Corporation in Utah makes all the Liliths used at ETH. They have about 100 of them and want more.

The Lilith is an interesting machine. It was designed to "speak" Modula-2 and use the Modula operating system. This works better than I would have believed. The Lilith compiles and executes Modula-2 programs faster than most machines can run assembly language. The Modula-2 team designed the Lilith that way. The result is unique among higher-level languages: programmers using the Lilith can produce hundreds of lines of bug-free Modula-2 code, corresponding to thousands of lines of assemblylanguage code, in astonishingly short times. If Modula-2 becomes as important a computer language as I think it will, there should be considerable interest in the Lilith; it's hard to conceive of a better system for developing Modula-2 programs.

Up to now, use of the Lilith has been confined largely to Modula-2 enthusiasts and people at ETH. Not many have been manufactured, and they've been thought too costly for most software developers.

That view may be mistaken. If you intend to write really large programs so that a number of programmers have to work to

(continued)

DECEMBER 1985 • BYTE 363

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gether, Modula-2 may well be the language of choice. It's structured to make it simple to interface a number of programmer efforts with minimum problems; and the Lilith is a nearly ideal programming tool for producing Modula-2 code.

Ohran's Modula Corporation is going to make it easier to get a Lilith. About the time you read this, it intends to market a version of the Lilith that will work in conjunction with an IBM PC, using the PC's disks, keyboard, and screen. 1 haven't seen that work yet. I have had a Lilith off and on for more than a year, and it's one of the best software-development tools I've ever had access to. I can write Modula-2 code with the Lilith, then transfer it to the PC by recompiling with the Logitech compiler; the result works fine unless I've used the Lilith's special display capability.

For quick-and-dirty programs, 1 still use Digital Research's Compiling CBASIC because it's transportable across 8- and 16-bit machines, and 1 have a pretty good library of CBASIC routines; but I suspect that one day I will convert all my CBASIC stuff to Modula-2. It's not that hard to do. CBASIC is a well-structured language, particularly if you use the "declare" toggle that tells the compiler to treat an undeclared variable as an error. A couple of years ago I'd have thought anyone who deliberately required declaring all variables before using them was crazy, and I probably even said something that silly in print. Ah well, live and learn.

Anyway, I'm hoping that coupling a Lilith system with a PC will make both the Lilith and Modula-2 more widespread and available. ETH has developed some really interesting programs for the Lilith. As I've said before, we won't see software prices really tumble until lots of people have good programming environments to work in, and there are as many people trying to write big programs as there are would-be authors of books. Getting the Lilith plus the ETH development approach plus Modula-2 into the hands of U.S. hackers may have a

(continued)

364 B YTE • DECEMBER 1985

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CHAOS MANOR

The Modula system is harder to learn than Macintosh's, but easier to use once you've learned it.

spectacular effect on the computer revolution.

32016 Systems

Another ETH project under Niklaus Wirth's direction is porting the Modula operating system (which the Lilith runs directly) over to computers using the National Semiconductor 32016 chip. The Modula operating system has a number of similarities to the Macintosh system. (No coincidence: both grew out of Alan Kay's work at Xerox. Some time ago, Wirth spent a year's sabbatical at Xerox's Palo Alto Research Center, and he was there again this summer.) The Modula system is somewhat harder to learn than Macintosh's, but in my judgment a lot easier to use once you've learned it. Anyway, ETH has a working experimental Modula system for a 32016 computer.

The 32016 runs at 10 megahertz (MHz), compared to the 6-MHz chips in the Lilith. Hans Eberle, Wirth's assistant for this project, said that he was "surprised that the 32016 is only slightly less fast than the Lilith."

1 raised an eyebrow at this. Later, while having dinner with Dr. Ohran, I asked him how this could be. After all, the 32016 runs almost as fast as the 2901 chips in the Lilith.

According to Ohran, it's a matter of design philosophy. The Lilith was intended to run Modula-2. Other computers have to worry about underflow and overflow. There are no such error checks in the Lilith, just as there are no checks for stack overflow. Not only does the Lilith run Modula-2, it runs nothing else: there is no assembler, or, put another way, the Modula-2 com

piler is the Lilith's assembler. Overflow and stack-explosion checks have been shifted to the compiler so that programmers need not keep track of such administrivia.

Moreover, the Lilith's 2901 chip has an obscure data path that gives I/O (input/output) operations direct access to the stack without going through the ALU (arithmetic logic unit). The Lilith fetches instructions about five times faster than any other machine. The result is amazing speed. According to Ohran, since all machines have to fetch instructions, the others have to achieve nearly an order of magnitude speed improvement just to keep up with the Lilith.

1 suppose I believe this, but 1 have no way of checking it out. Steve Garcia "speaks solder"; hardware's not my specialty. I do know that I've seen the Lilith do amazing things at blinding speeds, and everyone at ETH prefers the Lilith to just about anything else. Undergraduates in the Institut fur Informatik begin with the Apple II and Macintosh: they graduate to the Lilith when they have significant project work to do. There are also VAXes and other minicomputers and mainframe machines at ETH; but the Lilith is everyone's favorite.

Anyway, the 32016 machine running Modula-2 is almost as fast as the Lilith and has better graphics control. They're now building a color Lilith around the 32016.

Some Standard Problems

ETH is big on both classics and acronyms: the new 32016 machine will be known as CERES, which stands for "computing engine for research, engineering and science." The bus structure is, according to Eberle, "close to the 32016 and not standard. We need a bus that supports the architecture of the processor. Industry must worry about standards. It is not the concern of ETH."

This pretty well echoes Professor Wirth's often-expressed attitude. ETH has a dual-purpose mission, to work at the frontiers of knowledge and to train students to understand the latest developments in technology. Wirth's

view is that ETH cannot become distracted by the requirement to make its technological achievements conform to industry's needs. It is enough that ETH develop generic technologies; industry must do the rest.

I can understand this view, and I even agree that academics shouldn't need to do industry's work; but sometimes the results are less than optimum. In the long run. the best technology generally wins out. In the short run, though, there can be unfortunate results: witness the proliferation of Pascal dialects and the delays in developing really practical implementations of Modula-2. I'm impressed with what ETH has done with Modula-2 and the Lilith, and I'm in a hurry to see these concepts take their rightful place in the computer revolution.

The good news is that methods for disseminating new developments at ETH are being perfected, such as Wirth's new one-pass Modula-2 compiler that compiles itself in less than five minutes. In the future, it shouldn't take so long to get new developments out of the ivory tower—actually it's granite, but you get the idea—and into the hands of users.

Modula-2 is catching on. Philippe Kahn, whose Turbo Pascal has become something of a standard—they even use it at ETH, where one medical database program for the IBM PC is 3000 lines of Turbo Pascal—has promised Turbo Modula-2 for the PC Real Soon Now, and that should help get some of ETH's programs out to BYTE readers. There are good Modula-2 compilers and Modula operating systems for the Stride family of 68000-based computers. Modula Corporation has MacModula-2. It can't be long before U.S. hackers get some of ETH's marvels in shape for the rest of us.

Music and Go

Most technical institutes require a senior thesis project for graduation. At ETH this can result in significant programs. I didn't have time to look at all of the ETH projects—most of the students weren't there anyway, it be

{continued)

366 BYTE • DECEMBER 1985

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368 BYTE • DECEMBER 1985

CHAOS MANOR

ing summer—but Hans Hinterberger, the Informatik administrator, arranged for me to see some fascinating ones.

The first was a system in which you can play a musical piece on a standard-keyboard music synthesizer, hearing it as you play it, and then get a written transcription in musical notation. The program also separates voices and does transpositions, which are often necessary but very tedious musical chores. All this appears on the Lilith's screen; then you can use the mouse to change the notes, move things around, and otherwise fuss with the score, after which the final result comes out as hard copy from a laser printer.

This program hasn't been perfected, but it will be published when it's done; the source code should be available from the Modula Research Institute sometime in 1986.1 hope U.S. hackers will pick it up where the ETH

faculty and students leave it because there's a crying need for computer assistance for composers.

My friend Robert Bloch (he's often introduced as RobertBlochauthorofPsycho, all one word) has the rights to do an opera based on The Phantom of the Opera. We have introduced him to Dr. Robert Challs, professor of music at Cal State Northridge and composer of The Thirteen Clocks, based on lames Thurber's modern classic. By me Challs is pretty good; I generally can't stand modern opera, but I like The Thirteen Clocks. Anyway we're hoping that Bloch and Challs can do Phantom together. Alas, the expenses of simply getting an opera onto paper, separated into parts with copies for singers and orchestra and conductor, can be staggering. Computers make a writer's life much easier by taking much of the work and expense out of producing manuscripts; I'm sure the

little beasts will have just as profound an effect in the music field.

Another project that fascinates me is a program to help people who play go. Go is a game with only three rules; you can learn it in five minutes. Playing it well, on the other hand, can take a lifetime; it's much more complex than chess.

There is no program that can play a passable game of go. Even mediocre human players invariably win unless the computer is given an enormous handicap. The Japanese hope to produce a go program as part of the Fifth Generation Computer Project, but no one has seen any results yet.

Winning at go requires an appreciation of grand strategy, and the relationships between widely separated activities on the go board are far too subtle to be reduced to rules. How

{conlinued)

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Inquiry 408

CHAOS MANOR

ever, no matter how good you are at go strategy, you must also master the game's tactics, which aren't easy. Mastering them can be tedious. Fortunately, those can be reduced to rules that a computer can learn.

At ETH, Anders Kierulf and lurg Nievergelt have developed what they call a smart go board that has many ways to help go players. It can play joseki which are tactical openings played in one corner. It can analyze certain tactical situations, including ladders. Best of all, it can record an entire game as played; then in the replay allow you to do variations and return to the actual position after you investigate alternatives to the real moves. Go has dozens of pieces, all just alike, scattered across the board. The exact position of each and the exact sequence of play are usually critical to the outcome of the game; thus, recording and replaying classic games has always involved a lot of tedious bookkeeping. That capability alone makes the ETH smart go board important.

Both the music and go programs are written in Modula-2. They're designed for the Lilith. 1 don't know how hard it will be to recompile them for the PC or Macintosh. Anyway, it's pretty certain that Ohran will have versions for his PC-Lilith combination when it comes out.

Music lovers and go players unite: you have nothing to lose but some drudge work. . .

Databases

1 had a busy time at ETH; after watching the go program (and getting a promise that I'll have a copy for my Lilith Real Soon Now). I met Andreas Diener. a graduate assistant in the group headed by Professor Carl August Zehnder. They have been investigating the implications of having databases available at workstations and developing software that allows selective access and security. For example, you cannot allow casual users access to personnel data; but you might want them to be able to get statistical information about all

[continued]

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DECEMBER 1985 'BYTE 371

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372 BYTE • DECEMBER I985

Inquiry 411

Inquiry 207

CHAOS MANOR

employees. Of course, a sufficiently clever hacker may be able to ask questions that look as if they're asking for collective data but that actually apply to only one employee, so you want your system to defeat those attempts also.

Zehnder's group has recently released LIDAS (Lilith database system), which includes Modula-R. a databaselanguage extension of Modula-2. The idea is to come up with something compatible with the Lilith and the Modula-2 compiler but adapted to database problems.

One of Wirth's least-known books is also one of his best: it has the unlikely title Data Structures + Algorithms = Programs. The database-programming work at ETH reminded me of that book; probably no coincidence.

Part of Diener's Ph.D. thesis is work on GAMBIT (1 told you they're big on acronyms), a database-definition tool. LIDAS and GAMBIT are "completed but not exactly commercial," meaning that in keeping with their general philosophy. ETH declines to take responsibility for making these remarkable tools available to the average user; you can get them from ETH for a nominal fee, but it will be some commercial developer's task to reduce them to a publishable package.

I'm sure that will happen. What I saw at ETH was impressive. Here are a bunch of networked machines with what appears to be a common database. Nonprivileged users can work with the database, adding to it and getting information from it, and never even suspect that there are layers of information to which they don't have access. Moreover, you can keep private files whose existence is unknown to other users. The idea is to present private and shared data in an integrated way; and what ETH has done so far beats anything I've ever seen for either micros or minis.

Much of the work at ETH is done in English (even though English is not one of the four official Swiss languages), and Diener's thesis will be written in English and will eventually

{continued)

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Inquiry 137

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CHAOS MANOR

be available with source code through the Modula Research Institute.

And Yet More

There's a lot more happening at ETH. Jurg Nievergelt, Andrea Ventura, and Hans Hinterberger have done some excellent work on using computers to aid in computer science education. Carlo Muller's diploma thesis was Modula-Prolog. Others have cooperated to make it a nearly complete Prolog interpreter (see the theme section of the August BYTE beginning on page 148 for discussions of Prolog), which is written in Modula-2 and is now available for the Lilith, VAXes, and MS-DOS machines. Work on databases, networking, graphics, and manmachine interfacing continues. ETH is one of the important centers of the computer revolution, and we'll continue to hear lots more about it.

Modem Troubles

I've become addicted to the BYTE Information Exchange, otherwise known as BIX; the thought of a month in Europe without a single BIX fix was upsetting. In my last week back home at Chaos Manor. I tried a number of approaches to ensure overseas communications. Alas, they all came to naught.

Europeans do things differently from the way we do. In the U.S.. we operate on credit. Tymnet, for example, is billed to the number you make contact with; the center you reach then bills you, generally through a credit card. In Europe, though, you have to pay in advance. Many post offices in Europe have facilities for connecting you to a European Tymnet gate. You go to the post office, pay your money, and are put into a small booth to use the network; then you get back anything you've overpaid.

Alas, most European networks operate at 300 baud—and Europe's 300-baud modems are not compatible with American modems. Your Tandy Model 100, or the little outside modem that attaches to the NEC PC-8201, won't work through European telephones. You can, I am told,

{continued)

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376 BYTE • DECEMBER 1985

Inquiry 407

Inquiry 404

CHAOS MANOR

rent a Tandy Model 100 that will chew European current and communicate at 300 baud, but so far we haven't been anywhere 1 could do that.

European 1200-baud systems are the same as ours; and it is possible to connect to a U.S. 1200-baud modem by a direct call to the U.S. Alas, that too has its problems. For one thing, you generally want to go to the post office to make the call. European hotels routinely add about a 400-percent surcharge to overseas calls. (In Vienna, two calls to BYTE and one to California came to $87 U.S., and they weren't long calls.)

Worse, though, is finding a portable computer with a 1200-baud modem. For some time now I have carried Percy, the NEC PC-8201. on most of my trips, and I've become very fond of him; but there is no 1200-baud modem for Percy. At NCC in Chicago this year, I met some NEC officials who were greatly cooperative about getting me one of the NEC PC-8401 Starlet machines. Starlet comes with an internal 300-baud modem, and there is an external 1200-baud modem available. Alas, the 1200-baud modem does not run on batteries! You have to plug it into 100-volt 60-cycle current. Europe doesn't use 100-volt 60-cycle current, and 1 was unable to get a reliable power converter. The Starlet and its modem stayed behind after all.

ETH's Institut fur Informatik offered to get me connected to BIX. and I eagerly accepted; then they found out that no one in the Institut knew how to do it. They called the Computing Center, another branch of ETH, which sent around a very friendly chap to help me. It turns out that every ETH terminal has the capability for connecting to the outside world at 1200 baud; you only need a password. Thus. I got a BIX fix courtesy of ETH; otherwise, though, I've remained BlXless and will until we swing through Zurich on our way back to the Frankfurt airport.

Portability

The last time I was in Europe 1 carried Adelle. the Otrona Attache luggable.

(continued)

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CHAOS MANOR

The Attache still works fine and has a built-in converter to European power, but it's just too darned heavy, or so I thought as I was packing. It is time, l told myself, to become truly portable.

That, it turns out, is more easily said than done. The HP HO is portable. I have problems reading its screen, but I could probably live with it. Alas, I couldn't find a reliable way to recharge its batteries on European current; at least, no one I managed to get hold of at Hewlett-Packard could tell me how I could safely do it. The HP HO I have has about 70K bytes of useful memory; hardly enough for a month's trip, even if I didn't have to worry about power and eyestrain. That eliminated it.

The NEC PC-8401 Starlet was a possibility. The memory problem looked severe at first, but then I found out about Purple Computing's SideStar, which is an external CMOS (complementary metal-oxide semiconductor) RAM (random-access read/write memory) disk that you can plug into the Starlet. Carry two of those and you've got lots of reliable memory. Furthermore, it's easy to dump onto any other machine when you return, since the Starlet knows how to connect to disks. Alas, the PC-8401 s screen is even more difficult to read than the HP HO's. I was about to bring the Starlet anyway until 1 found that the modem wouldn't be usable; that was enough to decide against it. 1 am told that by the time you read this, NEC will have a greatly improved Starlet available, with an easier-to-read screen; but it wasn't available in late July when we caught the plane.

I was getting a little desperate when I found out about Purple Computing's SideCar memory module for the PC-8201. This plugs into the side of the 8201 and provides four banks of 32K-byte memory. The 8201 already has two internal 32K-byte banks, all nonvolatile CMOS (low-current) memory backed up with lithium batteries. In addition, I carried a couple of NEC memory cartridges for Percy; the result is that I've done both BYTE and Popular Computing columns, kept my

notes, and written two chapters of a novel. I still have plenty of memory space left, and if I start running low, I have the NEC cassette data recorder in my luggage.

Percy's printer is a tiny little thermal affair; it produces a long, skinny output that looks like an adding-machine tape. I'm sure the BYTE people don't much appreciate it and wish I'd carried one of the larger printers, but if they saw my luggage, they'd sympathize. The little NEC printer is a lifesaver.

Fair warning about the PC-8201: if you get the printer, order spare paper well in advance. NEC national headquarters had to move heaven and earth to get several rolls to Los Angeles on two days' notice. For some reason, few NEC dealers stock the paper. Secondly, both the NEC printer and data recorder come with lapanese batteries. Throw them away. Don't even attempt to use them. They won't hurt the printer, but if the data recorder has low batteries, it can hang up so badly you have to cold-start the NEC PC-8201, and that loses all your data files, including the one you were trying to save.

Purple Computing sells internal memory chips for the 8201 in addition to SideCar. If you get an 8201 — and I'm so happy with mine that it will remain as a truly portable backup no matter what other machine I carry in future—you'll want to deal with Purple.

In addition to slots for additional internal RAM (which you get from Purple), the 8201 has a slot for a ROM (read-only memory) chip. The best one I've seen for that is The Ultimate ROM from Traveling Software. This contains a number of interesting programs, including an idea processor I've used with some success in drafting this column. There's also a good text formatter that works with the TTXpress portable printer, also available from Traveling.

We've used Percy in hotels, in the car, on airplanes, and even at dinner at Schloss St. Rupert in Salzburg—our fellow diners were extremely curious about him. The only problem we've

{continued)

378 BYTE' DECEMBER

CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARDS

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CHAOS MANOR

had so far is that Mrs. Pournelle often wants to use him the same time I do: Percy is extremely easy to use. and she learned about him in no time. Next time she'll carry her own; Traveling Software has a good deal on 8201s. and I've ordered her one.

Terminal Difficulties

My daughter's job keeps her traveling; just now she's in Germany. Some time ago she asked me for an all-purpose computer she could use in various countries. It happened that Viasyn had just brought out the CompuPro 10, otherwise known in these columns as Shirley. Dr. Godbout's people were able to adapt it for European current, and I could get it at a good price, so over it went.

Viasyn didn't make terminals, so we looked about for one that would work in Europe and finally settled on a TeleVideo, lenny was happy with it until one day it stopped working and a mysterious error appeared on the screen. No manual and no employee of TeleVideo seem able to explain that error message. It happens about 10 seconds after the terminal is turned on.

lenny is not very computer-experienced, and trying to diagnose by intercontinental telephone is a losing proposition. When I got to her place in Germany I did some tests: the first was simply to pull the plug from the TeleVideo to the CompuPro computer. Sure enough, the mysterious error message appeared anyway; so it wasn't something like the baud rate or a parity error.

The second thing I did was to connect the PC-8201 in terminal mode to the Shirley using the cable that formerly connected the TeleVideo. We booted Shirley. Everything worked fine. WRITE. WordStar, and SuperCalc all came up as usual. Of course, Shirley wasn't expecting a display 8 lines by 40 characters in size, so things looked a little odd, but otherwise it was all right.

Alas, we've been unable to find anyone in Germany who'll work on the TeleVideo terminal, while sending it back to the States costs money and

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requires complex paperwork. It looked simpler to buy her a new terminal.

I asked the people at ETH which terminals (for European current) they preferred for beginning students. Seems they'd done a study that indicated Zenith terminals give the most bang for the buck, so long as you take a little care in using them. There are others that stand up to student abuse a bit better, but for a small number of users, they like Zenith.

We've always liked Zenith anyway. When I get home I'll see what 1 can do; at worst, there's a Zenith outlet in

Zurich. 1 can send them the money, and maybe somebody can help with the papers for getting it into Germany. Meanwhile, score one more use for Percy.

Winding Down

I'm finishing this in the Salzburg Hotel at Zell am See, an Austrian resort town on a lake so clear it rivals Tahoe.

There's a problem about the book of the month: the only computer book 1 have with me is my own Adventures in Miaoland. Edward Luttwak's Grand Strategy of the Roman Empire (lohns Hopkins University Press, 1976) has been a fascinating travel companion as we toured the old Roman forts and bases, but that's a bit specialized. Even as I write this, my wife is giggling over Deadly Games, a novel about modern Russia by emigres Edward Topol and Friedrich Neznansky (Berkeley, 1985), which I also enjoyed, and there's even a little about the primitive computing equipment available to the Moscow police; but 1 suppose the real book of the month has to be the August BYTE, which I stuffed into my briefcase as I went out the door. I have twice read it cover to cover.

There's a lot to think about in the August BYTE; but my main conclusion is that it will be a while before the new declarative languages take over from the procedural programming languages we have today. Certainly they're not going to have much of an impact on the micro world until we get implementations that work on our machines. ETH's Modula-Prolog for MS-DOS machines is just now becoming available, so maybe that will get interest going in the micro community.

Meanwhile, 1 can reflect on what I've seen at ETH. When their work with databases becomes widely available, that will be one generic advance. That 3000-line Turbo Pascal program 1 mentioned earlier is an indexing system for a videodisk of medical data. At NCC in Chicago, I saw a number of videodisk systems and new developments in CD (compact-disk) ROMs. Electronically readable encyclopedias

380 BYTE • DECEMBER 1985

CHAOS MANOR

are already on sale; next will be technical books with inserted moving illustrations accompanied by sound. None of this is more than a couple of years in the future—at least for hobbyists. The general public may have to wait longer.

The micro revolution continues, and we're right in the middle of it. I get to see the future before it happens. BYTE readers provide a continuous stream of information and ideas. I love it.

1 do apologize for getting so far behind with my correspondence: my staff reports that though I almost caught up after the construction (happily finished), because of this vacation Chaos Manor is once again filled with archaeological layers of unanswered mail. When I get home I'll read it all. but realistically it's unlikely that I'll be able to answer more than a tenth of it.

Fortunately, the micro revolution

provides solutions as well as problems: BIX gives me a fighting chance to, if not keep up with correspondence, at least not fall too far behind. Now if I can just persuade people to use BIX instead of the post office. . .

A last-minute bottom line.

First, an apology. In October, I left out the address for Don Castella of Disks Plus, and that's not fair; Don has done a lot of work setting me up an Ampro Little Board system, and he also knows a lot about Ciarcia's new small system. I recommend Disks Plus as a good source of inexpensive but powerful integrated hardware/software packages for writers.

Second, an observation. I've read this over, and it's amazing how working on an 8 by 40 screen can affect writing style; the sentences and paragraphs are shorter and choppier than what I usually write on my 16 by

64 system. When I discussed this with BYTE Editor in Chief Phil Lemmons, he wondered if Ogden Nash didn't write on a 2 by 40 machine, while historian Edward Gibbons used an 80 by 2000...

This working vacation has been just what I needed, but I'm astonished at how much I miss getting on line with BIX and generally playing about with small computers. 1 can hardly wait to get back to Chaos Manor, where we have new machines, new software, and mounds of mail. Recall Ogden Nash on sins of omission: "Wheel The next round of unanswered letters is on me. . ." ■

\erry Pournelle welcomes readers comments and opionions. Send a self-addressed, stamped envelope to ]erry Pournelle, do BYTE Publications. POB 372, Hancock, NH 03449. Please put your address on the letter as well as on the envelope. Due to the high volume of letters, \erry cannot guarantee a personal reply.

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DECEMBER 1985 -BYTE 381

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: IBM. Apple and AT&T are registered trademarks respectively of International Business Machines Corp. Apple Computer Inc. and AT&T information Systems

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CHAOS MANOR MAIL

Editor's note: Due to space limitations, we are able to publish only a sampling of the great amount o( mail jerry receives each month.

Yet More on Copy Protection

Dear Jerry,

Since 1 am trying to make a living by selling my thoughts, I am in favor of copyright laws that protect me from being ripped off. And I just met a guy who specializes in pirating programs. He told me he had 13 word processors, 10 spreadsheets, lots of stuff like that, and that he hadn't paid a dime for any of them. As near as I could tell, he'd never used any of them, but that's not the point. He's wrong, and you and I both know it. If he photocopied one of your books and began selling it on street corners, I certainly expect that you'd be irked.

A school principal once asked me to lend him my Wildcard so he could make copies of an expensive program the school system had purchased. They had 28 machines, and the company wanted $200 for one disk, no backup, for each machine. The school system got a volume discount for the computers but couldn't get one for the software. It's one hell of a moral dilemma for a man who's supposed to set a good example to be, more or less, forced into theft in order to meet his commitment to society. Not only that, it was also a really stupid program, but through some hard-sell method that they used they were able to con the school system into buying it.

An even more ludicrous example of corporate greed was in the papers here recently. Seems a company, I'm not sure which one, was suing a computer store for violating the licensing agreement in using this company's product in training seminars they were conducting teaching businesspeople how to use the product. They evidently were using one program per machine (no hot copies) but were using the same copies for each class of trainees, instead of purchasing a new one for each user. Talk about a case of biting the hand that feeds you.

There's got to be some middle ground somewhere, a place where consumers and producers can fulfill their legitimate needs. I, for one, don't buy a lot of software, mostly because of price, but also because there's a lot of low-quality junk out there. I don't like copy-protected disks because, with my Apple at least, they always seem to mess with the DOS and then, if my drive is a bit off or whatever, I'm stuck with a zapped disk. Besides, nobody can write a perfect program that's perfect for all machines and all users, but maybe I can modify it to do something that the company never thought of. It saves me writing a whole program from scratch and, maybe, opens up a whole new market for you. There's no way I could market it without you knowing it's a variation of your program, and I'm willing to settle for a share of royalties. On the other hand, however, I probably could figure out a way to break your copy protection, but why waste my time? If it's a really good idea, I'm sure that I'm much better off doing the program from scratch and leaving you out in the cold.

Furthermore, if 1 buy a car and the engine goes bad or I just want to try a different one, I don't have to call the factory for permission to change it. I bought it, and it's mine. If I want to screw up the warranty, that's my business. There's lots of things I've seen that I'd pay $10 for, but they cost $29.95. Lots of $100 programs that I'd give $50 for. I haven't seen anything that I'd pay $100 for, but I've seen some stuff that would be worth more if I could mold it to fit my own needs, but 1 can't because it's on a copy-protected disk and it comes with some kind of stupid licensing agreement that seems to say I've only rented the thing, unless it goes bad, in which case 1 own it and the guy I rented it from doesn't have any obligation to make it right. Why should 1 waste my hardearned money on a deal like that and still not have a program that will do what I want it to do? As for getting a hot copy, why bother? If it's not worth buying, why steal it?

It's time for the honorable people on both sides to get together and set some standards. If you sell me a fair program

at a fair price, I won't let anyone else have a copy of it. If I've got more than one machine, let's talk about a volume discount. It's a lot of hassle for me to copy disks and manuals, but 1 don't feel I should pay full retail for each and every one of them.

I'll tell you the same thing I told the school principal: You can live in a swamp without crawling in the slime. Those who want to know how to break programs can find out without you compromising your integrity. Keep letting us know about honorable outfits like Borland, and we can deal with them. Despite what the experts say, integrity is more important than packaging. Let the rip-off artists deal with each other, but isolate them; they deserve each other.

Thanks for allowing me to ramble on in this long letter.

Bruce Nattrass Madison, Wl

Perhaps it's simply because it's traditional, but I see nothing fundamentally wrong with the way copyright protects books: when you buy a book, you own it, but you have no right to sell or give away copies, nor to keep a copy if you dispose of the original. The disabled and educational institutions have certain rights as well.

It's illegal but physically possible to borrow books from the library and make copies of them; fortunately, that's pretty difficult. Alas, it's much easier to make copies of software.

There's got to be an answer, and let's hope that we find it soon. Thanks for a thoughtful letter.

Best— Jerry ■

Help Needed

The last letter 1 sent to Swami Shantam Paul was returned "unable to forward." I'd appreciate it if anyone knowing his new address could let me know.

DECEMBER 1985 -BYTE 383

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••••• :{. ••••

The Torch Triple X

A UNIX

machine for

a (rumored)

personal

computer

price

by Dick Pountain

Dick Pountain is a technical author

and software consultant living in

London. England. He can be

contacted do BYTE, POB 372.

Hancock. NH 03449.

Torch Computers Ltd. is one of the more successful British computer manufacturing firms, although it is not well known in the United States. Torch entered the computer business by providing peripherals for the Acorn BBC Micro (see BYTE U.K., September, page 385), a machine that never crossed the Atlantic in large numbers but is the second most popular home computer (after the Sinclair Spectrum) in the U.K.

When Acorn launched the BBC Micro (the Beeb) in 1981, the company promised a series of second processors (including the Z80 and National Semiconductor's 16032) to plug into the machine's high-speed bus, called the Tube. Acorn itself was slow to produce these second processors, and Torch Computers (Torch Computers Ltd., Abberley House, Great Shelford, Cambridge CB2 5LQ) was born to add the Z80 and CP/M capability to the Beeb. After some rather complicated politics, Torch's first product became a whole new computer, containing a BBC motherboard purchased from Acorn and a Z80 running CP/N, Torch's own CP/M-80-compatible operating system. With twin floppy disks, color graphics, and a built-in, post-office-approved modem (at a time when such things were rare), the machine certainly stood out from the throng of "identikit" CP/M boxes that dominated business computing in those days.

Torch went on to produce an add-on box for the Beeb, containing twin floppy-disk drives, a Z80 with its own 64K-byte RAM (random-access read/write memory), and CP/N, which proved to be a considerable success. It provided a relatively low-cost entry into CP/M in much the same way that Apple II Z80 cards did in the U.S.

This line of development—providing expansions to the Beeb, which Acorn had still not delivered—led Torch naturally into UNIX land. Again paralleling Apple in the U.S., the Beeb had found favor in university departments, as well as with the hobbyists, and

these people wanted UNIX.

In 1983, Torch produced another (rather large) add-on box called the Unicorn, which contains both a 68000 and a Z80, runs both Berkeley System III UNIX and CP/N, and uses the Beeb as a color-graphics terminal. Over the intervening years, Torch has extended the Unicorn into a range of standalone UNIX personal computers and workstations, all based on the triple-processor architecture, integral communications hardware, networking, and the BBC sound and graphics facilities. As a result. Torch has quietly become one of the larger UNIX vendors in the U.K. (in terms of installed base, if not value), almost unnoticed by the specialist UNIX houses. A recent report on the UNIX marketplace in the U.K. ignored Torch altogether, concentrating on machines that cost more than £15,000.

The Triple X

From the earliest days of the company, Torch's designers had been working on a full-fledged UNIX computer, code-named the XXX or Triple X. Their experience with the Unicorn design radically altered this project; they more or less started again from scratch using the latest personal computer technology. Torch now has a product that is to be officially launched in January 1986 at London's "Which Computer" show. The product, a low-cost, mass-producible personal computer running UNIX System V and driven by Motorola's 68010 processor, has retained the Triple X name.

The machine is aimed at the same market as the AT&T UNIX PC, although it will probably be priced substantially lower. (Pricing was not decided at press time, although some adventurous figures being mentioned are nearer to the IBM Personal Computer than to typical UNIX prices.)

The Triple X (see photo 1) machine is a desktop computer with a small footprint—smaller than an IBM PC and about the same size as that of the Apricot from

[continued]

DECEMBER 1985 'BYTE 385

BYTE U.K.

Apricot Inc. The console unit contains a single-board computer with a full megabyte of RAM, a single 720K-byte floppy-disk drive, and a 20-megabyte Winchester drive. A single power cord supplies both the console and dispiay units, and the power switch is software-controlled so that the machine performs an orderly UNIX shutdown before finally removing power.

A tilting, swiveling 10-inch videodisplay unit sits on top of the console unit. This is a high-resolution color unit, capable of a maximum graphics resolution of 720 by 512 pixels. Torch uses this bit-mapped graphics capability to provide a Macintosh-style user interface to UNIX, complete with windows, icons, and a mouse. The Triple X supports multiple type fonts and laser-printer output, the latter via an integral Ethernet controller.

The Triple X's white injectionmolded case permits modular expansion. The console unit is a sandwich

of a base plate, a central rectangular ring, and a lid. The processor and memory motherboard fit into the base, while the central ring contains the disk drives, power supply, and fan. The central ring can be lifted clear for access. You can insert extra stacking rings containing extra drives or other peripherals into the sandwich. Alternatively, you can remove the ring, leaving a diskless workstation. Using the built-in VME bus interface, you can add an extra-deep ring that turns the console into a floor-standing minicomputer-style unit that may contain many VME cards and extra power supplies.

Hardware Design

The Triple X is designed around the 68010 processor, which runs at 8 MHz, working in conjunction with the 684 51 MMU (memory-management unit) and 684 50 DMA (direct memory access) controller to support virtualmemory operation in the 1-megabyte

T

Photo I: The Torch Triple X microcomputer.

main memory space.

A 6303 single-chip microcomputer with on-chip RAM and ROM (readonly memory) acts as a service processor, which controls the video modes and color palette, a batterybacked clock with some CMOS (complementary metal-oxide semiconductor) setup memory, keyboard and mouse, sound generation, serial communications links, and a 1-MHz peripheral bus. This second processor insulates the devices it controls from the activities of the UNIX system so that, for instance, the mouse can move the screen cursor in real time without interference from UNIX tasks. It also relieves UNIX from any potential video synchronization problems when changing screen modes. The video system has its own separate 64K bytes of RAM. part of which is double-ported to serve as a messagepassing area for communications between the 68010 and the service processor.

The service processor conducts power-up diagnostic checks and ascertains what devices exist in the system before it bootstraps the 68010 If an optional on-board modem is present, the service processor can perform remote diagnostics on failure of the main processor.

Despite the lack of any dedicated hardware graphics processor, screen refresh and raster moves (for example, dragging windows or icons) are exceptionally quick; the powerful peripheral chips and service processor appear to leave the 68010 with plenty of steam to perform these chores.

The amount of video memory provided is sufficient to allow 720 by 512 pixels in two colors (1 bit per pixel), 720 by 2 56 pixels in four colors (2 bits per pixel), or 360 by 2 56 pixels in 16 colors (4 bits per pixel). The normal operating mode is 720 by 2 56 pixels, which provides sufficient resolution to produce normal, bold, and italic type styles with excellent clarity on the screen. As on the Macintosh, the choice of a small 10-inch screen format improves the perceived clarity of

{continued)

386 BYTE • DECEMBER 1985

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PROMAL stands for PROgrammer's Micro Application Language. But PROMAL is more than a high-level language, it's a total structured programming development system with a fast, one-pass compiler, a versatile full-screen editor, plus an integrated machinelanguage subroutine library. And for APPLE and Commodore systems it includes a DOS-like system "Executive."

Better By Design

PROMAL was designed from "scratch" for optimum performance and ease of use on microcomputers. It has a simplified syntax with no awkward terminators

PROMAL 2.0 FEATURES

COMPILED LANGUAGE

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like ";" or "}" and indentation is part

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Equivalent Program Segments

; PROMAL

HEPEAT

PROMPT J\T 5.24 Add Chg Outf> IF Reply ^ A ADD Item

NewJIems - New Hems + 1 ELSE IF Reply CHANGE Hem UNTIL Reply - 'Q'

11910 REM- -BASIC

11920CL-5:LN 24 PR$ AddChgOuiP 11925 GOSUB 9490REM GET REPLY 11930 IF RP$- -A" THEN 11950 1194019 -ITGOSUB10100REMADD 11945NI =NI ■ 1 GOTO 11920 11950 IF RP$ C THEN 11970 1196019 -ITGOSUB6050 REMCHG 11970 IF RP$- 'Q' THEN 11920

PROMAL is readable and understandable. You see the logic from the structure. And PROMAL lets you call procedures by name-so no more GOSUBs. But there's more.

Slick Editor

Editing your source is a snap with the specially-designed and integrated fullscreen Editor-it not only helps you structure your program, it even finds compilation errors- automatically.

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DECEMBER 1985

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BYTE U.K.

You can select

colors interactively with a palette editor, allowing control of red, green, and blue levels.

the displayed characters.

The color selection is extremely flexible. The physical color palette is a 16 by 8 RAM under the control of the 6303, into which bytes are stored to select the 16 displayable colors. Each palette byte controls the intensities of the red. green, and blue beams in the monitor, with 3 bits each devoted to red and green (eight levels) and 2 bits to blue (four levels). This allows 16 colors to be chosen arbitrarily from a possible 2 56. There are two logical palettes, mark and flash. allowing flashing displays that cyclically swap from one to the other.

You can use all 16 colors in screen mode 1 (360 by 2 56 pixels). In the normal screen mode (720 by 2 56 pixels), you can only use 4 actual hues, but 16 halftone tints are available if you mix all the pairs: these tints are subtle and show no visible halftone pattern at all. You can select colors interactively with a palette editor, allowing direct control of the red, green, and blue levels, which are displayed as a bar chart. You may alter these levels with the mouse: since changes take effect immediately you can even use it for color matching.

Communications on the Triple X are handled by two more built-in devices, a Zilog SCC (serial-communications controller) and the Lance Ethernet controller. The back panel provides two serial data channels with D-type connectors. One is configured as RS-423A and the other as X.2 5, but you may reconfigure them both with software to support high-speed synchronous protocols such as HDLC (high-level data-link control) and SDLC (synchronous data-link control). The

Ethernet controller uses DMA to avoid buffering and can operate concurrently with the central processor.

The detachable keyboard has 10 function keys, a numeric pad. and four cursor-control keys. It uses a layout that is vaguely IBM-like but has superior key placements and sizes (e.g., a huge L-shaped Return key). It is completely soft, and you can program any key from the UNIX shell to generate a string.

The mouse is a two-button serial device. On the prototype machine I tested, it plugged into the RS-42 3A port, but on the production models it will have its own socket.

The main board contains a VME bus interface so that you can use the Triple X as a processor card in VME systems. Torch has prototypes of a 68020 processor board that can use Triple X boards as device controllers in a multiprocessing VME system: the Triple X slave processors write directly into the 68020s memory for fast communication.

Software Design

The Triple X's operating system is UniPlus + System V an implementation of UNIX System V from UniSoft Systems, ported for Torch by Root Computers Ltd. of England. It's a complete UNIX implementation with the Berkeley enhancements, Root's enhancements (for unbuffered DMA) disk access and code sharing between processes, and Torch's own extensions to handle a bit-mapped-graphics (rather than a character-oriented) display device.

The Torch MMI (man-machine interface) is mostly built into the UNIX kernel for maximum speed: it never gets swapped out of memory just when you need it. User programs can access the MMI either through direct system calls or through an extensive C library provided with the Triple X.

The interface between UNIX proper and the MMI promotes compatibility with standard UNIX software. UNIX sees a console driver to which it sends a character output stream in the normal fashion, oblivious to the

[continued)

388 BYTE • DECEMBER I9«i

MICROWAY'S 8087 RUNS 1-2-3"!

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87FFT-2 performs two-dimensional FFTs Ideal for image processing Requires 87FFT $100

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Grafmatic for Fortran or Pascal $125

Plotmatic for Grafmatic $125

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87 BASIC/I N LI NE " converts the output of the IBM Basic Compiler into optimized 8087 inline code which executes up to seven times faster than 87BASIC. Supports separately compiled inline subroutines which are located in their own segments and can contain up to 64K bytes of code. This allows programs greater than 128K! Requires the IBM Basic Compiler and Macro Assembler. Includes 87BASIC $200

87 BASIC" includes patches to the IBM Basic Compiler and both runtime libraries for USER TRANSPARENT 8087 support Provides super fast performance for all numeric operations including trigonometries, transcendental addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division $150

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FASTBREAK and NUMBER SMASHER are trademarks ol MicroWay, Inc Lotus and 1 -2-3 are trademarks ot Lotus Development Corp

Inquiry 248

DECEMBER 1985 -BYTE 389

BYTE U.K.

very different processing that these characters receive inside the MMI.

Special Triple X features are organized into three categories, in ascending order of complexity, which are invoked by one of three methods: sending control characters, escape sequences, or calls to the ioctl routine. This permits standard UNIX software to use the basic features such as type styles and colors without modification and the others with fairly minor modification.

The MMI is composed of nine manager modules. Eight of them are part of the UNIX kernel: window manager, keyboard and mouse manager, menu manager, font and text manager, graphics manager, event manager, icon manager, and track manager: the desktop manager is a process that provides a mouse, window, and icon shell. The experienced user can modify it fairly easily.

In my limited use of the Torch MMI, I found it to be a thorough inplementation. It appears at least as deep" as the Macintosh operating system and goes well beyond it in places. It's constructed on classic Xerox PARC lines, starting from the BitBIt routine that performs basic raster copying, shading, and clipping, although Torch's BitBIt incorporates the handling of color bit planes. All visual objects, from a point up to the whole screen, are represented by forms. A form consists of a bit map and the parameters that specify its dimensions and colors. BitBIt manipulates these forms.

The graphics manager, called TorchDraw, is built on top of BitBIt. It supports line, ellipse, and arc drawing, area fills, rectangle framing, clipping, scrolling, and more. The drawing pen may be any form of arbitrary size, not just a point, and so the placement of

icons and mouse cursors becomes an ordinary act of plotting.

Forms of arbitrary size also represent type fonts, with style (normal, bold, or italic] kept as a separate attribute that you can toggle by sending control codes. Torch has commissioned professional typographers to create a series of ISO (International Standards Organization] fonts with typeset-quality attributes, such as proportional spacing and kerning.

Torch loaned me a preproduction version of the machine on which the lower layers were all in place, but the desktop manager was only partially complete. Therefore, the following description comes partly from direct experience and partly from the programmers' specification documents for yet-to-be-implemented features.

The desktop metaphor is similar to that of the Macintosh (except that it's

{continued)

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390 BYTE • DECEMBER 1985

Optional software includes word processor and Compugraphic typesetter formats and the MicroDrive Tester for drive alignment testing.

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Inquiry 266

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70 Main Street Peterborough, NH 03458 (603) 924-9281

BYTE U.K.

One feature of the Triple X that appeared novel to me is the superimposition of icons.

in color); it employs a group of icons presented on the screen that you can drag or click on. The left mouse button selects single icons; the right button, groups of icons.

Files are classified as tools (i.e., executable processes), data, or folders (i.e.. UNIX directories). The system provides standard icons to represent these three types. Each directory may contain a file called desktop, so that

many desktops can exist in the system; different users may each have their own. In each folder there may also be a file called icons that allocates userdefined icons (created with a supplied icon editor) to specific files. These override the default icons and display when you open the folder representing the directory. Icon bit maps are named and stored in files in a system directory called /icons; they are allocated to files indirectly, using their names, so that if you modify an icon, the new version automatically replaces every instance of its use.

One feature that appeared novel to me is the superimposition of icons. You can give a data file to a program as an argument by dragging its icon on top of the program icon, an extension of the trash-can usage in previous systems.

The Triple X supports hierarchical directories in a natural way. Opening

a folder by double clicking creates a new window revealing other folders that you can open. You can only have one folder window active (on top) at one time, but you can have many visible on the screen, and you can bring another one to the top in the usual way by clicking in it. You can drag tool and data icons out of a folder onto the desktop and copy them by dragging them onto another folder. A file dragged to the desktop stays there even when you close its folder, and you should replace it after you're through using it. You can drag data files from the desktop onto tools in other open folders, and certain tools (for example, Is) accept whole folders as arguments. UNIX is a multitasking system; therefore, you can have different processes running in different windows, which means that you can click and activate some kinds of icons

(continued)

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FEATURES:

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* Multiuser and multitasking operation

* Virtual memory and disk capability

* 2 sockets for 27256 eprom (SMT Bios will be available with a nominal fee)

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* Socket for 80287 Math processor

* CMOS clock and calender circuit

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* External hardware reset capability

* Power on LED indicator

* NO selection jumper (no headache for system configuration)

* 24 bit addressing, 16 bit data path

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* 3 programmable timers available

* Speaker/keyboard connector

* Fully assembled and tested board $995

* EASY board with all sockets and components installed except ICs $495

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OEM, VAR, Dealers and Corporate purchasing discount inquiry invited

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The Smartek 1 Mega Byte System Board has a lot of advantages over the Faraday's A-Tease, ATI-1000, and IBM PC AT boards.

SMARTEK

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640k (standard)

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512k

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Number of ICs

129

154

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Dual Clocks

6 MHz and 8 MHz select (9. 10 MHz opt)

6 MHz only

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Inquiry 122

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more than one time.

Double clicking to activate icons is more flexible than in previous systems I've seen. The icons file specifies what action, defined by UNIX shell commands, should occur when an icon is double-clicked. There are default actions: no action for a data file and the program name itself for a tool, but you can insert any arbitrarily complex action instead. This file also lets you define some icons as acceptors (for example, icons that can receive others as arguments).

The MMI integrates transparently with UNIX, since you can always open a window and issue shell commands in the normal way. But for the nonenthusiast, using icons and pointing is tremendously effective in cushioning you from the brutality of the UNIX user interface. If developers would give sensible names to all the utility programs as well, 1 would be a com

plete convert. Since you no longer need to type them, the rationale for monosyllabic monstrosities like grep has disappeared.

Conclusions

Even in its prototypical state, the Torch Triple X has a polished and professional design that exploits the latest technology (2 56K-byte RAMs, etc.) in a way that makes it massproducible at ordinary desktop computer prices. Handled properly, it could well be the machine that spurs the long-awaited UNIX takeoff. The excellent user interface overcomes most of the objections against UNIX as an operating system for ordinary mortals.

The only remaining question concerns the amount of application software available under UNIX. Here, Torch is taking an active stance. Rather than talking about third-party sup

port, they have commissioned standard applications, including a word processor and spreadsheet from a London-based UNIX software house, that should fully utilize the advanced user interface.

If the launch price is as low as some of the figures currently circulating suggest, Torch will have no trouble selling the machine to its traditional academic and scientific customers. In pursuing the longer-term goal of selling to the business user. Torch may find the most serious competition coming, paradoxically, from the Commodore Amiga rather than the AT&T UNIX PC, which I think looks rather drab by comparison.

The Triple X is unlikely to be sold in the U.S. by Torch; in fact Torch is looking for a major U.S. company to manufacture it. A deal is close as this column goes to press, so keep an eye open for the announcement. ■

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M

IBM PC

PANASONIC 1091

fff

$1349.95

$221.95

£&$0

»>

STAR SG10

APPLE 2EwORIVE

mZ^

$197.95

$790.00

"PRINTER SPEC./

U4P

Brother HR15XL

307

NEC 2050

593

Powertype

275

Brother HR 35

619

NEC 3550

915

StarSGIO

198

Citizen MSP 10

239

NEC 8850

317

Star SG 15

333

Corona Laser

2387

Okidata 192

323

Star SD 10

302

Daisyvvnter

718

Ok.dat 193

484

Star SO 15

400

Epson LXBO

213

Oktdata 182

219

StarSR 10

435

Epson JX60

467

Okimate 10

115

Star SR 15

543

Epson LQ 1500

837

Olympairo

250

Star SB 10

426

FX185

462

Panasonic KXP1091

222

Silver Reed Exp 550

354

FX85

328

Panasonic KXP 1090

163

Silver Reed Exp 500

231

HP Laser Jet

2652

Panasonic KXP 1092

327

Silver Reed Exp 770

593

Ju*i6l00

335

Panasonic KXP 1093

390

Toshiba 1340

518

Panasonic KXP 3151

379

Toshiba 351

985

WOW! WOW! WOW!

IBM

AT Enhanced

AT Unenhanced

IBM Monitor

IBM PC64K

PC XT

PC XT Clone

IBM Drive

AST Si* Pack

Tall Grass 25 Meg

Quad Board

Keylronics

Hercules Color

Hercules Monochrome

Mitsuba Monochrome

Paradise Graphics

Paradise 5 Pack

STB Graphics +2

STBR10 + 2

STB Mono Board

Tecmar Graphics

TecmarCaptian

Per9yst Monocard

Bernoull Box

3921 2912

806

1349 1680 1099

'46

193

80287 Chip AST Advantages Everex Edge Everex Magic

APPLE

130XE 800 XL 1027 Printer 1050 Drive Indus Drive

200

MODEMS

Hayes 1200 349

Hayes 1200B vWSmaftcom 326

Hayes 300 120

Hayes 2400 562

Mlcromodem 2E 125

Novation J-c«1 79

Promethous 1200 289

800-441-1144

Amdek 300 Green Amdek 300 Amber 310 Amber Color 300 Color 500 Color 600 Color 700 Color 710 PrindonHX12 Princton Max 12 SR12 Taxan 220 Taxan420

COMMODORE

Commodore 128

Commodore 64

1451 Disk Drive

1702 Monitor 1

MPS 803

Indus Drive

Card co Interface

394 BYTE • DECEMBER 1985

Inquiry I97

Items reflect cash discount For your protection we check for stolen creclt cards MC I VISA welcome. Personal checks cause 4 week delay

Inquiry I60

U

I Program In BetterBASIC Ana I Recommend It!'

"Lifeboat Associates," has expanded its philosophy of endorsing structured programming

languages to include a truly superior product—BetterBASIC. More than just a BASIC,

BetterBASIC offers use of the full memory of the computer, true procedures and functions,

modularity and more. BetterBASIC has the advantages of the C language on which Lifeboat

built its reputation and appeals to the wide audience of programmers who already program in

BASIC. I liked BetterBASIC so much, I decided "Lifeboat" should publish it. I program in

BetterBASIC and I recommend it."

Dr. Edward Currie, President—Lifeboat Assoc.—New York, NY

640K Now you can use the

full memory of your PC to

develop large programs.

STRUCTURED Create well

organized programs using

procedures and functions

that are easily identified

and understood and

completely reusable in

future programs.

MODULAR Use proce

dures and functions

grouped together to form

"library modules" which are

then available to you or

anyone else for future use.

EXTENSIBLE Create your

own BetterBASIC modules which contain

BetterBASIC extensions. This feature

coupled with the easy-to-use Assembly

Language support, makes this an ideal

OEM language.

INTERACTIVE BetterBASIC acts like an

interpreter because it responds to the users'

commands in an immediate mode.

However each statement is actually

compiled as it is entered.

COMPILED Each line of the program is

compiled as it is entered into the computer's

memory rather than interpreted at runtime.

RUNTIME SYSTEM The optional Runtime

System generates stand alone EXE. files

allowing for the distribution of products

written in BetterBASIC with no royalties. SUPPORTS Windows, Graphics, DOS and BIOS ROM calls, Chaining, Overlays, Local and Global Variables, Recursion ... and more.

BetterBASIC Runs on IBM PC, XT, AT and all IBMcompatibles. Ask your local dealer for BetterBASIC or call 1-800-225-5800 in Canada call 416-469-5244. Also available for the Tandy 1000,1200, AND 2000 AT Tandy/Radio Shack stores.

Summit Software Technology, IncI"

RO. Box 99, Babson Park

Wellesley MA 02157

PRICES:

BetterBASIC

$199

8087/80287 Math Module

$99

BTrieve™ Interface

$99

Runtime System

$250

Sample Disk with Tutorial

$10

B^C.

Because It's The Best.

MasterCard, Visa, Checks, Money Order, COD accepted and P.O. on approval.

BetterBASIC is a registered trademark of Summit Software Technology Inc. IBM PC, XT, AT, are registered trademarks of International Business Machines Corp. Tandy is a registered trademark of Tandy Corp. Btrieve is a registered trademark of SoftCraft Inc.

(If you're using BetterBASIC and would like to be featured in one of our ads, please write to the Director of Advertising at Summit.)

Inquiry 34 I

DECEMBER 1985 "BYTE 395

You were smart to buy Turbo Pascal back then. Now you'd be smart to sell it.

AND HERE'S YOUR CHANCE. TRADE IN YOUR TURBO PASCAL AND GET THE MODULA-2 SOFTWARE DEVELOPMENT SYSTEM (M2SDS) FOR JUST $50.88.

How can you get the latest in programming efficiency? Simple. Just send us your Turbo Pascal diskette*whether it's IBM format or not-and we'll send you M2SDS for just $50.88. That's $30 off the regular price.

Why switch? Because Modula-2 was specifically designed by the developer of Pascal, to replace the Pascal language. So you already know the language basics that will help you start programming right away.

And when you combine the power of Modula-2 with all the features of M2SDS, you'll be programming faster than ever-in virtually no time at all.

Just look at all the extras M2SDS includes. And how it outperforms Turbo Pascal in independent studies.

So now that you're wise to Turbo Pascal, why not trade it in? And trade up to the programming efficiency of the future. Get M2SDS for just $50.88 when you send us your Turbo Pascal diskette. Or, order M2SDS for just $80.88 without the trade.

Either way, it's one of the smartest moves you can make in programming. And now, it's the best deal going.

Turbo Pascal is a trademark of Borland International.

'Diskette will be destroyed immediately upon receipt, so that your Borland license agreement is not violated.

M2SDS

TURBO 3.0

COMPILE SPEED (MlN: SEC)

30 LINES

0:09.00

0:02.00

360 LINES

0:25.00

0:05.00

EXECUTION SPEED (MIN:SEC)

SIEVE

0:13.92

0:15.26

FIBONACCI

0:53.49

1:49.74

30X30 MATRIX (8087)

0:08.84

0:19.28

FP OPERATIONS

0:52.12

0:31.75

FP OPERATIONS (8087)

0:01.97

0:06.21

SYNTAX CHECKING EDf TOR

YES

NO

MULTIPLE WINDOW EDITING

YES

NO

EDITOR FILESIZE LIMIT

MEMORY SIZE

64K

COMPILE ERROR CALLS EDITOR

YES

YES

LINKER

YES

NO

PRODUCES EXE FILES

YES

NO

EXECUTABLE CODE SIZE LIMIT

DISK SPACE

64K

DOS ACCESS FROM EDITOR

YES

NO

DOS ACCESS FROM PROGRAMS

YES

LIMITED

8087 SUPPORT STANDARD

YES

NO

COPY-PROTECTED DISK

NO

NO

COST WITH 8087 SUPPORT

$80.88

$109.90

r

Trade in your Turbo Pascal for M2SDS today. Or, order your copy by completing this coupon.

□ Enclosed is my Turbo Pascal diskette and a check for $50.88, plus $4 shipping and handling.

□ Enclosed is my Turbo Pascal diskette. Apply charges to the credit card indicated below.

H Please send me M2SDS for $80.88, plus $4 shipping and handling. My check is enclosed.

□ Please send me M2SDS for $80.88. Apply charges to the credit card indicated below.

VISA/MasterCard/American Express. (Circle One)

Credit card # Expiration Date _

Name

(Signature required for credit card orders )

Address

City

State/Zip _

Price does not include shipping and handling. Texas residents add 6.125% sales tax International orders add $30.

INTERFACE TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION 3336 Richmond. Suite 200 Houston, TX 77098

I I

Source: Software Resources, Inc.

Sieve program from BYTE, January 1983.

Fibonacci program from Dr. Dobb's Journal. February

1985.

Matrix program from BYTE, October, 1982.

FP Operations program from BYTE, May 1985.

Turbo Pascal without 8087 uses only 6-byte accuracy

for type REAL: M2SDS with or without 8087 uses

8-byte accuracy.

Programs compiled with all checking options on.

All tests conducted on a standard IBM'PC/XT'with

512K of memory and an 8087 math coprocessor.

a.

INTERFACE TECHNOLOGIES

3336 Richmond Ave., Suite 200 Houston, Texas 77098

1-800-922-9049

(In Texas, call 713/523-8422) Telex: 322127 Modula-2 Bulletin Board: 713/523-7255

396 BYTE • DECEMBER 198 5

A-fh

BYTE JAPAN

Computing in Taiwan

The Computex '85 computer show

software piracy

by William M. Raike

This month, BYTE Japan could be called BYTE Asia. The entire BYTE lapan staff (namely, me) selflessly and a look at agreed to visit Taiwan for a few days to report on the Computex '85 computer show held there during the week of July 12-18. 1 also wanted to check out the rumors I've heard concerning software (and hardware) piracy in that country.

It had been three years since I last visited the city of Taipei, one of Asia's premier economic miracles. New construction is erupting everywhere, the air pollution and traffic are even worse than before, the Chinese (and Taiwanese) food is as good as ever, and there are hundreds upon hundreds of small- and medium-size companies turning out high-quality personal computers at incredibly low prices. If you want to buy computer equipment and are planning to visit this part of the world soon, the potential savings on equipment combined with the low cost of travel and lodging might make it worthwhile for you to stop in Taiwan.

The Show

Computex '85 was held under the auspices of Taiwan's China External Trade Development Council (CETDC) in its huge exhibition hall at the Sungshan domestic airport. The overwhelming majority of exhibitors were offering equipment compatible with the IBM PC or the IBM PC XT computers. As regular BYTE lapan readers know, this situation is completely different from the one in lapan, where IBM PC compatibility isn't even an issue. Most of the computers were straight-out clones, but I saw a number of innovative ideas, including IBM PC- and Apple-compatible portable computers and an interesting new machine based on the 80186 processor.

William M. Raike, who has a Ph.D. in applied mathematics from Northwestern University, has taught operations research and computer science in Austin. Texas, and Monterey. California. He holds a patent on a voice scrambler and was formerly an officer of Cryptext Corporation in the U.S. Im 1980. he went to lapan looking for 64K-ftl RAMs. He has been there ever since as a technical translator and a software developer. He can be contacted do BYTE, POB 372. Hancock. NH 03449.

ERSO BIOS

How, I wondered, do these small companies manage to legally produce IBM PC-compatible machines without investing large amounts of money to develop their own

BIOS (basic input/output system)—the nutsand-bolts software that underlies the operating system and lets the machine run? How do they avoid infringement lawsuit problems?

I got an answer I hadn't expected. An organization called ERSO (the Electronics Research and Service Organization, sponsored by the Taiwanese government) has developed its own BIOS, which it claims is acceptable to IBM as noninfringing. For modest fees, small computer manufacturers can obtain licenses for the ERSO BIOS. That way, they avoid the need for large softwaredevelopment outlays and escape the risk of serious legal entanglements when they attempt to export to the United States, which is clearly their target market.

The same thing could have been done by a private organization, but the Taiwanese government had strong reasons to become involved: It needs to make visible efforts to put a stop to the export of illegal copies of proprietary hardware and software. The ERSO BIOS makes an appealing carrot; the accompanying stick is an apparent determination by the Taiwanese government, at the behest of the CETDC, to prosecute computer pirates. In early June, the Taiwan Supreme Court confirmed jail sentences for three people convicted of selling illegal copies of Apple II manuals and software. Earlier, another manufacturer was sentenced to a year in jail and fined for illegally copying IBM software. Current Taiwanese law calls for a jail sentence of up to five years for manufacturing counterfeit goods and up to one year for selling or exhibiting them.

Another government move to discourage computer pirates becomes evident when you go to the airport to leave the country. Taiwan is one of the few places I've been to that requires a customs inspection for departing passengers. A specific item on the declaration form asks you to list any computer disks, tapes, or other software

(continued)

DECEMBER 1985 -BYTE 397

If you need easy access

to your IBM mainframe,

our Emulation Adapters

are just the tickets.

With the IBM Enhanced 5250 Emulation Adapter or the IBM 3278/79 Emulation Adapter, you can quickly convert your IBM Personal Computer into an online terminal. Thereby gaining easy access to mainframe data without leaving your desk. And making the transfer of data between PC and mainframe simple.

What's more, you can access programs at the host and run PC programs simultaneously. Switching from one to the other with a simple keystroke sequence.

You can even pick your own printer in most cases: the hosts high-speed printer or your own PC's printer.

Put the power of our most popular mainframes on your desk.

The enhanced 5250 emulation card allows you to access the IBM System/34. 36 or 38 with your PC. PC XT. PC AT or Portable PC. (Remote access is available on the System /36 and 38 using appropriate hardware and software.)

And the 3278/70 card lets you and your IBM PC, PC XT or PC AT interact with the IBM 4300, 3081, 3083 or 3000. either local or remote.

You'll thank us for the memory.

The 3278/70 card's emulation

control program requires only 23K of memory.

Which means, with our 3278/79 card, you've got more memory left for application programs. And less tied up with housekeeping functions.

The key to keyboard familiarity.

The enhanced 5250 card's emulation program lets you define keyboard functions. Default definitions make it easy to map the PC, PC XT, PC AT or Portable PC keyboards to the 5291 keyboard. You can also define your own personal keyboard layout and play back predefined strings of keys.

The 3278/79 Emulation Adapter

is now available

through your dealer.

The 5250 card is carried by selected dealers. Both Emulation Adapters are available at IBM Product Centers and __ through

your IBM marketing representative. You'll pleasantly surprised by the cost of either card. So if you'd like to put the power of your company's mainframe to work for you. put in one of our Emulation Adapters. And you'll find out why our cards are the hottest tickets in town. ^^— —

Inquiry 174

BYTE JAPAN

Inquiry 358

purchased in Taiwan. If the customs inspector finds any software or hardware product in your luggage that doesn't have a seal indicating specific government approval, it will be confiscated.

The ERSO BIOS apparently hasn't discouraged technological competition. Some companies producing IBM-compatible machines have chosen, either independently or in partnership with U.S. firms, to develop their own BlOSes. bypassing the government effort. They claim that their BlOSes are faster than the ERSO version, while maintaining full IBM PC compatibility.

The LEO Personal Computer

One of the most interesting machines at Computex '85 was the LEO AT/XT from First International Computer Inc. (see photo 1). The LEO isn't really an IBM clone, but the company claims that it is fully compatible with the IBM PC XT and has some of the features of the PC AT as well.

The LEO is based on an 80186 microprocessor (the same type as in

my Fujitsu FM-16/3 computer) running at 8 MHz; it's supposed to be about three times as fast as the IBM PC XT. It uses some kind of dual-bus architecture; a spokesperson for the company wasn't specific. The LEO has its own BIOS, developed in cooperation with an American company, and First International Computer claims it will run either MS-DOS or PC-DOS as well as Concurrent CP/M-86. I saw it running several popular application software products, including Lotus Development Corporation's 1-2-3.

The LEO comes in three configurations; all have 512K bytes of memory on the main board (you can expand the memory up to 1 megabyte by adding a memory board) and include a keyboard and a color-graphics card as well as a floppy-disk controller, Centronics-compatible printer port, and RS-232C serial interface.

The differences between the three versions involve the disk drives. The top-of-the-line model, the LEO AT/ XT-2, includes one 360K-byte floppydisk drive, one 1.2-megabyte floppy

(continued)

Photo 1: The LEO AT/XT personal computer.

\

* A

j

Number One In Performance

Hard Disk Intelligent

VCR Backup

for AT/XT/PC

FEATURES

High speed microprocessor controlled backup (68008)

• Two channel interface

• Built in LAN channel

• Software control of most VCR functions including Fast Forward, Rewind, and auto backup using VCR timer capabilities

• Economical VHS or Beta formats

4704 W JENNIFER. SUITE 105 • FRESNO. CA 93711 209/276-2345

DECEMBER 1985 -BYTE 399

Inquiry 3 59

BYTE JAPAN

Companies Mentioned

Aquarius Systems Inc.

Taipei, Taiwan

394 Keelung Rd. Sec. 1, 6F

Telephone: (02) 766-1991

P.O. Box 48-29

Telex: 25907 IFYWU or 12998 PCDATA

Taipei. Taiwan

Telephone: (02) 706-9140

K.S. Brotherbox Company Ltd.

Telex: 13138 AQUSYS

6F-1 No. 3 Shin Sen N. Rd. Sec. 1

(or P.O. Box 32-62)

Autosim Company Ltd.

Taipei, Taiwan

F.O. Box 3-10 Hsichih

Telephone: (02) 391-0837

Taipei Hsien Taiwan

Telex: 13264 KSBOX

Telephone: (02) 643-1520

Telex: 32454 AUTOWEB

OST-EMPOR Electronics Company Ltd.

No. 12, Alley 16, 7th Fl.

First International Computer Inc.

Lane 12 Sec. 3 Pateh Rd.

201 Tung Hwa N. Rd., 13F

Taipei, Taiwan

Taipei, Taiwan

Telephone: (02) 772-6492

Telephone: (02) 715-4473

Telex: 23056 CHARLENE

TECA Engineering Company Ltd.

64 TUnhua N. Rd., 4F

IMC Group

Taipei, Taiwan

No. 102, 4F Hao-mei Bldg.

Telephone: (02) 721-1162

Nanking E. Rd. Sec. 5

Telex: 25817 TECACO

disk drive, and a 20-megabyte harddisk drive with controller. Its price, in U.S. dollars, in quantities up to 11 units, is $2165. The LEO AT/XT-1 model is the same, except it doesn't include the 1.2-megabyte floppy-disk drive: its price is $1995. You can also buy a LEO AT/PC model for $1270; this version comes with two 360Kbyte floppy-disk drives, but no harddisk drive.

A novel feature of the LEO series is that, of the five expansion slots on the main board, two slots accept cards designed for the IBM PC AT and compatibles, while the remaining three slots are IBM PC XT-compatible. Furthermore, the manufacturer says that the LEO can run MS-DOS 3.0. These features really put the LEO into a class somewhere between the IBM PC XT and the PC AT; the availability of an 80286 processor card next year ought to make the machine even more versatile.

IBM PC XT AND IBM PC AT Clones Everywhere

I couldn't even count the companies that were exhibiting look-alikes for the

Inquiry 96 for End-Users. <— Inquiry 97 for DEALERS ONLY.

IBM PC PC XT, and PC AT. To give you an idea of prices, here are some typical examples.

The model HT-320 computer from OST-EMPOR Electronics Company Ltd. is an IBM PC AT-compatible machine. It includes 640K bytes of memory on the main board, with eight expansion slots, a color-graphics card, keyboard, and a single 1.2-megabyte floppy-disk drive. No hard-disk drive is included. The price for a single unit is $2050.

TECA Engineering Company Ltd. offers both components and assembled computers in IBM PC- PC XT- and PC AT-compatible models. The IBM PCcompatible version, with dual floppydisk drives, 2 56K bytes of memory on the main board, and a 12-inch monochrome monitor, costs $747. The IBM PC XT version, including hard-disk drive and controller, sells for $1100. An IBM PC AT-compatible version, with 512K bytes of memory and an 80286 processor, one 1.2-megabyte floppy-disk drive, and one 20-megabyte hard-disk drive, has a list price of $2800.

{continued)

K

Number One in Performance

68010/68000 Coprocessor for

IBM/AT/XT/PC

8/10/12.5mz No Wait States

$139S°°Qly.1

FEATURES

• 1-2 MB RAM (1MB Standard)

• 16K-64KEPR0M

• 2-8 Serial Ports Async/Sync/Bisync Communications

• Battery-backed Real Time Clock

• Battery-backed 2K-8K RAM

• 2 Parallel Ports

• Memory-mapped Dual-port BUS

• 3-9 Users Per Board (3 Standard) •Up To 16 Boards Per AT/XT/PC

• Can Operate As Standalone Processor

SOFTWARE

• 0S9 (Powerful UNiX-like Multi-user OS)

• CPM/68K

• Software selectable OS including concurrent PC D0S/0S-9or CPM/68K operation

• Support Module for IBM Graphics

• High-speed Local/Global Disk Caching

• Basic. Pascal. Fortran. C. and COBOL

Systems

4704 W JENNIFER. SUITE 105* FRESNO. CA93711

209/276-2345

DECEMBER 1985 'BYTE 401

HIGH PERFORMANCE OUTPUT WAS ONCE A SINGULAR EXPERIENCE.

That experience was the Datasouth DS180. The machine so sophisticated, so reliable, that it won international acclaim as the printer demanding people demand.

But those demanding people demanded more. More functions, more applications, the ability to perform more printing tasks.

Our answer was the DS 220. A multi-mode that actually outperformed every other matrix printer in its class.

Then, we brought high performance to the personal computer, with our own line of Personal Printers.

Our Daisy Wheel 36 brought the Datasouth reputation to daisywheel printing.

And our CX and TX models freed once-captive IBM users from the need to buy overpriced IBM printers.

We even improved on the original, with the new DS 180 Plus and the new DS 180DD for demand document applications.

So, what was once a singular experience is now plural: the Datasouth f High Performance printer family.

IBM is a registered trademark of International Business Machines

m--m^m: .*>■?

south

HIGH

PERFORMANC

Datasouth Computer Corporation Box 240947'Charlotte, NC 28224 704/523-8500-Tlx 6843018 DASOU UW

AVAILABLE NATIONWIDE THROUGH OUR NETWORK OF SALES AND SERVICE DISTRIBUTORS

PRINTERS

CALL TOLL FREE:

1-800-222-4528

Ext. 508

402 BYTE • DECEMBER 1985

Inquiry 108

Inquiry 360

BYTE JAPAN

The ASI-500 computer from Aquarius Systems Inc. is fully IBM PC XT-compatible and runs the government-developed ERSO BIOS. It has 640K bytes of on-board memory and includes a single 320K-byte floppydisk drive and a 10-megabyte hard disk. It comes with MS-DOS 2.11, but no monitor or color-graphics board is included. The list price is $1130. A dual-floppy version with only 128K bytes of memory sells for only $600.

Autosim Company Ltd. produces the Touch-1 computer, an IBM PC XTcompatible. With 2 56K bytes of onboard memory, a single 320K-byte floppy-disk drive, and a color-graphics card, it sells for $395. A slim-type 10-megabyte hard disk and controller will set you back an additional $5 50. The best thing about this computer is its keyboard (available separately for $55); 1 think its layout and touch are about 100 percent better than that of the standard IBM PC keyboard.

The Kingtech KS-200 portable IBM PC XT-compatible from K.S. Brotherbox Company Ltd. sells for $750. with 640K bytes of memory, dual 360Kbyte floppy-disk drives, and a built-in 9-inch green monitor. Or you can order the KS-200A with a hard-disk drive instead of one of the floppy-disk drives for $1150. The keyboard is detached and has the standard IBM PC layout.

The IMC JR+ from IMC Group is a laptop portable IBM PC-compatible, but it doesn't have a built-in display. It does have 2 56K bytes of memory, a color-graphics board, and one builtin 5'/4-inch 320K-byte floppy-disk drive. The list price is only $475. The same company makes a portable IBM PC-compatible machine that includes a 9-inch green monitor and two floppy-disk drives for $75 5. It also offers an IBM PC XT-compatible machine with a 10-megabyte hard disk and 2 56Kbytesof memory for $1055, or with 640K bytes of memory for $1120. IMC Group uses a proprietary BIOS that was developed in the U.S.

Software Piracy Close-up

Regular readers of this column know that my computer is a Fujitsu FM-16/3,

which is not at all IBM PC-compatible. In fact. 1 run the CP/M-86 operating system, not MS-DOS, so I have no need for IBM PC software. Nevertheless, having heard so many rumors about pirate software shops in Taiwan, 1 decided to check it out myself.

One shop measured up to my worst expectations. Its catalog consists of a list of over 300 well-known software packages, including Lotus's 1-2-3 and Symphony, Ashton-Tate's Framework, and numerous compilers, spreadsheets, word processors, and other application programs marketed by major companies in the U.S. and throughout the world. The store also offers hundreds of books, including manuals for the software it sells. All of this is illegal, all of it is pirated. The software is sold for $10 per disk. I asked to see three well-known programs; they were brought out of the storeroom and demonstrated. Not one of the disks had a label from the original manufacturer. Since I was testing three disks, I was offered a discount: three disks for $20. The salesperson said, "Please wait a moment; we'll copy these right now," and proceeded to do just that. I couldn't resist the temptation to ask, "How is it that you can offer such expensive software for such a low price?" The salesperson confided to me. "I think this is a little bit illegal. You should hide these from Customs when you go to the airport."

Don't write and ask me the address of the shop; with any luck, by the time you read this the Taiwanese government will have closed down the operation. In the meantime, the only thing 1 can say to U.S. software suppliers is that sending software to Taiwan may be issuing a license to steal. If I were a major software company, I'd consider hiring a permanent representative in Taiwan just to file complaints against software pirates.

Coming Up

Next month I'll take a look at new models of the NEC PC-9801 series. I'll also discuss the DynaMac and some software that bridges the East-West language gap. ■

h

l~

*' s

Number One in Performance

Z80H

IBM/AT/XT/PC- 8mz No Wait States

FEATURES

• 64K-256KRAM •2K-8KEPR0M/StaticRam

• 2 Serial Ports Async/Sync/Bisync Communications

• Real Time Clock

• Memory-mapped Dual-port BUS

• On-board/Remote Reset NMI capability •Up To 32 Boards Per AT/XT/PC

• Can Operate As Standalone Processor

• Less Than Full Size Board (will fit other compatables.)

SOFTWARE

• ZP/M tm CP/M Emulation Software (Supports Most CP/M Software)

• Multiuser Capability if Used As A Slave Processor

Systems

4704 W. JENNIFER. SUITE 105* FRESNO. CA 93711 209/276-2345

DECEMBER 1985 -BYTE 403

Ssmco 9o<wnfui<te/i jHa/iAe^^na 9P 9D&nA€tM€vnfo

SG-10 .. $208.00 AXIOM SEIKOSHA

GP550AT (Atari) GP550CD (C-64 GP700AT (Atari) GP700AP (Apple)

ELITE5CD (C

222

222 439 439 229

C. ITOH

8510AP+ 299

1550P 437

1550BP 437

1550EP 437

1550BCD 489

F10-40 869

FlO-55 1039

7500AP 204

75O0AR 244

TOSHIBA

P1340 557

SAVE ™ PRINTERS

CARDCO

32K BUFFER (C-64)

CORONA

LP300 Laser Printer 2686

200361 Toner Cartridge 89

EPSON

FXB5 (New)

LX80

FX185 (New) ... .

LX90 (New)

SO2000 (New)

JX80

Homewnter 10

CR-20-Atari

CR-220C-64 DX-10 (New) DX-20 (New) HS-80 (New) LQ1500P LQ1500S RX-100 FX-100+

333 212 464 226

1555 467 193 153 153 207 297 288 975

1039

356

CALL

CITIZEN

MSP-10 269

MSP-15 358

MSP-20 337

MSP-25 495

Sheetfdr (10/20). 189

Sheettdr (15/25) 199

OKIDATA

Qkimate 10 179

Okimate 20 CALL

182 . .. 21*

192 348

193 ..... 563

92P 349

93P 566

84P 645

92 Imagewnter 349

•IBM versions also

BROTHER

HR-15XL-P

HR-15XL-S

HR-35P

HR-35S

2024L-P

M1009-P

359 359 839 839 949 189

JUKI

Juki 6100 347

RS232 Serial Board 55

6100 Tractor 119

6100 Sheet Feeder 209

Juki 6300 757

LEGEND

880 ^86

1080 222

1380 262

1385 296

DIGITAL DEVICES

16K BUFFER 75

32K BUFFER 89

64K BUFFER 125

DIABLO

025 549

630API 1599

630ECS 1759

D801F 2395

P32CQ1 699

P38 1749

C150 . 999

1091... $233.00 PANASONIC

1091 233

3131 (NEW)

1092 1093 3151 Letter 4K Buffer

373 426 426

65

SILVER REED

EXP400 EXP500 EXP550 EXP770

249 295 399 749

STAR MICRONICS

SG-10 208

SG-15 SD-10

SD-15

SR-10

SR-15

Powertype

SB-10

SG-10C-64 (NEW)

.373 .336 442 483 583 303 CALL CALL

MONITORS

TAXAN

115 12 G'eeen Composite

116 12 Amber Composite

121 12" Green TTL

122 12" Amber TTL

220 14" Color Composite . 410 12" RGB Hi Res IBM 420 12" RGB Supei Hi IBM 440 12" RGB Ultra Hi Res Tilt Stana

ZENITH

ZVM 122A Amber

ZVM 123G Green

ZVM 124 Amber IBM

ZVM 131 Color

ZVM 133 RGB

ZVM 135 Composite

ZVM 136 Hi Res Color

1220 1239 1240

MJ-10 Composite MJ 22 RGB

AMDEK

300 Green 300 Amber 310 Amber IBM Color 300 Audio Color 500 Composite Color 600 Color 700 Color 710

CALL CALL 135 145 259 329 409 555 35

75 75 129 275 389 449 589 CALL

TEKNIKA

179 255

128 155 234 369 397 495 569

PANASONIC

DT1300D 13" RGB/Composite 0TM140 14" RGB/Composite DTH103 10" RGB Hi Res DTS101 10" Composite

DT10OOG 10" RGB

TX12H3P 12- Coky TR120M1PA 12" Green TR120MBPA 12" Amber TR122M9P 12" Green IBM TR122MYP 12" Amber IBM

247 329 395 175 '66 419 !09 '09 148 148

SAKATA

SG 1000 12" Green 99

SA 1000 12" Amber 109

SG 1500 12" Green TTL 119

SA 1500 12" Amber TTL 129

SC 100 13" Color Comp 209

SC 200 13" RGB 389

STS1 Tilt Stand 29

NEC

JB-1260 Green JB-1201 Green JC 1215 Color JC 1216 RGB JC 1460 Color JB 1205 Amber

95 135 235 375 265 139

X-TRON

Comcolor I Composite Green 177

PRINCETON GRAPHICS

MAX-12 Amber 185

HX-12 RGB 465

SR-12 RGB 595

MODEMS

HAYES

Smaftrnodern 300 Smartmodem 1200 Smartmodem 12006 Smartmodem 2400 Micromodem HE

Westndge (C-64) Mrtey Mo Modem CompuServe

ANCHOR

Volksmodem

Volksmodem 12

Mark 12 . .

RACAL-VADIC

133 377

347 S98 135

2400PC

2400PA

2400V

1200PC

300V

300 PC

George Software

549 799 559 329 205 199 69

TELE LEARNING

Total Telecommunications

(C-64) 29.95

AP-250 (300 Baud Apple) 69.95 IB-250 (300 Baud IBM) 69.95

NOVATION

IBM 300/1200 MS-DOS ext 319

IBM 300/1200 CPM-86ex1 319

IBM 300/1200.7400 ext 529

IBM 300/1200/2400 MS-P0S 579

IBM MS-DOS int 325

IBM CPM-86 int 325

Macmodem 300/1200 315

Macmodem 300/1200/2400 585

Apple Cat II 219

Upgiade Apple Cat II 225

Cat 300 Acoustic 139

J CatRS232 89

MICROBITS

i06dModem 57

DRIVES

INDUS GT ATARI 215

GT COMMODORE 235

COMTEL

Enhancer 2000 (c-64)

TYMAC

MOM40 3' i Apple Dove 640K

MSD

SD1 Drive (C-64) 229

SD2 Drive (C-64) 469

DISKETTES

DENNISON

ELEPHANT 5V«" SSSD ELEPHANT 5V„" SSDD ELEPHANT 5V4" DSDD PREMIUM 5V„" SSDD PREMIUM 5V«" DSDD

11 99 1299 1499 13 99 1599

SKC 5V«" SKC 5V«"

(Box 10)

SUNKYONG

SSDD

DSDD

5'V MD1 5'4 MD2

MAXELL

13 99 1999

5V4" 5V4"

5V4'

5'/4'

VERBATIM

SSDD

DSDD

BONUS

SSDD

DSDD

.1399 1999

999 1299

IBM-PC COMPATIBLE

*LOTUS

Lotus 1-2-3 309.00

Symphony 439.00

*QUADRAM

Quad Jr Exp Chassis. 519.00 Quad Jr. Exp. Memory....209.00 Quad Memory Jr 209.00

'LEADING EDGE

Nutshell 69.95

LEWP Basic 65.00

LEWP Merge Print 99.00

LE Spell Correction 169.00

OMEGA

10 Meg Bernoulli Box (IBM)..1899 5 Meg Bernoulli Box (MAC). 1499

ITT XTRA XP Pereonal Computer!

'256K 2 Drive System CALL

'256K 10 Meg Hard System Call

AT&T

Safari 7300

6300

TANDON

'320K 0/0 v„" Drive

CALL CALL

AST

Six Pack Plus 64K CALL

Mega Plus II 64K 269

Memory 128K (mega) 199

Memory 256K (Mega) 335

Mono-Graph Plus 339

Advantage-AT-128K 389

TOLL FREE 1-800-233-8760

Inquiry 2I9

TO ORDER

ft

C»ll TOLL r»tf

800-233-8760

Or lind order to LyCO Computer P O Box SO88 Customer Service 1-717-327-1825 Jen*, Shore P» 177*0

RISK FREE POLICY

In woe* Mams thappad anthwi 34 houn> 01 ontm No dapoat on C O D ordttt Fra* snapping on prepaid cast ordart **tan via contnamai U S Votuma diacountt available PA raudanu add aataa ia« APO FPO and Mafnaionai ordarm add

bakva ahvpmg ** about UPS Btua and Had tab* •TajyMng AN marchandtM carrwd undaf mantaactunM* warranty f—~ (o cftanoa anihoui notwa

Mac Communications

Color Graphics

Atari 520ST

Amiga

SideKick

Mac Books

by Bruce Webster

ACCORDING TO WEBSTER

Microcomputer Color Graph ics~Observations

Bruce Webster is a consulting editor for BYTE. He can be contacted do BYTE. POB 1910. Orem. UT 84057. or on BIX as bwebster.

I'm sure most of you haven't the slightest interest in my personal affairs, but I'm about to move to another state, and Jerry Pournelle's appellation for his chaotic home fits my own house (not to mention my life) all too well. As a result, much of the software waiting to be examined waits still, and hardware shipments have stopped altogether until I have a new address at which to receive them. Your patience is requested and appreciated.

Those of you who have written me physical letters deserve a special public apology. From where I am sitting, I can turn my head and see a 2-inch stack of letters awaiting answers, some of which are older than 1 can comfortably think about. My goal is to answer them before The Big Move next week and thereafter stay on top of things, answering all letters promptly. And, as my friend's grandmother says, if you believe that, I'll tell you another one.

Mac Communications Software

As you may recall, last month's column was written on the Macintosh for the first time (using Microsoft Word). Well. I'm back on the Compaq this month. Not because of word-processing problems on the Mac; even now. I find myself reaching for the mouse. No, the problem lies with the only telecom program I have for the Mac: MacTerminal. I had a very difficult time doing a simple ASCII upload of my column to BIX (BYTE Information Exchange), mostly due to the lack of a "wait for prompt'' feature in MacTerminal. That, of course, was on top of many other deficiencies and proved to be the proverbial backbreaking straw. The real culprits are ASCII Pro and Crosstalk, the two telecom programs I use on the Compaq. Both can do so much that MacTerminal seems primitive by comparison.

After asking around, I've found that the Mac package most often recommended is Red Ryder, a shareware package available through many users groups and bulletin

boards. I hope to have a copy by next month, in which case I'll probably switch back to the Mac for writing. Hayes Smartcorn II for the Mac also looks good, although I've heard that it doesn't work well with the Apple modem. You should use a Hayes Smartmodem with it. I'll try to have more detailed reports on both these packages in the next month or so; in the meantime, do not buy MacTerminal.

Color Graphics versus Monochrome

Many rumors are now surfacing about future Mac products. Supposedly, Apple will be releasing a Big Mac by the time this column sees print; said Mac will reportedly come with 1 megabyte of RAM (randomaccess read/write memory), the new 128Kbyte ROM (read-only memory), and a double-sided (800K. bytes) disk drive, all in the standard Mac box. More intriguing is the talk about Carla, a 2-megabyte Mac with dual 68000 processors, slots, and differentsize monitors (including a 9- by 12-inch fullpage version). And it just possibly may have color output. Of course, rumors and sightings of a color Mac have been around almost as long as the machine itself. Steve lobs asserted last January that no color Mac would surface for a few years at least, until such time as a color equivalent of the LaserWriter was feasible. He contended that color wasn't that important and said the Mac community was far better off working toward higher-resolution monochrome display and reproduction.

There haven't been too many issues on which I've agreed with Jobs, but this is one. The following appeared in my review of the Macintosh in the August 1984 issue of BYTE:

"Some criticism has been made about the lack of a color-graphics capability. Frankly, I am unconvinced of its necessity. Most applications I have seen use color graphics as

{continued)

DECEMBER 1985 'BYTE 405

Inquiry 14

A Powerful, Practical Computer

at an Economical Price...and IBM' XT Compatible

AN! PC2

Your Price

$995

////.;

FEATURING

M 640K 8 Slot Motherboard

m 8088 16 BIT 4.77 MHZ Processor

M 135 Watt Power Supply

M IBM- PC/XT Compatible

■ 5150 Compatible Keyboard

■ Accessory Slots Compatible with IBM' Plug-in Cards

M Two Toshiba 360 Kb Disk Drives

■ 8087 Co-processor (optional)

m PGS MAX 12 Amber Hl-Res Monitor iruns with color card alsol

■ Warranty 120 Days Parts and Labor

10 MB Hard Disk Subsystem S395 ■ 20 MB Hard Disk Subsystem S495 ■ AH other configurations available

Alphanumeric International, Inc.

14060 Gannet Street ■ Suite 1-103 ■ Sanfa Fe Springs. CA 90670

213/921-8689 ■ Telex 181149 West LSA

Dealer Inquiries Invited

Quotes tor large quantities invited.

'IBM is a trademark of International Business Machines

ir

*\

DESMETC $150

Macintosh ,m Development Package

Runs on both128K and 512K Macintosh

Full K&R Compiler — IEEE Floating Point

>450 Function Macintosh ROM Library

Assembler, Linker & Librarian

>120 Function STDIO Library

Machine Code Debugger

Source Code Editor

"Shell" interface

300 Page manual

RAM Disk

Published and sold direct to the end-user by:

C Ware Corporation

P.O. Box C, Sunnyvale, CA 94087 (408) 720-9696

"Price includes domestic shipping. Canada $5. Europe/Asia add $20. Call to charge by VISA, MC or AMEX. Street address: 505 W. Olive, #767, Sunnyvale, CA 94086.

Macintosh is a trademark licensed to Apple Computer, Inc.

ACCORDING TO WEBSTER

The 68000 processor in the Mac has to do everything and quickly becomes the bottleneck for the system.

a substitute for detail, and the Mac can give you lots of detail."

Since then, little has happened to change my mind; the Mac, with its square pixels and amazing graphics routines, still has the cleanest, most professional display of any microcomputer I've worked with. But technology is starting to catch up with Apple, and crisp, fast color graphics in equal or higher resolution are showing up on the Atari 520ST, the Amiga, and some of the new graphics boards for the IBM PC. And while these newcomers don't have software libraries anywhere close to the Mac Toolbox, they do have greater hardware support, resulting in very fast display updates. By contrast, the 68000 processor in the Mac has to do everything and quickly becomes the bottleneck for the system.

Still, a monochrome display has many advantages over color graphics. It is usually easier to read than a color display of equal resolution. As Jobs noted, image-manipulation and -reproduction technology (printers, digitizers, etc.) is more advanced for monochrome displays, and "what you see is what you get" displays are easier to support. Monochrome displays require less memory than color displays of equal or even less resolution, something important for a machine (the Mac) still officially limited to 512K bytes. Finally, high-resolution monochrome monitors are cheaper than equivalent-resolution color monitors.

A Brief Survey of Graphics

The development of graphics technology is itself fascinating. The first real breakthrough was the Apple II, which offered graphics—and color graphics, at that—as a standard feature. I still have the lune 1977 issue of BYTE with Apple's first ad in it, and I can still remember the feelings of computer lust it stirred in me. None of the mainframes and minis I was working with at school had color graphics, and here was a microcomputer that could do it all.

Unfortunately, the graphics on the Apple were not particularly easy to use (and still aren't, although they are well documented now, eight years later). The high-resolution graphics mode—280 by 192 pixels (monochrome) or 140 by 129 pixels (six colors)—used a bizarre mapping scheme, reputedly chosen by Steve Wozniak to save a few TTL (transistor-transistor logic) gates in the design. And the display RAM itself was fixed right in the middle of the memory map. This wasn't much of a problem when RAM prices were high—that same ad offers 16K. bytes of RAM

(continued)

406 BYTE- DECEMBER

What every Apple 11+ and

user shoula ask before

ivin2the"Sider"10MBhar<

When a company offers a superior quality 10 megabyte Winchester hard disk for only $595, it's bound to raise a few eyebrows... and a lot of questions. The fact is, you're probably already wondering "Can I really get a 10 megabyte hard disk that's reliable for only $595 ?" The answer is: ABSOLUTELY.. .when you choose the Sider from First Class Peripherals.

What's so great about the Sider?

For starters, the Sider lets you boot your Apple 11+ or He directly off the hard disk—unlike some other Winchester subsystems. Rebooting is also troublefree. And the disk is partitionable, allowing you to allocate space to four operating systems on the same disk. The Sider supports: Apple DOS 33; Pro DOS™; Apple Pascal; andCP/M®

What's more, a small "footprint" lets you incorporate the compact Sider into your existing computer set-up with ease.

In addition, with the Sider, you not only pay far less for the subsystem, you also save money on installation. Because, unlike other 10 MB systems that require the purchase of expensive "extras," the Sider is plug and play. Everything you need is provided, including cables, host adaptor, installation software and manual.

What makes it so reliable?

To start, the Sider is manufactured, and sold exclusively, by First Class Peripherals, an innovative computer company which is backed by Xebec. The computer industry's leading manufacturer of disk controllers, Xebec has over a decade of experience serving customers like IBM, Toshiba, Texas Instruments and Hewlett Packard. It's this kind of expertise that helps assure the Sider's performance.

Special design features further enhance reliability. The Sider's controller is the field-proven, industry standard Xebec S1410A. And Xebec's 3200 drive tester, the

Apple and Pro DOS are trademarks of Apple Computer, Inc. CP/M is a registered trademark of Digital Research, Inc.

"Onlys595?"

October l, 1985 through December 31, 1985

toughest in the industry, ensures that the Sider will operate reliably. One more assurance of the $595 Sider's quality: it's UL Approved and FCC Class B rated.

But why is it only $595?

You pay less for the Sider than for other 10 MB hard disks simply because you're paying for the superior quality components inside the unit, not for a lot of retail overhead costs. Since First Class Peripherals sells direct, you avoid dealer and dis

tribution expenses, and pay only for the product.

What about a guarantee?

Like many experienced Apple users, you may be reluctant to buy a hard disk priced at only $595 without first seeing for yourself how it performs. That's why First Class Peripherals offers you a reassuring, money-back guarantee that eliminates any risk on your part. Simply order the Sider and use it for 15 days. Then, if you're not entirely satisfied, return it and receive a full refund—no questions asked.

The Sider also comes with a full one-year limited warranty. Plus, there's a convenient, toll-free hotline you can call anytime you have a technical or service question, or need help.

Don't delay. Order the Sider now.

To receive the Sider 10 megabyte Winchester hard disk subsystem for only $595, simply order using the coupon below. For faster service, order by phone and charge to your VISA, MasterCard or American Express. (You can also call us if you have any questions or technical concerns about the Sider. We'll see you get the help you need.) Call toll-free:

1 800 538-1307

Extension 205

I I lCS, please send me the Sider, including half-height 10 megabyte Winchester hard disk drive.

Apple adaptor board, cable, complete installation software and documentation.

I prefer to pay as follows:

□ I've enclosed my check or money order for $595* + $15 shipping and handling, payable to First Class Peripherals.

□ Please bill the following credit card account for $595* + $15 shipping and handling:

□ VISA □ MasterCard □ American Express

Name

Address

cm

State

Zip

Card*

Exp. Date

Signature

•Residents of CA, NVand PA, please add appropriate sales lax.

Telephone (area code) Mail to:

■FIRST

I PERIPHERALS

■CLASS

■S579 Highway 50 East Carson City, NV 89701

205

Inquiry 141

DECEMBER 1985 -BYTE 407

Inquiry I 72

9-TRACK MAG. TAPE SUBSYSTEM FOR THE IBM PC/XT/AT

$4757

For information interchange, backup and archival storage, IBEX offers a 9-track, IBM format-compatible V4" magnetic tape subsystem for the IBM PC, featuring:

■ 42 M-Bytes on a single reel.

■ IBM format 1600 cpi.

■ Software for PC-DOS, MS-DOS.

Write, phone or TWX lor information

IBEX

IBEX COMPUTER CORP

20741 Marilla St. Chatsworth,CA 91311 (818) 709-8100 TWX 910-493-2071

COMPETITIVE EDGE

P.O. Box 556 — Plymouth, Ml 48170 — 313^51-0665 Compupro", LOMAS, EARTH, TELETEK

S-100 CIRCUIT BOARDS

CompuPro 286 CPU

$671.

Lomas 286 8MHZ

£821

Color Magic 32K

$556

CompuPro SPUZ "8MHZ

296.

Lomas 8086

420

Lomas 10MHz8086

520

CompuPro 8085 88 "

263.

LomasOctaport'" 8Senal

320.

Lomas 4 serial

200

CompuPro Disk 1A "'

371.

Lomas LDP" 72

206.

Lomas Color Magic'" 16K

476

CompuPro Disk 3"

446.

Lomas 256K Dram

358.

Lomas MSDOS"2.11

200

CompuPro Ram 22'"

446.

Lomas 512K Dram

448.

CompuPro MDnve H *<512K

446

CompuPro Ram 23"

188.

Lomas Ram 67"

599.

CompuPro 10 3 8 port

371

CompuPro Ram23 128

263.

Lomas Hazitall '

244.

Toletek SBC 16MHz 128

3~5

CompuPro CPU Z '

189.

Thunder 186"

895.

Turbodos" for Teletek

650

CompuProCCP M'816'

300.

Lomas CCP'M" 86'"

280.

Lomas 2 Megabyte

Syslem Support One "

263.

CompuPro 1/04

245.

Ram-(2048K) just $821.

Teietek HD

375.

Sysiemasterll'

795.

Earth Turbomaster

$795

Teletek Systemaster

495.

IT. 1024x1024 Brd

$995

Earth Computer TURBO SLAVE 18MHz 128K $395.

Turbo Slave I runs with Teletek, North Star Horizon. Advanced Digital and Others under Turbodos"

SYSTEMS

CompuPro 85 88.256K.CDOS

SS1

IO 4.2-96TPI DRS, 15 Slot

$3095

CompuPro 85 88.256K.CDOS

SSI.I'O 4.1-96TPI.20MB. 15 Slot

$4295

CompuPro 286, SPUZ, 40MB

SSI.

13, CDOS. 15 Slot, 30

amp PS

$6995

286, 1024K. 20MB, AutoCad 2 System — Ready to Run

$8395

Lomas 286.1024K.20MB HD.1

-5",CDOS. 6 SERIAL, 2 Par,

15 Sloi

$4995

Lomas Thunder 186. 256K. 20 MB HD, 1-5M. CDOS, 4 Slot

$2895

Teletek 8MHz Master. 4-8MH2

128KSLVS, 1-5". 20 MB HC

,TDOS

$4995

AT CLONE, 286, FAST 20 MB HD,

enhanced

$3695

JPGRADE YOUR IBM'

PC"!!

MONITORS

GRAPHIC BOARDS

HARD DRIVE KITS

Amde»310A

Sisa

Hercules Monochrnme

$299

PC 10MB PC

$595

Hercules Color Card

S159

PC21MB PC

$695

PnncetonColor HR-12

S4B9

Tecmar Graphics Maste'

S449

AT 21 MB AT

S795

Princeton Color SH-12

$649

Paradise Graphics

$279

AT 36MB AT

$1295

286ACCELERATOR

STBGraphu II

$279

AT 70MB AT

$2295

Turbo Accel-2866MHZ

$895

Hercules Compatible MONO

$135

AT 80MB AT

$3295

MULTI-FUNCTION BOARDS

FLOPPY DRIVES

AT 119MB AT

$3595

AST6Pak64K

$245

TEAC1 2HTFD55B

$119

PC Flpy Controller

$60

Quadram E«p,vnded Quadboard OK

$219

Mitsubishi 96 TPt

$125

AT SER POR

Tecmar Captain 64K

$199

5" DSDD Color Diskettes

$ 21

ALL PRICES SUBJECT TO CHANGE AND STOCK ON HAND

CompuPro is a Regislered Trademark ol tfiasvrt, CPU Z, Disk 1A, Disk 3. IMerfacer 3. Interfacer 4,, CPU 286, CPU 8085 System Support 1 MDRIVE-H. Ram 22. Flam 23 are Irademarks or regislered trademarks ol Viasyn CP'M 2 2. CCP'M. tegistered Irademarks ol Digital Research Inc MSDOS is a regislered trademark o* Microsoft, Syslemasler & Systemaster II registered trademarks ol Teletek Enterprises Turbodos is registered trademark ol Software 2000 IBM is a regisier ol International Business Machines AutoCad 2 is a registered trademark ol AuloDesk Inc

ACCORDING TO WEBSTER

for $600—but once 32 K- and 48K-byte systems became popular, the location became one more problem to work around.

The Apple II established built-in color graphics as a standard for personal computers; the Atari 400/800 and the Commodore 64 built upon that standard, adding hardware support, relocatable video RAM, missiles and sprites, and other features. Programmers on these machines had a much easier time of it. and some impressive programs (read: games) were produced. However, because of the cellular nature of the graphics on these systems, most of the programs had a "chunky" look to them and were not as impressive as the most advanced programs (read: games) on the more primitive Apple II. Both machines sold well but, with limited expansion capability, tended to be dead ends for their owners.

When IBM decided to get into the micro world, it wisely followed the example of the Apple II and put expansion slots into the machine. Then, for some incomprehensible reason, the people at IBM did not make graphics a standard part of their system; in fact, they did not even make an ASCII text display a standard feature. Instead, they offered two incompatible display cards: one for monochromatic text display, the other for color text and graphics. And, just to add to the excitement, they designed their cards and monitors such that if you plugged your monochrome monitor into your color card, you stood a good chance of burning out your monitor.

In retrospect, a couple of reasons suggest themselves for this design philosophy, nbne of them flattering to IBM. Possibly, IBM was unwilling to give its customers a standard graphics capability (or even a standard ASCII display, for crying out loud) but wanted to charge extra for these "options." Or perhaps IBM was somehow afraid that making graphics (especially color graphics) a standard feature would "lower" its system to the level of the Apple/Atari/ Commodore computers, which most people viewed as game machines.

Whatever the reasons, the results are obvious today: a wide variety of display cards, with varying levels of compatibility between each other and your software. IBM has gotten right in there with the rest of them, not only offering the monochrome (text) display adapter and the colorgraphics card, but also the Extended Graphics Adapter (EGA) and the very expensive Professional Graphics System. And if you want clear, crisp text and color graphics on the same system, be prepared to do some juggling of both software and hardware. (I haven't even mentioned the problems of conflicting parallel ports on different display cards.)

On top of this, the standard IBM graphics aren't very exciting. You have a few different resolutions to choose from; the most common are 640 by 200 pixels (monochrome), 320 by 200 pixels (monochrome), and 320 by 200 pixels (four colors). The RAM-to-display mapping isn't that bad, but the color selection is disappointing: one of

[continued)

408 BYTE • DECEMBER 1985

Inquiry 67

COMPUTER HUT

COMPARE

OUR

SERVICE & PRICE'

IBM-PC, XT & AT CALL

comPAa

Portables, Deskpros, 286 Models . . . CALL

ITT

XTRA 2DR, 256K $1395

DISK DRIVES

landon TM100-2 DS/DD $109

TEAC FD 55-B Slimline $115

TWfX. drives w/logo $129

HARD DISKS/TAPE

MAYNARD ELECTRONICS

Hard disks & tape back-ups complete with cortt. & cables.

WSO 10, 20, 30 meg from $675

MaynStream Portable tape backup & Portable hard disk systems CALL

L'JAEGA Bernoulli 20 Meg $2495

ALLOY full line CALL

IRWIN tape backups from $549

ADD-ON BOARDS

QUADRAM

Quadboard OK exp. to 384K Microfazer 64K parallel

SixPak Plus 64K

I/O mini Ser Port & Clock Advantage 128K

IRMA board

ORCHID

PCturbo-186 w/128K

HERCULES

HiRes Mono Graphics

Color Graphics w/par port.

PARADISE

Modular Graphics

5-Pack OK exp. to 384K . .

PERSYST

Mono Card w/par port

TECMAR

Graphics Master

Maestro 128K

EAST COAST

$219 $229

$239 $139 $399

$895

$625

$309 $175

$269 $159

$189

$469 $399

MODEMS

©Hayes

Smartmodem 1200

Smartmodem 1200B w/smartcom Smartmodem 2400

NOVATION

Smart Cat Plus w/MITE

$399 $369 $639

$299

PRINTERS

EPSON

FX-85, FX-185, LX-80, JX-80, RX-100, LQ-1500,

DX-10, DX-20, HI-80 plotter, HS-80 ink jet

BEST DEAL — GUARANTEED!

brother

HR-10 $299 HR-15XL $369

HR-25 $569 HR-35 $749

Twinwriter 5 $899

FACIT CALL

E£l HEWLETT PACKARD . CALL

OKfDATA

182, 192, 93, 193, 84, 2410 . BEST PRICES

SEC

2050 $699 3550 $1095

8850 $1549 elf 360 $459

Pinwriter P2 . . $549 P3 $775

TOSHIBA

P351 $1195 P1340 $595

ACCESSORIES CALL

SPECIALS

PARADISE SYSTEMS

MODULAR GRAPHICS CARD

Runs all IBM Color graphics

software on IBM Mono &

Color Monitors $249

5-PACK w/OK-expandable to 384K, Ser. Port, clock, Ram disk & print spooler $139

ASK ABOUT OUR REPAIR SERVICES.

COMPUTER HUT

OF NEW ENGLAND INC. 101 Elm St. Nashua, NH 03060

(603) 889-7625

For Orders Only — (800) 525 5012

CANADA

MICROCONTEXT

AUTHORIZED DEALER

4847 Ave Du Pare Montreal Que H2V4E7.

(514) 279-4595

MONITORS

AMDEK

Video 300G . . $129 300A $139

Video 310A . . . $179

PGS

HX12 $479 HX-12E $559

MAX-12E $189 SR-12 $599

SOFTWARE

WORDPROCESSING

MS Word .... $239 Multimate . . . CALL

Volkswriter deluxe $159

PFS: Write .... $85 WordPerfect. . $239

WordStar propak $299

Wordstar 2000 $259

DATABASE / INTEGRATED

dBase III CALL Framework CALL

Lotus 1-2-3 . . . $299 Symphony .... $429

Jazz CALL

RBase 5000 . . $369 Cornerstone . . $299 BUSINESS / ACCT.

Microsoft Project, Chart $159

Harvard Total Project Mgr $289

PFS: File, Plan, Graph $85

BPI Accounting CALL

UTILITIES / COMPILERS

Sideways $39 Smartcom II ... $99

Superkey $55 Norton Utilities. .$65

Sidekick NP . . . $55 Turbo Pascal . . . $49

MS Basic $239 MS Fortran.... $219

LIFEBOAT Lattice C $299

STARBRIDGE DOS $39

TRAINING/OTHER

ATI TRAINING POWER

Teach yourself: Lotus 1-2-3, dBase III,

Multimate, Jazz $49

ATI SKILL BUILDER

How to use: PC DOS, IBM PC, Database,

Wordprocessing $39

Typing Tutor III. Flight Simulator

$39 Gato $29

$39

AND LOTS MORE

ANY PRODUCT NOT LISTED? CALL

MID-WEST

COMPUTER HUT»c

524 S. Hunter Wichita, Kansas 67207

(316) 681-2111

For Orders Only — (800) 572 3333

All products usually in stock for immediate shipment and carry full manufacturers' warranty. Price subject to change — this ad prepared two months in advance. We honor personal checks — allow 20 days to clear. COD up to $500. Visa, MasterCard add 2%. For shipping & insurance add 2% or $6.00 min. for small items and $12. min. for monitors, printers, etc. We accept company checks and P.O.'s from Fortune 1000 Companies.

1285

IBM is a trademark of IBM Corp.

Return authorization and order status call information line

Inquiry 75

©1985 AT&T Information Systems. IBM is a registered trademark of International Business Machine Corp.

AOTfe 6MALL

BUSINESS CONNECTION.

Take your pick

from our

family tree.

Whether you're looking for the ideal telephone Sr system, computer, or FAX machine for your small business, there's a connection.

They're all members of AT&T's Small Business Connection—a full family of products and services specifically created to help you save time, effort and money.

It's easy to connect with the Small Business Connection. Simply dial 1800 247-7000, our hotline, and you'll immediately be in touch with a specialist trained to understand the needs of small businesses. A specialist who'll work with you to

tailor an equipment and service package that fits your individual needs perfectly.

While you're on the line, you'll learn about AT&T's hot line of products. Like the MERLIN™ Communications Systemwith features like conference" calling, which lets you conduct timesaving meetings over the phone. Or speed dialing, which instantly puts you in touch with key people. Features you can program and reprogram to meet your changing needs.

When it comes to surefire products, there's nothing like our full line of computers, including AT&T's 3B Computers, and our new popular AT&T UNIX™ PC. The UNIX PC delivers the kind of power, speed and exceptional ease of use few PCs can match. Not to mention AT&T's PC 6300. It's fully compatible with the IBM PC yet twice as fast

Get the total

telephone for

small business.

410 BYTE • DECEMBER 1985

AT&T GIVES YOU ONE NUMBER TO REMEMBER FOR UNFORGETTABLE PRODUCTS AND SERVICE.

This number connects you to the office in your area.

and more expandable. *—

You'll also get all the facts on the AT&T FAX 3510D. It's capable of firing sharp, clear copies of letters, charts or photos—across town or across the country—as fast as 20 seconds a page. Plus it's industry compatible, fully portable, and completely automatic. Finally, we'll wrap it all tracts u, a nash up lor you in one of our ser

with this FAX. . , ,., o

vice packages, like ServicePlus. This allows you to take care of all your communication needs with one call. You can even select one of several financial plans to meet your

cash flow requirements Best of all, along with everything else comes all the experi^

ence, resources and know-how

only AT&T can offer. Use the hotline and call

AT&T's Small Business Connec

tion today. Just dial 1800 247-7000^

Ext. 204.

You'll be warmly received.

Service-Plus

is just one

of theplusses.

Send stacks of

AT&T

The right choice.

Inquiry 393

DECEMBER 1985 -BYTE 411

Inquiry 123

THE ONLY THING

YOU NEED NOW IS

FASTER FINGERS

INTRODUCING, SUPERCHARGER™

INCREASE THE SPEED OF YOUR IBM PC AT REASONABLE COST WHILE MAINTAINING HARDWARE/SOFTWARE COMPATIBILITY.

Plug In installation Doesn't need an expansion card slot Toggle switch for speed change included 3" x 5" dimension

100% software/hardware

compatable

A clock controller

not a co-processor

Totally user transparent

Nearly doubles

processor speed

s279.95 Dealer Inquires Invited

DYNATEC SYSTEMS INC.

870 East 9400 South, Ste. 103 Sandy, UT 84070 (801) 572-6867

maxEll

New Lower Price! SVk" Diskettes

MD-1 Single Sided Double Density

12.25 box of ten

MD-2 Double Sided Double Density

16.75 box of ten

MD-2HD High Density

36.00 box of ten

Single Sided 96TPI

21.50 box of ten

Double Sided 96TPI

25.50 box of ten Vh" Micro Floppy Disks

MM SS Quad 25.75 box of ten MF-2 DS Quad 33.75 box of ten

TERMS:

Visa/Mastercard —COD — Prepaid

Allow 10 days for personal/ Company check to clear. Add

53 00 Shipping

cod. add S200. Texas residents add

5.125% sales tax.

Call for other Maxell Products

1-800-527 1814 (in Texas 1-512-682-7774)

P.O. BOX 3424—Edinburg, Texas 78540-5424

ACCORDING TO WEBSTER

The IBM PC, XT, and compatibles allow you 640K bytes of user memory, and the display—either text or graphics—doesn't use that up.

four palettes, each with three fixed colors and one userselectable (out of a list of 16) background color. However, as with the Apple II, some ingenious programmers have managed to get far more out of the IBM PC than IBM put in. And, of course, there are the advanced and upwardincompatible graphics-display cards.

About the only commendable feature of the separate display cards is that they contain their own display RAM, although the address space had to be allocated within the 8088's 1-megabyte memory map. The IBM PC, XT, and compatibles allow you 640K bytes of user memory, and the display—either text or graphics—doesn't use that up.

Apple's people, in designing the Macintosh, reversed IBM's decisions. They made the Mac a closed box, ignoring the prime reason for the Apple Us continued success despite its close-to-obsolete technology. But they not only made a graphics display standard, they made it the focus of the entire machine. Unlike previous systems that distinguished between text and graphics display, everything on the Mac was done with graphics, including the icon-and-menu-based user interface. Adding the black-onwhite display, the square pixels, the graphics routine in ROM, and a much more sensible RAM-to-screen mapping scheme, the result was a machine that looked like the expensive Star systems developed by Xerox, at a fraction of the price.

The graphics display on the Mac is straightforward in how it works. The 512- by 342-pixel image is scanned from left to right, top to bottom, out of the video-RAM area (called the screen buffer), each bit corresponding to one pixel. Unlike most graphics systems, a 0 corresponds to white and a 1 to black. The screen buffer is located near the top of user RAM, automatically adjusting upward for 128K-byte, 512K-byte and 1-megabyte Macs. And, because of the extensive routines in ROM, programmers can and should avoid writing directly into the screen buffer. While many of Apple's claims about the Mac were hyperbolic, the Mac did set a new standard for microcomputer displays. With multiple fonts and styles and Apple printers, the phrase "what you see is what you get," previously applied to margin-justifying word processors, took on a whole new meaning. And for all the criticism of the Mac interface, it has been quickly adapted to new and existing systems, indicating that Apple and Xerox must have done something right.

But graphics displays eat up memory, and the higher

[continued)

412 BYTE • DECEMBER 1985

Inquiry 114

You would think when IBM needs EPROM Programmers they would choose the best and the most expensive.

They don't. They only choose the best.

GTEK.

MODEL 7956 (w/RS-232 option) $1099

MODEL 7956 (stand alone) S 979

GTEK's outstanding Gang Programmer with intelligent algorithm can copy 8 EPROMS at a time! Use the 7956 in a production environment when you need to program a large number of chips. Programs all popular chips through the 27512 EPROMS; supports CMOS EPROMS through the 27C256; supports EEPROMS through the X2864A; supports Intels 2764A & 27128A chips. The 7956 will also program single chip processors.

MODEL 7228 S 599

GTEK's 7228 has all the features of the 7128, plus Intelligent Programming Algorithms! It supports the newest devices available through 512K bits. The 7228 programs 6 times as fast as standard algorithms. It programs the 2764 in one minute! Supports CMOS EPROMS through the 27C256; supports EEPROMS through the X2864A; supports Intel's 2764A & 27128A chips. Supports Tektronics. Intel, Motorola and other formats.

MODEL 7128 S 429

The 7128 has the highest performance-tocost-ratio of any unit It supports the newest devices available through 256Kbits.

MODEL 7324 $1499

The 7324 has a built-in compiler. It programs all MMI, National and Tl 20 & 24 pin PALS. It has non-volatile memory and operates standalone or via RS-232. MODEL 7322 $1249

Same as Model 7324 but operates only via RS-232. MODEL 7316 5 749

This PAL PROGRAMMER programs Series 20 PALs. It has a built-in PALASM compiler. MODEL 7283 $1199

This BI-POLAR PROM PROGRAMMER programs all popular BI-POLAR PROMS. It operates stand-alone (for production) or RS-232 (for development). MODEL 705 S 299

68705V3, R3, P3 PROGRAMMER

EPROM, PROM & PAL

PROGRAMMERS

— These features are standard from GTEK —

Compatible with all RS-232 serial interface ports • Auto select baud rate • With or without hand-shaking > Bidirectional Xon/Xoff • CTS/DTR supported • Read pin compatible ROMS • No personality modules • Intel, Motorola, MCS86 Hex formats • Split facility for 16 bit data paths • Read program, formatted list commands • Interrupt driven —program and verify real time while sending data • Program single byte block or whole EPROM • Intelligent diagnostics discern bad and/or unerased EPROM • Verify erasure and compare commands • Busy light • Complete with Textool zero insertion force socket and integral 120 VAC power (240 VAC/50Hz available) •

UTILITY PACKAGES

GTEK's PGX Utility Packages will allow you to specify a range of addresses to send to the programmer, verify erasure and/or set the EPROM type. The PGX Utility Package includes GHEX, a utility used to generate an Intel HEX file.

PALX Utility Package —for use with GTEK's Pal Programmers—allows transfer of PALASM" source file or ASCII HEX object code file.

Both utility packages are available for CPM; MS-DOS,- PC-DOS," ISIS" and TRSDOS" operating systems. Call for pricing.

CROSS ASSEMBLERS

These assemblers are available to handle the 8748, 8751, Z8.6502.68X and other microprocessors. They are available for CPM and MS-DOS computers. When ordering, please specify processor and computer types.

ACCESSORIES

Erasers DE4 $80; PE14T $129

C25 $349; C50 $599 U/V Eraser DE-4 $ 80.

Model 7128-L1.L2, L2A

(OEM Quantity) $259.

Model 7128-24 $329.

Cross Assemblers CPM-80 $200.

MSDOS; CPM 86 . $250

PGX Utilities Call for pricing

PALX Call for pricing

RS-232 Cables $ 30

8751 Adapter $174

8755 Adapter $135

48 Family Adapter $ 98

TEK

"All you CPM people

who wanted to move

to IBM, but couldn't...

now you can — and

bring your CPM software with you!"

' vi

From GTEK, the leader in development hardware and software, comes the CPM user's dream.

The majority of advances being made in the computer

industry today are being made for PC-DOS and MS-DOS machines.

If you are a CPM user who wanted to convert to these operating systems but didn't because you had to abandon or rewrite your CPM programs, now you can make your move without losing or rewriting a single program!

The dream from GTEK is a package that makes your PC-DOS (IBM PC, XT, AT) or MS-DOS (IBM clones like COMPAQ, Leading Edge, Televideo) machines think they're being run by an 8080 or Z80 microprocessor with CPM!

The GTEK package contains a CPEmulator™ and CPM Conversion Utility that allows you to read and write popular CPM disk formats such as Kaypro and Osborne.

How easy is it to use? Two steps. (1) Use the Conversion Utility to copy the CPM program to an MS-DOS or PC-DOS diskette. (2) Use the Bind Utility to attach the CPEmulator to your program. And that's it. It's ready to run.

You won't see any difference when you run the CPM program! Now all the work you did in CPM is still valuable when you change to your PC-DOS or MS-DOS machine.

And here's the happy ending to the dream. The CPEmulator is just $199.

Call GTEK's CPM Hotline... 1-601-467-9019 Development Hardware/Software P.O. Box 289, Waveland, MS 39576 601/467-8048; telex 315-814 (GTEK UD) , INC.

If you've been using CPM on any of these machines you can now move to PC-DOS or MS-DOS operating systems.

Kaypro • Osborne ■ Heath/ Zenith • Radio Shack • Epson • DEC • IBM • Morrow ■ Xerox • HP • Sanyo • Intertec • Cromenco • Televideo • Compupro.

GTEK, PALASM, CPM, MS-DOS. PC-DOS. ISIS, TRSDOS. & CPEmulator are registered trademarks.

Inquiry 158

DECEMBER 1985 'BYTE 413

Inquiry 84

DEALERS WELCOME!!

300/1200 99% Hayes compatible

KEEHH3]

' Auto dial, auto answer (tone or pulse) ' 8 status indicators & switch selectable ' Auto speed selection (0-300. 1200 bps)

; Speaker with .olume control 6M0NTHWARRANTY ONLY

Aluminum case, w/adaptor

ALPHA CONCORD

MODEM

SEMI-ASSEMBLED

Modem board completely assembled, tested & guaranteed. 5 minutes assembly.

MODEM

• ••

$179 $140

Add 5% Shipping Charge

MODEM KIT

$120

10 DAY MONEY BACK GUARANTEE

No refund on shipping charge

Case $110

Keyboard $110

Pnnter/RS232 $120

2M expansion card Seal

AT BAREB0ARD $CALL AT MOTHERBOARD $900

XT KEYBOARD $70.

MOTHERBOARD

Replacement & 99% compatible

XT or APPLE He

$175

(tested guaranteed

CONCORD Technology Inc.

Ph. (604) 879-3555 Telex 04-508393 CONCORD

47 W. Broadway. Van., B.C. Canada V5V 1P1

CASE & KEYBOARD FOR He $90.

BEST PRICES on IBM/APPLE CARDS. Write for Price List.

DISKS & MORE

CALL FREE 1-800-328-3472

All Prices Per Box of 10 — Min. Order 2 Boxes

5V*" 3Y2" 8"

Diamond"'

SS/DD/RH $9.19

DS/DD/RH 9.99

High Den 29.99

Brown'

SS/DD/RH 11.99

DS/DD/RH 14.99

High Den 31.59

51A"

Maxell SS/DD

SS/DD/RH 12 39 96TPI

DS/DD/RH 16.59 DS/DD

High Den 31.69 96TPI

3M- SS/DD

SS/DD/RH 13 59 96TPI

DS/DD/RH 16 69 DS/DD

High Den 31 79 96TPI

Ring King Storage Units

8"

All Diamond Disks Come In A Free

Plastic Storage Case

Head Cleaning Kits —Clean From

10-260 Times

8.95 to 29.95

SS/DD 24.89

DS/DD 26.89

.., „HQ SS/SD 19.89

n Rq SS/ 22.89

SS/DD 23.89

DS/ 35.99 5 09 DS/DD 27.89

3M Data Cartridges

DC-1000 12.61

2.50 + .20 ship DC-300 A 17.85

15.00 + 2.00 ship DC-300 XLP 19.37

DC-600 A 20.60

15 200+ 20 ship 20 - 2.50+ .20 ship DC-300 A 17.85

35 5.99 + 2.00 ship 50 - 15.00 + 2.00 ship DC-300 XLP 19.37

50 8 95 + 2.00 ship 8" DC-600 A 20.60

70 15 22 + 2.00 ship 70 - 23.97 + 3.00 ship Ship 5.00 per 10

. NORTH HILLS CORP INT'L

lA 3564 Rolling View Dr. White Bear Lake MN 55110 1-800-328-3472 MN Call Collect 612-770-0485 All Disks Are 100% Certified - Have A Lifetime Warranty. All 8" & 5V»" Have Tyvek Envelopes, User Labels, W/P Tabs TERMS-VISA, MC, Prepaid-MO or Cert. Check, COD Add 3.00 SHIPPING- 514" & 3'/2" - 3.00 per 100 or Fewer -8" - 4.00 per 100 or Fewer -Storage Units and Cartridges As Shown "All Orders Are Shipped In 24 Hrs." "Never Undersold" Prices Subject To Change - Call For Quantity Prices — Min Order 2 Boxes

ACCORDING TO WEBSTER

the resolution, the more memory needed (for the Mac, 22K bytes located at the top of user RAM). Add to that the fact that everything done on the Mac is graphicsbased, and Apple should never have released the Mac as a 128K-byte machine incapable of user expansion. Word has it that lobs was behind both decisions (no slots and small memory size); his departure has apparently made it easier for Apple to pursue developments like the Carla machine, fobs was also against color graphics for the Mac. and that may be coming as well.

Now. two new systems with advanced built-in color graphics have hit the market. The Atari 520ST uses 32K bytes of user RAM for a display with three different resolutions: 640 by 400 pixels with 2 colors, 640 by 200 pixels with 4 colors, and 320 by 200 pixels with 16 colors. Mapping is fairly simple: Each horizontal group of 16 pixels maps to one, two. or four consecutive 16-bit words, depending upon the resolution currently being used. The result is a 1-, 2-, or 4-bit value used to index a color table holding 2. 4, or 16 values. Each color-table entry is 3 nybbles (12 bits) long, 1 nybble each for red, green, and blue. Only 3 of the 4 bits in each nybble are used, yielding 8 possible values for each color and 512 possible colors. The video RAM can be relocated to anywhere in memory on a 2 56-byte boundary.

The graphics on the 520ST are impressive, but there are a few problems. Like the Mac, the 520ST has no real hardware support for graphics processing, which means the 68000 must do all the work. And, as with the Mac, the ST's memory cannot be easily expanded, if it can be expanded at all. Also, the video output on the ST can be accepted safely only by an Atari monitor; the ST senses which type of monitor is connected and adjusts the output signal accordingly. Non-Atari monitors run the risk of burnout. (Of course, a standard Mac can't even accept an external monitor.)

This brings us to Commodore's Amiga, which represents the state of the art in microcomputer graphics. Like the ST, the highest resolution is 640 by 400 pixels—but you can use 16 colors instead of just 2 and select from a palette of 4096 colors instead of just 512. Low resolution is 320 by 200 pixels with 32 colors, and there are a few resolutions in between. You can redefine the color table and the horizontal resolution as the beam scans down the screen, giving you the ability to display hundreds of colors simultaneously. Video RAM must be located within the bottom 512K bytes of the memory map. Within there, it is freely relocatable and switchable; scrolling is done by incrementing registers rather than having to actually move data within the RAM. A true bit-plane approach is used, like many graphics systems for minis and mainframes. (See the product preview of the Amiga in the August BYTE Ipage 83| for more details on how bit planes and playfields work.)

As significant as these features are, the real power of the Amiga lies in the custom graphics hardware that

[continued)

414 BYTE • DECEMBER 1985

With ZIP+4 codes

you can become

a corporate legend

like Robert Turley.

Oaving over $800,000 a year in mailing costs made Robert Turley an instant legend at AT&T's American Transtech. Mr. Turley modestly gives much of the credit to Zl P + 4 codes, the Postal Service's computerized sorting system for FirstClass Mail.

"Every month we mail millions of time-sensitive documents on behalf of major corporations. Critical items like dividend checks and stock certificates. By using ZIP+4 codes, we can mail these documents with the most reliable First-Class Mail service there is.

"The changeover process was surprisingly easy and economical. Our start-up costs were nominal compared to the savings.

"And best of all, most of these savings can be passed on to our customers!"

To find out how ZIP + 4 codes can address the specific needs of your business send in the coupon.

For immediate assistance, or the number of your postal customer service representative, call 1 800 842-9000, ext. 265.

Call or write today. It tf could be your best chance

HELPING YOU HELP YOUR BUSINESS.

| Please check your line of business:

□ Insurance, □ Banking, □ Manufacturing

□ Securities, □ Utilities, □ Education, D Retail, □ Government, □ Publishing,

□ Service Company, □ Other.

And check your yearly First-Class Mail volume: □ Up to 10,000, D 10,001-50,000,

□ 50,001-100,000, □ 100,001-1,000,000,

□ 1,000,000 +

U.S. Postal Service, Regular Mail Services

P.O. Box 2999

Washington, D.C. 20013-2999 7K42

Name

Title

Address_

City

State

_Company_

_ZIP_

YOU FORCED US TO MOVE!

.and We Love You For It!

Hfe*

WW$@8. MMi(| mtimmJi

EUROPE

Announcing Logicsott Europe

^. _.,.. «™, order directly th

Our European ^^^^n^^^^f our Amsterdam Distnbu ion Ce te , sough, atter

latest factory ""ah'eS° N»* y°u can rece h* kSSX c^^y«trp^c,es. Telex: 10759

L09'C NLCal. 020*3.48.64 or <n.H orders to. [OG1CSOFT EUROPE BV

AbM9S4T6E0ROA0MAHLOLLAND

CANADA

CONFUSED

OVER

ACCOUNTING

I

F0r our OrFBS^^tt&Eg;

local n^ber, 416-283-2K4.Now 7 Qf , ,ocal call.

FAR EAST AND AUSTRALIA

ment They're exerts on «xport and£_ ^ 286905 SaraPfilS0^S?WS to" confirm pncnfl & policies.

We don't blame you, that's why we invite you to give us a call.

We've evaluated over 50 of them and just because you can save a lot of money buying mail order shouldn't mean you have to sacrifice service...We want to take the time to assist you before you buy. We realize that an accounting system can add up to a sizeable investment and helping you end up with the right package for your money is what doing business is all about.

FREE

.Overnight Delivery*

See Our Card for Details •

Because of the tremendous response you've given to our FREE OVERNIGHT DELIVERY and MO OFF policies, our growth has been phenominal! Even we did not project how rapidly we would expand. Quite honestly there were times when it seemed like the whole country was trying to place an order at the same time!

We realize that some ot you have had problems getting through (our phones simply could not handle the volume) and, yes, some have even gotten their shipments late (our shipping department has been on a 12 hour schedule)...to those of you, WE APOLOGIZE for the inconvenience and would like to say THANK YOU for your patience.

A one million dollar investment has allowed us to solve these problems...we've just moved into our new World Headquarters, beefed up our sales department, added a spanking new phone system and built a fully automated warehouse.

Oh, sorry, we almost forgot "Harold" (who's extremely fast, but very sensitive) our new 100 terminal computer system. He's designed to speed up order processing to get your shipments out the door...fast. Sorry Harold.

BEATING A PRICE BUT WERF AFRAID TO ASK...

without Really Trying.

us (you know WAtt? .mg our $10.00 off and FrIp Jf haf3s ,hink" icies were a "gimrntek»"f f 0!em'9ht P°'" pressure you ?nta sfmemnaC°me<3n"t0

1-800-645-3491 then toll ^°ne ,and dia' you'd like to bea?fpriceK^88 agent rassed; he's nnt\ ♦£- (don * be embarthe Pubfcafio^nd wh^™ and **» <* beat. No gimmick nn™y°u want us <° easy. u"nm,CK. no come-on, it's that

ACCOUNTING SYSTEMS

-N

Information

Unlimited

(IUS)

Open Systems

Great Plains

Peachtree Series 8

State of The Art

Realworid (MBSI)

BPI

Accounts Payable

•299

'409

•499

'389

•479

•575

•395

Accounts Receivable

•299

•409

•499

'389

'479

•575

•395

Fixed Assets

—

•409

'389

General Ledger

■299

'409

•499

'389

'479

•575

•395

Inventory

•299

'409

'499

•389

'479

•575

'539

Job Costing

—

■409

•499

'389

—

•539

Material Management

'409

Order Entry/Processing

'299

'409

'389

•479

•575

—

Payroll

•365

•409

'499

'389

•479

•575

•395

Report Writer

—

'409

Sales Invoicing

'389

•479

—

Purchase Order Entry

—

409

TCS Client Ledger System '1195

JUST A PARTIAL LISTING OF ACCOUNTING SYSTEMS - CALL TODAY!

THE LOGICAL CHOICE

A Member of the Logic Group

110 Bi-County Blvd.. Farmingdale. N.Y. 11735

1-800-645-3491

In New York State..516 249-8440 • In Canada..416-283 2354 Customer Service 1-800 431 9037

See following pages for Software, Hardware, Special Order Dept, Programmers Dept., PC Jr. Corner and our Computer Forms Division.

INCREDIBLE NEW SERVICE BREAKTHROUGH

OVERNIGHT DELIVERY!

VIA...

0k

On Orders Totaling over $100. . Shipped UPS FREE il Under S100

(Within Continental US.)

Purolator courier

0

Q

if

Si

§

0

Q

III

c

2 i

PLUS...IF YOU CAN FIND A LOWER PRICE

lAf^'ll n~^>* — — .a^BBh. THAT'S RIGHT! OUH LOWEST PRICE GUARANTEE IS STILL EFFECTIVE!

UW W ^*^ "^B ■¥ ■ r.ntly advartiaad in any populir computer

nfM BJ Bl fll $io This otter does not apply to items un

Hlf | ^ ^F than Logloolfs. NO DEALER S PLEASE'

WORD PROCESSING

Wordstar 2000

■H'iii'.viiHaa

J3E

WORDSTAR 2000 PLUS

Wordstar Pro Pac

Wordstar Pro Plus

WORD PERFECT (New Release,

Microsoft Word

Spellbinder

MULTIMATE

$259 _305 _265 _345 _225 _235

Volkswriter Deluxe Peachtext 5000 _

Easywriter ll/Speller/Mailer

Edlx & Wordix

Finalword

Samna III

Xy Write II Plus

Think Tank

pis: WRITE.

Wordplus PC with Boss,

Lowfit Price

249

165

199

195

255

225

325

255

125

85

359

DATA BASE MANAGEMENT (com ) d BASE II $369

Clipper (d Base III Compiler) 399

Data Base Manager II (alpha) 175

Infostar plus 159

Friday 169

pts: file & pfs: report 165

REVELATION 745

Powerbase 255

3

FINANCIAL .com i

Financier I

MANAGIN6 YOUR MONEY

Home Accountant Plus _ Howard Tax Preparer

Personal Pearl

Easyfiler

Superfile _ Guru

_229

_235

_159

.1695

INTEGRATED/SPREADSHEETS

LOTUS 1-2-3 (v 2 0) $305

Professional Tax Planner

Fixed Asset System (BEST)

Market Manager Plus (Dow Jones).

Market Analyzer (Dow Jones)

GRAPHICS

CHARTMASTER

Signmaster

BPS Graphics

Fast Graphs

pfs: graph

BRAPHWRITER

115

_$119

99

_195 _319 _439 _179 _269

Enable (New Version) _

Smart Series . Ability.

DATA BASE MANAGEMENT

KN0WLEDGEMAN

Cornerstone

Tim IV

R:Base4000

R:BASE5000

DB Master

d Base II (New Release) .Condor III

$259

Loweit Price

189

265

365

475

299

349

FRAMEWORK

Open Access

Electric Desk

SYMPHONY (Limited Quantity).

Supercalc 3

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removes much of the burden from the 68000 processor. This includes the Blitter (bit-mapped block-transfer device) and hardware support for sprites and other animation effects. The Amiga also offers a variety of video output signals: NTSC (National Television System Committee) for RF (radio frequency) modulators, composite, and RGB (redgreen-blue), both analog and digital. The software for graphics is not as extensive nor as well done as that on the Mac. From what I can tell by the manuals, however, it isn't as restrictive, either. And the memory map is marvelous; the Amiga allows an additional 8 megabytes of RAM to be added via the expansion bus, offering a solution for memory-intensive processes.

A Paradox

Amazing graphics do not a successful computer make, at least not necessarily. The Atari 520ST and the Amiga are both perceived as being glorified game machines because of their powerful color graphics; the comment often heard is, "Who wants business software that runs in color?" Yet color graphics have been pushed for the Mac as a way of penetrating further into the business market. These notions are contradictory but represent the problems that both types of systems face in being accepted outside of the home.

So, back to the original issue; Should Apple come out with a color Mac? I don't think so, since it raises more problems than it solves. Existing software won't be able to take advantage of it; the "color routines" in QuickDraw are very simple and aren't worth a whole lot; it would introduce a whole set of software/hardware-compatibility problems (which Apple will probably have enough of, anyway); without special hardware support, it will just lead to further degradation of performance (though that may be part of the reason for the dual 68000 processors supposedly used in Carla); all the current machines will be left out of the upgrade; and it will make the system more expensive. In short, Apple has a lot to lose and not that much to gain.

New Products

A completely unexpected product—SideKick for the Macintosh—showed up in the mail from Borland International yesterday. It has a wide list of features, like a calendar, notepad, business calculator, simple telecom program, appointment/alarm list, auto-dialer, and so on. Many of these are installed as desk accessories, which is how you access them from within your application. I've run into a few problems (such as the Install program not "seeing" any of the accessories to be installed), and I can't really recommend it until I've had a chance to check it out some more. Look for a follow-up here next month.

Most books about the Macintosh have been useless fluff, at least as far as serious programming goes. The only exception has been the infamous, expensive, and obscure Inside Macintosh from Apple. Kathe Spracklen, coauthor of

(continued)

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Macintosh Revealed is more than 500 pages long, well illustrated, and well laid-out, but it just doesn't cover everything I want it to.

Sargon II, once said that the book "consists of 25 chapters, each one of which requires that you understand the other 24 before reading it," which should give you some idea of what a pain it is to use. But for anyone wanting to do much with the Mac, it was the only real source of information (other than INFO-MAC, MacTutor, and your local Mac users group).

However, some decent books are finally coming out. Most notable is Macintosh Revealed by Stephen Chernicoff (Hayden Book Company). Volume l (Unlocking the Toolbox) has been out for some time. Volume 2 (Programming with the Toolbox) has just come out. Each volume costs $24.95. Chernicoff appears to know what he's talking about, and he does a good job of bringing a newcomer (albeit a dedicated one) up to speed on the Mac.

My two complaints about the book are that it is too short and it costs too much. But that is neither Chernicoff's nor, I think, Hayden's fault: the book is more than 500 pages long, well illustrated, and well laid-out, but it just doesn't cover everything l wouM like it to. Nor could it possibly. Considering how enormous Inside Macintosh is, and yet how tersely it deals with all the aspects of the Mac, I would imagine that a complete treatment of the Macintosh would run a few thousand pages in four volumes. My only real complaint is that Macintosh Revealed was not around a year ago.

In the Queue

As I said at the start, I have piles of untested (and unopened) software that I need to get to. With luck, I can get settled quickly and get down to some serious work. I'm still coming up to speed on C and have many different C compilers to look at (including Microsoft's new C compiler and a few of the cheap C implementations for MSDOS). Two new programming languages for the Apple II have shown up: Kyan Pascal and PROMAL. I want to give the ITC Modula-2 Software Development System a real workout, also.

In the meantime, take care, and I'll see you on the bit stream. ■

Yd like to acknowledge the help of Ryan Gale of Monitor Yabs and Andy \aros and Doug Bell of Oasis Systems in gleaning some of the graphics information about the IBM PC and the Atari 520ST. Thanks, guys.

l YT E • DECEMBER I985

Inquiry 116

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inquiry I 70

DECEMBER 1985 • BY

CIRCUIT CELLAR FEEDBACK

Conducted by Steve Garcia

Terminal-Management Processor

Dear Steve,

In your January 1984 Circuit Cellar, you explored the NS4 55A terminal-management processor. 1 am constructing an NS455A-based school project. Where can I get an NS455A assembler?

Also, could you suggest a design for a single-step switch that would allow me to execute one instruction at a time?

Ron Scott Atlanta, GA

Ion Elson has written an assembler for the NS455A in Turbo Pascal that should work on any Pascal system. He can be contacted at 819 Marshall Ave.. Webster Groves. MO 63119, (314) 962-6103.

If National Semiconductor's documentation is correct, there is no way to use a single-step switch on the NS455A. The documentation indicates that the clock must not go below 3 MHz. The correct way to do debugging is to write a debugger/monitor program. You can get control back from a breakpoint with either a hardware interrupt or by placing an M0VP3 instruction over the breakpoint. Unfortunately, I know of no easy way to debug programs on the 8048 class of computers without extensive hardware support or a development system. The only alternative is trial and error, combined with careful bench-checking of your code. You should also look at the May 2. 1985. issue of EDN for an article on an 8048-family emulator that you can build. IThe NS455A is a derivative of the 8048. and this circuit might be adapted for the NS455A.)—Steve

Speech Synthesis

Dear Steve,

Concerning your article in lune 1983. "Use ADPCM for Highly Intelligible Speech Synthesis." I have built the speechsynthesis circuit, and it is operating well with my computer. My hobby is amateur radio, and I am able to use speech synthesis for a radio transceiver with prerecorded bulletins and news.

Can you help me locate the design of a 64K-byte DRAM system to connect to the Oki speech-synthesis circuit? The

memory should provide about 15 seconds of recorded speech.

John P. Szykoluk Ste. Anne. Manitoba. Canada

There are many applications for speech synthesis, and your application is an interesting use of the ADPCM chips.

DRAM chips are a good choice for applications where density and power are a concern. One of the disadvantages of using these chips is that they must be refreshed, which necessitates extra circuitry In your search for a memory system that connects directly to the Oki speech-synthesis circuit, you will probably find that building such a unit is not extremely difficult. In essence, a small computer system is necessary to control the memory.

In order to access the memory chips, you need to provide an address where the data will be written to and read from. Also, there must be logic that senses when there is data to be transferred. All this must be accomplished with some sort of sequential logic. In the article, the speech-synthesis circuit was interfaced to a Z80 microprocessor. Many CMOS microcontrollers are available that contain many useful functions. If you don't need all the bells and whistles of these microcontroller chips, you could use a CMOS microprocessor like National Semiconductors NSC800. This uses the same instruction set as the Z80 and is useful in low-power situations.

To achieve 15 seconds of speech, you will need 60K bytes of data memory. This leaves about 4K bytes of directly addressable memory space for your use. That should be plenty of speech memory for this application.

The following books may be helpful in designing a microprocessor system: The Z-80 Microcomputer Handbook by William Barden lr. (Howard W. Sams, 19781 and Build Your Own Z-80 Computer by me (BYTE Books. 1980).— Steve

Speech-Assisted Workstation

Dear Steve.

I am interested in developing a speechassisted workstation for the blind. Your article describing the SSI263 integrated cir

cuit looks very useful ("Build a ThirdGeneration Phonetic Speech Synthesizer." March 1984). The rule-based software allows a level of personality to be integrated into the package (such as pronouncing the user's name correctly).

1 would be implementing the system on an MS-DOS machine, the Tandy 1200. 1 am quite new at microcomputers, and I would appreciate your assistance in running the system in a non-Apple environment. Since Apple and Tandy use different machine languages, a list of the phoneme rules might be sufficient for software conversion. Any ideas on how the board fits into the actual slot would be helpful.

Michael Salsburc West Chester. PA

There are many useful applications for the SSI263 speech synthesizer. Your application is another example of its usefulness to help disabled individuals.

While the Sweet Talker II was designed for the Apple II. the same principles are applicable to any computer. As mentioned in the article, the Apple's addressdecoding capability simplifies the task of selecting the board. However, this does not present a major problem for other computers. It simply means that another method of address decoding must be supplied on the actual printed-circuit board.

As far as the software is concerned, the same basic commands outlined in the article can be used. While the machine language for your computer is different than that for the Apple II, you should be able to adopt the same ideas. Good luck. —Steve ■

Over the years I have presented many different projects in BYTE. 1 know many of you have built them and are making use of them in many ways

1 am interested in hearing from any of you telling me what you've done with these projects or how you may have been influenced by the basic ideas. Write me at Circuit Cellar Feedback. POB 582. Glastonbury. CT 06033, and fill me in on your applications. All letters and photographs become the property of Steve Garcia and cannot be returned.

420 BYTE • DECEMBER 1985

COPYRIGHT © 1985 STEVEN A. GARCIA. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

Rome, Italy. Rome, New York,

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Inquiry 391

From documents to packages. From desk to desk to over 45,000 places in over 150 countries. DHL makes more overseas deliveries from the U.S. than Federal, Emery and Airborne combined. No wonder DHL is now the fastest growing express service in the U.S. In the world of international business, there's only one air express company thafs #1. DHL.

Nobody delivers the whole wide world like DHL.

DECEMBER 1985 -BYTE 421

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NLQ30 NLQ40 NLQ50

hr-25 aaoiuiER.

HR-35 $ 892.00

TWINWRITER $ 913.00

HEWLETT PACKARD

LASERJET $2175.00

6 PEN PLOTTER $1375.00 THINKJET $ 369.00

CALL FOR PRICES ON C.ITOH DIABLO, NEC, APPLE, IBM

289.00 145.00

272.00 197.00

GRAPHICS BDS HERCULES

GRAPHIC CARDS COLOR CARD

PARADISE

GRAPHICS CARD MULTIDISPLAY CD

PERSYST

COLOR CD/RGB COMP $ 199.00 BOB SUPER HI-RES $ 389.00

TECMAR

GRAPHICS MSTR BD $ 445.00

MONITORS PRINCETON GRAPHICS

DISK DRIVES TALLGRASS

TAPE BACKUP 60 MEG

25 MEG DISK/60 MEG TAPE

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HX-12 HI RES SR-12 W/DOUBLER

475.00

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$ 543.00

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COLOR 300 $ 269.00

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COLOR 710 HI-RES $ 579.00

IBM

PROF. GRAPHICS MON $ 9 6 9.00

ENHANCED GRAPHICS MON$ 599.00

CONTROL DATA SYSTEMS

18 MEG EXTERNAL HD $1299.00

30 MEG EXTERNAL HD $1559.00

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IOMEGA

SINGLE 10 MEG HD $1799.00

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CARTRIDGES $ 43.00

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10 MEG DISK EXTERNAL

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60 MEG EXT. TAPE BU

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10 MEG INT W/CONT. 5 539.00

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$1229.00 $1499.00 $2229.00 $ 750.00 $1649.00

DISKS

MAXELL HI-DEN MAXELL DS-DD VERBATIM

$ 42.95 $ 19.95 $ 21.95

COMPAQ 286

CALL $$$

MODEMS HAYES

SMARTMODEM 300 $129.00 SMARTMODEM 1200 $379.00 SMARTMODEM 2400 $614.00

CALL FOR PRICES ON NOVATION, RACAL-VADIC VEN-TEL AND OTHERS

PRECISION DS/DD $9.95 BOX OF 10

IBM SPECIAL # 1

IBM, 1-320K DS.DD DISK DRIVE 10 MEG. HARD DRIVE, AMBER OR GREEN MONITOR, 256K, PAR PORT PFS. WRITE AND FILE

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ORDER LINE

1 -800-334-8989

422 BYTE • DECEMBER 1985

WE BEAT ANY ADVERTISED $.

WE'RE THE NEW KIDS ON THE BLOCK, CHECK US OUT.

COMPUTERS lfiM

PC,256K,360K FLOPPY,10 MEG HD

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SPREADSHEETS & DATABASES

LOTUS 1-2-3 SYMPHONY

SPELLING CHECKER TEXT OUTLINER SPOTLIGHT DBASE III FRAMEWORK SUPERCALC REFLEX POWER BASE R BASE 5000 PERFECT CALC VISICALC MULTIPLAN

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S A.M.-8 P.M. Pacific Standard Time Chatsworth, ca 91311 CALIF. RESIDENTS CALL 1-818-341-9193

Inquiry 288

DECEMBER I985 'BYTE 423

Inquiry 221

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CALL TOLL FREE

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MIS • 1107 NW 14th . Portland, Oregon 97209 Telephone (503) 222-2399

LETTERS

[continued from page 32)

Homebrew CPU

EGO: A Homebuilt CPU. Part l: The Software" by Clifford Kelley (September, page 229) was as untimely as all get-out and I loved it!

While attending Hope College as an undergrad. I had the opportunity to construct a 4-bit CPU designed by Dr. Jim VanPutten as a teaching tool for an electronics course. It sprawled across at least eight breadboards (the ones with all the little holes) and took forever to build, but it was invaluable for learning. The innards of the processor, such as a clear distinction of instruction cycles or what it means to "decode an instruction," were indelibly inscribed in my memory. I still have the hand-drawn construction and operation instruction in my desk drawer.

Over the years, it seems BYTE has leaned away from homebrew-type articles. Thank you for making Homebrewing the September theme. For me, the "derived education" Mr. Kelley speaks of has been a continued source of fascination of how simple even the complicated can become. Brian |. Mork Savoy. IL

Agricultural Programs Sought

I am in the process of compiling publicdomain, farm-business-related programs written in BASIC for increasing the productivity of farm-business operation. These programs will be helpful to farmers, universities, and agricultural agents.

In this connection, I would like to request the assistance of readers who might be able to share with me their programs or public-domain programs they have used to realize this valuable project. Proper credit and acknowledgment will be extended to the author and a final complimentary copy of the compilation will be given to those who have shared and donated their work. Write to me at the University of Puerto Rico-Mayaguez Department of Agricultural Engineering, POB 5114. College Station. Mayaguez. PR 00709.

E. ). Ravalo Mayaguez. PR

Structuring BASIC

Although Arthur Huston presented some useful ideas on the use of BASIC in his article "Structuring BASIC" (|une, page 243). there is. I think, a better way to accomplish the same goals. This is through the use of

a preprocessor to provide structured constructs. For instance, in Dr. Dobb's journal #88. N. C Shammas describes NBASIC. a powerful preprocessor for Microsoft BASIC The enhancements include named subroutines with parameter passing. CASE statements, REPEAT. .. UNTIL statements, and alphanumeric labels.

The use of the intrinsic WHILE... WEND as well as CASE and REPEAT allows completely structured programming. You need never use GOTO: if you do. however, you can now identify the destination by a label rather than a line number.

Beyond providing the tools for good structured programming, NBASIC makes subroutine libraries a snap to implement. This is so because the subroutines can be named: one need never be concerned with line numbers. Your subroutine library should be created with an ordinary text editor and lines left unnumbered. Your application program should be created similarly: within it you can simply CALL the subroutines by name. Then all you need do is join the two text files, number the lines, and submit them to the preprocessor. These operations are easily done by way of a command-file processor (SUBMIT or EX in CP/M. SUB or ZEX in ZCPR3. or BATCH in MS-DOS). (Since it is not possible to pass command-line arguments, such as a filename, to BASIC programs, for easy command-file execution it is useful to modify NBASIC to read the name of its input file from another file. A short program can then be written in assembly language, Pascal, or C to read the command line and store its argument in this file and then exit or chain to the preprocessor.)

Although the linking, numbering, and preprocessing of a program slows down the development cycle somewhat, the time will be more than made up when it is necessary to modify the program a month or a year later.

On the whole, however, anyone desiring a structured, interpretive language that encourages the construction of reusable code really ought to be using FORTH. Dreas Nielsen Corvallis. OR

Arthur Huston replies: NBASIC certainly sounds like one of the more powerful BASIC preprocessors on the market, and it would no doubt be an effective tool in writing structured programs. My article, however, was aimed at the legions of programmers who learned Microsoft BASIC when they first bought

{continued)

424 BYTE • DECEMBER 1985

BUSINESS • SCIENCE • EDUCATION

STATISTICAL PACKAGES

data-analysis software from: vIBlvOTl unbeatable power and flexibility for unbeatable prices!

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2. STATFAST (the first stand-alone and still the most powerful statistical package developed for the Macintosh™ 128k or 512k, 1dd)

3. APP-STAT (a complete statistical package for the Apple II™ family of computers, 1 dd)

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LOTUS 1-2-3, Symphony, IBM, Macintosh, Apple II, Kaypro, and CP/M are registered trademarks of respective companies.

MostwCofd!

Inquiry 405

DECEMBER 1985 -BYTE 425

Inquiry 35] for End-Users. Inquiry 352 for DEALERS ONLY.

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TECH PC/AT $1999

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TECH TURBO PC/XT

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TECH PC/XT $799

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'4.77 MHZ CPU

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' TWO, 360K DS/DD FLOPPY DRIVES

'8 EXPANSION SLOTS

' 135 WATT POWER SUPPLY

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TECH PC/XT WITH *.*mm~.

20MB HARD DISK $1449

TECH PC/XT WITH 20MB HARD DISK. MONOCHROME MONITOR, HERCULES COMPATIBLE „>. _. . _ MONO/GRAPHICS CARD $1649

TELEX: 272006

Answer Back TECH FAX: 714/556 8325

VISA, MASTERCHARGE, CHECK ACCEPTED

1 ^!*^S~* W~*^ COMPUTERS

714/754-1170

2131 S. HATHAWAY, SANTA ANA, CA

©1985 TECH PC 92705

'Hercules is a registered trademark of Hercules Computer

Technology 'IBM. IBM PC, XT. and AT are registered trademarks of International

Business Machines Corp

426 BYTE • DECEMBER 1985

LETTERS

Listing 3: A subprogram for random-numbei

generation.

;Returns a new ISEED and the

FILD

DWORD PTR

normalized RAND;

MODULO

.8087

FILD

DWORD PTR

DSEG SEGMENT PARA

FACTOR

PUBLIC 'DATA'

;pointer for ISEED

;Required info for trancing back to

LDS

SI,ES:[BX]

FORTRAN

FILD

DWORD PTR

[SI]

DB 'RANDOM1

FMUL

SP_SAVE DW 0

FPREM

DD RANDOM

;return the new ISEED

FACTOR DD 69069D

FIST

DWORD PTR

[SI]

MODULO DD 7FFFFFFFH

FDIVB

ST,ST(1)

DSEG ENDS

LDS

SI,ES:[BX] + 4

;return the normalized RAND

CSEG SEGMENT PARA

FST

DWORD PTR

[SI]

PUBLIC 'CODE'

Tor addressibility of DATA seg

ASSUME CS:CSEG,SS:SSEG

MOV

AX,DSEG

;required by callin prog

MOV

DS.AX

DW DSEG

FWAIT

RANDOM PROC FAR

RET

PUBLIC RANDOM

RANDOM ENDP

Tor addressability of DATA seg

CSEG ENDS

MOV AX,DSEG

SSEG SEGMENT PARA STACK

MOV DS.AX

'STACK

ASSUME DS:DSEG

DB

64 DUP(?)

MOV SP_SAVE,SP

SSEG ENDS

;computation starts here with 8087

END

their machine and now write useful programs for themselves, their businesses, or their friends. Bringing structure to their programs through techniques rather than expensive add-on products seems a logical next step.

I also never meant that these techniques made BASIC "better" than FORTH or, for that matter, any language. There are thousands of people who program in BASIC because it is free, relatively simple, and accesses all the bells and whistles in their machine (graphics, sound port, etc.). Another alternative would be to buy one of the new versions of BASIC such as True BASIC or Better BASIC.

Random-Number Generation

The excellent article by Charles A. Whitney ("Generating and Testing Pseudorandom Numbers," October 1984, page 128) is most useful and timely for those who are serious about Monte Carlo programs using small computers. Most software houses supply simple random-number generators for BASIC, but they refuse to include the random-number generators in more advanced languages in order to avoid precisely those pitfalls mentioned

in Whitney's article. Microsoft FORTRAN and IBM Professional FORTRAN are no exceptions. However, if you use the registers with 64 bits or more in a coprocessor such as an 8087, a very simple yet proven random-number generator is possible. One has to use assembly language in order to stay within the 8087 coprocessor until the desired random number is computed.

Listing 3 shows my version of a randomnumber generator that is a transplantation of RN32 from the venerable CERN Program Library (CERN Division DD. 1211 Geneva 2 3, Switzerland), which was originally written for 32-bit machines of CDC and IBM mainframes. It employs the linear congruential generator discussed in Whitney's article, with the multiplicative factor of 69069 and initial seed of 65539, and the product is taken modulo (2 to the 31st power). Notice that these selections conform with the rules of thumb in Whitney's article. The current version supplied is in a format to be linked with modules written in IBM Professional FORTRAN and to be invoked by CALL RANDOM(ISEED.RAND).

Yung Keun Lee Baltimore, MD ■

Hayes™ compatible modems—Incompatible price

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Hayes is a trademark of Hayes Microcomputer Products Inc. • IBM is a trademark of International Business Machines Corp.

DECEMBER 1985 'BYTE 427

I

;: .-..-■: cuter: utmtr:

..«,.. 28.. .39.. .41...St..

I

mm

The new ITT XTRA™XP is definitely out to break some speed limits and sound barriers.

Thanks, in part, to the added muscle of an Intel 80286 chip buried deep inside, the ITT XTRAXP runs circles around the competition.

It is, in fact, over three and a half times faster than the IBM XT.

And twenty-five percent faster than the AT on a Lotus recomputation.

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ill

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Call today Time is definitely money

And time is somethin the XP can save you a lot of.

ITT

PERSONAL COMPUTERS

© 1986. ITT Systems, Inc. IBM XT and AT are registered trademarks ol International Business Machines. Intel 80286 is a registered trademark of Intel Corporation.

428 BYTE • DECEMBER 1985

Inquiry 402 for End-Users. Inquiry 403 for DEALERS ONLY.

WHAT'S NEW

SYSTEMS

Apple-compatible Ace 2000 Series

The Ace 2000 series, like previous Franklin offerings, is compatible with the Apple II computer family. Franklin claims the 2000 can run 95 percent of the Apple II software.

The Ace 2000 has 128K bytes of memory and a detached keyboard with numeric keypad and userdefinable function keys. The computer also has a parallel printer port, 80-column display capability, and a game port with both 9- and 16-pin connectors. The 2000 uses the GTE 65SC02 microprocessor, which allows it to generate the double-highresolution modes of the Apple He and lie.

The Ace 2000 is available in three versions: the 2200, with two disk drives and a list price of $999; the 2100, with one drive, for $849; and the 2000, with no drives, for $699. An optional high-resolution monochrome monitor (22-MHz bandwidth) is available for $139. Contact Franklin Computer Corp., Route 73/Haddonfield Rd., Pennsauken, NJ 08110, (609) 488-0666. Inquiry 611.

SBC88 Development and Control System

The SBC88 from Vesta Technology is a singleboard computer based on the 8088 microprocessor. It comes with either two 2K by 8-bit RAM chips or one 8K by 8-bit RAM chip. The 2K version can be expanded to 8K of memory and has an EPROM programmer to burn 2716 EPROMs. The 8K version can be expanded to 32K of memory and has an EPROM programmer to burn 2764 EPROMs.

The-Franklin Ace 2200.

Both boards have an RS-232C port and 23 I/O ports, including two 8-bit output ports, two 8-bit input ports, seven individually addressable input ports, and seven high-current output ports. An 8-bit A/D converter provides eight channels for analog input; software routines allow analog output.

Programs for the SBC88 can be written in BASIC or FORTH, downloaded from any terminal via the RS-232C port, and copied from RAM to EPROM using the PROGRAM command. Once this is done the program will execute whenever the system is turned on. The 2K board costs $279 and the 8K board costs $319, in

cluding choice of language/ operating system. Contact Vesta Technology Inc., Suite 101, 7100 West 44th Ave.. Wheatridge, CO 80033, (303) 422Inquiry 612.

Epson's Equity I

Epson's Equity I is an IBM PC-compatible desktop computer with a keyboard like the PC AT's. Standard features include serial and parallel ports, three expansion slots. 8088 processor. 2 56K bytes of RAM expandable to 640K, a frontpanel power switch, MS-DOS 2.11, and GW-BASIC. It has a socket for an optional 8087 coprocessor.

The Equity I comes in three configurations. With one 360K 5!4-inch floppydisk drive, it's priced at $995. With a second disk

drive, it costs $1295. A version with one floppy-disk drive and a 20-megabyte hard disk is $2195.

Epson offers as options a 12-inch monochrome monitor ($149), a 13-inch color monitor ($549), a monochrome video adapter card ($129), and a color-graphics adapter card ($149). The Equity I is designed to use all standard IBM PC expansion hardware and software.

Contact Epson America Inc.. 2780 Lomita Blvd., Torrance, CA 90505, (800) 421-5426; in California, (213) 539-9140. Inquiry 613.

68010 UNIX System

The microFORCE-1 is a two-user VMEbus system with a five-slot backplane. Four slots are filled with a memory-management board, a memory card, a serial I/O card, and a Winchester/floppy-disk controller, leaving one expansion slot. The memory-management board, Force's CPU-3VA, has a 68010 microprocessor running UNIX System V 1.0, 32K bytes of static RAM, and a serial port. The system has an MMU bypass option to decrease the execution time of UNIX system calls whenever possible. The DRAM 2.2 memory card comes with 1 megabyte of RAM. Its I/O card has three RS-232C ports, including a printer port and a port for synchronous or asynchronous communication.

The microFORCE-1 comes with one 5!4-inch floppy-disk drive and a 2 5-megabyte unformatted hard-disk drive. It costs $5995. Contact Force Computers Inc., 727 University Ave., Los Gatos, CA 95030, (408) 354-3410. Inquiry 614.

(continued)

DECEMBER 1985 • BYTE 429

WHAT'S NEW

P E R I P H E

HabaDisk for Atari ST

Haba Systems HabaDisk is a 10-megabyte harddisk expansion for Atari's ST computer, storing as much information as 12 doublesided disks. The HadaDisk includes its own power supply and an interface cable that attaches to the ST's hard-disk port. Haba says the drive is fully compatible with existing Atari ST hardware and software.

The HabaDisk is priced at $699.95. For more information, contact Haba Systems, 6711 Valjean Ave., Van Nuys, CA 91406. (818) 901-8828. Inquiry 615.

9-track Tape Drive for IBM PC

The AN-9800-PC from Acknowledge is a 9track tape subsystem for the IBM PC and Wang Professional computers. The tape drive allows data to be written to and read from the standard kS-inch tape on 7-inch reels used by many mainframe and minicomputer makers, permitting data transfer between microcomputers and mainframes.

Included with the selfloading, self-threading AN-9800-PC is a controller card that occupies a single expansion slot in the IBM PC or Wang PC. The 30-pound drive has a footprint of 9 by 14 inches. The IBM PC-compatible tapedrive system is priced at $4995. while the Wang PC version is $5995. An optional carrying case for the tape drive is $145. Contact Acknowledge Inc.. 100 Pennsylvania Ave.. Framingham. MA 01701. (617) 620-8843 Inquiry 616.

PKI's SydeWyndr external disk drive.

External Disk Drive for Macintosh

SydeWyndr is a 3'/2-inch external disk drive for the Apple Macintosh. It accommodates single-sided microfloppy disks with a capacity of 400K bytes, formatted, and has a transfer rate of 489.6K bits per second.

SydeWyndr weighs 3'/2 pounds and comes with a case and connecting cable for $3 50. Contact PKI Inc.. 2 539 West 237th St. E, Torrance, CA 90505. (213) 539-2123. Inquiry 617.

Citizen Daisy-Wheel, Dot-Matrix Printers

Citizen America has introduced two printers, one a daisy-wheel unit, the other a dot-matrix machine.

The Citizen Premiere 3 5 uses print wheels compatible with the Diablo 630; it can print at 3 5 characters per second and has a list price of $599. The printer also has a low operating

noise level of 55 decibels and comes with an 8K-byte buffer. Other features include interchangeable interface cartridges, proportional spacing (selectable by a front-panel switch), and a 12-month warranty.

The Premiere 3 5 has a push-style tractor-feed mechanism. An optional dual-bin sheet feeder with envelope-feed capability is available for $400.

The dot-matrix Citizen 120D prints at 120 cps in draft mode. It has a list price of $249. You can select compatibility with either the IBM Graphics Printer or the Epson FX-80 by throwing a switch. Other features include a 2 5-cps correspondence-quality mode (selectable with a front-panel switch), a 4K-byte buffer, and a tractor-feed mechanism.

Contact Citizen America Corp., 242 5 Colorado Ave.. Santa Monica. CA 90404. (213) 453-0614. Inquiry 618.

GTC Laser Printer

GTC Technologies' Blaser is an 8-page-per-minute laser printer based on Canon's LBP-CX printer

engine. The Blaser emulates the Diablo 630 and NEC Spinwriter printers for text output and the text and graphics images of the IBM Graphics Printer (which was based on Epson's FX-80).

While in the IBM Graphics mode, alphanumeric characters are printed in a Courier font rather than the dotmatrix font, and graphics characters are printed taking advantage of 300-dpi capabilities. Standard graphics are output emulating the Epson's resolution, although additional escape-code sequences enable more advanced graphics features.

Each font includes boldface, compressed, expanded, superscript, subscript, and combinations of these formats, and all characters can be rotated 90 degrees and printed in landscape mode.

Ten font cartidges are available: American Typewriter. Apollo Proportional. Roman Proportional. Apollo Compressed, Elite, Prestige. Cobra, Courier Italic, Helvetica, and Legal. Each font cartridge is $99; a fourfont cartridge is $289.

The Blaser includes a switch-selectable serial or parallel interface; both interfaces can be enabled simultaneously using an optional $499 adapter. A $699 adapter enables the parallel port plus four additional serial ports. Documents from each computer are buffered in the printer's 64 Kbyte RAM until earlier tasks are completed.

The Blaser printer has a list price of $2995. For more information, contact GTC Technologies Inc., 216 West Florence Ave.. Inglewood, CA 90301. (213) 673-8422. Inquiry 619.

WHAT'S NEW

A D D - I N S

68020 Development System for IBM PC, XT, AT

The IBM PC can be used as the basis for a 68020 development system by plugging the Language Resources PC-020 card into one of the PC's long slots and using the accompanying PC-020 software. You can write, assemble, test, and execute 68020 programs entirely within the PC-020/IBM PC system.

The PC-020 card contains a Motorola 68020 32-bit microprocessor, a 68881 FPU math coprocessor, and 1 megabyte of RAM. The RAM can be used as expansion memory by PC-DOS programs.

The development-system software includes a macro assembler, a symbolic debugger, a linker/locator, and documentation. Any executing 68020 program has full access to PC-DOS files. The assembler follows the Motorola assembler style and allows you to employ string macros, conditional assembly, structured control, 68881 instructions, and INCLUDE statements.

Language Resources is also offering C and Pascal compilers for the PC-020. These produce native code and generate full listings containing symbol tables and cross-references. The Pascal compiler is IEEE standard, and the C compiler is a complete Kemighan and Ritchie implementation with System V extensions. Both compilers can handle 16and 32-bit integers, contain full floating-point support, and have run-time libraries.

The PC-020 costs $5995 and works with the IBM PC, XT. or AT (and plug-com

The CompuFone board from Computalker Consultants.

patibles) with a hard disk and PC-DOS (or MS-DOS) 2.0 or higher. The C and Pascal compilers cost S895 each. Contact Language Resources Inc.. 4885 Riverbend Rd., Boulder, CO 80301. (303) 449-6809. Inquiry 620.

80287 Card for PC AT

MicroWays 287Turbo card includes an 8-MHz Intel 80287 math coprocessor and its own 8-MHz crystal, allowing faster execution of complex math functions than is possible with a standard 6-MHz IBM PC AT The design of the 80287 allows it to operate at a different clock speed than the main 80286 processor, but the 80287 normally shares the AT's 6-MHz crystal when it is inserted into the AT's coprocessor socket. The 287Turbo board p'ugs into the same socket but does not use the AT's crystal.

The 287Turbo card is designed so that the 80287-8 and clock crystal can be replaced with faster components when they are made available. A program is included to test all the 80287s functions. The 287Turbo board is

$395. Contact MicroWay Inc.. POB 79, Kingston. MA 02364, (617) 746-7341. Inquiry 621.

Telephone Management for the IBM PC

The CompuFone board for the IBM PC, XT, and compatibles is a full-length card comprising three subsystems: a digitizer, a TouchTone generator/decoder, and a telephone interface.

The speech digitizer works like a solid-state tape recorder. Voice messages can be recorded in RAM or in disk files through telephone or mike-in or line-in jacks using any of five possible bit rates. Speech is encoded using hardware data compression for economical storage; a hard disk is recommended—a 10-megabyte hard disk will hold only 70 minutes of speech. You must also have at least 128K bytes of RAM. Speech output can be transmitted over telephone lines, line-out jacks, or speaker-out jacks. The Touch-Tone generator will initiate phone calls on either Touch-Tone or rotary (pulse) dial phones. The telephone interface monitors

the call to make sure it has gone through, then relays your recorded voice message. The system can also detect an incoming call, answer with your voice, and record the caller's message.

The Touch-Tone decoder allows you to use any telephone keypad as a remote keyboard for your computer. It is designed to receive commands or enter data sent by the caller.

CompuFone costs $645; the manual can be ordered separately for $30. Contact Computalker Consultants. 1730 21st St.. Santa Monica. CA 90404. (213) 828-6546. Inquiry 622.

Custom Terminal Design

The 65/9028 VT is a controller board for a video terminal that emulates ANSI X3.64, DEC VT-52, and Lear Siegler ADM 3A terminals. The 80-column display mode includes a nonscrolling 2 5th line. Line graphics permit plotting, graphing, and complex forms display. Each of 10 function keys can contain a string of 32 characters. Separate serial communications and printer ports are also supported, and the company says that all polarities of composite and separate video and sync outputs are possible, with 50-Hz or 60-Hz vertical sync.

The 65/9028 VT includes 16K bytes of firmware and 8K of nonvolatile RAM on a single 5- by 6/2-inch circuit board. The board is available as an assembled unit for $239. A kit version is $199; the bare circuit board with the ROM is $49. Contact Linger Enterprises Inc., POB 5783, Newport News. VA 23605, (804) 244-3874. Inquiry 623.

{continued)

WHAT'S NEW

warn

. .:■:■::.. :.

SOFTWARE

Graphics Software for Apple II Series

Chartics is a package of business and scientific graphics routines that runs on all Apple II computers. The software lets you plot arrays of up to 280 variables on two high-resolution pages of video memory.

Charts made with the program can be proportioned to fit into user-defined windows that you can scroll to any location on the screen. A scaling function lets you specify x-minimum, x-maximum. ^-minimum, and y-maximum to plot a chart in oversize or undersize proportions or to display a section of a chart. This feature circumvents problems associated with negative numbers by letting you determine the scale and the part of the chart to be shown.

Chartics can import D1F or ASCII text files, so you can chart data directly from applications programs or from on-line services. It also loads and saves standard Apple binary picture files, so you can incorporate existing digitized images into charts. The program offers 32 colors on color monitors and 8 gray tones on monochrome monitors.

Chartics costs $2 50. It requires 64K bytes. Contact American Avicultural Art & Science Inc.. 3268 Watson Rd.. St. Louis. MO 63139. (314) 645-4431. Inquiry 624.

Search Program with Al Capability

Clarity Software has released a data-retrieval program for the IBM PC series that reportedly can search at a rate of 11 OK

bytes of disk data per minute. Called Logic-Line I. the program retrieves data from any type of disk-based file. Clarity claims the package can work with document files or database files, regardless of how the data is formatted.

In addition to simple Boolean searches for keywords. Logic-Line 1 can use grammatical techniques based on artificial intelligence to do "fuzzy searches" or cross-searches for data that may not conform to the original keyword criterion but which may be relevant nonetheless.

Logic-Line 1 is written in C and, until the new year, has an introductory price of SI00. Contact Clarity Software. POB 839. Chesterland. OH 44026, (216) 729-1132. Inquiry 626.

Oscilloscope Package for IBM PC, XT, AT

Snapshot Storage Scope turns the IBM PC, XT, or AT into a digital oscilloscope and data-acquisition system. The program is capable of digital or analog triggered acquisitions, windowed displays, absolute and relative cursor readouts, time and magnitude readouts, channel labels, and selective recording of data to disk.

With Snapshot, you can acquire and display up to four channels of data at a

selectable sampling rate of less than one sample per minute or as many as 50,000 samples per second. You can analyze the data with a commercial package or with your own program. Data can be displayed graphically or in tables. The display and the stored data files list the number of points collected, date and time, title, duration, and sensitivity of each channel.

Minimum system requirements are a PC or compatible, one double-sided double-density floppy-disk drive, 2 56K bytes of RAM. PC-DOS 2.0, an IBM colorgraphics board or compatible, and a MetraByte or Data Translation analog I/O board. No programming is necessary.

Snapshot sells for $495 and comes with a 30-day trial period. A demo disk is $8. Contact HEM Engineering Co., 1702 5 Crescent Dr., Southfield. MI 48076, (313) 559-5607. Inquiry 625.

Draw with Perspective

MacPerspective is an architectural-rendering program for the Macintosh that lets you construct wireframe perspective drawings of houses, buildings, or other objects composed primarily of straight lines. To create a perspective drawing, you specify the

WHERE DO NEW PRODUCT ITEMS COME FROM? The new products listed in this section of BYTE are chosen from the thousands of press releases, letters, and telephone calls we receive each month from manufacturers, distributors, designers, and readers. The basic criteria for selection for publication are. la) does a product match our readers' interests? and (b) is it new or is it simply a reintroduction of an old item? Because of the volume of submissions we must sort through every month, the items we publish are based on vendors' statements and are not individually verified. 1/ you want your product to be considered for publication {at no charge), send full information about it, including its price and an address and telephone number where a reader can get further information, to New Products Editor. BYTE, 42 5 Battery St.. San Francisco. CA 94111.

location of the observer and enter x-, y-. and z-coordinates of points on the object in either feet and inches or units and decimal units. The computer determines the location of each point as it appears in perspective and draws lines between successive points. (Or you can use the mouse to draw lines between points.) If you change the position of observation, the computer redraws the object as seen from the new viewpoint. The line drawing can then be used as a tracing master from which you can create a finished rendering.

Drawings can be up to 100 inches wide and printed by an Imagewriter or LaserWriter. With a 128K Mac, you can draw figures of up to 1100 points; with a 512K Mac, you can use 1900 points. The package provides a rapid zoom-in/zoomout capability.

MacPerspective costs $189. Contact B. Knick Drafting. 313 Marlin Place, Melbourne Beach, FL 32951, (305) 727-8071. Inquiry 627.

MS-DOS Version of CBC Tools

Minnow Bear Computers has released an MSDOS version of its CBC Tools for use with DRI's CBASIC compiler. The supplement is intended to take advantage of the capabilities of MS-DOS 2.0 (the original is comprised primarily of functions portable between CP/M-80, CP/M-86. and MSDOS). The functions in the supplement were written in assembly language.

CBC Tools for MS-DOS costs $175. Contact Minnow Bear Computers. POB 2233 Station A, Champaign, IL 61820-8233. (217) 398-6883. Inquiry 628.

432 BYTE • DECEMBER 1985

Inquiry 424 for U.S. and Canada. Inquiry 425 for other International

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.

Send orders to:

National Braille Press Inc.,

88 St. Stephen Street, Boston, MA 02115

(617) 266-6160

NBP is a nonprofit braille printing and publishing house

MULTILINGUAL WORD PROCESSING

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288-2886-899 I 45 «7

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1M-IMB-IM 1998 99 j

- Color support

- Arithmetic calculations on text

- Integrated Communications

- Transmit and receive on disk

- Automatic hyphenation

- Document repaglnatlon

- Search and replace

- Context sensitive help

- Easy to use and learn

- In English, French, German

- In Dutch and Greek.

- IBM PC/XT/AT and Compatibles

Only $259 IncL Latin and Japanese/Greek font Junior version $49.95

M/CRO BUSINESS PRODUCTS g

- Up to eight fonts on screen

■ Graphics and character modes -1 mage based Word processing

- Line graphics and bar charts

- Independent columns

- Real time text dragging

- Typewriter emulation Translation to and from ASCII

- Printing to printer or disk

- Comprehensive printer tables

■ Numeric tabs and Indents

- Headers and footers

II 11E Avenue Observatoire P.O.Box 530

jlh/inp Brussete, Belgium Wayne. MJ 07470

Tel: 375-0953 Tlx: 26340

Tel: 201/684-4142

COMPLETES THE EQUATION FOR COST-EFFECTIVE CIRCUIT SIMULATION

IBM PC plus PSPICE equals precise, mainframe-performance circuit simulation of up to 120 transistors. Design in mere minutes complicated circuits that used to take hours. Check performance under "real" conditions including transient, temperature, and frequency response, without costly breadboarding. "See" troublesome currents and voltages formerly too low to detect. Perfect each circuit without gobbling up expensive mainframe time.

And with PROBE graphics "software oscilloscope? PSPICE/ TURBINE hardware accelerator, and user-changeable models options, your PSPICE micro will surpass VAX 11/780 performance at a fraction of the cost.

Affordably priced at $950.00, PSPICE completes the equation for success. Phone for details.

MicroSim Corporation

23175 La Cadena Drive Laguna Hills, CA 92653 714/770-3022

VAX is a trademark of Digital Equipment Corporation.

IBM-PC is a trademark of International Business Machines Corporation.

Inquiry 422 for End-Users. Inquiry 423 for DEALERS ONLY

DECEMBER 1985 • BYTE 433

-The Buyer's Mart

A Directory of Products and Services

THE BUYER'S MART is a new monthly advertising section which enables readers to easily locate suppliers by product category. As a unique feature, each BUYER'S MART ad includes a Reader Service number to assist interested readers in requesting information from participating advertisers.

RATES: 1x-$350 3x-$325 6x-$300 Prepayment must accompany each insertion.

AD FORMAT: Each ad will be designed and typeset by BYTE. Advertisers must

furnish typewritten copy. Ads can include headline (23 characters maximum), descriptive text (250 characters maximum), plus company name, address and telephone number. Do not send logos or camera-ready artwork.

DEADLINE: Ad copy is due 2 months prior to issue date. For example: December issue closes on October 1. Send your copy and payment to THE BUYER'S MART, BYTE magazine, 70 Main Street, Peterborough, NH 03458. For more information call Karen Burgess at BYTE 603-924-9281.

ACCESSORIES

ACCESSORIES

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES

SOFTWARE PACKAGING, DISKS

Cloth binders & slips like IBM's. Vinyl binders, boxes, and tolders-many sizes Disk pages, envelopes & labels Low qty. imprinting Bulk & branded disks. Much Mprel 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

VERBATIM DATALIFE

SS/DD 10 PACK IN A PLASTIC BOX

NOW ONLY $16.50

WHILE SUPPLIES LAST

MASTERCARD AND VISA ACCEPTED

CALL TOLL FREE

950-1088-78775437

LOCAL: (313) 363-0100

- VIDEO STORES «

We need ambitious dealers in all U.S. states and Canada to market a powerful system to computerize video tape rental stores.

WINCHESTER DATA PRODUCTS INC.

3301-Executive Drive., #204, Raleigh, N.C. 27609 (919) 872-0995

COMMUNICATIONS

FABRIC DUST COVERS

Heavy poly/cotton. Six colors. 1000 different covers available for Computers, Printers, Typewriters, etc. PLUS, custom work Monogramming and screen printing available In our 4th year of serving you. . .

COVERS UNLIMITED

POB 381076, Germantown, TN 38183-1076 800-821-7709 or 901-754-4465

FREE DISK JACKET SAMPLE

New low-cost DISKAT" FLOPPY DISK JACKET gives best protection plus way to print and display directory info. Made from heavy-duty antistatic vinyl. the DISKAT" dual-pocket design stores disk & displays sorted printout of directory data. Send for a FREE sample and software offer.

LEINBACH INCORPORATED

P.O. Box 730, Dept. B12, Nyack, NY 10960 (914) 353-0990

SMART ANSWERING MACHINE

SAM transforms your IBM PC into an intelligent phone answering & real-voice messaging center FEATURES: 999 personal messages, call screening, message torwarding, timed or grouped message delivery, sortable phonebook/autodialer, time/date log, voice prompted remote access, AND MORE!! All hardware & software included. Retail $295, VISA/MC,

DIALECTRON, INC.

2035 California St., Ste #17, Mountain View, CA 94040

(415)960-3040

Inquiry 727

CONTRACTS

LESS NOISE! MORE COOLING!

Stop irritating fan noise & overheating problems with the SILENCER cooling system. It utilizes a super quiet (84% less noise), West German, all metal, 4V2" fan. Provides up to 100% more cooling. Mounts on the back of the IBM PC. $79.95 + $4 s/h VISA/MC PC COOLING SYSTEMS 31510 Via Ararat Dr., Bonsall, CA 92003 (619) 723-9513

DATA CABLES & PARTS

EIA RS232-C Data Cables ■ standard, extended distance. RS232-C Teflon Assemblies Also Centronics (parallel). Coaxial (RGS9U, RG62A/U, Dual Wang. Twin-axial). Ethernet, Ribbon, IBM. DEC Compatible cables. AB switches, connector parts, bulk cable, tools & hardware (wall plates) Send for Catalog.

Communication Cable Co.

POB 600-B, Wayne, PA 19087 215-644-1900

FOR ENTREPRENEURS

Legal contracts for hardware/software developers Employee agreement, non-disclosure form, contracts for sale (hardware and/or software), consulting, development, hardware & software maintenance, non-competition, project delivery & more

$50 Waters Publishing $50

8235 Douglas - Suite 1000 Dallas, TX 75225 (214) 369-8108

inquiry 777

Inquiry 792

FUNKY LOWERCASE?

EPROMS to fix lowercase and provide custom fonts for the following PRINTERS and COMPUTERS:

•GORILLA/GP-100X/MPS801 $14.95*

•Model l/IM/4 (video) $14.95*

•DMP100/LPVII $29.00*

Send for sample text:

THE ELECTRONIC CLOSET 8187 Blakely Court West • Bainbridge Is., WA 98110

Self-Inking Printer Ribbon

For users of Okidata and other open spool ribbon printers. Controlled Printout Devices are a new kind of printing ribbon that re-ink themselves, and will last 15 times longer than the ribbon you are now using. For further information please call or write

CONTROLLED PRINTOUT DEVICES, INC.

POB 869. Baldwin Rd.. Arden, NC 28704 (704) 684-9044

BOOKS / DISKS / VIDEOS

DISK CONVERSION

CONVERSION SERVICES

Convert any 9 track magnetic tape to or from over 500 formats including 3Vz", 5W, 8" disk formats & word processors. Disk to disk conversions also available. Call for more info. (312) 459-6010

Pivar Computing Services, Inc.

• *

47 W. Dundee Road Wheeling, IL 60090

* •

Inquiry 779

BLANK FUNCTION KEY TEMPLATES

Write convenient commands next to your function keys on reversible plastic templates Styles to fit IBM-PC, Compatibles, HP-150 Keytronics 5151, and others Custom also available $4.95 Pkg. of 3 (Plus $1 s&h) 1-800-231-5413 In CA 1-800-523-5441 Free catalog of other helpful products available by circling number below on inquiry card.

ATTENTION PROGRAMMERS!!

Programmers' Handbook of

Computer Printer Commands Is a must!

Programming Codes for 100's of Printers.

* 43 Manufacturers * Daisy * DMP

* 272 pgs. in Table Form

* Info: Code, Hex/Dec. Equiv., and Description

* Dealer inquiries invited

TO ORDER CALL OR WRITE: CARDINAL POINT INCORPORATED

P.0 Box 596, Ellettsville, IN 47429 (812) 876-7S11 (M-F 9-5)

INCOMPATIBLE WORD PROCESSORS?

We convert to and from: XEROX, DEC, IBM,

LANIER, WANG, PC-DOS, CONVERGENT

TECHNOLOGY, WORDSTAR, MULT1MATE,

SAMNA ASCII, MICOM.

Also most CPVM systems.

LOWEST PRICES

DATA CONVERSION INC.

6310 Caballero Blvd. • Buena Park, CA 90620

(714) 522-7762 (600) 624-4851 In CA.

Inquiry "'0

Inquiry 713.

Inquiry 724

434 BYTE • DECEMBER 1985

The Buyer's Mart

DOCUMENTATION

HARDWARE

HARDWARE

Computer Assembly Manuals

BIG BLUE SEED for /SM' BUILDERS: parts list, placemen! diagrams, instructions for assembling over 55 IBMcompatible bare cards - $14.95. APPLE SEED II lor APPLE- BUILDERS: in the style of the BIG BLUE SEED with instructions for assembling 70 Apple-compatible bare cards - $12.95. BOTH ASSEMBLY MANUALS FOR $25.00

NuScope Associates

P.O. Box 790 • Lewiston NY • 14092

8097 PROTOTYPING BOARD

Develop applications for the Intel 8096 Family of Microprocessors with the CSC-8097 Board - the ONLY board available for development with Intel's 8097 16-bit single chip microcontroller. Price: $750

Caldwell Systems Corp.

POB 617, San Ramon, CA, 94583 415-833-1850

Inquiry 712

BUYING A PROGRAMMER?

Information on EPROM programmers for

Engineering, Production and Field

Service.

Specifications and prices upon request.

SHERMAN PIRKLE, INC.

617-861-6688

DUPLICATING SERVICES

WESTERN TRANSDATA, INC.

Why risk duplicating your important programs on your computer, when our equipment is designed solely to duplicate disks & verify their perfection 10EW Over 600 formats 3V2". 5V*" & 8". Plus serialization, copy protection, labeling, packaging, shrink-wrapping and fast, personalized service.

WESTERN TRANSDATA, INC.

1701 E. Edinger Ave. A-7 Santa Ana, CA 92705 714/547-3383 (collect)

BDS LASER PRINTER! — $2,559.00

COMPLETE WITH SOFTWARE!

8 Pages per Minute, 9 Type Fonts, (16 with optional Cartridge), Down-Loadable (Design your own) Fonts, Parallel (Centronics, IEEE-488) and Serial (RS-232C) Interfaces, Landscaping (Graphics Intermixed with Text), Magnification, Sideways Print, and Non-Volatile Memory for Control Features,

HIGH TECHNOLOGY, INC.

9312 W. 92nd Ave., Westminster, CO 80020 (303) 431-7596 VISA and MASTERCARD Accepted'

PCjr ADD-ON DRIVES

Upgrade your PCjr with our user-installed add-on drive system. It includes a replacement disk controller (operates up to 3 drives), a 2 drive cable, external 360K dnve(s) & software for operating the extra drives. Prerequisite: DOS 2.1, $295 (one drive), $449 (2 drives). $149 (controller only). $6 shipping. Call (505) 292-4182

J & M Systems, Ltd.

15100-A Central SE, Albuquerque, NM 87123

Inquiry 793

Inquiry 753

DUPLICATION SOLUTIONS

We have the answer to your duplication needs, no matter what the volume We supply autoloaders, disks, and technical support. We provide copy protection, serialization, package assembly, and distributive shipping.

MegaSoft

P.O. Box 1143, Freehold, NJ 07728 1-800-222-0490 201-462-7628 (in NJ)

nquiry 762

TURBOCHARGER FOR IBM

^ Increases processing speed over 300% >-- Full software compatibility with PC and XT *■ Supports Intel 10 MHz 8087 coprocessor

Everett/Charles" Marketing Services

6101 Cherry Avenue

Fontana, CA 92335

800-443-1860 Calif. 800-821-0589

E(E)PROM, PROM PROGRAMMER

Program all EPROMS. EEPROMS, microcomputers, zero-power RAMs, 35 nS PROMS for under $300!

B & C Microsystems

See our ad on page 369.

ENTERTAINMENT

* * * GAMES !!! * * *

Disk full of Public Domain Games for the Apple lie, lie, II+ . Games like Blackjack. Checkers, Othello I, Adventure, Asteroyder and much more for $19.95!!! including shipping.

Gennaro Conte Associates, Inc.

2522 Holland Ave., Bronx, NY 10467 CompuServe ID:74005,1064

1/2 IN. 9 TRACK COUPLER

READ and WRITE 1/2 in magnetic tape with formatted 9 track drives. Runs all speeds and densities in PC, XT, & AT running MS-DOS or IBM XENIX. Data transfers up to 904K bytes/second Couplers start at $880 Complete sub-systems start at $2995

Overland Data, Inc.

5644 Kearny Mesa Rd„ Ste. A, San Diego, CA 92111 (619)-571-5555 and TELEX 754923 OVERLAND

POWERLINE GREMLINS?? POWER FAILURES??

The MEIRICK STANDBY POWER SYSTEM

is the TOTAL SOLUTION to your

powerline problems.

240 watt system - $365: 400 watt system - $495:

800 watt system - $795

MEIRICK Inc., POWER SYSTEMS DIV.

Box 298, Frisco. CO 80443 303-668-3251

Inquiry 776

Inquiry 763

HARDWARE

PROM/PAL BIPOLAR PROGRAMMER IBM PC

EPROM PROG—S250, PAL OPTION—$250, MP OPTION—$100, BIPOLAR OPTION—$350 ■MS-DOS, CP/M-86 Software handles 2716 through 27256 EPROM • 16 20 and 24 pins BI-POLAR PROMS • From MMI, SIG, HAR, Tl & AMD • 20 and 24 pins PAL from MMI. AMD. NAT & Tl • Also 8741/48/49/51 MP

Advanced Microcomputer Systems Inc.

2780 S.W. 14th St. • Pompano Beach, FL 33069 (305) 975-9515

* IBM PC XT AT SALE * * COMPAQ CMPTR SALE *

TEAC 55BV DISK DRIVE I B9.00

SEAGATE 10MB W/CNTR $475.00

SEAGATE 20MB w/CNTR $595.00

IRWIN TAPE BACKUP 10 MB HALF HT $550.00

POWER SUPPLY, CABLES, DOS. CARDS LOW

CHIPS, MONITORS, KEYBOARDS CALL

(213) 770-6166

MAX GROUP CORP.

17000 S. Vermont Ave.. Unit J, Gardena, CA 90247

Telex: 5106003099 MAX GROUP LAS

MULTI-FUNCTION Bd $189.95

includes 384K of RAM. Serial. Pari. Clock, Software

256K RAM Card (full) lor IBM's 129.95

Team 300/1200 modem, int. or ext.,

Hayes Compt 199.95

Radio Shack 64K Color Computer II 149.95

External Drives 5Va " for Radio Shack in easel25.95 Epson Printers, Cheap! Call for quotes.

5512 Poplar Ave. 901-761-4565

C.C. Distributing

Memphis. TN 38119

Inquiry 761

inquiry 714.

APPLE & IBM PERIPHERALS!

FACTORY DIRECT! lie 64K/80 Column Bd $39. II + /lie Cooling Fan $24.95. II + /lie Mouse w/SFWR $49.95. Joystick III w/fire on stick Apple or IBM $24.95. 10 Ft IBM Parallel Cable $12.95. RAM Set/9 PC-$5 XT-$7. Add $3 Shipping Write for complete list

NEXO DISTRIBUTION

8824 Golf Drive - Spring Valley, CA 92077 (619) 589-7928

$59 CONTROL COMPUTER

6802MPU, 16 line I/O, RAM, EPROM socket, Power Supply 100 lot price, Evaluation unit with test EPROM $99

Hawaiian Sky Telescopes

74-5626 Alapa St., Kailua-Kona, HI 96745 (808) 326-2190

100% XT COMPATIBLE $1395.

The ASCENDANT is 100% compatible with the IBM PC XT and has more standard features than the IBM PC at a lower price. Standard Items included are 130 wps serial & parallel interface, two V! height floppy drives, expandable to 512K plus much, much more... 1 year limited warranty. VISA/MC

IC ELECTRONICS, INC.

2920 Schwartz Rd., Columbus, OH 43232

614-236-0106

DECEMBER 1985 -BYTE 435

The Buyer's Mart

PERIODICALS

SOFTWARE/BUSINESS

SOFTWARE/BUSINESS

DISCOVER ROBOTICS

Robot Experimenter'" magazine shows you how to take the next step in the computer revolution by freeing your computer to roam about the house REx is designed for both educators and experimenters. Subscribe now to explore the world of tomorrow • $24.00 for 12 issues. MCA/ISA/CHECK •

Robot Experimenter

POB 458, Peterborough, NH 03458 603/924-3843

LP88-LINEAR PROGRAMMING

A powerful menu-driven system for solving linear programs w/ up to 255 constraints & 2255 variables Features include interactive & batch operation, spreadsheet-style input & editing storage of problems & bases. Simplex Algorithm restart, report generator, sensitivity analysis. Req. IBM PC. 192K $99 w/8087 support, users guide VISA/MC. EASTERN SOFTWARE PRODUCTS INC. P.O Box 15328, Alexandria, VA 22309 (703) 549-5469

PC-File III™ Version 4

Search, sort, browse, global changes, macros, mailing labels, format reports with selection & calculations, subtotals, totals, averages, encryption Exchange data with 1-2-3, WORD. WordStar Over 190,000 users $59.95 + $5 s/h. For IBM PC

ButtonWare, Inc.

P.O. Box 5786, Bellevue, WA 98006 1 -800- J-BUTTON

Inquiry 784

Inquiry 707

SOFTWARE/BUSINESS

DATA ENTRY SYSTEM

Heads-down data entry with two-pass verification for the PC/XT/AT & compatibles. Loaded with features like: Auto dup & skip, verify bypass, range checks & table lookups. Fully menu driven only $395 Call for free 30 day trial period.

COMPUTER KEYES

6519 193 SW, Lynnwood, WA 98036 (206) 776-6443

TSA 88 TRANSPORTATION

A GENERAL-PURPOSE system for solving transportation, assignment and transhipment problems Splves transportation problems with up to 510 origins and/or destinations by applying the Transportation Simplex Algorithm. Menu-driven with features similar to LP88 Requires 192K, $99 with 8087 support users guide. VISA/MC.

EASTERN SOFTWARE PRODUCTS, INC.

POB 15328, Alexandria, VA 22309

(703) 549-5469

PC-File/R™

All the power of PC-File III plus: Relatipnal link to other databases, integrated letter writing & mailmerge, cpntext sensitive pop-up help windows New binary search retrieves data hundreds of times faster $149.95 + $5 s/h.

ButtonWare, Inc.

P.O. Box 5786, Bellevue, WA 98006 1-800- J-BUTTON

EXPERT CHOICE®

Designed for today's decision makers—gam the competitive edge Facilitates complex decisions based on both objective & subjective factors about criteria & alternatives Uses, procurement, resource allocation, strategic planning, R&D, marketing, finance, employee selection & evaluation DEMO AVAILABLE $10.

Decision Support Software, Inc.

1300 Vincent Place-Dept. B, McLean, VA 22101 (703) 442-7900 (800) 368-2022

WINDOWING FOR dBASE III

dWINDOW" is a unique utility program (9K) that dramatically enhances the screen presentations ot dBASE By patching itself into memory dWINDOW adds a series of new commands and functions to the dBASE repertoire THE EFFECT IS SPECTACULAR! S99 plus shipping

Liberty Bell Publishing

618 NW Glisan, Suite 203, Portland, OR 97209 (BOO) 547-3000 (Dept. 604)

ABACUS

ONLY FROM SUNSOFT Complete Accounting System for $49 95 plus S&H SOURCE CODE only $20 extra"! Complete documentation Runs on CP/M & PC-DOS systems with CBASIC. 2-5%" DSDD min

' completely menu driven

' lull file maintenance

• GIL, AIP. A/R. P/R, CIA

SUNSOFT Inc.

PO 1168, Marquette, Ml 49855 For orders 1-800-624-7008 For info (906) 226-3370

Inquiry 760

Inquiry 789

ENHANCE YOUR PRINTER!!

Print in a variety of fonts and sizes with your Epson (or oompatibie) printer. Prints SIDEWAYS too Great for letters, spreadsheets, . .even signs and banners! Create your own fonts to print. DigiCon Print Package-$49.95 (for IBM PC).

Digital Concepts, Inc.

P.O. Box 8345, Pittsburgh, PA 15218

(412) 623-8314

STANDARD FORMS

Easy to use with on screen step by step prompts. Prints data required in proper spaces on any preprinted form that fits in your printer. Free phone support. $79 (VISA/MC/AMEX), MS-DOS/CPM-80 Other original software. FREE catalogue.

MICRO-ART PROGRAMMERS

173 Birch Avenue, Cayucos, CA 93430 (805) 995-2329 (24 hours)

EXPENSE MANAGER

Customizable expense data base system and report writer Produces tax-saving summaries Analyzes by category, code and date Manages up to $1,000,000 and 1,000 accounts! IBM PC/XT/jr 128K or Apple ll + /e/c 64K

Only $39.95 — Money Back Guarantee!!

Network Services

1915 Huguenot Road, Richmond, VA 23235 (804) 379-2253 MCA/ISA

Inquiry 773

TAX-PREP™ '85 TRIAL

Multiplan or 1-2-3 users, easily prepare totally professional tax returns. Try TAX-PREP '85 (for 84 returns) thru November for $15 + 3 s/h and we'll give you $15 off TAX-PREP '86 avail in Jan, for $129.95. YES, it has the features you want!!! FREE info.

EZWare Corporation

29 Bala Ave Dept. G., Bala Cynwyd, PA 19004 (215) 667-4064

► TIME & BILLING

400 clients/20 partners/80 job & 40 out of pocket categories/20 areas of practice/fixed fee or hour!y/more! Prints billmg/statements/aged rec's/more1 Free phone support $149 (VISA/MC/AMEX) MSDOS/CPM-80. Other original software. FREE catalogue

MICRO-ART PROGRAMMERS

173 Birch Avenue, Cayucos, CA 93430 (805) 995-2329 (24 hours)

1985 TAX PREPARATION

Fast, easy to use package prepares and prints 1985 Federal income tax returns using form 1040 Fully interactive, menu driven Follows IRS forms. Supports 26 forms plus multiples. MS/PC-DOS, 128K; Prof $149.00; Pers $39.95; VISA/MC ($5 SH)

Dunphy Systems, Inc.

P.O. Box 32a Worthington, OH 43085-0326 614-459-2349 (orders 800-622-4070; III. 800-942-7317)

inquiry 738

nquiry 766

dFELLER Inventory

A business inventory program written in modifiable dBASE source code. The menu-driven program lets you locate items by inventory name or number. It keeps track of reorder points, vendors, average cost, and other info. Requires dBASE II or III. PC-DOS/CPM $150.

Feller Associates

550 CR PPA, Route 3, Ishpeming, Ml 49849 (906) 486-6024

PC-Writev Shareware

Fast, friendly, flexible word processor and text editor for IBM PC. Easy to use Advanced features like macros, split screen, footnotes, mailmerge. Many good reviews, thousands sold. All software, manual on disk $10. OK to copy! Register for full manual, support, source $75.

Quicksort (206) 282-0452 Visa/MC

219 First N #224J, Seattle, WA 98109

FEDERAL TAX SOFTWARE

for individual returns. Print up to 26 forms/schedules using IRS forms or overlays. 3 levels of the program: $75; $350 or $600 in CP/M, MS-DOS, PC-DOS. Demo available thru:

1040 PLUS

6730 E. McDowell #103, Scottsdale, AZ 85257

(602) 941-3407

Inquiry 700

436 B YTE • DECEMBER I985

The Buyer's Mart

SOFTWARE/BUSINESS

SOFTWARE/GENERAL

SOFTWARE/GRAPHICS

PC-Type"

Fast, compact, capable & easy! Help panels, handson lutonal, macros, multiple-line headings & footings. DOS path support, print spooling, block operations, etc. ASCII files Install program allows customization. $59.95 + $5 s/h For 128K IBM PC

ButtonWare, Inc.

P O Box 5786. Bellevue. WA 98006 1-800- J-BUTTON

TURN ON YOUR PRINTER

Eleven printer fonts and printer control menu. Includes Italics. Script. Correspondence Optional Fonts Scientific. Russian. Greek and Hebrew ($20@) Okidata 92. 93, Epson FX80. 100. Star Micronics. MS-DOS. CPM-80 ®

CUSTOM CHARACTER SET S46.50.

WOODSMITH SOFTWARE

Rt. 3-Box 550A, Nashville, IN 47448 (812) 988-2137

THE DRAWING TABLET

Draw lines, circles, parallelograms, arcs. Paint with 100 different brush sizes in four shades Block functions with the ability to replace overlay, inlay. Save to disk or printer. Store symbols in libraries. Text capability Only $49.95 + 3.00 s&h

K SOFTWARE HOUSE

Rt 2. Box 83B1 Uniortville, TN 37180

(615) 294-5090

inquiry 796

PC-Calc™ Version 3

64 columns x 256 rows, math and stat. functions, horizontal bar graphs, title locking, individually adjustable column widths, IF THEN, link to other spreadsheets or PC-File databases, much more. Re quires 256K IBM PC $59.95 + $5 s/h

ButtonWare, Inc.

P.O. Box 5786, Bellevue. WA 98006 1-800-J-BUTTON

WORD IMAGE

Edit 4 files, undo, sub-directory, big files, macros, on-screen attributes, command driven, batch files, search/replace in ranges, help, all printers, manual, fast, MORE, Needs 320KB, PCDOS 2,0 + , and 360K disk Intro $50.00, 30-Day trial

Software Ideology

P.O. Box 305, Brooklyn, N Y. 11204 718-236-3876

ATTENTION ENGINEERS

Easy-to-use graphics software for the IBM PC, XT, AT, and compatibles. Full 2-D and 3-D screen graphing capabilities including contours. No programming needed! Interface to pen-plotter.

OMNIPLOT [S] $195

OMNIPLOT [P] $195

BOTH $295

MICROCOMPAT1BLES 301 Prelude Drive * Silver Spring, MD 20901

(301) 593-0683

Inquiry 710

Inquiry 787

INCOME TAX SOFTWARE

TAXWORKS"* software to enter, calculate, and print Federal Form 1040 and 17 supporting schedules. 1985 marks 3rd year of production. 240 programs sold last season Free phone support For IBM. MS-DOS, CPM-80 Federal $400. California $100 Demo $25

TAXWORKS®

B81 Alma Real Dr.. Suite 2

Pacific Palisades. CA 90272

(213) 459-2746, In Calif (800) 232-"1040

POWERFUL FILE MANAGEMENT

l.DT'S FileManager® (or people senous about their systems No kid stuft—only powerful managing tools File sort. copy. move, delete, search & change attributes

Undelete and clear files EDLIN enhancer & batch mode clean up and more.

Menu driven

$34.95 (about Va Norton's) MC/VISA

INTEGRATED DATA TECHNOLOGY, INC.

4775 Bunchberry Lane, Colorado Springs, CO 80917

ORDERS: 303-488-2583

GRAPHICS PRINTER SUPPORT

AT LASV Use the PrtSc key to make quality scaled B&W or color reproductions of your display on any dot matrix, inkjet. or laser pnnter. GRAFPLUS supports all versions of PC or MS-DOS with IBM, Tecmar, and Hercules graphics boards $59.95

Jewell Technologies, Inc.

4302 SW Alaska St., Suite 207

Seattle, WA 98116

(206) 937-1081

Inquiry 752

SOFTWARE/GENERAL

MICRO BEATS RACETRACK!!

Earn profits to afford peripherals and goodies to build the "System of Your Dreams " Dick Mitchell did it, A Winning Thoroughbred Strategy, book and software program $59.95. Book only. $29.95. Send for literature and review

Cynthia Publishing Company

4455 Los Feliz Blvd., Suite 1106B

Los Angeles, California 90027

(213) 664-3165

US-ATLAS

Geographic locator of 29,000 U S cities for IBM-PC & compatibles. Computes Great-Circle distance between places Draws states with 640 x 200 graphics Has 9 options $39.95 check or m o. to address below

ILLSTON PC-PROGRAMS

1930 Hayselton Dr., Jefferson City. MO 65101 (314) 635-3417

THE DGI TYPE SHOP

Turn your IBM or APPLE computer and HEWLETTPACKARD plotter into a desktop publishing system THE DGI TYPE SHOP offers a quick and economical alternative to typesetting PLOTSETTING Price $175. Ten optional fonts that range from a very formal script to Greek - Scientific are available

DECISION GRAPHICS, INC.

PO. Box 2776-B, Littleton, Colorado 80161 Phone (303) 796-0341

Inquiry 722

Inquiry 748

SOFTWARE/LANGUAGES

MicroGANTT®

Control your project' You describe the work, MicroGANTT calculates the schedule and budget Op timize the schedule interactively Customize the reports Subtasking, fixed and variable costs, multi-project resource allocation, unlimited size and scope GANTT PERT. CPM. DOD-7000 Call or write for free catalog

Earth Data Corporation

P.O. Box 13168. Richmond. VA 23225 (804) 231-0300

L ESCRIBE EN ESPANOL?

Escribien. Ihe first Spanish spelling checker, works with DOS. CP/M and most word processors Features as in best English checkers but designed for Spanish. Includes on-line verb conjugation Order toll free 1-800-538-8157 (In CA 1-800-672-3470) X806 $99.95 through 12/85. demo $14.95.

Ibersoft Inc.

P.O. Box 3455. Trenton. NJ 08619 609-890-1496

CROSS ASSEMBLERS with "UNIVERSAL" LINKER and POWERFUL LIBRARIANS for IBM PC MS-DOS

Full featured for most microprocessors

ENERTEC, INC.

BOX 1312, Lansdale. PA 19446 215-362-0966 MC/VISA

Inquiry 747

•• THE HYPNOTIST "

with HEART-RATE BIOFEEDBACK PERIPHERAL

includes Hypnotism/User's Manual—$99 95

* PERSONALITY ANALYZER "

includes book "PLEASE UNDERSTAND ME

audio tape by IU psychology prof —$49 95

for Psychiatrists; School, Marriage & Career

Counselors, Psychologists and Self-analysts

PSYCOM SOFTWARE INTERNATIONAL. INC.

2118 Forest Lake Dr.. Cinti.. OH 45244

TELEORDERS 7 DAYS: (513) 474-2188

Key Kit The real TIME SAVER

Decrease your work load by placing repeated keystrokes on one key Works concurrently with your software Supports block graphics, foreign language letters and math symbols Customize your software and have things your way For IBM-PC/XT/AT, $56.00

G&S

P.O. Box 34, Troy, PA 16947 (717) 297-3001

BYSO® LISP

for IBM PC

INTERPRETER $150

(includes Visual Syntax®)

COMPILER $395

for stand alone expert systems, etc

Levien Instrument Co.

POB 31, McDowell, VA 24458 (703) 396-3345

Inquiry 780

Inquiry 742

DECEMBER I985 -BYTE 437

The Buyer's Mart

SOFTWARE/LANGUAGES

SOFTWARE/LANGUAGES

SOFTWARE/SCIENTIFIC

Finally. BSW-Make.

A complete implementation of rne Unix make" facdity for MSDOS No more recompiling every fiie in aghl after an edit Jus: type "make" and BSW-Make automatically builds your pro duct quickly and correctly BSW-Make supports • most compilers and assemblers • MS-DOS v2 00 or later • macros for parameterized builds * default rules Only $69.95 postpaid (Mass residents add 5% sales tax) The Boston Software Works 120 Fulton Street. Boston, MA 02109 (617) 367-6846

Minnesota SNOBOL4 Language

Powerful string & data handling facilities Interpreter compatible with mainframe SNOBOL4 32K strings, 32 bit integers, 8087 for float & large memory model Sample pgms include ELIZA. For > 128K IBM PC/MS DOS or compatible Authoritative "green" book by Griswotd available

Guide + 5Vi" diskette $44.95

Guide + green book + dkt $59.95

Green book only $24.95

Postpaid in USA In NY add tax VISA/MC (914) 271-5855

BERSTIS INTERNATIONAL

POB 441. Millwood. NY 10520

HALLEY'S COMET

KNOW WHEN AND WHERE TO LOOK WITH OR WITHOUT A TELESCOPE' Provides sky locations of the comet, moon, and major planets for any place and time m 1985-86 Apple, IBM, TRS-80 (I) versions open (in BASIC), with explanatory booklet $30 plus s/h and tax in CA VISA/MC

MSAR Software Co.

360 Moore St.. Santa Cruz. CA 95060 To Order Call Now 408-426-7019

Inquvy 706

Inquiry 705

Inquiry 770

CBTREE FOR C PROGRAMMERS

Provides enhanced file handling calls directly into C programs. Maintains balanced B-trees, supports unlimited number of keys, data records, and key lengths Fast, Flexible, Efficient No royalties Source Code Included. Nevtf Low Price $99 PEACOCK SYSTEMS, INC. 2009 Hileman Rd Falls Church, VA 22043 (703) 893-0118

UNIVERSAL CROSS-REFERENCER

—WORKS WITH ALL LANGUAGESBASIC. C, Pascal, FORTRAN, COBOL. ASM You name it!

MS/PC-DOS V2+ IBM PC, XT & compatibles Unbeatable al $39.95 + $3 s/h. MC/Visa/Check

DALSOFT SYSTEMS

3565 High Vista, Dept E2 Dallas, TX 75234 (214) 247-7695

► SCIENTIFIC CALCULATOR <*

Memory resident emulation of the HP-11C plus direct insertion of results in foreground program, graphically presented, decimal, hex. binary, & octal operations, boolean functions and more. Mouse support 8087 or Standard versions $49.95 + 3.00 s&h

K SOFTWARE HOUSE

Rt. 2. Box 83B1 Unionville, TN 37180 (615) 294-5090

Inquiry 778

Inquiry 723

SOFTWARE/SCIENTIFIC

SOFTWARE/SYSTEM

FORTRAN PROGRAMMERS

Discover F77L A Full FORTRAN 77 Language System

for the IBM PC and Compatibles ■THE PROGRAMMER'S FORTRAN"

Lahey Computer Systems Inc.

31244 Palos Verdes Dr. West. Suite 243

Rancho Palos Verdes, CA 90274

213-541-1200

Affordable Engineering Software

CALL or WRITE for FREE CATALOG Circuit Analysis • Root Locus • Thermal Analysis • Matrix Manipulation • Signal Processing • Filter Design • Graphics • Text Proofreader

BV Engineering

2200 Business Way Suite 207 Riverside, CA 92501 VISA/MC (714) 781-0252

CONFIDENTIAL CRYPTON

Protect Confidentiality

• Encrypt/Decrypt PC Files

• Under Password Control

• With Menu-Driven Software

Only $35 COD or VISA7MC To order call/write: (206) 842-8196

ARCorp

721 Park Ave., Winslow, WA 98110

Inquiry 758

Inquiry 703

Tools for CB80 & CB86

BDOS, DOS, and BIOS calls from CB80 and CB861 CBC Tools includes functions for directory access, string ops, a debugger, radix conversion, command line parsing, quicksorts, bit and byte ops. and much more Available for CP/M-80, CP/M-86, and PC-DOS for $180.00.

Minnow Bear Computers

POB 2233 Sta A. Champaign. IL 61820-8233 (217) 398-6883

RATS!

RATS is a fast, accurate & complete regression package with unsurpassed POWER Has both time-series & cross section analysis Includes Box-Jenkins, logit & probit Spectral analysis & graphics also available Requires 256K RAM. IBM PC or compatible $200 MC/Visa

VAR Econometrics

P.O. Box 19334. Minneapolis, MN 55419 (612) 822-9690

pcSHARE MULTI-USER O/S

pcSHARE allows your IBM-XT/AT or compatible to support up to 5 users running 1-2-3, dBASE, WordStar, etc. on inexpensive serial CRTs For software developers, pcSHARE efficiently runs compiled Basic. Pascal & C programs with full DOS 3.0 compatible record locking

Digitrol Computers Inc.

440 Phillip Street

Waterloo. Ontario, CAN, N2L 5R9

(519) 884-4541

Inquiry 729

LISP for CP/M Z-80

Complete LISP system list editor source code library, pretty printer, floating pt math, random access disk i/o. ELIZA 200+ page manual Hundreds in use m schools, labs, homes Most CP/M disk formats $54.95 includes USA postage/overseas add $15.

Computing Insights

P.O Box 4033 Madison, Wl 53711

PC Array Processing!!!

VECTOR87 has 57 array processor subroutines. FFT (fastest in the world9) convolution, dot product, complex vector operations, random number gen. etc Up to 18x faster than compiled code For Pro Fori. IBM/MS Fort/Pascal. Lat C

All 3 obj libs $99 US

Vectorplex Data Systems Ltd.

Box 138 Station M. Calgary. Alberta T2P 2H6. Canada

(403) 248-1250

DISK DRIVE DIAGNOSTIC

Memory Minder, from J & M Systems, is a disk diagnostic program for the IBM PC, PCjr. & IBM compatibles It checks your drives for head alignment, spindle speed, hysteresis, azimuth & more And, you can use Memory Minder to actually align your disk drives' $99 plus $4 shipping

J & M Systems, Ltd.

1510O-A Central SE, Albuquerque, NM 87123 (505) 292-4182

Inquify 791

Inquiry 754

DEVELOP Z-8 APPLICATIONS

Fast Lowest Cost Rqute to build robot controllers and industrial automation Z-8 assembler and reliable cassette storage system gives you the power of Z 8671 BASIC and the speed of assembled machine code Z-8613, piggyback PROM, instructions $162

Recorder 70

Assembler 165

System Boards Available

Hasco Technology

9960 Canoga Ave D3, Chatsworth. CA 91311 818-709-6268

Inquiry 743

438 BYTE • DECEMBER 1985

PC Matrix Calculator

Matrix power, calculator ease Interactive & Programmable + , -. ■, invert, solve =s, eigen. varcovar. more AND interactive OLS regression ASCII, other I/O EASY Just type names & operators, it reads files, chks syntax, forms result opt 8087 $35.

S'Ryt Code Works

2353 Massachusetts Ave. Suite 66

Cambridge, MA 02140

617-497-2390

Symbolic Debugger for Turbo Pascal

- Set breakpoints at line numbers or procedures • Display and modify variables symbolically

- Fully integrated into Turbo Pascal environment

Requires Turbo 2.0 or 3.0, IBM PC version

Only $49 plus $2 S&H.

KYDOR COMPUTER SYSTEMS

812 S. Sherman St., Richardson, Texas 75081

(214) 669-1888

Inquiry 757

The Buyer's Mart

SOFTWARE/SYSTEM

SOFTWARE/SYSTEM

UTILITIES

MCFORMAT $50

Don! let DOS waste your disk space' Add up to 50% more hard disk capacity to your IBM PC. XT, AT or 100% compatible by selecting format parameters, including cluster & directory size Fully DOS compatible (3.0 or 3,1), V1SA/MC

Microcomputer Concepts, Inc.

9715 SE 43 St , Mercer Island, WA 98040 (800) 722-8088 (206) 236-2300

Don't Re-Key - Use PIK'r!

" * The magic micro-mainframe data editor '" Selectively reformat mainframe ASCII report data into spreadsheets, databases. Lotus, dBASE, Multiplan. Visicalc, word processors Cut & Paste, edit, merge, transpose. $95.

SAMKHYA Corp.

47 Sixth St., Suite 3000. POB 142

Petaluma, CA 94953

(800) 442-0012 US, (800) 442-5544 CA

THE C UTILITY LIBRARY

Make C program development easy on PC & AT 300 documented, lested functions pop-up windows, fast graphics, data-entry, time/date math, much more SOURCE {95% in C) included. NO ROYALTIES. Most compilers, memory models $185.

Essential Software, Inc.

P.O. Box 1003, Maplewood, N.J. 07040 (914) 762-6605

Inquiry 768

Inquiry 785

Inquiry 736

LASER TYPOGRAPHY $495.

Typographic composition software to drive the Corona L300 Laser Printer as a typesetter H & J 24 proportional space fonts, widths for 78 fonts available Mix face & point size on any line, multicolumn capability

Micro Print-X, Inc.

P.O. Box 581. Ballinger, TX 76821 (915) 365-2343 Dealer Inquiries Welcome

Inquiry 769

DEMOGRAPHIC DATA BASE

County and city database supplied on 32 IBM PC compatible diskettes. Agriculture, Banking, Crime, Education, Elections, Government, Health, Households, Labor force, Land. Income, Population, Poverty, Services, Weather, and more. $290.00

Melissa Data Co.

12 Balboa Coves, Newport Beach. CA 92663 (714) 650-1000

DOS PATHING EXTENSION

Give your software the full PA THING capabilities that are missing from the 2.xx and 3.xx versions of MSDOS and PC-DOS. FULL PATH object license. $19.95, source license; $399.95, (+$5S&H + 6% in MN). VISA/MC/PO/CHK 30 day money back guarantee.

P. R. GLASSEL and ASSOCIATES, INC.

30255 Fir Trail, Stacy, MN 55079 812-462-1337

Inquiry J

UTILITIES

CP/M 2.2 on VAX/VMS

Z80 instruction set emulator runs CP/M"" 2.2 on VAX/VMS' Supports 64K bytes RAM & 64M bytes disk. Exchange utility transfers files between CP/M and VMS May access SSSD CP/M diskettes directly via console floppy $495 inc CP/M.

William's Lake Systems

6 Saraguay Place

Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada

B3P 2N9

MEDIA MASTER PLUS

READ, WRITE, and FORMAT over 60 CP/M disks and run most CP/M-80 programs on your IBM PC Two program package includes ZP/EM, a CP/M-80 emulator program thai transforms your IBM PC into a 1 -2 MHZ CP/M 2 2 computer $59.95 + $3.00 S/H (CA 6%)

Intersecting Concepts, Inc.

4573 Heatherglen Ct Ste 10

Moorpark, CA 93021

(805) 529-5073

TOPVIEW SPOOLER

TVSPOOL is a user-friendly printer spooler for the TopView environment providing: Disk Resident Queue, Page buffer. Banner Processor, Delete After Multiple Copies, and more Introductory Price is $60.00 (Visa/MC)

(714) 261-0440

RIX Softworks, Inc.

17971-F Skypark Circle, Irvine, CA 92714

HP LASERJET TYPESETTING

with most popular word processors QROFF $79.95

from

QCAD SYSTEMS, INC.

1164 Hyde Ave., San Jose, CA 95129

Toll-free 800-538-9797

In California, call 408-727-6671

Leaders in software tools

COPYWRITE

CopyWrite backs up hundreds of the most popular programs for the IBM PC CopyWrite is revised monthly to keep up with the latest in copy protection, and comes with a trade-in offer It needs an IBM AT, XT, or PC, 128K and one disk drive, but can use more memory or another drive $50 US Check/Credit Cards.

QUAID SOFTWARE LIMITED

45 Charles St. E. 3rd Fl.

Toronto, Ontario, Canada M4Y 1S2

(416) 961-8243

PACKED

HOT STUFF

UTILITY DISK

FOR IBM-PC

$10

EXPECT A MIRACLE!

MICRO TOOLS INC.

POB 357 N. Chili, NY 14514 (716)594-1088 Circle the Inquiry 0771 . . . We'll do the Rest

Inquiry 781

inquiry 771

Subscription Problems?

We want to help!

// you have a problem with your BYTE subscription, write us with the details. We'll do

our best to set it right. But we must have the name, address, and zip of the subscription

(new and old address, if it's a change of address). If the problem involves a payment, be

sure to include copies of the credit card statement, or front and back of cancelled

checks. Include a "business hours" phone number if possible.

BYTE

Subscriber Service

P.O. Box 328 Hancock, NH 03449

DECEMBER 1985 -BYTE 439

Inquiry 91

CCT-4

SYSTEM SERIES

The latest CCT implementation of the new generation Intel 16-Bit Processor technology. This means extreme speed, unequaled power, and the ultimate in reliability, and of course, the innovators at CCT behind it.

This series in the CCT line exploits the speed and power of the Intel 80286 and Zilog Z-80H (8MHz), on the 286Z CPU board. This combination, along with CompuPro DMA controllers and I/O boards, yields a dramatic improvement in system throughput speeds, from basic CP/M operation, up to large powerful multi-user/multi-tasking machines. The CCT-4 represents the most advanced hardware presently available in a microcomputer to run the thousands of CP/M type software programs on the market, and with CONCURRENT DOS 8-16 and the CompuPro PC Graphics board (when available), all software written for the IBM PC machines. This series is for the serious business/scientific user.

CCT-4A

State-of-the-art power in it's basic form. Consists of CCT-286Z CPU board and CCT-M256 (256K). along with CompuPro: Enclosure 2 Desk (21 slot MF). Disk 1A. System Support 1. Interfacer 4. the CCT-2.4 floppy drive system, and CP/M 8-16, and with SF-200 surge suppressor system $5,269.00

Single-user/hard disk power As the 4A, except priced without the CCT-2.4. to add in your choice of CCT hard/floppy

combination drive subsystem, at the published pricing. . . $4,149.00

(Example: CCT-4B Mainframe with CCT-10/1 = $6.198.00) plus cosl of selected drlve subsystem

CCT-4C o Multi-user/hard disk power. As the 4B. with the CCT-M512 (512K static RAM board) instead of M256; Interfacer 3 inVJO* stead of Interfacer 4: SF-400 instead of SF-200. plus Concur. DOS 8-16 O.S. (4 to 6 user system) . . . $4,999.00 S^lt\ (Example: CCT-4C Mainframe with CCT-40/1 = S8.048.00) Plus cost of selec,ed drlve subsystem

Limited Time Offer - FREE 80287 and Supercalc 86 with any CCT-4! Pt

The above systems include all necessary cabling, assembly, testing, minimum 20 hour burn-in.

CCT-4B

*$&

<m

>4fe

co.

v ^ and the CCT unconditional 12 month direct warranty

CCT-M512 WORLDS TOP SELLING CCT STATIC RAM. IEEE Standard 12MHz 512K in one slot! — Special Price: $799

CCT-M256 256K version of M512 upgradeable to full 512K. Perfect 256K RAM board for any CompuPro system $439

CUSTOM COMPUTER TECHNOLOGY / BOX 4160 / SED0NA, ARIZONA 86340

TOLL FREE ORDERING: 800-222-8686 / For technical support / service: 602-282-6299

*/

Compu$ave

Call Toll Free: 1-800-624-8949

IN ARIZONA CALL (602) 967-3532

COMPUTERS

Altos 586-40 Multiuser System

5199

IBM-PC<2 FDnves/IOM HDnve

2390

Wyse-PC/2 Floppy Drives

1159

Wyse-XT/1 FDnve/iOM HOnve

1879

Zenith 148 PC/1 Floppy Drive

1060

Zenith 158 PC/2 Floppy Drives

1749

Zenith 171 PC Port/2 FDrives

1879

Compaq/Corona/Eagle/Moiecuia

CALL

NEC/Sharp/Sperry/Televideo

CALL

FOR XMAS GIVE AN EPSON POCKET

SIZE COLOR TV ONLY S225

MODEMS

Anchor Volksmodem (Ex)

55

Anchor Signalman Express {Ex)

235

Hayes Smartmodem 300 (Ex)

128

Hayes Smartmodem 1200 (Ex)

359

Hayes Smartmodem 1200BI int)

309

Micromooem ME/Sott (Int)

128

Novation Apple Cat II (Int)

192

Novation Hall-Card 2400 (Int)

439

Prometheus Promodem 1200 (Ex)

299

Racai-Vadic 1200V W/Sott (Ex)

209

US Robotics Password 1200 (Ex)

194

Ven-Tel PC Modem Hall-Card (Int)

385

AT&T/AST/Oubie/UDS/Sottware

CALL

PRINTERS

AOati L0 299

Epson FX85

345

Citizen MSP10 248

Epson LX80

219

Citizen MSP15 345

Juki 6100

345

C Itoh F10-55 949

Juki 6300

665

0kidalaML182 215

NEC ELF

385

0kidaiaMH92 358

NEC P5

965

Panasonic1091 234

Slar SG10

209

Panasonic1092 348

Star SD10

339

Televideo 750 855

Cables 5

17

Tosriica P341 B99

Cables 10

19

Brother /DiaDio/Qume/Sharp

CALL

Houston And Other Plotters

CALL

Butters/Sheet Feeders/Tractors

CALL

Slands/Switches/RiPDons 20*

OFF

TERMINALS

Adds Viewpt+ 419

Qume 101G

285

Ampex 210 365

Qume 119G

439

Ampex 219 CALL

Qume 201G

519

Ampex 230 449

Qume 202G

589

Televideo 914 539 Televideo 922 598

Qume 211G Visual 65

489

Televideo 955 449

Wyse 30

278

Zenith Z-22 488 Zenith Z 29 608

Wyse 50 Wyse 75

418 558

Zemin Z-49 859

Wyse 85

578

Alios/ IBM/Liberty/LSI/Samsung

CALL]

BOARDS

AST Advantage W/128

379

AST Six Pack Plus W/64K

215

Hercules Color Card

143

Hercules Monochrome Graphics

289

Micro Sci 80/64E (Apple) Orange Buttered Grappler + (Ap)

75 139

Orange Grappler + (Apple)

70

Orchid Cram RAM/OK Orchid PCIurbo 186/256K

265 635

Paradise Modular Graphics

258

Paradise Multi-Display

192

Persysl Short Pon Color Card

159

Persyst Time-Spectrum/OK

189

Premier Color Pack Card

115

QuadramQuadboard/384K Quadram Silver Ouadboard/OK

225 219

STB Chautteur

249

STB Graphics Plus II Tecmar Graphics Master

249 443

Tecmar Maeslro AT

379

ABM/Logicom/Microtek/PGS

CALL

Practical Penpherals/Thesys

CALL

DISK DRIVES

Gamma/Apple HE. IIC

135

Micro Sci A2/Apple II. II+ . HE

159

Mitsubishi 4851/IBM

99

Seagate 10M Subsystem/IBM

439

Seagate 20M Subsystem/IBM

539

Tandom TM 100-2/IBM

99

Alloy/Corvus/Maynard/Teac

CALL

MONITORS

Amdek 300

116

BUI 1411

339

Amdek 310A

139

Taxan 116

115

Amdek 500

245

Taxan 121

124

Amdek 722

489

Taxan 620

369

PGS HX9

415

Taxan 640

469

PGS HX12

432

Wyse 500

169

PGS MAX 12

159

Wyse 600

519

PGS SR12

579

Zenith 122

82

Samsung 1451 205

Zenith 123

79

Thomson31021G 139

Zenith 1240

169

NEC/Panasonic/Roland/Tatung

CALL

Cables/Stands/Interfaces

CALL

COMPARE OUR PRICES FOR

MERCHANDISE DELIVERED TO YOUR

000R YOU WILL SEE WHY WE HAVE

THE REPUTATION FOR 0UALITY

PRODUCTS AT LOW-LOW PRICES

WE ALSO CARRY

(Maxell Disks MD-1 (Bx) 18|

[Maxell Disks MD-2(Bx) A

•verbatim Disks/SS-DD(Bx) isl

lverbatim Disks/DS/DD (Bx) A

Iverbatim-Bonus Disks/SS-00 (Bx) 12I |verbatim-Bonus Disks/DS-DD (Bx) 17|

SOFTWARE ■Apple / Atari / IBM / Commodore lDigilizers / Joysticks / Power Supplies ■Chips / Keyboards / Surge Protectors Icables / Graphics Tablets / Light Pens

HOURS: MON - FRI 8AM 6PM/SAT 9AM - 2PM

CompuSave 3010 S 48th St Suite 8 Phoenix, AZ 85040 (602) 967-3533

Purchase Orders and All Ma|Ot Credit Cards Welcome

Prices Reflect Cash Discounts Minimum Shipping Charge S4

A Division ot Adlanko Corporation

440 BYTE • DECEMBER 1985

Inquiry 70

TOLL-FREE

ORDERING:

800-222-8686

CCT

CUSTOM COMPUTER TECHNOLOGY Jk

FOR TECHNICAL SUPPORT/ 1 CCT PLAZA — P.O. BOX 4160 — SEDONA, ARIZONA 86340

SERVICE / IN ARIZONA: 602-282-6299

Purchase your Hardware and Software directly from an OEM / Systems Integrator Take advantage ot our buying power! We stock a full line of Board Level Components. Software and Peripherals. Call for your needs. Well give you the Lowest Prices, and the Technical Support and Know-How we are quickly becoming well-known for. Satisfied Customers Nationwide. The Nation's Custom Systems House for Business, Education and Science. Call for a system quote. CCT implements tomorrow's technology today!'"'1

FOREMOST QUALITY • ADVANCED SUPPORT • REASONABLE COST •

CCT

(ompuPro

80286 NOW!

CCT-286Z is our model designation for the MI-286 dual processor board from Macrotech.lt features the super high speed combination of Z-80H and 80286, with provision for the 80287 math chip. Directly replaces 8085/88 and 8086 CPUs running CP/M, MP/M Concurrent DOS, and MS-DOS, at throughput increases of 3X to 5X! SPECIAL PRICE $795

80287 Option - Installed - $250

SEE THE CCT-4 SERIES

USING THIS BOARD

DETAILED ON THE FACING PAGE

NOW! BATTERY BACK-UP

ON CCT RAM BOARDS!

VOLATILE PRICES CALL FOR QUOTE

LIBERTY TERMINALS

• Superior Reliability • 110-14" GREEN-6G7132 Column CLOSE

110-14" AMBER OUT

200-14" GREEN-80/132 Super Deluxe PRICES 200-14" AMBER CALL!!

OKIDATA PRINTERS - Top Quality 82-80 Col CALL 83-132 Col CALL 92-80Col CALL 93-132Col CALL 84 -132 Col/200cps—Top ol the Line CALL For Serial Interfaces CALL

TOSHIBA P351 - 288 CPS/24 PIN - $1499

DIABLO — Letter Quality Series Model 620 $969 Model 630 $1799

WE HAVE ALL SOFTWARE-CALL

$ ACROSS THE BOARD PRICE REDUCTIONS $

INDUSTRIAL GRADE SUPERIOR QUAUTY

CCT DISK DRIVE SYSTEMS

S-100 HARD DISK SUBSYSTEMS

ROLLS ROYCES OF THE INDUSTRY

Professionally engineered ST-506 type systems forthe business market S-100 Computer user. Includes industry top quality drives, CompuPro Disk 3 DMA controller, all cabling, A&T, formatted, burned-in. Provisions for up to two hard disks in each system. We include operating system update. CP/M 80, CP/M 86, CP/M 8-16, CCP/M 8-16, CP/M 68K. (/1 Systems are CCT innovated hard/floppy combinations, with Mitsubishi DSDD 8" drive.) 12 month warranty.

CCT-10(11 + MEG) $1499

CCT-20(22+ MEG) $2019

CCT-40 (36 + MEG) $2499

CCT-60(58 + MEG) $3699

CCT-90 (87 + MEG) $4909

CCT-125(123 + MEG) $6099

CCT-10/1 $2049

CCT-20/1 $2569

CCT-40/1 $3049

CCT-60/1 $4249

CCT-90/1 $5459

CCT-125/1 $6649

HOT NEW PRINTERFACER 1 ™ - Print buffer I/O Board. Up to 1 Meg. RAM onboard. Looks as/works with CCT lnterfacer3/4. Single or Muttiuser/lnterrupt driven or polled. Super-slick design handles one serial, oneparallel, BOARD software switchable. Also for Zenith and Alpha. Intro Price — $349.

CCT-2.4.Dual8"DSDD FL0PPY SYSTEMS CCT-5-S14" DSDD

Mitusbishi 2.4 Megabyte in Extra Heavy horizontal enclosure. IBM Compatible Mitsubishi 360K. Extra Heavy Cabinet removeable filter air system, all cabling, A&T, Burned in. The accommodates two drives, hard or floppy. All cabling, A&T,

fastest system available: $1229 Burned-in. Perfect for our Concurrent DOS Package $399

CCT-8/5 • FULL IBM COMPATIBILITY

One Mitsubishi 8" DSDD (1.2 Meg)/One S~Y*" DSDD (360K) IBM Drive

For Concurrent DOS and PC DOS $1029

• SUPER PRICES • COMPUPRO COMPONENTS* IN STOCK •

CPU-Z-S229 • Disk 1A - $399 • Disk 1A w/CP/M - $499 • CPU 8086/10 - $359 • SPU-Z-?

CPU 8085/88 - $229 • CPU 286 $849 • CPU 68K - 10Mhz - $359

Disk 3 $459 • RAM22(256K)-? • RAM23/64K-$229/128K-$299

SUPER SALE - M-Drive/H - 512k - $399 / 2 Meg - $899

Enclosure 2 Desk - $699/Rack - $749 • Interfacer 3 - $409 • Interfaced-$289 • System Support 1 - $299

Concurrent DOS 8-16 (CCTCMX)-$309 • CP/M 80 (CCTHMX) - $125 • CP/M86(CCTTMX)-$175

CP/M 8-16 (CCTTMX) - $199 • CP/M 68k (CCTCX)-$279 • Operating System Updates/Remakes $30

16 Bit Upgrade Kit: CP/M 86, RAM 23, System Support 1, Cable $649 l CP/M 8-16 - Kit - $673

CCT-1 - ENTRY LEVEL S-100 BUSINESS SYSTEM

• Enclosure 2-Desk-21 Slot Mainframe • • CCT-2.4-Dual 8" Mitsubishi • CPU-Z - 6 Mhz Z-80 CPU Board • DSDD Drive System - 2.4 Megabytes •

• Disk 1A - DMA Floppy Disk Controller • • CP/M 80-2.2 HMX - CCT Modified •

• RAM 23 - 64K Static RAM - 12Mhz • . A|| Cabling, Complete CCT Assembly.

• Interfacer 4 - 3 Serial/2 Parallel I/O • Testing, and Minimum 20 Hour Bum-in •

RUNS ALL STANDARD 8" CP/M SOFTWARE - INCLUDES OUR EXCLUSIVE 12 MONTH DIRECT WARRANTY

SPECIAL PRICE

$3,150

Prices & availability subject to change. All products new, and carry full manufacturer's warranties. Call for catalog. Free technical help to anyone. All products we sell are CCT individually tested and set up for your system - Plug-In & Go! Arizona residents add sales tax CCT £ Trademark — Custom Computer Technology; MS-DOS S Trademark - Microsoft" IBM Trademark International Business Machines; CompuPro s Trademark - W.J. Godbout; CP/M s MP/M© Trademarks - Digital Research HERCULES™ Trademark - Hercules Computer Technology

Inquiry 92

DECEMBER 1985 'BYTE 441

Inquiry 342

3UNTR0N1CS CO..INC.

12603 Crenshaw Blvd., Hawthorne, CA 90250

1-800-421-5775 (Order Only)

(213l 644 1 140 (CA Order & Into 1

STORE HOURS Won -Fn 9am to 6 p m

Sat 10 a m to 5 p m

TERMS VISA MASTFACAHO COO iCas^ 0' CerMied Oeck flequirerJi Check (Allow 2 3 Week; 'or Oeafingi Shipping 4 H C S3 00 'or 3 Lbs plus 50c 'or earn add Lb Caii' residents add Can' Saies Ta* S'O 00 Minimum Order IBM and Appre are registered trade marks o* IBM S Apple

SUN-XT

SUN-XT COMPUTER

(IBM PC/XT COMPATIBLE)

a RAM EXPANDABLE TO 640 K

a USES MS & PC-DOS OPERATING SYSTEMS 1 RUN LOTUS 1-2-3 FLIGHT SIMULATOR SYMPHONY DBASE II S III AUTO CAT, WORD STAR, MULTI PLAN . . . ETC. (DOES NOT RUN PROG REQUIRE ROM BASIC)

D CPU BOARD W/256 K RAM

D COMPUTER CABINET

O FULL FUNCTION KEYBOARD

a 135 W/POWER SUPPLY

D 2 DSDD DISK DRIVES

D FDC W/CABLE

D TTL MONITOR (AMBER OR GREEN)

D MONOCHROME GRAPHICS CARD

W/PARALLEL PRINTER PORT. D FULLY AST

(MEETS FCC CLASS "A" REG., FOR IND.

& BUS USE)

ONLY

$895.00

DEALER SOEM INQUIRES INVITED!!

SUN-XT CPU

D 8088 CPU (8087 OPTION]

C RAM EXPANDABLE TO 840K

D FULLY IBM COMPATIBLE

D DIMENSION SAME AS IBM PC/XT

n NO RAM INCLUDED

D 8 EXPANSION SLOTS

S175.00

FLOPPY DISK CONTROLLER

D STANDARD DOUBLE SIDE

DOUBLE DENSITY a RUN 2 INTERNAL S

2 EXTERNAL «._--a WITH CABLE 9l39.UU

IBM STYLE CABINET

a 8 SLOT BACK PANEL

G COMES WITH MOUNTING

BRACKET G HARDWARE O FITS IBM POWER SUPPLY

$59.00

COLOR GRAPHIC CARD

D RGB G COMPOSITE VIDEO

n 840 x 200 HIGH-RES

a 320 « 200 LO-REB

G 80 ■ 25TEXTMODE

D LIGHT PEN INTERFACE

$99.00

HIGH RESOLUTION MONOCHROME MONITOR

a 12" AMBER OR GREEN

D 1000 LINES AT CENTER

G 20MHZ BAND WIDTH

D SEPARATE TTL BIGNAL INPUT

D DUAL INTENSITY BIGNAL LEVEL

Q HIGH PERFORMANCE SHARP

IMA0ES $105.00

MONOCHROME GRAPHIC CARD

G HIGH-RES CHARACTER G 720(H) . 34B(V)

80 > 25 TEXT MODE G RUN LOTUS 1-2-3 ETC. G WITH PARALLEL PRINTER PORT

$120.00

MULTI-FUNCTION BOARD

a RAM EXPANDABLE TO 384(0 K]

□ SERIAL/PARALLEL PORT

G CLOCK CALENDAR W/BATTERY BACKUP GAME PORT

□ SPOOL G RAM DISK

$129.00

MULTI-I/O BOARD

D FLOPPY DISK DRIVE CONTROLLER □ PARALLEL PRINTER PORT G SERIAL I/O PORT (OPTION DUAL) C CLOCK CALENDAR W/BATTERY

BACKUP G GAMEPORT

$149.00

RGB COLOR MONITOR

G 14" DISPLAY DB-S CONNECTOR

G 840 « 240 HIGH-RES

G 2500 CHARACTERS (80 x 32)

a RGB TTL LEVEL, INTENSITY

SIGNAL G 0 39 mm DOT PITCH G H-SCANNING 14.5K-17.BKHZ

$365.00

FULL FUNCTION KEYBOARD

D 83 KEY FULL FUNCTION POWER, CAPS, NUM LIGHT INDICATOR MECHANICAL TYPE SWITCH

G WITH CABLE «. —«. ——

$79.00

135W POWER SUPPLY

$89.00

150W POWER SUPPLY

S109.00

6 OUTLET SURGE SUPPRESSOR

[MIDLAND ROSS IND.] $14.50 10MB HARD DISK a CONI

$495.00

20MB HARD DISK w/CONT

$595.00

ASYNC RS232

$59.00

PARALLEL PRINTER CARD

$39.00

TEAC 55B DISK DRIVE

$89.00

HARD DISK DRIVE CONTROLLER

(10MB OR 20MB) $159.00

64K RAM KIT (9 EA)

S850/KIT

25EK RAM KIT (9 EA)

S35.00/KIT

APPARAT EPROM BLASTER

(FOR IBM) $123.00

CITIZEN MSP-10 PRINTER

$299.00

TOSHIBA 1340 PRINTER

$599.00

DSDD 5V« DISKETTE

$12.95/per 10 ea

PARALLEL PRINTER CABLE

$15.00

-BYTE CONNECTION INC.

LDCTTCM LINE PRICE .DUSTERS! — "Who ycu senna call?**

(714) 778-6496

PERSONAL COMPUTERS:

UBM *1 (IBM Compatible), 384K, two 360 floppies, hires graphics card, BROTHER DM40 DH45 S 950 S

™nitorandK.B $ "5 CITIZEN MSP15-25... ^\\\V^Y.'.'.'.'.'.'.'.'. $ 439-$

UBM • II, all the above, w/10MB HP $1495 COMREXCRIII $

AT S T 6300, 256K. two 360 floppies. AT & T graphics card. DATA PRODUCT 8070 - 8072 L< $1 750 - $

monitor and KB $2222 DATA PRODUCT LINE PRINTERS I

all the above, w/360 floppy and 20MB HD drive $2828 DIABLO P32 - 34LQ $ 685-$

AT&T 7300 CALL DIABLO AP1 - P38 $1595$

EPSON85 185 $ 399 - $

COMPAQ PORTABLE, 640K, 360 floppy 10MB HD $2595 HP LAZERJET $

COMPAQ DESK PRO. 640K. two 360 floppies hi-res graphics card. KB $2020 HP LAZERJET PLUS $

all the above w/360 floppy, 10MB HO. 10MB tape b/u $3131 NEC3550-8850 $1050-$

with 30MB $3636 OKIDATA 192 - 1 93 $ 389-$

COMPAQ PORTABLE MODEL 286, 512K. two 12 MB floppies $3838 OKIDATA 84 ■ 2410 $ 665-$

above with one 1.2 floppy. 20MB HD ?. $4444 Ef^MsAtaJo*3 *t

COMPAQ DESK PRO MODEL 286, 640K. two 1 2 floppies hires Zn%u iba dw «

graphics card, monitor and KB.. S .P. C/C $3838 iuomo« rjo »

above with one 1.2 MB floppy, 20MB HD, 10MB tape b/u $4994. PLOTTERS *, DIGITIZERS.

above W/30MB HD $5353 CALCOMP 1043 I

above W/70MB HD and 60MB tape b/u $6969 * HP 7475 S

IBM PC, 256K, two 360 floppies, hi-res graphics card, monitor ui _„„ ., .„ I

P. S.. C/C, KB $2099 H1DMP51/52 I

above w/360 floppy. 10MB HD 10MB tape b/u $3131 H1 DMP 51MP-52MP $

IBM PC XT. 640K, 360 floppy 20MB HD, 10MB tape b/u $3663 NICOLET DPX ..............V:................. "

IBM PC AT, 512K. 1.2 MB floppy. 20MB HD, S.. P. C/C. hl-res graphics card, ROLAND DPX $

monitor, KB $4444 Tl

IBM PC AT, above with 70MB HD, 60MB tape b/u $6969 10LINE '. $

We carry all name brand MFC, modems, monitors, monitor adapters and software. Call for what is not listed. WE GUARANTEE THAT YOUR CALL WILL NOT BE A WASTE. No charge for testing and configuring systems. Prices and

availability subject to change without notice.

163 West Cerritcs Ave., Anaheim, CA 928C5 ^(714) 778-C496

PRINTERS:

ANADEX 9620 - 9752

$1129

$1350

BROTHER DM40 - DH45

$

950

$1050

CITIZEN MSP15-25

$

439

$ 619

COMREX CR III

$ 395

DATA PRODUCT 8070 - 8072

..... $17!

$1850

DATA PRODUCT LINE PRINTERS

. CALL

DIABLO P32 - 34LO

$

685

$1250

DIABLO AP1 - P38

$1595

$1550

EPSON 85 -185

$

399

$ 499

HP LAZERJET

$2600

HP LAZERJET PLUS

$3550

NEC 3550 - 8850

$1050

$1350

OKIDATA 192 - 1 93

$

389

$ 495

OKIDATA 84 - 2410

$ 665

S1825

PANASONIC 1093

$ 499

TOSHIBA 1 340

$550

TOSHIBA P351

$1159

PLOTTERS* DIGITIZERS.

CALCOMP 1043

. CALL

HP7475

$1659

HITACHI DIGITIZERS _>

. CALL

H1 DMP 41 -42 *.X

$2495

H1 DMP51/52

$3595

H1 DMP51MP-52MP

$4995

NICOLET DPX

. CALL

ROLAND DPX

$3850

. CALL

10LINE

$4095

442

YTE • DECEMBER I985

Inquiry 46

D & D CHRISTMAS SPECIALS ENSURES A HAPPY NEW YEAR

SPECIAL #\

CORONA PORTABLE

• 512K • 2 Drives Monitor • Keyboard • DOS

$1195

All Sales Are Warranteed for 90 Days, Parts & Labor

WE SERVICE WHAT WE SELL!

MAIL ORDER AND SAVE

ORDER TOLL FREE (800) 621-0849 ext. 446

SPECIAL #2

IBM PC 256K

• Two 360K Drives

ONLY

$1529

SYSTEMS

IBM

PC 256K, 1 Drive $1495

PC 256K, 2 Drives 1529

XT 256K, 1 Drive 1879

XT 256K, 1 Drive 1-10 MG 2195

COMPAQ

Portable. 2 Drives. 256K . .$1875 Call on Desk Pro's

CORONA

Portable $1195

Desk Top, 2 Drives. 512K w/monitor 1399

MODEMS

HAYES

Micromodem HE $ 149

300 149

1200 389

1200B IBM Internal 359

2400 External 639

PROMETHEUS

Promodem 1200 $ 279

Promodem 1200A 289

Promodem 1200B 269

Promodem 1200MAC .... Call

ANCHOR

Mark 12 $ 199

Express 255

PRINTERS

EPSON

Call for Best Pricing

OKIDATA

182. 120 cps $218

183, 120 cps 418

192, 160 cps, IBM 348

193, 160 cps, IBM 498

84, 200 cps. IBM 658

OKI-MATE 20, Color 118

TOSHIBA

P1351 Call

P1340 $ 519

P351 1029

STARMICRONICS

SG10/15 $219/389

SD10/15 355/469

SR10/15 Call

CITIZEN

MSP-10 $ 249

MSP-15 369

MSP-20 399

MSP-25 539

DISKETTES

Call for quantity discounts

PRECISION COPY

SS 100 (Box of 10) $ 17

DS 100 (Box of 10 19

DYSAN

SS 100 (Box of 10 $ 30

DS 100 (Box of 10) 34

POLAROID DS/DD

Bulk Disks as low as . . . . 69C ea.

IBM EXTRAS

We carry almost everything PC, AT or XT Name Brands or Generic

AST RESEARCH

PC Net II $

for 519

SixPak + . 64K w/Side Kick 209

Reach wCrosstalk 329

Preview Mono Card 239

Advantage wl28K 399

D & D MEMORY CARD

MF-100 + . 64K same as

SixPak + $ 119

HERCULES

Color Card w/Printer Port .$ 149 Mono Graphics Card 305

GOODIES

IBM Printer Cable $ 15

64K Ram Set of Nine Chips 8 256K Ram Set of Nine Chips 29 Power Supply 135 Watts . . 79 8087 Coprocessor Call for Best Price DOS 2.1 55

DOS 3.1

64

MONITORS

PRINCETON GRAPHICS

Max 12E $ 159

HX-9 Call

HX-12

4W

SR-12

569

Doubler Card

THOMSON

Color Monitor $

Monochrome Monitor

AMDEK

310A $

179

329 169

148

600

419

722

525

DRIVES

IBM COMPATIBLE

Teac 55B $ 80

Mitsubishi 4851 84

Tandon TM 100-2 84

Seimans DT542 84

Panasonic JU455 84

In quantities of 2 or more

TEAC

55B, 320K $ 84

55GF. 1.2MG for AT 179

WELTEC

AT Compatible 360K $ 109

IRWIN

10 MG Tape Backup $ 479

100% APPLE COMPATIBLE 5»/4"

525A for He and II + $ 109

525C for He 119

APPLE EXTRAS

ALS

Z-Engine 2.2 $ 115

CPM 3.0 Card 279

256K Add Ram 149

ORANGE MICRO

Grappler+ $ 78

Grappler+ Buffered w/16K 145

MICRO SCI

80 Column Card 64K . . .

$ 79

WE OFFER VOLUME DISCOUNTS! MAKE THAT CALL (800) 621-0849 ext. 446

SPECIAL #3

IBM PC

• Two 1/2 Ht 360K Drives 256K • 10 MG Hard Disk Drive • 120 Day Warranty

$1989

SPECIAL #4

MULTIFUNC. CARD FOR IBM

• Serial and Parallel Ports

• Clock/Gameport • Ram disk/

Printer spool. Software • 1 yr. War.

w/384K only $159

SPECIAL #5

INTERNAL HARD DISK FOR IBM

• Seagate w/IBM Controller 10 Meg 20 Meg

$469 $569

SPECIAL #6

IBM PC/XT COMPATIBLE

• Two 360K 1/2 Ht Drives

• 256K • 8 Slots • 135 Watts

• 120 Day Warranty

$569

<fc

Di/count Computer/

SELLING TO YOU SINCE 1978

MAIL ORDER:

13324 HAWTHORNE BLVD.. SUITE 201 HAWTHORNE, CA 90250

ORDER DESK:

Inside California (213) 970-0206

Outside California (8O0) 62 1-0849 x446

Hours: Monday—Friday 8 am to 6 pm Open Saturdays

WE CARRY TOO MANY ITEMS TO LIST, PLEASE CALL FOR A QUOTE ON ANY ITEM.

No Surcharge for Credit Cards

Terms:AII merchandise new. We accept MC. Visa. Wire Transfer. COD (call), Certified Check. PC's from qualified firms Shipping: minimum 4.00 first 5 pounds Tax: California residents only add 6V2% sales tax. All returns subject to 15% restock fee. Prices Subject to Change.

Inquiry 98

DECEMBER 1985 -BYTE 443

- nn». o;om Mm - •»•

PORTABLE MEMORY EXPANSIONS

8K MEMORY MODULES $29

For Model 100. NEC PC-8201A & Olivetti M10

24K MEMORY MODULES $99

For Tandy 200

128K SIDESTAR $399

A Ram Disk Cartridge lor the NEC Starlet

128K SIDECAR $259

Flam Cartridge tor the NEC PC 8201A

TTXpress 1280 $99

Portable Thermal Printer—2.2 lbs., bat oper FREE SHIPPING IN USA

(800) 732-5012 (805) 987-4788 (in Calif.)

VISA MIC & AMER EXP.

420 Constitution Ave.. Camanllo. CA 93010

MPURPLE filmCOMPUTING

m LIONHEART

BUSINESS & STATISTICAL SOFTWARE

PC/MS-DOS, AMIGA, MACINTOSH ATARI 520ST, CP/M, COMMODORE 128

Explanatory books with professional compiled software: the new standard for statistical use. The influential Seybotd Report on Professional Computing has this to say about Uonheart labc approach d that the com_ ...iportant thing is

ate a problem correctly and to dele

Let Lionheart help

Inquiry 300

BUSINESS STATISTICS $145

i EXPERIMENTAL STATISTICS 145

MULTIVARIATE ANALYSIS 150

QUALITY CONTROL & INDUSTRIAL

EXPERIMENTS 125

< FORECASTING AND TIME-SERIES 145

SALES AND MARKET FORECASTING 145

i DECISION ANALYSIS TECHNIQUES 110

i LINEAR & NON-LINEAR PROGRAMMING ... t

■ PERT & CRITICAL PATH TECHNIQUES

. OPTIMIZATION 110

PC/MS-DOS. Amiga, Macintosh, some CP/M VISA, MasterCard, AMEX, Check

P.O. Box 379, ALBURG, VT 05440 (514) 933-4918

Inquiry 210

I/O Bus for Data Acquisition & Control

now available for IBM PC & Apple II series computers

The Local Applications Busv v .-^LAB 40'

In photo are' LAB 40-PC' g«n»reIort LAB 40-1' signal icnumimn modula

• Modular approach to dala acquisition and control.

A 40 conductor ribbon cable bus is generated by a card in the host computer Up to 8 low cost modules can be located anywhere on a cable up to 100 M long Our LAB 40 generator cards fo. the IBM PC or Apple I' are priced at $175

• Signal Acquisition and Control Module, model LAB 40-1*. Features: 8 bit resolution, 4 channels, differential inputs, sampling rate up lo 650KHz software programmable gains and offset, digital output port, low price of 1175 Twelve bit module available

• Full featured 'digital oscilloscope' software.

Documented and use' modify-able PC version $175 Apple II version $100 Complete data acquisition packages (hardware and software) start at $4S0

• Development tool.

Unique lo LAB 40 is its ability to interlace directly to microprocessor compatible integrated circuits and hybrids We encourage users to develop projects and products LAB 40 is an ideal educational tool

• New low coat modules.

Twelve bit A/D $235 Port/Relay Driver $95 Real Time Clock $95

Computer Continuum

75 Southgate Ave Suite 6 • Daly City, CA 94015 (415) 755-1978

i A COMPLETE FULLY INTEGRATED ACCOUNTING SYSTEM

for PC-DOS*

A powerful, time proven, (3'/2 yrs)

flexible, w/integrity package

including

GENERAL LEDGER

ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE

ORDER ENTRY/INVOICING

ACCOUNTS PAYABLE

INVENTORY

PAYROLL

only*

mso

plus shipping & handling

(800) 344-2540

7 am lo 7 pm MST

S-O-F-T-W-A-R. E

2609 Kootenai Box 6886 Boise, Idaho 83707

'PC-DOS trademark of IBM

Quelo1 boUUU Devel°Pment

v^ Tools

68000/68010 Assembler Package

Assembler, linker, object librarian and extensive indexed typeset manuals.

Conforms to Motorola structured assembler, publication M68KMASM(4], Macros, cross reference and superb load map, 31 character symbols.

Optimized lot CP/M-80. 86, -68K. MS-DOS. PC-DOS , $ 595 Portable Source in "C" $3000

Lattice' 68000 "C" Cross Compiler

and Quelo 68000/68010 Assembler Package

Optimized for MS-DOS $1095

68200 Assembler Package

Optimized for CP/M-80, MS-DOS, PC-DOS $595

68020 Assembler Package

Optimized tor CP/MMK, MS-DOS $ 750

Portable Source in "C" $3500

For more information contact Quelo Inc.

2464 33rd W, Suite #173 Patrick Adams Seattle, WA 98199

Phone (206) 285-2528 COD, Visa, MasterCard Telex II (TWX) 910-333-8171

CP/M, tm DRI MS-DOS tm Microsoft Lattice, tm Lattice Inc

The Truth of the Matter is...

Prevail is a UNIX-based office automation and application development solution which can be shipped to you today If you are looking for office automation software or need a fourth-generation language, look to Prevail — an A T &T co-labeled product Prevail has seven components which will meet your needs

• Word Processing

• Spreadsheet

• Database Management Svstem

• Window Manager and User Interface

• Report Writer

• Applications Development Language

• Telecommunications

Prevail is available on AT&T 3B series, AT&T Unix PC Model 7300. NCR Tower DEC VAX and MicroVax II series, Sun Microsystems computers, and Masscompcomputers

== 2T~ _ 3j = Inspiration Systems, Inc.

5 a. ~^5 100 Cummings Park. Suite 4300 =r — —. 5 35 Woburn. MA 01801

Inquiry 418

Inquiry 308

Inquiry 181

MAXELL DISKETTE

Special Offer

Maxell offers a line ol floppy diskettes that come to youcertiliea Ireeot dropouts Maxell s 5 25 high dens.ty MD2 HD tor the IBM PC AT and the 3.5" 'of the MACINTOSH LISA AND HP PC Now. when you pu'chase these diskettes save 5°o on 5 boxes or 10% on 10 boxes Call todav tor this savings and unbeatable prices on Maxell Diskettes from Computet Products Supply

Computer Products Supply

320 N. Madison Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90004

CALL TOLL FREE

(800) 621-0849 ext 285

OR CALL COLLECT

(213) 664-1144

UNIX, C and UNIX SHELL TRAINING

Asidor Systems Inc. offers four-day workshops in UNIX, C and Shell programming at their Union, NJ office. The following courses are offered:

• C Programming

• Advanced C Programming

• Unix Shell Programming

• Advanced Unix

• UNIX Workshop

For more information, write or call:

Asidor Systems Inc.

2143 Morris Avenue

Union, New Jersey 07083

201-687-6780

controls up

to 4 motors

from any CRT

terminal or

computer

STEPPING MOTOR CONTROLLER

• powerful 5 amps/ • acceleration winding deceleration

• RS232 interface • 1-4 axis moves Standard Version with BASIC $985 16k BASIC with Battery Backup $1335 CNC VERSION $1950 Stepping Motor Tips Cookbook $8 CNC Manual $12

CENTROID (814) 237-4535 Box 739, State College, PA 16804

Inquiry 79

inquiry 27

Inquiry 55

o

COMPUTERBANC

Buy 2 of one product ond get 5% off

(systems excluded)

IBM PC AT 20 MB

(Seagate model 225) 512K. serial & parallel

$4299

Hard Drives

10 MB Internal 459

10 MB external 639

20 MB Internal 549

20 MB external 729

IBM PC XT

10 MB . 256K

$2589

RT COMPRTIBICS SPCRRV IT 44 Ml $4399

CPSON CQUITV I CALL

COMMODORC AMIGA CALL

COMPAQ DCSK PRO

10 MB, 640K^^<r

42499 ^^ >1*»t»

Z.HVY ^ 256K 2 drive

in XTRR

* All systems include monocrome monitor, dos, and porollel port

IBM SOFTU1RRC

LOTUS 123 CRll

SVMPHONV e»u

CNRRIC 389.00

0<M COLLCCTION 119.00

ASHTON TRTC Framework 37».00

dBRSe II Mt.OO

dBHSeill SM.00

CLIPPCA dBASt III Compter . 179.00

MUITIMRTC 139.00

SORCIM SUPeRCRLC III . 110.00

SUP€R PHOJ6CT tlO.OO

MKROSOF T MuKlplon 115.00

Word tt».00

Project 159.00

FOX • OCUCR Oulckcode 139.00

NORTON UTILITICS 52 00

TURBO PASCAL ver 5.0 4».00

■MM V 37.00

SIDCKKK (unprotected) 44.00

RSCI MO C<xnm Software 59.00

CROSSTALK XVI 105.00

PCRCHTRCC Bock to Basics 101.00

IN MOUS( RCCOUNTRNT 89.00

WORD PttlftCX 149.00

MICROPRO WordStar Pro 159.00

WordStar 2000 + 314.00

SAMNAPIUS 345.00

WORD III 179.00

RMSC S000 389.00

PRINTMRSTCR 35.00

«N€AOAAPHICS 169 00

API General Recounting . . 314.00

ALSO HRVDCN, MONOORRM. Ml, MIC8OCO8IM, NORTON RND MORC

IBM HAflDUIRM

R5T 6 Pock Plus uj. 384k 150.00

Advantage lll/128k 417.00

HCRCUICS Mono Graphics 319.00

Color Cord . 15»i)0

ORCHID Turbo uj. 256k 599.00

OURDRRM Quodboord O-K 1*0.00

QuodPort for RT ser & par 115.00

TCCHMRR Graphics Master . 469.00 STB Rio plus 64K S function . 189.00

Rio Grande 3 function for RT . 189.00

Grophtt Plus 110.00

High Res 400 349.00

Choffeur monographs N€ID . 134.00 PRRRDISC Modular Graphxs Cord CRU SIOMR High Res Color 400 CRll

IBM Compatible color cord 119.00

Multifunction Cord 384k s.p.dek . 149.00 Multifunction Cord OK-1, 2mb . 179.00 Compatible Mono Cord uj/por . 119.00 5151 Compatible Keyboard 119.00

TTl Monitor flmb or Gm 100.00

TAUOAASS Ill/Tope CRll

IRIUIN TRP€ DfllVC 499.00

CVCRCX TRPC Pc/Xt/RT CRll

Graphics €dge Cord CRll

ROMMC 20MBDRIVC CRll

TCRC55BV 93.00

MM 1 2MB H OPPV CRll

360K Floppy for RT 115.00

MOUSC SVSTCMS Mouse 139.00

MICROSOFT Mouse 117.00

KORIR KRT 149.00

MSKfTTCS DS/DD 13.00

RISO — PCRSVST, PRARDISt, TCCHMRR, CVCRCX RND OTHCRS

MODCMS

ANCHOR Express 300/1200 f 19.00

Volksmodem 1200 (5 yr ujrnty). . . 149.95

lightning 2400 Baud CRll

HRVCS1200 379.00

1200B 349.00

2400 CRU

Mlcromodem //e CRll

TronsetlOOO CRll

PROMCTHCUS 1200 193.00

Promodem 1200B U9.00

Promodem 1200R 189.00

Promodem Mac Pac Poc Hit 319.00

MONITORS

RMDCK 300R 139.00

310R Hi-Res Rmber 155.00

COLOR 600 HI-RC-S RGB 433.00

COLOR 710 474.00

PRINCCTON GRAPHICS HX-12 449.00

HX-9 449.00

Sfl-12 413.00

MRX-12 179.00

TRXRN 121/122 149.00

640 (RGB) 640 x 200 NCUI 333.00

630 (RGB) 640 i 400 NCUI 399.00

640 (RGB) 720 i 400 NCUI .. 4*9.00

PRNRSONIC DT-S101 Color 179.00

DT-H10310 "High Res RGB 349.00

DT-D1300D 13" RGB Color 149.00

PfllNTCRS

■ROTHCR NCUI 1509 345.00

HR-15XL 343.00

HR-25XL 449.00

HR-35XL 499.00

Tcuinujriter 811.00

CPSON LX-80 1*5.00

FX-85 343.00

FX-185 415.00

OHIDRTR ML192 373.00

ML-193 512.00

PRNRSONIC KX-P1091 119.00

KX-P1092 179.00

KX-P1093 399.00

KX-P313117cpsLQ 149.00

KX-P315122cpslQ 379.00

TOSHI1RP351 uj/troctor 1179.00

STRR MIAONICS SG-10 119.00

crrizcNMSP-io 144.00

MSP-15 331.00

CRNNON Loser Printer

HOUSTON INSTRUMCNTS Plotters

CRll CRll

RPPLC PRODUCTS

RPPIMD CNO. Rarmuorks 64K 149.00

RST Multl I/O CRll

MICRO SCI R2 Drive lie 149.00

Ik compatible drive 139.00

RPPIC Compatible Or (lyr ujrnty) 119.00

HRM Mac drive CRll

MRC Compatible 3 M drive 149.00

•CRNOUUI 5MB MRC drive CRU

MACINTOSH Horddrive CRU

MACINTOSH Software Jazz CRU

MICROSOFT Mocenhoncer 175.00

Softcard II 159.00

Multi-plan //e&Moc 119.00

Bask (Mac) 109.00

ASCII XPRCSS (communications) 49.00 THC DCSK ORORNIZCR (Mac) 133.00

RPPIC MOUSC II 11*.00

RPPICUIORKS 113.00

PAINTSHOP 30.00

HRVCSMoch III Joystick 39.00

SVSTCM SRVCR Fan 49.00

VIDCO 7 Ik Cnhancer 9*.00

Titan Accelerator 119.00

VIDCX Ultroterm 149.00

RPRICORN (Lifetime UUorronty)

Super Serial Imager 49.00

Graphics Interface 59.00

80 Column/64K 59.00

Extend It 64K 39.00

KORIR SpeedMey **.00

Muppet Keys 39.00

DISKCTTCSRPPie MAC 11.00.14.00

RPPIC He 64k uu/80 column 775.00

UIC SUPPORT THCSC FINC SVSTCMS:

RPPIC, IBM, COMPAQ, ITT,

RND MRNV MORC

No Chora* for Credit Cords

Coll for complete pricing. Thousands of products available.

O

XOMPUTERBANC

16783 Beach Blvd., Huntington Beach, CR 92647 T€L€X #550757 RNSUICR BRCK—COMPUTCR UD 714/841-6160

2E No Chorge for Credit Cords Orders Only

800 332 BANC OUTSID€ CALIFORNIA

Cosh prices indicated fill products ore In Factory sealed packages. LUe guarantee oD Items for 30 days. Within thrs period, defective merchandise returns must

be accompanied bu RMfi number. Rll other returns will be subject to o 10% restocking Fee. For prepaid orders, there will be o 3% shipping chorge; 5% for UPS

Blue Label; SS 00 minimum, all orders outside US A. at 15% shipping California residents odd 6% soles tax Prices subject to change without notice.

I Copyright 1985 COMPUT6R8FINC, fill flights fleserved.

Inquiry 82

DECEMBER 1985 -BYTE 447

"KING OF THE ELECTRONICS JUNGLE" LEO ELECTRONICS, INC.

PO Box 11307 TORRANCE, CA 90510-1307 PHONE 213/212-6133 or outside CA 800/421-9665

TLX 291 985 LEO UR FAX 213/212*106

WE WILL BEAT ANY PRICE ON MEMORY EXPANSION CHIPS

RAMS

4125615

4164 15

4164 20

4128-15 (AT)

6116P3 •58167 "(real lime Clock)

EPROMS

2708

27ie

27 3? 2764 27128 27256

EACH 2 85

■; 25 - BS 9 H

260

Hard ro find 'NECESSARY PARTS FOR IBM OR CLONE 8284 4 35

8088 495

8288 6 75

6253 5 3 50

8255-5 3 50

8259 5 5 50

8237 5 6 75

765 7 00

OH

29 95 Save — $12.35

qu»My msrchsneisi

MATH COPROCESSORS

Individually boxvd with instruction manual

FAST!!!

Discover why MicroSPEEO t-ias set a new standard for microcomputer performance worldwide This easy-to-use Language System has proven results in the most demanding applications, from the Space Shuttle to medical diagnosis Hardware & software A-ork together to boost your Apple or Amiga to minicomputer speed {1oOO-2500°o increase) CALL TOLL-FREE NOW

W 800-272-0777 301-627-6650

or write Applied Informatics, Inc.. ■ Wheeling Ave, Upper Marlboro, MD 20772

The GRANDSTAND

PRINTER STAND AND TRAY

• Folds & Stacks Automatically

• Fits ALL Popular Micro Printers

• Space Saving Operation

• Routes Cables Neatly

Grand Union

Micro Systems

RO. Box 1880

Fallbrook, CA 92028

(619)723-0882

Inquiry 206

Inquiry 21

Inquiry 156

MODULAR DATA ACQUISITION

• For IBM & Compatibles

• Flexible and Inexpensive

• Money Back Guarantee

• Free Technical Support

Fast Delivery QUA TECH, INC.

478 E Exchange St Akron OH 44304 (2161434-3154 TLX: 5101012726

O

l±J

"^ (Dimensions 6"x4'■x3/4,• J"^

BI-DIRECTIONftL SERI HI'PARALLEL C0NUERTER

CONUERT YOUR RS232 SERIAL PORT INTO A

CENTRONICS PARALLEL PORT, YOUR PARALLEL

=0RT INTO A RS232 SERIAL PORT, JUST By

M0UING JLinPERS.

NO TORE LldlTATIONS IN YOUR STi

YOU CAN CONNECT A TERnlNAL TO PARALLEL

PORT, YOUR PARALLEL PRINTER TO A SERIAL

SORT,SERIAL PRINTER TO A PARALLEL PORT,

WCH noRE !8. BAUD RATE AND MODE FULLY SELECTABLE.

SS ALL IN ONLY ONE UNIT 5 2

: -..£- ' --' " '--iODUCTORY PRICE AT:

INTECTRA INC. - Department 232 2629 TERMINAL BLU MOUNTAIN UIEU - CA - 94043 (415) 967-8818 - TLX 345545

Introductory price S .""9.99 (California residents add 6* tax Bay aTea residents add 7x tax)

RS-422

Communications Board

For IBM-PC/AT/XT and

compatibles

Dual RS-422 serial interface Programmable to 56k baud Differential drivers to 4000 ft.

$345.00 QUA TECH, INC.

478 E. Exchange St. Akron OH 44304 (216)434-3154 TLX: 5101012726

<J>

Inquiry 302

inquiry 182

Inquiry 303

Bl LK DISKETTES

BY

NASHUA

^975

♦

each

yt\ Iiki

5'i OS'DD with hub ring and Tyvek sleeve Oui*

packaged no labels tactory ivarranteed Shipping

extra For quantity 50. add 10c each

Get the same low price our high-volume

duplication customers get!

CALL TOLL FREE

1-800-321-4668

in Colora MASTERCA

ALF

n Colorado, 303-2340871 \ ISA, MASTERCARD, OR COD ACCEPTED

1315-F Nelson St Denver. CO 80215

WAVEFORM

SYNTHESIZER

For IBM-PC/XT/AT and

compatibles

Generates user-definable signal

Up to 2000 points per envelope

$795.00 QUA TECH, INC.

478 E. Exchange St. Akron OH 44304 (216)434-3154 TLX: 5101012726

(J)

•<&/ The Linker for Turbo Pascal '

Why recompile tested procedures over and over while debugging vour Turbo Past al nro

| grams, when TP*Linker'" can instantly link

| ihern in—already compiled. TP*Linker turns .■our compiled Turbo Pascal procedures into ompact. linkable external procedures

| Linkable procedures use Va ihe memory .is iheir Turbo Pascal source code. So you » an

I bring them in off disk faster and store more of them on RAM disk TP*Linker is easy to use. self-dot umenting, and works from the Turbo Pascal Program Development Knvi

| ronment An extra bonus—now you can sell | procedures written in Turbo Pascal as linkable procedures without having to disclose your source code. Why waste lime recompiling code that you know works/ TP*Linker--the ideal upgrade for anyone I using Turbo Pascal.

No! copv protected

TP*Linker for Turbo 2.0. 3.0 $H9

+ BCD. 8087 $99

Add SSS + H + SKI for Overseas. NIC VISA|

A-OK Systems

Hid fcasltiV SI Silver Spring. Ml) . 301-585-5105 (6)

dl i

rk of norland In

Inquiry 12

Inquiry 304

Inquiry 3

FORTRON CORPORATION

3225 SELDON COURT, FREMONT, CA 94538

INFORMATION & CALIF. RESIDENTS

(415] 490-8171

TLX: 559291 FORTRON FAX: [415] 490 9156

When choosing a POWER SUPPLY lor your PC, XT, AT or Compatibles please consider this. . .

"All look-alike supplies come with some type of warranty, only Fortron's power supplies come with a guarantee backed by a full U.L. rating. Your PC represents a substantial investment, it does not make sense to risk costly downtime due to bargain power supplies, when for a few dollars more you can have the confidence of Fortron quality."

Trust in Fortron quality without compromise.

PC/XT

189*

PC/AT

FC 5192

[200 W. max.]

• Identical dimension & pin-out to IBM AT power supply

• Faraday type pin-out available

• W/4 drives connectors

• High air flow, low noise DC fan, 110/230 VAC convertible

• OCP, OVP, short circuit, thermostat protections

• U.L. recognition, one year warranty

FC 135-40 (140 W. max.] 129°°

• For upgrade IBM PC to XT same pin out, same dimension as IBM PC, XT

• or 8 pin output connectors for Faraday CPU board

• With 4 drives connectors

• Low noise DC fan, 110/230 VAC convertible

• Over current, over voltage, short circuit, thermostat protections

• U.L. recognition, one year warranty

FORTRON-200

[200 W. Uninterruptible Power System for P.C.]

• 115V/230V AC input convertible

• Input current 2.5 amp

• 200W continuous

• V2 cycle (typical) transfer time

• Hold-up time from 20 minutes (200W) up to 60 minutes (60W)

• 5.12" X 7.7" X 13.46"

ORDER TOLL FREE [800] 821-9771

Attractive Prices for Dealers/OEM's Please Call for Current Prices!

COMPUTER CHASSIS & KEYBOARD

FC630

79"

For Faraday DTC BRD Rear side switch To use FC 130-40 power supply Complete mounting hardware

FC 230 Floppy Disk Controller

• Drives 4 X 5Vi " FDD

• IBM compatible

• w/cable

59°

FC 630 A2

gg«

IBM XT identical To use FC 135-40 power supply Side switch Complete mounting parts

FC330 Hard Disk Controller

• Up to 2 Hard Disk Drives

• Fully Buffered I/O Bus

• Built-in ECC

149°

FC 630 AT

139"

HI '

IBM AT identical Complete mounting hardware LED lamps, speaker optional

FC 640 Expansion Chassis

269°° Ext./Rcv.

Adaptor

17900

Comes with 5 slot mother

brd., 100 W. power supply,

cooling fan

Three V2 height drive bracket

Dia. 15'/2"xl2'x6'/.'

Ext./Rev. Adaptor optional

CT 6020 Color/ Graphic/Printer

• 80x25 Hi-Res 40x25 Low-Res

• 320x200 Dots

• Comp. video output

• Light pen conn.

109°

FC940 R3232

/Real Time Clock

• To 9600 Baud

• Battery back-up

69°° 59°°

Clock only

FC427

m

89"

:mi\

IBM XT keyboard

compatible

Enlarged return

key

Light and num.

lock keys

FC 830 512K

Memory

Expansion

• From 64K to 512K

• Parity-checked memory for error detection

89°°

Low Low Cost for IBM PC, XT, AT Add-On Cards

FC527

129°

IBM AT keyboard compatible Enlarged return shift key Capacitance low profile key switch

FC 730 AT Multifunction Card for PC-AT 249°°

• Game Port

• 2 EIA-RS232C port

• Centronics printer port

• 128K to 1.5MB memory using 64/256K DRAM

• Expandable to 3MB (optional)

• Spooler

• RAM disk

FC 930 RS232/

Parallel Port

• RS232 serial

• Parallel interface

79"

FC530

Monochrome/

Printer

• 8 x 25 screen

• 7 X 9 character

• TTL Level of output

99"

ai.iji...i:u EEna

• w/Swivels

• Hi-Res for IBM PC

CT-6040

Monochrome/Graphic/ Printer

• 80 x 25 text mode

• 720 x 348 graphic mode

• Runs Lotus 1-2-3

• 64K Graphic Display Mem.

129"

l.l-.li'JJJ

FC 730 [CT-6050C] 384K Multif unctions

• Memory Expansion to 384K

• Clock/Calendar

• Serial, parallel interface

• Game port

129"

19° 11"

• Hard Disk Drive Cable (34p-34p)

• Floppy Drive Cable . . .

• 9 pin D type to 25 pin

D type for PCAT 19™

> Printer cable 25 DB to

. Centronics 19°°

RS232 to RS232 cable .19°°

► Power cord w/female

socket 2°°

TEAC

TEAC

55GV

55BV

1.2MB

360K

F.D.D.

F.D.D.

for

PC-AT

89°°

139oo

10MB H.D.D. 44goo

20MB H.D.D. 559"

(H.D.D.

w/cable controller)

Internal Modem 179°°

Free PC-Talk Software 300/1200 baud Auto Busy Redial, Auto Answer

Dual phone jack plus RS232 port

RAM

CHIPS

64K.

256K.

... 6»7 9 pes. .33°°/ 9 pes. 128K 53/9 set

(for PC-AT)

RS232/ Printer Card for PC-AT

EIA RS232C port

Centronics parallel port

119*

PRINTER

990" 69"7io pc.

Thermo

80 character/

line

Battery

Back-up

Centronics

parallel

interface

TERMS

• Min. shipping & handling $6.00.

Can be more for actual cost.

• CA. Res. add 6.5% tax.

• No return merchandise without a RMA No.

• Restocking charge 15%. » Prices subject to change

w/o notice.

Inquiry 144 for End-Users. Inquiry 145 for DEALERS ONLY.

DECEMBER 1985 'BYTE 449

CADD for $9995

GENERIC CADD is a sophisticated

& easy to use Computer Aided Drafting/Design program for PCs

GENERIC CADD Features:

Drawing Layers • Component Libraries Component Libraries • User-Defined Fonts Video & Digitizer Menus • Color Graphics

Other Available GENERIC Software:

AUTOCAD™ file conversion for $24.95 Dot Matrix printer/plotter option for $24.95

Call 1-800-228-3601 to order

So dealer coils, please.

MC. VISA, COD. Add $3.00 for shipping 60 day money back guarantee

GENERIC SOFTWARE

6 Lake Bellevue, Suite 203

Bellevue, WA 98005

(206)462-1944

__ FOR THE BEST OF US. .

■"■ THECVPHSR

A COMPLETE 68000 & Z80A SINGLE BOARD COMPUTER SYSTEM WITH ULTRA-HIGH-RES GRAPHICS!!

Ik

ALL ON ONE BOARD1

IIL

MOTEL COMPUTERS LI 1 74 BETTY ANN DRIVE. WILLOWDALE TORONTO. ONTARIO CANADA M2N 1X6 14181 J3B-4727

RS232C IBM PC Compatible Paper Tape Transmitter/Model 612

Stops and starts on character at all speeds uses manual control or X-on. X-off 90-260 volt. 50-60 Hz power 50-9600 baud, up to 150 char/sec synchronous or asynchronous gated internal or external clock, RS 232C current loop or parallel output, reads 5-8 level tape, 7-11 frames per character, even or odd parity Desk top or rack mount. Addmaster Corporation, 415 Junipero Serra Drive, San Gabriel, CA 91776, (818) 285-1121, Telex 674770 Addmaster SGAB

Inquiry I5I

Inquiry 253

Inquiry 7

DISK PARK

■ / parking lots for your disks

while working

■jr.iw to save, easy lo get.

very useful

■ protect disks from damaged

■ no more mess on desk

■J money back guaranteed

Only $3.75 51.00 shipping

N.Y. residents add 8% sales tax

sent check to:

COMET TECHNOLOGY INC

68-44 Burns St Apt C3

Forest Hills. N Y 11375

(718)793-1065

INLAB 28

LOGIC/MEMORY

PROGRAMMER

It must be magic!

How else could

INLAB load all

these features into such a small package:

• Capable of programming hundreds of logic and memory devices!

• Small and portable-less than 26 ounces'

• Inexpensive firmware updating! •Available with CUPL™ design software! •Standard RS232 interface!

• EPROM emulation, from 2716 up to 27256 (including CMOS)!

It's no illusion! For only $1995. we can make a Model 28 appear before vour very eyes! Just give us a call at 303/460-0103. We'd like to do some magic for you!

IMAB

A Hathai*av Company

2150-1 West 6th Avenue Broomheid, CO 80020

SH

SS / DD $

Soft

BASF

.89

.99.

FLEXYDISKS

10-90 100

■ «s£ ea

DS/DD 31 ftO

Soft \.\JC

High Density $0 -j C SO flC

(IBM-AT) 0. I J O.UJ

3.5 / SS Micro

In Stock — Immediate Shipment.

Mastercard, VISA, Check or Money Order.

Add $3.00 shipping charges per each 100 or part.

Add $2.50 additional for COD shipments

N.J. residents add 6% sales tax.

Data Exchange

Dept B. P.O. Box 993 178 Route 206 South Somerville. N.J. 08876

(201) 874-5050

S2.KL $2.05

Inquiry 417

Inquiry 180

Inquiry 103

DYNAMIC RAMS

41256 •41256

4164 •4164

128K

120ns

150ns

120ns 150ns

150ns

s3.15

_SP.75_

s5.50

I COPROCESSORS

8087-2 S140.00

8087-3 S115.00

80287-3 $195.00

I STATIC RAMS 6264LP-15 50rs $4.50 6116LP-3 -Mil-, $1.75

■ E. PROMS 27C256 2S 27256 Z5 27128 27C64 2764 250ns S 2732A 250ns S

■ 8000 s fPjrts Avail

'00n

I.C.EXPRESS

ORDER

(818)369-2688

| CALL FOR CURRENT PRICES & VOLUME DISCOUNTS.|

e Shown to'UPS COO Cash • MasterCard VISA add 3' mi

Prices are SUD|BC1 10 I nange Minimum Ofdci HQ 00

Crili'jrn. j---. .i.-nl:. mue.i ,n lit 6 5 , sales lax

ppmg B Handling UPS Ground S5 [» 1,'PS Air S7 00 (under 1

ALL MERCHANDISE IS 100'-o GUARANTEED

Inquiry 177

mi mARYmfic industries ,nC

800-231-3680

Radio Shack® Tandy® Epson Printers

People you Trust to give you the very Best!

• Lowest Discount Prices

• Reliable Service

• Quality Products

"World's largest independent authorized computer dealer."

22511 Katv Fwv , Katy (Houston) Texas 77450 (713) 392-0747 Telex 774132

NO SHIPPING CHARGES

ORDER TOLL-FREE 800-824-3432

CHRISTMAS SPECIALS

DRIVES

TEAC 55B 79.99

TANDON 100-4 (96 T P I ) 129.99

EPSON HD860 20 MEG ' i HT HARD DISK

WITH CONTROLLERS CABLES 599.99

SYSTEMS BLUEXTRA

• PC/XT Compatible • 8 Slot Motherboard

• 1-V4 HT. 360K Floppy • 256K RAM

• 135W Power Supply • Runs IBM Dos 2 1 or 3 1 FULL WARRANTY 699.99

MONITORS Princeton Graphics MAX- 12-HI-RES Amber with HI-RES Controller Card 299.99

Princeton Graphics HX-12 RGB with Color Graphics Card 549.99

ADD ON CARDS Multifunction Card W/384K RAM Included Serial/Parallel Port. Clock/Calendar. Game Port 159.99

NICORN ELECTRONICS

lOOiOCanoga Ave UmiB-8 Chatsworth CA913I1

[hipping charges on P'

■dorders -C 0 D 3daS3 00

Inquiry 225

Inquiry 366

imw

IBM PC, 256K, One Half Height 320K Disk Drive DS/DD, Persyst Color Card With Printer Port, Taxan Green Monitor, DOS 2.1, PLUS a 10MB Hard Disk Sub System All For:

$2499.

IBM PC, 256K, Two Half Height Drives DS/DD, Persyst Color Card With Printer Port, Taxan Green Monitor, DOS 2.1, 130 Watt Power Supply PLUSa 10MB Hard Disk Sub System All For:

$2799.

IBM PC, 256K, Two Half Height Drives DS/DD, Persyst Color Card With Printer Port, Taxan Green Monitor, DOS 2.1, 130 Watt Power Supply, 10MB Hard Disk Sub System, PLUS 10MB Tape Back Up System All For:

$3299.

IBM PC, 256K, Two Half Height Drives DS/DD, Persyst Color Card With Printer Port, Taxan Green Monitor, DOS 2.1,130 Watt Power Supply, 20MB Hard Disk Sub System All For:

$3099.

IBM PC, 256K, Two Half Height Drives DS/DD, Persyst Color Card With Printer Port, Taxan Green Monitor, DOS 2.1, 130 Watt Power Supply, 20MB Hard Disk Sub System, PLUS 10MB Tape Back Up System All For:

$3699.

AMDEK 300 Green $135.00

AMDEK 300 Amber $149.00

AMDEK 310 Amber W/TTL Plug _ $165.00

PGS HX-12 $465.00

PGS MAX-12 $185.00

PGS SR-12 $625.00

TAXAN #115 Green Composit $125.00

TAXAN #116 Amber Composit $135.00

TAXAN #121 Green W/TTL Plug _ $149.00

TAXAN #122 Amber W/TTL Plug _ $159.00

TAXAN #620 COLOR MONITOR _ $449.00

TAXAN #640 COLOR MONITOR _ $569.00

IBM MONOCHROME DISPLAY _ $260.00

IBM COLOR DISPLAY $590.00

COf/IPAQ,

comPAa

CALL

FOR DIFFERENT

CONFIGURATIONS

^«^*'\

PRINTERS

CONQUEST PC TURBO 640K Two

Half Height Drives, Floppy Disk Controller 135 Watt Power Supply, Serial Port, Parallel Port (IBM Standard) and Enhanced Keyboard:

$1225.

Above System With 10MB Internal Hard Disk:

$1970.

With 20MB Internal Hard Disk:

$2195.

With 40MB Internal Hard Disk:

$2515.

Tape Back Up Systems Are Also Available for the Conquest PC Turbo at a reasonable price.

NEC PINWRITER 80 COL.

$599.00

NEC PINWRITER 136 COL.

$799.00

EPSON LX 80

$239.00

EPSON FX 85

$359.00

EPSON FX 185

$499.00

EPSON RX 100

$399.00

EPSON JX 80

$499.00

EPSON LQ 1500

$895.00

COMREXCR420

$1895.00

TOSHIBA 351

$1199.00

STARMICRONICSSG10

$25900

STARMICRONICSSG15

$395.00

CITIZEN PRINTER MSP-10

$325.00

CITIZEN PRINTER MSP-15

$450.00

CITIZEN PRINTER MSP-20

$435.00

CITIZEN PRINTER MSP-25

$599.00

JUKI LQ 6100

$385.00

JUKI LQ 6300

$725.00

BROTHER HR-25

$499.00

BROTHER HR-35

$775.00

DYNAX DX 15XL

$365.00

OKIDATA

CALL

MULTIFUNCTION BOARDS

SPECIAL

13" RGB MONITOR

FORTIS FC10

AST I/O MINI CARD, 1-SER.

AST SIX PACK 64K, 1-SER., 1-PAR . AST PREVIEW

AST ADVANTAGE CARD 128KFORAT

$299.

00

ALR CHALLENGER CARD 128K FOR AT

MODEMS

HAYES SMART MODEM 1200 . HAYES SMART MODEM 300 _ HAYES 1200B PLUG IN CARD . HAYES 2400 BAUD MODEM _ POP COM 1200 EXTERNAL _

AST REACH MODEM

QIC MODEM INTERNAL

_$395.00 . $209.00 . $365.00 . $699.00 . $375.00 . $380.00 . $275.00

PERSYST COLOR

PRINTER ADAPTER

PERSYST MONOCHROME

PRINTER ADAPTER

PERSYST BOB CARD

HERCULES COLOR

PRINTER ADAPTER

HERCULES GRAPHIC

PRINTER ADAPTER

STB GRAPHIC PLUS II

IBM COLOR GRAPHIC ADAPTER . IBM MONO PRINTER ADAPTER _

. $145.00 . $249.00 . $299.00

. $425.00

. $395.00

_ $179.00

. $189.00 . $395.00

_ $179.00

. $299.00 . $325.00 _$225.00 . $230.00

TANDON TM-100-2 DS/DD _ TOSHIBA SLIMLINE DS/DD TEAC SLIMLINE DS/DD

. $139.00 . $120.00 . $120.00

HARD DISKS

GENOA SPECTRUM GRAPHIC CARD _ $349.00

_i_^ OjBPHAL. ... ..... ,.

MAXELL DISKETTES MD2 $35.00/box

MAXELL MD2-HDM FOR AT $60.00/box

CONTROL DATA DISKETTES $24.00

KEYTRONIC KEYBOARD KB 5151 $169.00

10MB SUB SYSTEM INTERNAL _ EXTERNAL.

20MB SUB SYSTEM INTERNAL EXTERNAL.

40MB SUB SYSTEM INTERNAL _ EXTERNAL_

_ $595.00 _ $795.00 _ $875.00 . $1050.00 _$1150.00 . $1325.00

IBM PC-XT AND POAT

Different configurations available.

CALL FOR PRICES.

HARD DISKS & TAPS BACK-UP UNITS (EXTERNAL)

10MB HARD DISK

W/10MB TAPE BACK UP 20MB HARD DISK

W/10MB TAPE BACK UP. 40MB HARD DISK

W/10MB TAPE BACK UP.

. $1250.00

. $1475.00

_$1795.00

(714) 838-7530

2630 Walnut Avenue. Unit C, Tustin, California 92680

Prices 8 availability subiect to change without notice—IBM is a registered trademark o! IBM Corporation COMPAQ is a registered trademark of COMPAO Computer Corporation Conquest is a registered trademark of Conquest Computer Industries.

Inquiry 245

DECEMBER

BYTE 451

Your System/Controller should fit you

like a good suit.

LET MICROMINT CUSTOM FIT YOU

Whether it's suits or system controllers, you can't buy off the rack when you need a custom fit.

That's why Micromint individualizes its system controllers to meet your particular needs and budget. What's most important to you? Software compatibility? Speed? Everything on one board? Economical computing power?

ffl: "I want software compatibility." Solution:

THESB180

COMPUTER/CONTROLLER

The SB180, only 4" by 7%", offers a Z80 compatible CPU running at 6MHz, 256K bytes of RAM, up to 32K bytes of ROM, two serial ports, a parallel port, Z80/6800 I/O expansion bus, and an industry standard 765A-compatible disk controller for up to four disk drives - any combinations of ZVi", 5%" or 8" drives. The SB180 is based on the Hitachi HD64180 CPU. a microcoded CMOS chip which provides high performance, reduced system cost, and low power operation while maintaining complete compatibility with the large base of standard CP/M software.

SB180-1 w/8K ROM monitor. . $369.00 SB180-5 w/8K ROM monitor.

BIOS source and

Z system $418.00

ft1\"l need speed." Solution:

THEZ8 FORTH

SYSTEM/CONTROLLER

The Z8 FORTH System/Controller is only 4" by 4Vi" and includes a custom masked Z8 version of the FORTH

452 B YTE • DECEMBER 1985

language with a full screen editor, cassette I/O driver primitives, EPROM programmer primitives, and other utility words. It also contains up to 4K bytes of RAM or EPROM, an RS 232 serial port with selectable baud rates, and two parallel ports. Additional Z8 peripheral boards include memory expansion, a smart terminal board, serial and parallel I/O, real time clock an A/D converter, and an EPROM programmer. It's perfect for data reduction and high speed control applications.

BCC21 \n/utilities . . . $225 00

#3: "Let me have an entire development system on one board." Solution: THE BCC52 SYSTEM/CONTROLLER

The BCC52 is a new stand alone single board microcomputer which is bus compatible with the Micromint BCC11 BCC21 Z8 System/Controllers and expansion boards. The BCC52 features the Intel 8052AH-BASIC microprocessor which includes a ROM resident 8K byte floating point BASIC inter

preter with extensions for process control work. It contains sockets for up to 48K bytes of RAM/EPROM, an "intelligent" 2764/128 EPROM programmer, 3 parallel ports, a serial terminal port, and a serial printer port.

BCC52.

. $239.00

f?4: "Give me lots of economical computing power."

Solution:

THE BCC11 BASIC SYSTEM/CONTROLLER

The Z8 BASIC System/Controller is nearly identical to the FORTH System/Controller but contains a tiny BASIC interpreter, up to 6K bytes of RAM and EPROM, an RS-232 serial port with switch selectable baud rates, and two parallel ports. Add a power supply and terminal to start programming in BASIC or machine language. Programs can be transferred to 2732 EPROMS with the optional EPROM programmer for auto-start applications. It can also use any of the expansion boards mentioned under the Z8 FORTH System/Controller.

BCC11 . . .$149.00

Additional information on peripheral boards and OEM pricing is available.

Order Toll Free

18006353355

In Connecticut call 1 871 6170

For a System Controller suited to your needs, give us a call.

MICROMINT, INC. 25 Terrace Drive Vernon, CT 06066

Merry Christmas from Computer Connection

We'll Ship Blue Label FREE

* You pay for Ground shipping and we'll ship Blue Label FREE for all orders placed by December 20th

PRINTERS

STAR MICRONICS

SG-10,120cps,2Kbuffer $ 219

SG-15,120cps,2Kbuffer 375

SD-10,160 cps, 10" carriage 359

SD-15,160cps,Corr.Qual 469

SR-10,200 cps, 10" carriage 499

SR-15,200cps,w/tractor 599

SB-10Draft&NLQ24wireprinthead . 625 OKIDATA

ML182P120cps We

ML182 IBM Graphics Gomp Will

ML182S10"Carriage Beat

ML192P, 160cps all

ML192IBMGraphicsComp . . . . Pricing

ML192S, 160cps on

ML193P, 160cps Oki

ML193IBMGraphicsComp . . . Printers

ML193S, 160 cps with

ML84P, 200 cps or

ML84 IBM without

ML84S,200cps IBM

Okimate 20 Rom

EPSON

LX80,100 cps, 10" carriage Call

FX80 + , 160 cps, 10" carriage Us

RX100,100cps, 15"carriage First

FX100 + ,160cps,15"carriage For

LQ1500 Draft NLQ Lowest

SQ2000, All New Prices

"We Are An Authorized Dealer BROTHER

HR-25 $ 422

HR-35 599

DYNAX

DX15XL,20cps By Brother $ 329

DH-45 Dual Head, LQ& Dot Matrix.. 899

JUKI

6100, L.Q. 18cpsw/proportionalspc.$ 359

6300 L.Q. 40 cps 675

TOSHIBA

P1340P $ 525

P1340S 525

P351 P/S, Fasterand More Versatile 1145

PANASONIC

1091 w/Tractor,120cps,1yr.war. . .$ 239

1092,10" carriage, 180 cps 375

1093,15" carriage, 160 cps 535

HARD DISK DRIVES

MICRO-SCI

10 Meg w/cont. formatted for IBM . . . .$ 399 20 Meg w/cont. formatted for IBM ... . 599 ALPHA OMEGA

10Megw/ControllerCard $499

20Megw/ControllerCard 629

30Megw/ControllerCard 999

20MegforAT 550

33 Meg for AT 775

DISK DRIVES

TANOON

TM100-2forlBMPC $ 85

MITSUBISHI

'/*Ht.360K $ 95

TEAC

55B Double Sided 360K $ 84

Quad Density 159

Drives For Apple & Franklin MICRO-SCI

A-2 $ 149

A.5Cforllcw/cable 155

A3'A height for ME 155

Controller Add 55

PRINTER ACCESSORIES

ORANGE MICRO

Grappler + $ 75

BufferedGrappler + ,16Kexp.64K . 150

TOSHIBA

BI-DirectionalTrac. 1351/351 . . .$ 149/155

Font Disk for Down loading P1351 . . 50

MICROTEK

Dumpling GX (same as Grappler +) $ 65

DumplingGXw/16Kbuffer 119

Dumpling GXw/32K buffer 129

Additional Buffering 16K 7

FOURTH DIMENSION

Par. Card & Cable for Apple $ 49

OKIDATA

Plug and Play for IBM $ 49

Tractorfor182&192 39

JUKI

Bi-Direc.Tractorfor6100/6300 .$ 115/125

Serial Interface 65

CABLES

IBMPCtoParallelPrinter $ 14

DISPLAY MONITORS

QUADRAM

AmberchromelBMcompatible . .. .$ 169

AMDEK

V300G $ 115

V300A 119

V310AforlBMPC 149

Color300 199

Color 500 Color Composite 319

Color600 RGB Hi-Res 399

Color 710 Super Hi-Res 545

TAXAN

IBM Green Monochrome#121 $ 129

IBMAmberMonochrome#122 139

RGBIBMw/Cable#420 389

RGBSuperHi-Res.#640SesfBuy . . 489 RGB/Comp. Med. Res. #210 245

PRINCETON GRAPHICS

HX-12 for use with IBM PC $ 435

Max12EAmberforlBM 169

SR12SuperHi-Res 575

Scan Doubler ... 185

QUIMAX

SerialCable 16

Centronics M/M or IWF 18

PX-4,RGBHi-Resw/Gr.TextMode .$ 410 DM-14MonochromeforlBM ...... 150

STOCKING STUFFERS!!

Order NOW for Christmas

RF MODULATOR

SMT 64K/80 COL.

$14

$49

IBM PRINTER CABLE

DYNAX DX15XL

$14

• LQ, 20 cps $329

AST 6-PAK W/64K

STAR MICRONICS

$210

• SG10,120 cps $219

ANCHOR MARK XII

TEAC 55B

$209

• 1/2 Height, D/D $84

IBM DOS 3.1

COMPAQ

$59

• Port., 2 Or. & 256K $1899

"THE COMPANY THAT DELI VERS"

IBM

IBM Dos 3.1

.$ 59

VUTEK (2 yr. war.)

w/Par. & Ser. Ports, 2 Yr. War $ 189

Color Card (Here. comp.)w/Para. . .. 150 Monographic Card (Here, comp.). .. 275 AST RESEARCH

Six Pak + W/64K & Sidekick $ 225

Six Pak + W/384K& Sidekick 255

Game Port 49

KEYTRONICS

KB5151 $ 175

MICROTEK

Monochrome Text Par. &Ser $ 169

Color Graphics Card 165

TECHMAR

Graphics Master $ 449

256K Memory Upgrade 99

APPLE & FRANKLIN ACCESSORIES

ADVANCED LOGIC SYSTEMS

ZEngine2.2 $ 115

APPLE

Super Serial Card $ 139

SMT

64K, 80 col. Card, 3 yr. war $ 49

99 MICRO-SCI

139 64K, 80 Col. Card $ 79

PARADISE

ModularGraphicsCard $ 259

ModuleA 75

Module B256KW/C&C 120

5-Paksameas6-Pak-Ser. Port 175

64K MEMORY UPGRADE

64K (9 chips) 200ns S 150ns $8.00

HEXACE TECHNOLOGIES

Hi-Res Color Card for PC, XT, AT . . .$ 110

QUADRAM

Quad Color 1 Board

Exp. Quadboard w/64K & Game Port Quadlink 3000 Run Apple sft on IBM

179 199 329

ACCESSORIES

Kensington System Saver . . Masterpiece Control Unit... MICROTEK

Serial Interface

MICROMAX

Viewmax 128K extended 80 col. card

forApplellEw/64K $

80col.cardforApplell&ll+

69

$ 75

PERSONAL SYSTEMS

APPLE

Professional Sys. incl: Apple HE W/128K & 80col.,tiltmon„duodiskw/con'tkit .$1339

Apple He Lightweight Portable 789

IBM

IBMPC64K, 1 Drive $1460"

IBMPC,2Drivesw/256K 1535'

IBM XT, 10Meg.,360KDr.w/256K . 2399*

IBMXTBarew/256K&IBMFIoppy. 1899*

Call About All "AT" Systems

'Call for current IBM prices

SANYO

MBC550-2w/1,320KDrive&sftwr. .$ 750 MBC 555-2 w/2, 320K Drives &

more software 899

775Portable 1795

Serial Port for Sanyo 65

COMPAQ

256K, w/2-320K Drives $1899

DeskTop Model 1 1649

DeskTopModel2 1925

DeskTopModel3 Call

DeskTopModeU Call

We have "286" Ports. & D.P. in stock WYSE 1100-1 incl. 256K w/two 360K Drives, 1 par

&2ser. ports $1399

1100-2 incl. 10 meg, 1 floppy. 256K, 1 par. &

2 ser. ports 2599

*Wyse Monitors & Exp. Chasis Available

SOFTWARE

LOTUS DEVELOPMENT CORP.

Lotus1-2-3 $ 289

Symphony 420

ASHTON TATE

DBaseII $ 299

DBase III 389

PRINTER SWITCH BOX

EXPONENT

Centronics Two Switch $ 60

Centronics FourSwitch 85

Serial Two Switch 45

Serial FourSwitch 69

MODEMS

ANCHOR

MarkXII $ 209

VolksmodemXIl 179

Express 1200 265

HAYES MICRO

300 Baud Smart Modem $ 149

1200 Baud Smart Modem 379

1200BforlBMPCw/SMII 375

2400 Baud Modem 645

Micro Modem HE 149

Chronograph 189

300ForApplellcw/Sftwr Call

DISKETTES

PC DISKETTES

SgUDbl. (Box of 10) $ 13

Dbl./Dbl.(Boxof10) 15

COMPUTER CONNECTION

Dbl./Dbl.{Boxof 10) $ 16

Sgl./Dbl.w/DiskContainer(10) 15

Dbl./Dbl. w/Disk Container 17

Bulk 50 & Up — Dbl./Dbl 1.35 ea.

We Stock What We Sell!!

IF YOU SEE IT ADVERTISED FOR LESS, CALL COMPUTER CONNECTION FIRST FOR LOWEST QUOTE!

MAIL ORDER:

17121 S. Central Avenue, Unit L Carson. California 90746

i—;

NO SURCHARGE FOR CREDTT CARDS

We accept VISA, MasterCard, COD [w/deposit], Certified Checks or Wire Transfers. Minimum Shipping Charge S4.00. Some items subject to back order. California Res. add 6Vi% Sales Tax. All returns are subject to a 15 % restocking charge and must be authorized by store manager within 10 days. Prices subject to change without notice. This Ad supersedes all others.

ORDER LINE [800] 732-0304

[Outside California!

[213] 635-2BD9

[Inside California]

Mon.-Fri. 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

CUSTOMER SERVICE: [213] S35-5065 Mon.-Fri. 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Inquiry 73

DECEMBER 1985 -BYTE 453

TM

Super Disk

Diskettes

Now... Diskettes you can swear by, not swear at.

Lucky for you, the diskette buyer, there are many diskette brands to choose from. Some brands are good, some not as good, and some you wouldn't think of trusting with even one byte of your valuable data. Sadly, some manufacturers have put their profit motive ahead of creating quality products. This has resulted in an abundance of low quality but rather expensive diskettes in the marketplace.

A NEW COMPANY WAS NEEDED AND STARTED

Fortunately, other people in the diskette industry recognized that making ultra-high quality diskettes required the best and newest manufacturing equipment as well as the best people to operate this equipment. Since most manufacturers seemed satisfied to give you only the everyday quality now available, an assemblage of quality conscious individuals decided to start a new company to give you a new and better diskette. They called this product the Super Disk diskette, and you're going to love them. Now you have a product you can swear by, not swear at.

HOWTHEY MADE THE BEST DISKETTES EVEN BETTER The management of Super Disk diskettes then hired all the top brains in the diskette industry to make the Super Disk product. Then these top bananas (sometimes called floppy freaks) created a new standard of diskette quality and reliability. To learn the "manufacturing secrets" of the top diskette makers, they've also hired the remaining "magnetic media moguls" from competitors around the world. Then all these world class, top-dollar engineers, physicists, research scientists and production experts (if they've missed you, send in your resume to Super Disk) were given one directive...to pool all their manufacturing know-how and create a new, better diskette.

HOW SUPER DISK DISKETTES ARE MANUFACTURED

The Super Disk crew then assembled the newest, totally quality monitored, automated production line in the industry. Since the manufacturing equipment at Super Disk is new, it's easy for Super Disk to consistently make better diskettes. You can always be assured of ultra-tight tolerances and superb dependability when you use Super Disk diskettes. If all this manufacturing mumbo-jumbo doesn't impress you, we're sure that at least one of these other benefits from using Super Disk diskettes will:

1. TOTAL SURFACE TESTING - Foe maximum reliability, and to lessen the likelihood of disk errors, all diskettes must be totally surface tested At Super Disk, each diskette is 100% surface tested. Super Disk is so picky in their testing, they even test the tracks that are in between the regular tracks.

2. COMPLETE LINE OF PRODUCTS - For a diskette to be useful to you and your computer, it must be compatable physically- Super Disk has an entire line of 5V«-inch diskettes for your computer,

3. SPECIALLY LUBRICATED DISK • Super Disk uses a special oxide lubricant which is added to the base media in the production of their diskettes. This gives you a better disk drive head to media contact and longer head and disk life.

4. HIGH TEMPERATURE/LOW-MARRING JACKET • A unique high temperature and low-marring vinyl jacket allows use of their product where other diskettes won't work. This special jacket is more rigid than other diskettes and helps eliminate dust on the jacket,

5. REINFORCED HUB RINGS- Standard on all Super Disk mini-disks, to strengthen the center hub hole. This increases the life of the disk to save you money and increase overall diskette reliability.

6. DISK DURABILITY- Super Disk diskettes will beat all industry standards for reliability since they will give you more than 75% of the original signal amplitude remaining even after an average (Weibul B-50) of 30 million passes. They are compatible with all industry specifications as established by ANSI, ECMA. ISO, IBM and JIS.

7. CUSTOMER ORIENTED PACKAGING - All Super Disk disks are packaged 10 disks to a carton and 10 cartons to a case. The economy bulk pack is packaged 100 disks to a case without envelopes or labels.

8. LIFETIME WARRANTY - If all else fails, remember, all disks made by Super Disk Inc., have a lifetime warranty. If any Super Disk diskette fails to meet factory specifications. Super Disk Inc. will replace them under the terms of the Super Disk warranty,

9. SUPERB VALUE - With Super Disk's automated production line, high-quality, errorfree disks are yours without the high cost.

Order toll free 800-USA-DISK

NOW...NAME BRANDQUALITYATSUPERCE PRICES

Now, you can buy Super Disk brand diskettes directly from Communications Electronics at prices less than "unbranded" generic diskettes. Your data is valuable, so why take chances using a diskette that could be so unreliable that the manufacturer refuses to put their name on it. To save you even more, we also offer Super Disk bulk product where 100 diskettes are packed in the same box without envelopes or labels. Since we save packaging costs, these savings are passed on to you. Diskette envelopes are also available from us. These super strong and .tear resistant envelopes are only 8<t each. Use order # EV-5 and specify the quantity of 5'U" diskette envelopes that you want.

390 per disk Quantity One

Our diskettes are packed 10 disks to a carton and 10 cartons to a case. The economy bulk pack is packaged 100 disks to a case without envelopes or labels. For best value, you should order in increments of 100 diskettes. Almost all diskettes are immediately available from Super Disk. With our efficient warehouse facilities, your order is normally shipped in less than a day.

SAVE ON SUPER DISK- DISKETTES Product Description

5', 5% 5V< 5%

5'. 5V< 5'.

Super Disk

Part#

price per disc (S)

6431-BA

0.54

6437-BA

0.39

6481 -BA

0.58

6487-BA

0.43

6491-BA

0.64

6497-BA

0.49

6501 -BA

1.49

SSSD Soft Sector w/Hub Ring

Same as above, but bulk pack w/o envelope

SSDD Soft Sector w/Hub Ring

Same as above, but bulk pack w/o envelope

DSDD Soft Sector w/Hub Ring

Same as above, but bulk pack w/o envelope

DSQD Soft Sector w/Hub Ring (96 TPI)

SSSD = Single Sided Single Density; SSDD = Single Sided Double Density; DSDD = Double Sided Double Density; DSOD = Double Sided Quad Density. TPI = Tracks per inch.

BUY YOUR DISKETTES FROM CE WITH CONFIDENCE

To get the fastest delivery of your diskettes, phone your order directly to our order desk and charge it to your credit card. Written purchase orders are accepted from approved government agencies and most well rated firms at a 10% surcharge for net 10 billing. For maximum savings, your order should be prepaid. All sales are subject to availability, acceptance and verification. All sales are final. All prices are in U.S. dollars. Prices, terms and specifications are subject to change without notice. Out of stock items may be placed on backorder or substituted for equivalent product unless we are instructed differently. A $5.00 additional handling fee will be charged for all orders with a merchandise total under $50.00. All shipments are F.O.B. CE warehouse in Ann Arbor, Michigan. COD terms are available, in U.S. UPS areas for $5.00 extra, and are payable with cash or certified check. Michigan residents add 4% sales tax.

For shipping charges add $6.00 per 100 diskettes and/or any fraction of 100 5'/4-inch diskettes for U.P.S. ground shipping and handling in the continental U.S. For 1,000 or more disks shipped to the continental U.S., shipping charges are $3.00 per hundred diskettes. UPS 2nd day air rates are three times continental U.S. rates. For Canada, Puerto Rico, Hawaii, Alaska, or APO/FPOdelivery, shipping is three times the continental U.S. rate.

Mail orders to: Communications Electronics Inc., Box 1045, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48106-1045 U.S.A. If you have a Visa or Master Card, you may call and place a credit card order. Order toll-free in the U.S. Dial 800-USA-DISK. In Canada, order toll-free by calling 800-CA1-DISK. If you are outside the U.S. or in Michigan dial 313-973-8888. Telex anytime 810-223-2422. Order your Super Disk diskettes now.

Copyright © 1986 Communications Electronics Inc.

Ad #102585-BA

Now

390

a disk

454 B YTE • DECEMBER

Inquiry 65

COMPUTER PRODUCTS. Inc. ORDER TOLL FREE

(800) 538-8800

(CALIFORNIA RESIDENTS)

(800) 848-8008

I MasterCard]

STATIC RAMS

2101

250 I 4

450u

1 10

1102

Mil

450u

79

21021-4

IK I 1

4 5011

11

21021-2

IK i 1

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2111

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THS4027

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I7M

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3.16

2700

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We will try to BEAT All Competitor's Prices

CALL for Quote!

8000

0111

0015

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111-8010

118-0073

1000*

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10.00

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23.00

30.00 2.00 1.75 3.76 1.75 2.20 1.75 1.41

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80000

0I1M-I •0111

•0J0 00.00

THIS IS A SAMPLING ONLY . . . CALL WITH

ALL YOUR COMPONENT NEEDS.

CRYSTALS

ALL STANDARD VALUES... 1.69 CRYSTAL CLOCK OSC. ALL STANDARD VALUES... 4.89

DIP SWITCHES 4, 5.6. 7. B, 10 ALL... .79 ei.

ZIF SOCKETS

UiliZIF 4.11

10 III ZIF 4 89

24 pll ZIF 8.10

NpuZIF 0.00

40 pll ZIF 0.00

ORBITAL SYSTEMS:

EXTENDED 80-Column Card for APPLE lie

• 64Kto 128K Upgrade

• 2-Year Warranty.... $69.95

Z-B0 (CP/M) CARD

APPLE II+, HE1

• Compatible w/all Apple CP/M

• Lifetime Warranty 69.95

MEG-O-RAM EXPAND DESKTOP SPACE 1 MEGABYTE

on APPLEWORKSt APPLE II et $259.°°

APPLE ACCESSORIES

Parallel Printer Cart 49.95

BO-Col. cird for Apple 11+ ... 149.95 80-Col. card lor Appll III ... 1 29.95 Serial Card (commuilcitlii) ... 69.95

Cooling Fin 38.95

Power Supply 69.95

Joystick 29.95

Joystick Adapter Apple lie ... 14.95

RF Modulator 13.95

Disk Drive Full Height 169.95

Disk Drive ft Holght 169.95

Controller Card 49.95

Apple Paddles 5.95

IBKCird 39.95

• BULK i

• DISKETTES *

SS/DD 25/$17.25

DS/DD 25/$19.75

AT* disks.... 25/S50.00 3W disks....25/$50.00

ALL DISKETTES HAVE A FULL 1-YEAR WARRANTY

UV ERASERS

QUV-T8/1 $40.95

ECONOMY Modal

MEMORY EXPANSION KIT

• Eratas 15 EPROMS In 20 minutes a Plastic Enclosure

DOKAY carries the Full Una ipt LOGICAL DEVICES, Inc.

41256 150ns $2.89 each!

APPLE1 or IBM* JOYSTICK »29.95

-;.■ MERCURY MODEMS

For APPLE* and IBM* HAYES COMPATIBLE MODEM 195.00

— FULL ONE YEAR WARRANTY

• IBM* ACCESSORIES •

8087-3 |5MHz) 124.95

8087-2 (8 MHz) 144.95

TEAC 5SB 99.95

TAN DON TM100-2 129.95

135W XT POWER SUPPLY .. 99.95 51ZK RAM MEMORY BOARD .. 139.95 MULTIFUNCTION BOARD Witt 3B4K RAM 179.95

MACINTOSH'UPGRADE

(Parts onlyl

128K to 512K 50.00

Consists of: 16 41256 150ns 1 74F253 1716 Pin Sockets

Roalitori and Cipicllon ALSO INCLUDED

t A TRADEMARK OF APPLE COMPUTER t A TRADEMARK OF IBM CORPORATION

CALL or WRITE

for our FULL CATALOG

TERMS: Minimum order $10.00 For shipping and handling include $2.50 for UPS ground or $3.50 for UPS Blue (air) For each additional air pound, add $1.00 California residents must include 6% sales tax;LA.,S.F..S.Cruz,4S Mateo counties include 6 5% sales tax and Santa Clara include 7% sales tax All items subject to availability and prices subject to change Typographical errors are not our responsibility.

No additional charge for Mastercard or Visa We reserve the right to substitute manufacturers and to limit Quantities.

HOURS: Mor

7 30 to b OU 10 0010 3 00

VISIT OUR RETAIL STORE

2100 De L.i Cruz Blvr!

Santa Clara CA 95050

{4081 988-0697

ALL MERCHANDISE IS

100% GUARANTEED

Inquiry 121

Telex:

756440 f

Dc

>KavI

aaBBBBBBBBBBBM_ jm

S3SXi^bm^S

DECEMBER

I98T -BYTE 457

Incredible value!

Nashua, Diskettes

85

ea.

5W SSDD Qty 50 51/," DSDD

97

c

Qty 50

ea.

These are poly-bagged diskettes packaged with Tyvek sleeves, reinforced hubs user identification labels and write-protect tabs

NASHUA Corporation is a half-billion dollar corporation and a recognized leader in magnetic media

SOFT SECTOR ONLY! Sold in multiples of 50 only!

for orders only: information*

1-800-621-6827 inquiries:

(In Illinois 1-312-256-7140) 1-312-256-7140 HOURS 8AM-5PM Central Time, Monday-Friday WE WILL BEAT ANY NATIONALLY ADVERTISED PRICE ON THE SAME PRODUCTS AND QUANTITIES!

DISK WORLD!. Inc.

629 Green Bay Road • Wilmette, Illinois 60091

DISK WORLD!

NASHUA Authorised Distributor MAGNETIC

ATHANA

DISKETTES The great unknown!

7QC-.„ oc

0

Qty 50

5'/a'DSDD

You've used these diskettes hundreds of times, as copy-protected originals on some of the most popular software packages. They're packed in poly-bags of 25 with Tyvek sleeves, reinforced hubs, user identification labels and write-protect tabs.

■Lim',-i,,v;..v5sa

SOFT SECTOR ONLY! Sold in multiples of 50 only. for orders only: information &

1-800-621-6827 inquiries:

(In Illinois 1-312-256-7140) 1-312-256-7140

HOURS 8AM-5PM Central Time. Monday-Friday

WE WILL BEAT ANY NATIONALLY ADVERTISED PRICE

ON THE SAME PRODUCTS AND QUANTITIES!

DISK WORLD!, Inc.

629 Green Bay Road • Wilmette. Illinois 60091

DISK WORLD!

ATHANA Authorized Distributor MAGNETIC

DISKETTE STORAGE CASES

AMARAY MEDIA-MATE 50: A REVOLUTION ^* IN DISKETTE STORAGE

^^P Every once in a while, someone takes the

K|^fr simple and makes it elegant1 This unit holds

Mt 50 5'/«" diskettes, has grooves for easy

^^ f slacking, inside nipples to keep diskettes

from slipping and severa1 other features. We

like it' CO KG • $2 00

OJ.Ui) ea Shpng

DISKETTE 70 STORAGE: STILL A GREAT BUY.

^^F Dust-free storage for 70 5V diskettes

l^HK Six dividers included An excellent value.

V\l[ ' VDISK CADDIES $9-"5 Shpng

V ^s\^ J^ The original flip up holder toi 10 5'* ■"X^^diskettes Beige or grey only C-t CC

<mmF • 20C Shpng

for orders only: information &

1-800-621-6827 inquiries:

(In Illinois 1-312-256-7140) 1-312-256-7140

HOURS 8AM-5PM Central Time, Monday-Friday

WE WILL BEAT ANY NATIONALLY ADVERTISED PRICE

ON THE SAME PRODUCTS AND QUANTITIES!

DISK WORLD!, Inc.

629 Green Bay Road • Wilmette, Illinois 60091

DISK WORLD!

FANTASTIC LOW PRICES ON

™ BASF n

) QUALIMETRIC ( DISKETTES!

LIFETIME WARRANTY!

Buy in bulk and save 150 to the carton with envelopes, writeprotect tabs and user ID labels Boxed product is the same except in cardboard boxes ot 10.

Qty 50 Qlv 150

5 25" SSDD .83 ea, 80 ea

5 25" DSDD 94 ea. 92 ea

5 25-DSDD-HD 2 13ea N/A

5 25"SSDD-96TPI 94 ea N/A

5 25"DSDD-96TPI 106 ea N/A

3 50SSDD 135TPI 184 ea 1 68 ea

3 50DSDD 135TPI 2 40 ea 2 28 ea

NOTE 3 50" diskettes in Quantity 50 are packed in plastic library cases That's why they seem to be a better buy But there are only 5 diskettes to a case so the bulk diskettes are really a better deal, unless you like expensive little library cases

for orders only: information &

1-800-621-6827 inquiries:

(In Illinois 1-312-256-7140) 1-312-256-7140 HOURS 8AM-5PM Central Time Monday-Friday WE WILL BEAT ANY NATIONALLY ADVERTISED PRICE ON THE SAME PRODUCTS AND QUANTITIES!

fllQIf Authorized Reseller _

Wlvl* Information Processing !• RAQJ

WORLD! —

DISK WORLD!

Ordering & Shipping Instructions

Shipping: 5V & 3 5" DISKETTES—Add $3 00 per each 100 or fewer diskettes Other Items: Add shipping charges as shown in addition to other shipping charges Payment: VISA and MASTERCARD accepted COD Orders: Add additional $5 OOSpecial Handling charge AP0, FP0, AK. HI S PR Orders: Include shipping charges as shown and additional 5% ot total order amount to cover PAL and insurance Taxes: Illinois residents only, add 7% sates tax

Prices subiect to change without notice

This ad supercedes all other ads Not responsible for typographical errors minimum total order $35 00

for orders only: information &

1-800-621-6827 inquiries:

(In Illinois 1-312-256-7140) 1-312-256-7140

HOURS 8AM-5PM Central Time

Monday-Friday

WE WILL BEAT ANY NATIONALLY ADVERTISED PRICE

ON THE SAME PRODUCTS AND QUANTITIES!

DISK WORLD!. Inc.

629 Green Bay Road • Wilmette, Illinois 60091

DISK WORLD!

PRINTER RIBBONS:

at

extraordinary prices!

Brand new ribbons, manufactured to Original Eguipment Manufacturer's specifications, in housings (Not re-inked or spools only)

LIFETIME WARRANTY!

Epson MX-70/80 $2.70 ea + 25C Shpng

Epson MX-100 .. $4.08 ea. + 25c Shpng.

Okidata Micro83.. $1.37 ea. + 250 Shpng.

Okidata Micro84 . $2.98 ea. + 250 Shpng.

for orders only: information &

1-800-621-6827 inquiries:

lln Illinois: 1-312-256-7140) 1-312-256-7140

HOURS 8AM-5PM Central Time, Monday-Friday

WE WILL BEAT ANY NATIONALLY ADVERTISED PRICE

ON THE SAME PRODUCTS AND QUANTITIES!

DISK WORLD!, Inc.

629 Green Bay Road • Wilmette, Illinois 60091

The vah» leader in H UlOft Computer supplies I ,.irvril _., And.cc.s.one. ■ WORLD!

Now, the lowest prices ever on

3M Scotch

7 DISKETTES

LIFETIME WARRANTY!

The best deal

on 3M diskettes

you've ever seen!

FREE!

FLIP 'N FILE 15

with every order

for 5.25 SSDD and DSDD.

$1.36 ea. 5.25" SSDD with FREE Flip n File 15

5.25" DSDD with FREE Flip 'n File 15.. .$1.67 ea.

MINIMUM ORDER: 50 Diskettes

(Orders less than 50 are $1.39 and $1.70.

respectively)

100% LIFETIME WARRANTY!

This is a Super Special Promotion. It was supposed to end May 31,1985,

But we decided to buy more than 1,000,000 3M diskettes packed in the FREE Flip 'n File 15...and give you the benefits of this terrific value.

One word of warning: this offer is limited only to supplies on hand. Once this inventory is gone, that's it. The prices stay the same.. .but there's no FREE Flip n File.

The last time we ran an offer like this, everything sold out in about six weeks.

So don't wait. Order now.

Other 3M diskettes

Qty 20 Qty 50

5.25" SSDD-96TPI $2.07 ea. $2.04 ea.

5.25"DSDD-96TPI $2.51 ea. $2 48ea.

5 25"DSDD-HDFORAT $3 18ea $3 14ea.

3 50"SSDD-135TPI(Mac) $2 29ea $2.26 ea

DATA CARTRIDGES

100% certified 3M data cartridges

DC-1000 $12.62 ea.

DC-300XLP $19 38ea

DC-600A $20 61 ea

Sold in cases of 10 only.

Add $5 00 shipping per 10 data cartridges

FIRST TOUCH KEYBOARD STRIP

The best way we've ever seen to avoid static danger Adheres to the front ledge of your keyboard Overpriced at $19.95. so we cut the price to $10.95 + $1.50 Shipping.

A VERY SPECIAL OFFER 3M POST-IT NOTES & DISPENSER

Suggested Retail' $20,95 Includes dispenser, 12 pads of 3" x 5" Pest-It notes and Pilot Ball Point Pen Order it with 50 3M diskettes or 10 data cartridges and it's only $9.75 + $3 00 Shipping.

DISK WORLD!

AutnofiMd Distributor Information Processing Products

458 BYTE • DECEMBER 1985

Inquiry 420

What the world really needs

is a 69 cent

Double Sided, Double Density Diskette

with a LIFETIME WARRANTY!

And DISK WORLD! has it.

Introducing Super Star Diskettes:

the high quality diskette with

the lowest price

and the best LIFETIME WARRANTY!

In the course ol selling more than a million diskettes every month, we've learned something: higher prices don't necessarily mean higher quality.

In fact, we've found that a good diskette manufacturer simply manufactures a good diskette...no matter what they charge for it. (By way of example, consider that none of the brands that we carry has a return rate of greater than 1/1,000th of 1 percent!)

In other words, when people buy a more expensive diskette, they aren't necessarily buying higher quality.

The extra money might be going toward flashier advertising, snazzier packaging or simply higher profits.

But the extra money in a higher price isn't buying better quality.

All of the good manufacturers put out a good diskette

Period.

How to cut diskette prices .. .without cutting quality.

Now this discovery posed a dilemma: how to cut the price of diskettes without lowering the quality.

There are about 85 companies claiming to be "diskette" manufacturers.

Trouble is. most of them aren't manufacturers.

Rather they are fabricators or marketers, taking other company's components, possibly doing one or more steps of the processing themselves and pasting their labels on the finished product.

The new Eastman Kodak diskettes, for example, are one of these. So are IBM 5V<" diskettes. Same for DYSAN, Polaroid and many, many other familiar diskette brand names. Each of these diskettes is manufactured in whole or in part by another company!

So, we decided to act just like the big guys. That's how we would cut diskette prices ..without lowering the quality.

We would go out and find smaller companies to manufacture a diskette to our specifications...specifications which are higher than most.. and simply create our own "name brand" diskette.

Name brand diskettes that offered high quality at low prices.

DISKETTE STORAGE CASES

DISK CADDIES

The original flip-up holder for 10 514" diskettes. Beige or Grey only.

$1.65 ea. .20 Shpng.

DISKETTE 70 STORAGE

Dust-free storage for 70 5V*" diskettes. Six dividers included. An excellent value. $9.95 ea.+$3.00 Shpng.

HOURS:

Human: 8AM-6PM Central Time. Monday through Friday

Answering Machine: 6PM-8AM, All Times

MCI MAIL: 24 hours a day.

SUPER | STAR ■

■diskettes!

5W "

W 5V*"

SSDD

DSDD

.55 ea.

1 .69 ea.

Qty. 50

1 Qty. 50

Super Star diskettes are sold in multiples of 50 only. Diskettes are shipped with white Tyvec sleeves, reinforced hubs, user ID labels and write-protect tabs

Boy, did we get lucky. Our Super Star

Diskettes are the same ones you've been

using for years.. .without knowing it.

In our search for the low priced, high quality diskette of our dreams, we found something even more interesting.

We found that there are several manufacturers who don't give a hoot about the consumer market for their diskettes. They don't spend millions of dollars in advertising trying to get you, the computer user, to use their diskettes.

Instead, they concentrate their efforts on turning out the highest quality diskettes they can...because they sell them to the software publishers, computer manufacturers and other folks who (in turn) put their name on them.. .and sell them for much higher prices to you!

After all, when a software publisher or computer manufacturer or diskette marketer puts their name on a diskette, they want it to work time after time, everytime. (Especially software publishers who have the nasty habit of copyprotecting their originals!)

HOW TO ORDER:

ORDERS ONLY:

1-800-621-6827

(In Illinois: 1-312-256-7140)

INQUIRIES:

1-312-256-7140 FOR FASTEST SERVICE. USE NO-COST MCI MAIL: Our address is DISKORDER. It's a FREE MCI MAIL letter No charge to you. (Situation permitting, we'll ship these orders in 24 hours or less.)

SHIPPING: 5V«" & 3W DISkETTES—Add $3 00 per each 100 or fewer diskettes. OTHER ITEMS: Add shipping charges as shown in addition to other shipping charges PAYMENT: VISA. MASTERCARD and Prepaid orders accepted COO ORDERS: Add additional $5.00 special handling charge. APO. FPO, AK, HI 4 PR ORDERS: Include shipping charges as shown and additional 5% of total order amount to cover PAL and insurance We ship only to United States addresses, except tor those listed above. TAXES: Illinois residents, add 7% sales tax.

MINIMUM ORDER: $35.00.

Super Star Diskettes. You already know

how good they are. Now you can buy

them...cheap.

Well, that's the story.

Super Star diskettes don't roll off the boat from PagoPago or emerge from a basement plant |ust east of Nowhere.

Super Star diskettes have been around for years.. and you've used them for years as copy-protected software originals, unprotected originals. Sometimes, depending on which computer you own, the system master may have been on a Super Star diskette. And maybe more than once, you've bought a box or two or more of Super Star diskettes without knowing it. They |ust had some "big" company's name on them.

Super Star Diskettes are good. So good that a lot of major software publishers, computer manufacturers and other diskette marketers buy them in the tens or hundreds of thousands.

We buy them in the millions.

And than we sell them to you.

Cheap.

When every little bit counts, it's Super Star Diskettes.

You've used them a hundred times...under different names.

Now. you can buy the real McCoy, the same diskette that major software publishers, computer manufacturers and diskette marketers buy. and call their own.

We simply charge less.

Super Special!

Order 50 Super Star Diskettes and we'll be happy to sell you an Amaray Media-Mate 50 for only $8.75, shipping included...a lot less than the suggested retail price of $15.95

£*

DISK WORLD!, INC.

Regular DISK WORLD! price: $9.69 ea. + $2.00 Shpng.

The Super Star LIFETIME WARRANTY!

Super Star Diskettes are unconditionally warranted against defects in original material and workmanship so long as owned by the original purchaser. Returns are simple: just send the defective diskettes with proof of purchase, postage-paid by you with a short explanation of the problem, and we'll send you the replacements. (Incidentally, coffee stained diskettes and diskettes with staples driven through them don't qualify as "defective")

WE WILL MEET OR BEAT ANY NATIONALLY

ADVERTISED PRICE

ON THE SAME PRODUCTS AND QUANTITIES

SUBJECT TO THE SAME TERMS AND CONDITIONS.

629 Green Bay Road Wilmette, Illinois 60091

Inquiry 42!

DECEMBER 1985 -BYTE 459

iiiiii

I

hiViS

to

SKSS PRICE BREAKTHRU

Retail Value $5000 Save up to 60%

ADVANCED XT

ACP PRICE NOW ONLY!

$169500

Monochrome Monitor Included 10 Mb Hard Disk

ACP has sold over 2,000 of this system to major customers including Rockwell Int'l, Hughes Aircraft and Emulex Corp. See for yourself why these customers prefer the Advanced XT over the IBM XT.

BASE SYSTEM CONSISTS OF:

• 256K Expandable to 640K on the Motherboard.

• (1) 360K DS/DD Floppy Disk

• Serial & Parallel Ports

• Deluxe Keyboard w/LED's

• Mouse with Software

• LCD, Lightpen & RF Ports

• RGB and Mono Ports

• VLSI Circuit Design

• (3) Expansion Slots

• Ergonomic Design & Packaging

• GEM or PC Works Software

• 90 Day Warranty

SYSTEM A

(P/N BDACP100)

Base System (See Left)

$ 995.00

SYSTEM B

(P/N BOACP101)

Base System with additional Floppy Disk Drive

$1099.00

SYSTEM C

(P/N BDACP102)

Base System w/12" Grn Monitor w/Titt & Swivel base and additional Floppy Drive

$1295.00

SYSTEM D

(P/N BDACP103)

Base System w/FtGB Color Monitor w/Tilt & Swivel base and additional Floppy Drive

$1495.00

SYSTEM E

(P/N BOACP104)

Base System v. 10Mb Hard Disk and Green Monitor with Tilt & Swivel base

$1695.00

SYSTEM F

(P/N BDACP105)

Base System w/10Mb Hard Disk and RGB Color Monitor with Tilt & Swivel base

$1985.00

ADVANCED XT ACCESSORIES

6 Slot Expansion Chassis

(IBM or IBM Compatible).. $399.00 LCD Display (80x25) for use with

Advanced XT LCD Port 299.00

Monochrome Hi-res text card 69.95 Monochrome IBM style Monitor 99.95 256K Upgrade (Uninstalled) 59.95

PC DOS 2.1 $65.00

GW Basic 75.00

PC Works 1.15 (Touchstone)

Regualr $195 65.00

Archive Tape B.U. (ext. 10Mb) 995.00

Maintenance Manual 50.00

Technical Reference Manual 50.00

SPECIAL SYSTEM w/Printer

1. System E with Diablo

620 Serial Printer $1995.00

2. System F with Diablo

620 Serial Printer 2285.00

3. Canon LBP-8A1 IBM compatible laser printer. Purchase for a low price of $2895.00 and we will give you System A FREE!

DIABLO 620 DAISYWHEEL PRINTER

The Finest Letter Quality Printer at a Spectacular Price. We have sold 1000's. You can

have a spare at this price.

620 Serial List 1495 ACP $395.00

620 API List 1695 ACP 495.00

620 D36 List 1695 ACP 550.00

F-21 Sheet Feeder List 895 ACP 249.00

620 Tractor List 395 ACP 99.00

Cable ACP 29.00

Serial to Par. 64K Buffer. ACP 125.00

Spll BB[K|

10 Mb $399.00

Shugart SA712 w/Controller & Cables. Ready for Installation in IBM™" PC and Compatibles. (1 Year Warranty)

Shugart SA712 10Mb HD$229.00 Seagate ST225 20Mb HD 419.00

PC UPGRADE SPECIAL

SET OF (9) 64K RAMS

S^SS

«Q SET OF (9) 256K RAMS $5.95 4128 PIGGYBACK RAM

1200 Baud Hayes™ Comp. Modem Short Card by U.S. Robotics with Telpac I Software. List $499 ACP. $179.00

Buy (6) S159.00

10Mb Tape Back-up

Archive, #1 in

tape back-up

technology

High speed

10Mb back-up

for only

$995.00

External Box w/Power Supply

Great for adding Hard Disk to your PC. Same as photo $179.00

-t

DELUXE JOYSTICK m $11.95

Compatible w/Atari 2600, 400, 800. VIC-20/ 64 and Apple. Apple requires optional cable adaptor. Add $2.95

APPLE DISK DRIVE $115.00

1 High quality U high I drive for Apple II, II+ . lie or lie. Apple lie requires optional cable adaptor. Add $10.00

Jl

iiiiipipii

UPS POWER SUPPLY

Back Up C0-.1 tor your IBM.

UPS-PC 200 Want UPS-XT 300 WMtt

UPS-AT eoo wans

739 00

A 9 PRINTER SWITCH

An AB Swncn allow* usi ot Iwo printer* will yuut compuler syslem We Mocr. OW 15 dil torenl contiguralions

AB Swtlch (Centronics) ii

AB Switch (DB25) i

COLOR VIDEO CARDS

227 00 219 00

am 00

Color PIUS IBM CoW Carols M Mono Ca'O w'parallel STB Graph** Pha PvMim MuHMMptty Card Everei Gfapnica Edge

15 or.

345 00

DRIVE CABINETS

IBM Style Hard Dak *rth power

luppty and fan !<79 00

Dual Hard D»" w/power sup * tan 295 00

Dual 5V Ft* Hetgtt vertical mount 8500

Dual SW" Full Height hon/onlal rnouni 9900 Dud 5V. TrunHrw rWpower >up i Ian 60 00

Single SVi" Full Height wfpowei iup 4 'an 56 00 S.ngie SV Thinhne w'power sup & fan 60 00

PERSYST CARDS

Pvsysl Mono Combo — NEWI

Persysl Colof Combo — NEWI

Persysi Bob BoarD

Persyit Snonport Corn

Petsyst Mini Mono

Periyst • I Time Spectrum w-64K

Parayst '92* Rainbow DEC Card

S335 00 335.00 US C

SPECIAL BUY

•harp 12" Color ROB Monitor List $499 00 ACP $249.95

MODEM SPECIAL

Hiy.i Smart modem Co mpe tibia 12O0 B ■■(•mat. Sold tor 9399

SI 99.00

INTERSIL STD-BU5 BOARDS

TRANSISTORS/DIODES

ISB333' ISB3340 ISB3400 ISB3410 ISB3500 ISB3S10

ISB3600

ISB38I0 ISB3700 ISB3711 ISB3720 IS83830

Z80CPU ZSOUnrv CPU

l*K CMOS RAM 16K Slate RAM 16K CMOS RAM ZS0 Pio (0 maimg)

Univarsal PIO Opto Para Input Floppy Controller SASI iDMA, WINI Inn

Oplo-lso Input SPST Relay OPOTRatay Amnmete EPROM Programer SynclAaync Unw Sync/Aaync REMDACS 12 Bit A/D

?20 269 95

CAPACITORS

01uF DISC BYPASS CAPACITOR 100/56 50

1 uF DISC BYPASS CAPACITOR 100/6 50

OluF MONOLITHIC CAPACITOR 100/11 25

I uF MONOLITHIC CAPACITOR 100/14 25

CORCOM EMI FILTER

STO CORCOM 3 ConOuClor FMm S4 50

Una Cord tor above — S too* 1 49

Line Cord 2 Conductor — 6 tool 35

Line Cord 3 Conductor — 6 toot 95

MUFFIN FANS

Over 10,000 In Slock

Torin 3" TA-300 Fan NEW' S9 9

Totm * 88" Muffin Fan NEW1 12 9

12VDC Fan NEW' 19 S

Finger Guards added 1 4

Powei Corda Adoeo 14

IC SOCKETS

SOLDERTAK t-99

B Pin ST/LP 1 13 !

t4 Pm ST/LP 15

16 Pin ST/IP 17

16 Pin ST/LP 20

20 Pin ST/LP 2S

22 Pin ST/LP 29

24 Pin ST/LP 29

26 Pm ST/LP 39

36 Pin ST/LP 45

40 Pm ST/LP 46

64 Pin ST/LP 3 95

WrftCWRAP [GOLD) 1 99

6 Pm WW/3L S 49

M Pm WW/31 62

te Pm WWI3L 95

IS Pin WW/3L 69

20 Pin WW/3L 99

22 Pm WW/3L I 19

24 Pin WW/3L I 25

28 Pin WW/3L I 49

40 Pin WW/3L 1 66 TEXTOOL/Z1F ZERO INSERTION

16 Pin $6 75 24 Pm 57 85 28 Pin S

(Wa Stock AN Types Ol Sockets)

PN2222A

PN2369A

PN918

2N2216A

2N2219A

2N2905

2N2907

2N3055

2N3565

2N3638

7/11 00 2N3904

5/t 00 2N3906

31100 TIP28A

45 T1P30A

46 tip31* 45 TIP32A 25 1N4148 69 1N751

4/100 1N4002

4/1 00 1N4004

1 69 MPQ2232

2/1 00

I 1 25 2/1 25

25/1 00 5/1 00

12/1.00 10/1.00

OPTO ISOLATORS

MCT-2

I 59

4N33

MCT«

138

4N35

Mcr-ee

SB

4N37

MCA255

' 55

4N38

4N26

96

TIL117

IW9

SPX33

INM

■■-

;•.;

Jumbo Rob S 09 S 06

Jumbo Groan 17 15

Jumbo Yellow IT 15

Mini Sue Red 10 09

Mini Sim Green 19 te

Mm. Size Yellow 19 16

SPECIAL VALUES!

MCM68705 EPROM 99 95

6116/2016-150mS 10/19 95

D6-25P Ma* 10/17 50

DB-2SS Female 10/1995

2732A-2 10/29 95

2716DC-450mS 10/24 50

2T64-4S0mS 10/29 95

CALL ACP FOR ALL YOUR VOLUME IC REQUIREMENTS

EDGE CONNECTORS MM

S100 ST 93 95 S

S 100 WW 4 75

44 Pin ST 2 75

DSUBMINIATURE

S3 10 S290

DB25S (Female

0B2SP(Male> 240

Hood SI 25 Mtg H/W t 99

OE37S I Female) 95 95

DE37P (Male 1 5 25

Hood $1 75 Mtg H/W t 99

D050S (Female) SB 95

DD50P (Male) 6 00

Hood S3 25 Mtg HAM S 99

(OTHER STYLES IN CATALOG) CENTRONICS IDC 36 Pin Male IOC 36 Pin Female Sokter 36 Pin Male Solder 36 Pin Female

(CALL TOLL FREE FOR IOC's)

IDC CONNECTORS

IOC TYPE

ACP NO

NUMBER OF CONTACTS 10 20 26 34 40 50

Solder Header

IDH««S

.79

1.20

1.65

2 10

2.40

3.00

Rt Angle Solder Header

IDHkxSR

79

1.20

1.65

2 10

2.40

300

Ribbon Header Socket

IDS™

.75

96

1 35

1 50

1.86

210

Ribbon Header

IDMxx

5 2b

5 95

6 75

7 25

825

Ribbon Edgecard

IDEo

1.70

7 15

? M

I M

3 70

395

Wirewrap Header

lOHxxW

1 BO

2 90

3 75

4.28

4.95

650

Rl Angle W/W Header

lOHxxWR

1.99

3.10

4 10

4.20

4.60

7 15

NOTE To order insert number ol contacts in place ol x* in ACP pari number ORDER QUANTITY OF 50OC6 (mixed) AND TAKE AN ADDITIONAL 10H OFF.

EPSON PRINTERS

FX-85 (160cpS) $369.00 FX-185 (160cps) 515.00

LX-80 (100 Cps) . 245.00

LQ-1500 (NLQ) 899.00

FX-80+ 339.00

PRINTER SPECIALS

Toshiba 1340 $479.00

Toshiba 341 999.00

Toshiba 351 1175.00

Star SG-10 239.00

Brother 1509 399.00

60000

68000L1D 6600

26.95

as m

37.95

-ii\:S 8237 8237-5

82S1A 8253 USB

■MM

6748 8749 B7S5A

4 0MHI "B" 6 0MHI

260-CTC

160-0 ART

Z90-OMA

290-PIO

Z9O-SKV0

Z80-SIO/1

ZB0-SIO/2

Z60-SIO/9

DISK CONTROLLERS

LIP0765S24 9S

1797

S2I 95

1 6843

128 95

1771

15 95

2791

32 95

8272

1995

1791

22 75

2793

8J ^

1691

I M

i ma

21 50

2795

MM

2143

696

1795

21 SO

2797

27 95

1 9216

■2 M

CRT CONTROLLERS

6845

SI 195

8275

S2850 1

TMS991B

S39 50

88848

17 95

7220

34 95

8360

39 95

6847

1150

5027

17 95

6545

1495

46505

14 75

5037

21 95 1

6002

19 95

MM ■

19 50

NEC7220 Graphics

34 95

UARTSAISARTS

S3 95 I 2350 S 8 96 ] IMCMO 395 8250 10.50 TMS&I

6 75 I IU6402 7 75 I 2651

EPROMS

1702 (imS|

2708 (450nSj 2758 <5V) 2716 (450nSj 2716 ISSOnSI 2516 (5V) TMS2716 TMS2S32 2732 (4S0nSl 2732 (250nS) 2732(200nSl

S 390

2732A-4 (450nS) S 2732A {250nS) 2732A.2 (2O0nS) 2764 (450nS) 2764 (250nS) 2764 (200nS) TMS2S64 (450nSj MCM69764 (450nS) MCM66766 (350nS) . 27128-3 ISOOnSl 27t28 l?50nS|

98 95 ! 27C64

STATIC RAMS

2101 (450nS| 21L02 |450nS) 2102-t (450nS) 21L02-2 (250nS) 2111(450nS) 2112(450nS) 21l4(4SOnS) 2114L-4(4S0n) 2114L3|300n) 21UL-2(200n) 2147 |5SnS) 4044-4 (450nS) 4044-3 (MM) 4044-2 (200nS) UPD410(100nS) 5101 (CMOS)

1 45 679 50 69 8/12 50 79 8/13 30 B9 8/13 90

MK4118 S4 95

TMM2016-2 |200nSl 3 10 TMM20I6-I5(l50n| 3 95 TMM20IO-1 |100nS| 3 00 HM6116P-4 (200nS) 4 75 HM6i)6P-3I150nS) 3 25 HM6116P-2(120nS) 5 75 HM6116LP-4 (LP) 380 HM6116LP-3 (LP) 3 86 HM8116LP-2 (LP) 3 95 Z6132(3O0nS) 32 95

HM6264P-15(150) 14 95 HM6264LP-15 (LP) 16 95 74S189 l35nS) 1 85

93415 (50nS) 3 95

93425 (50nS) 3 95

DYNAMIC RAMS

4027 ,-jinj, SI 29

t103(300nS| 79

4it6N-2(150nS) 129 8/9 95

4l16N-3(200nS) 1 19 8/ 8.25

4116N-4 (2S0nS) 99 8/ 5 99

4164N-150 (ISOn) 159 9/1195

4164N-200 (200n) 149 9/10 00

4164N-120(12OnS) 6 25

TMS4164 (150nS) 5 95

TMS4406 l200nS) M 95

TMS44I6 HSOnS) 17 75

412S8-1SO (150n) 6 95

4l256-2O0(20On) 7 95

TMS405O OOOnS) 1 85

TMS4060 pOOnS) I 85

MM5280 (300nS) 1 85

UP0411 (300oSl 1 85

MM5296 l250nS) 1 85

DISK SPECIAL (ibm pc dsddi

79ea

PACKAGE

WOW!

5 ■. ■ Dwana

VERBATIM 525-01 SS/DO VERBATIM 550-01 OS/DO (IBM) MAXELL MO-i SS7DD (All) MAXELL MD-2 DSVDD (IBM) MAXELL DISKS lor AT (96tpt) DYSAN 104/1D SS/DO (AM) DYSAN 104/2D DS/DD (IBM) ACP SS/DO (All) ACP DS/DD (IBM) ■3' .- DISKETTI S

VERBATIM 8 SS/OO VERBATIM 8 DS/DD DYSAN 8 SSVDO DYSAN 8' DS/DD

4000 S 28 4028 S 65

4503 CALL FOR

MC14412 1295

74C00 S 29

74C02 29 74C04 29 74COB 35 74C10 36

74C74 S.65 I 74C161 SI 15 I 74C373 S2.35 74C8S 1 69 74C175 1 15 74C374 2 35 74C90 1 15 74C240 1 89 74C901 59 74C93 1 15 I 74C244 189 I 74C922 4 45 MORE 74C IN STOCK - ALSO W CATALOG

LM108AH

93 95

99

LM301N

35

LM304H

189

LM305H

95

LM306H

4 75

LM307N

40

LM306CN

65

LM310CN

1 65

LM311CN

6?

LM312H

1 76

LM318CN

1 45

LM318H

1 56

LM319N

1 19

vn»

LM324N

56

LM339N

95

LM340 (see VRs)

LM348N

(5

LM358CN

05

LM359

i 75

LM360N

2 95

LM370N

496

LM373N

395

LM376N

3 75

LU377N

i 90

LM360CN

85

LM380N

105

LU3B1N

159

LM3B2N

136

LM383N

195

LM364N

1 75

LM386N

89

LM387N

1 29

LM389M

t 15

LM392N

M

LM723N

48

LM723H

s1-.

NE531

285

r,f. ')■=■

35

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65

N65&B

NES61

23 50

NE564

286

LM565

96

: IMM

1 45

Lt9MT

85

NEL'C

385

NES71

290

NE590 1 NE592

LM709N

LM709H

LM710

LM711

LM715

LM723M

LM723H

LM733

LM730

LM741CN

LM741H

LM741N

LM747

LM748

LM1014

LM1303

LM13I0

MC1330

MC1349

MC1350

MC1366

MC1372

LM1812

LM1830

LM1871

LM1872

LM1877

LM1869

LM1696

ULN2001

ULN2O03

XR2208

XH2207

XR2208

XRZ211

LM2977P

LM2878P

LM2900

LU2901

LM2903

LM2907

LM2917

LM3900

LM3905

LM3909 LU3914 LM3015 LM3918 MC4024 MC4044 RC4131 RC4136 RC4151 CA3023 CA3039 CA3046 CA3069 CA308O CA3086 CA3060 CA3081 CA3062 CA3083 CA3066 CA3089 CA3096 CA3130 CA3140

VOLTAGE REGULATORS

7805T Alan

8. 12. 15. 24V 7BL06. 12. 15V 78M06C 78MCV79MG 78HOSr(C 7805r! Also

12. 15. 24V 7905T Also

8 12 15, 24V

.69

SPECIAL PURPOSE CHIPS

BR 1941

34702

5018

8116

5307

MC4024

8038

DATA ACQUISITION

ADC0817

S9 75

DAC0800

4 75

DAC0808

2 85

DAC1020

795

DAC1022

585

LF353N

1 99

EXPANSION MEMORY 64K UPGRADE (Set of 9) $4.95 256K RAMS (Set of 9) $26.95

CABLES/ACCESSORIES

IBM PARALLEL (Shielded) S29 95

IBM SERIAL (Shielded) 24 95

KEYBOARD EXTENSION 9 95

RS232 GENDER CHANGER Mole Male 14 95

RS232 GENDER CHANGER Female-Female M 95

NULL MODEM ADAPTOR 14 96

DISK DRIVE SPECIALS

Toshiba ND04D DS/DD IBM $89.50

Toshiba N004C-G for "AT" 99.50

Toshiba ND08DE-G 1 2Mb lor "AT"149.50

ALL WITH MOUNTING KIT

TOLL FREE

800-854-8230

Calif. Residents

714-558-8813

Inquiry 11

OUR POLICY

•NO surcharge for VISA or Mastercard. •NO sales tax. *AII shipments Insured. •Your card is Not charged until we ship. •Same day FEDEX shipment is available.

• Volume purchasing agreements available. •Government agencies, corporate and

Institutional PO's accepted. •Orders subject to availability. •All items have manufacturer warranty.

Some warranties up to 5 years.

• Pricing subject to change w/o notice.

• Returns or cancellations may be subject to restocking fee.

•ACP Retail Store pricing may vary. •We are not responsible for typos.

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74142

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37

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74144

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74145

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74LS42

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74LS260

74LS261

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74LS383

74LS365

74LS366

74LS387

74LS366

74LS373

74LS374

74LS375

74LS377

74LS395

74LS3S8

74LS390

'4LS393

74LS395

74LS399

74LS424

74LS66B

74LS670

81LS95

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81LS98

25LS2521

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74S00/PROMS"

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74S280 74S28774S28874S373 149 74S374 I 49 74S387I 49 74S471' I 49 74S472" I 99 74S473199 74S474I 99 74S475199 74S570IBS 74S571* I 19 74S572* I 19 74S573I 19 74S940 I 19 74S941 1 74HC

Mail

Ul

Qfce^

flfitaik

Box

Irvirieu V/iV2Zll

HIS,

IDE

E^d

Saijti_AiJjJ_Ci\

9^70

:

Polaroid/Pferfect

51/4" Double Density

As Low As:

*A turn of the dial

displays your diskettes

in this sturdy

plastic case

69$

Your Benefits From Polaroid's Superior Quality:

All disks are soft sectored in packages of 10 with reinforcing

hub rings, write protect tabs, and labels

Available in soft cardboard boxes or plastic Dial N File

Free data recovery service

Exceeds all industry standards

Multi-million piece "Truck-Load" purchase for absolute lowest

prices - limited quantity, so hurry

Unconditional 20 year warranty

The incredible savings offered by Priority One settles the

Today, the biggest threat to your data is you. Accidents will happen, and before Polaroid came along, they usually resulted in complete data loss.

Polaroid diskettes cannot prevent accidents, but with their free data recovery service, they will prevent loss of data. Simply return your damaged diskette to Polaroid's Data Recovery Center.and they will recover all possible data, tell you what blocks, if any, could not be recovered, and return a new disk to you.

issue of who gives the best value for your diskette dollar

51/4" Double Density 48 TPI

Double Sided for PC's & Compatibles — Single Sided for Apple & Atari

Part Number

Description

Retail

PRICE PER BOX OF 10 DISKETTES 5-20 25-85

100 or More

BXP0L522DF Double Sided in Dial N File $51.00 $13.00 $11.OO $8.90 BXP0L512 Single Sided $35.00 $1 OmOO $ 8.40 $6.90

BXP0L5120F Single Sided in Dial N File $41.00 $12.00 $10.00 $7.90

8" Double Density

Pirt Number Retail 5 ■ 20 25+

SINGLE SIDED: 8XP0L812 $4500 $15 $10

DOUBLE SIDED: BXP0L822 $55.00 $20 $15

I DltktHlt mlUblt »l| In mitdlrt psclijlng

ALL PBICES ARE PER BOX OF 10 DISKETTES. MINIMUM ORDER IS 5 BOXES: LARGER ORDERS MUST BE IN MULTIPLES OF 5.

PRIORITY

ELECTRONICS

®

IRVINE

18241 Mc Durmott, Irvine, CA 92714 (714)660-1411

Mail Your Order To:

21622 Plummer St., Chatsworth, CA 91311-4194 RETAIL (616)709-5464 INDUSTRIAL: (618)709-5111

SAN JOSE

452 W. Trimble Rd.,

San Jose, CA 95131

(406)946-7010

MINIMUM PREPAID ORDER 5 BOXES. Terms U.S. VISA, MC, BAC, Check. Money Order. U.S. Funds ONLY. CA residents add 6%. 6Va%, or 7% Sales Tax. depending on your local rates. All prices listed are per box of 10 diskettes. UPS shipping charge is $4.00 for first 10 boxes (100 diskettes), $2.00 for each additional order of 5 boxes. Credit card orders will be charged appropnte freight. Please include your phone number with your order. Prices good

through December 1985, or as long as supplies last We are not responsible for typographical errors.

PRIORITY ONE ELECTRONICS and PRIORITY 1 ELECTRONICS are registered service marks of the Heath Group. Ltd.

^ ORDER TOLL FREE (800)423-5922 (NOW IN CALIF. TOO!!)

442 BYTE • DECEMBER 1985

iJSSDi]

BjB^BbbW BfflWaflag MStiS&wi ^fflaMHMBaT BBWBHf WBBBBBS& aBK^B w^BSBHt MUKnE&i 8n

Inquiry 294

BAR CODE READER

• IBM PC/XT COMPATIBLE lAND MOST CLONES)

• CONNECTS BETWEEN KEYBOARD AND THE PC

• NO CAHO SLOT REQUIRED/SIMPLE INTERCONNECT

• NO CUSTOM SOFTWARE DRIVERS REQUIRED

• HIGH FIRST READ RATE

• READS DOT MATRIX 8 PRINTED BAR CODE LABELS

• CODE 3 OF 9 INTERLEAVED 2 OF 5. UPC

• AUTOMATIC BAR CODE SELECTION

• AUDIO AND VISUAL INDICATORS

• READS HIGH. MED AND LOW DENSITY LABELS

• SWITCH SELECTABLE OPTIONS (4QC

• SELF-TEST DIAGNOSTICS BtSW »■

PC/MS DOS BAR CODE PRINTING SOFTWARE S79 ea.

AMERICAN MICROSYSTEMS

P O BOX 830551. RICHARDSON, TX 75080

»(817| 834-9659 ...

MASHRCAHO AND VISA ACCEPTED fffMftV

An RS-232 Break-Out-Box at a Fraction of the Cost.

RS-232 Multi-Adapter Board: 9 LED's for signal monitoring. 24 switches to open any line (except line 1). 20 jumper wires allow re-wiring to any configuration. 1 male and 1 female connector. Order direct! Only $59.95. All cash orders postpaid. (IL res. add 6% sales tax). We Accept MC. Visa. Free illustrated catalog ot RS-232 interface and testing equipment. Phone: 815-434-0846. Make checks payable to:

l&B electronics

| HHi MANUFACTURING COMPANY

P.O. Box 1008B, OTTAWA, IL 61350

' —— . - -'t-—■ :

DOUBLE

THE OPTION CAPACITY

OF YOUR IBM PEBSONAt COMPUTER

PC-XTRA

• DIRECT EXTENSION OF KM PC BUS

• NO SOFTWARE CHANGES

• NO HARDWARE MODIFICATION

• STYLING CONSISTENT WITH IBM AM«JItooiewki oot'OnstrialyouveDeen wanling without worrying about tilling your plug-in ana Dao panel space

DEALER INQUIRIES IHVT I ED.

S549 °°" F 0 B SANTA ANA •CAWFORNift RESIDENTS ADD 6"» SALES TAJ

PC HORIZONS, INC.

1701 E. Edinger, Ste. A6, Sanla Ana, CA 92705 (714) 953-5396

Inquiry 31

Inquiry 276

<*S§@§&

development tools

C DOC: a cross-reference and documentation system, $275.

The Program Tuning Kit: a symbolic execution profiler, $145.

The C Browser: an intelligent code display system, S125.

All three $445.

An invaluable suite of tools for C software development under MSDOS/PC DOS.

Inquiry I40

m

iVsinsured?

SAFEV.AKE11 Insurance provides full replacement of hardware, media and

purchased software. As little as $39At. covers: • Fire • Theft • Power Surges

• Earthquake • Water Damage • Auto Accident

For information or immediate coverage call:

1-800-848-3469

In Obuj call 1-614-262-0559

(jaiiiBif)

safkwakk. Tie Insurance Agency Int

• Multi-user Database!

• Powerful!

• Multiple Operating System Compatibility!

• Attractive Dealer Pricing!

• Full Dealer Support!

Daiaflex is a trademark of Data Access

Dealer Inquiries Invited

24000 Telegraph Rodd

Sourhfield. Michigan 48034 USA

1313) 352-2345

Inquiry 64

OK-WRITER

LETTER QUALITY

Enhancement

Okidata ML82 Dot Matrix J

Easy io, PlugLetti eft Ck 12. 17 cpi

' graphics to all features :tng, bold, double ning. self-test. etc. parallel interfaces retained Diagnostic HEX dump any other features

RAINBOW TtCHNOLOGIES INC

17971-E Skypark Circle. Irvine, CA 92714

(714) 261-0228 Telex 386078 UK Distributor: X-DAT A (0753) 72331

KEYBOARD PROTECTOR Remains in place during keyboard use. Prevents damage from liquid spills, dust, ashes, etc. Fits like a second skin, excellent feel. Available for: IBM-PC. AT. Apple (all), Compaq. Model 100. NEC 8201, C64. Zenith 150. DEC. Kaypro and many others. Send $29.95. check. M.O.. Visa & MC include exp. date. Specify computer type. Dealer inquiries invited. Free brochure avail.

Merritt Computer Products, Inc.

2925 LBJ Fwy. *180 / Dallas, Texas 75234

(214) 942-1142

Inquiry 232

51/4 3M

W #t FLEXYC

S

5?

FLEXYDISKS

SS/DD Soft

OS/DD $

Soft

1.34.

1.63.

"1.29, '1.58,

PLUS— A $2.00 3M Factory Rebate Coupon with each box, along with 3M's big $30.00 rebate for other 3M products.

In Stock — Immediate Shipment.

Mastercard. VISA, Check or Money Order Add S3 00 shipping charges per each 100 or partAdd $2.50 additional lor C.O.D. shipments. N.J. residents add 6% sales tax.

Data Exchange

Dept. B, P.O. Box 993 178 Route 206 South Somerville. N.J. 08876

(201) 874-5050

Inquiry 321

Inquiry 310

Inquiry 104

4 MEGABYTE ™; HARD DISK

DRIVE SALE!

With 64K Installed for IBM PC

For Your IBM PC

256K '399"

512K ,«9«

1MB *549»

2MB -*«•?

For Your IBM PC-AT

" TALLTREE JRAM-2/JRAM-3

2 MEGABYTE card

For Your IBM PC

Up to 384K. parallel printer port. RS-232 serial port game port, clock/calendar, RAM disk/printer but fer software package

OK JADE Expando RAM 384K JADE Expando RAM

LIST JADE

'299 '149.95

'649 '199.95

EXPAND YOUR IBM PC, IBM PC-XT, IBM PC-AT

LIST _ '395

— ^45

— !165 >595

3.0 MB AST Advanlage-AT s4145

IRMA 3270 Board s1195

AST Six Pak Plus 64K AST Six Pak Plus 384K AST I/O Plut

128K AST Advantage-AT

IBM Video Boards

Hercules Color Graphics

Hercules Monochrome Graphics

Tecmar Graphics Master

Paradise Graphics Card

Everex Graphics Edge

JADE RGB w/Parallel Port

JADE RGB w Parallel & Serial JADE TTL Monochrome720x348

LIST '245 ■499

'699 '395 '599 .'199 '299 '299

Ji

•249.95 1299.95

•129.95 '399.95 ■999.95 •988.95

JADE •189.95 •339.95 •499.95 •319.95 •349.95

'99.95 •199.95

'149.9S

135/150 WATT

Drop-in replacement

POWER SUPPLY

For your IBM PC

LIST J*DE

135 Watt $199 $9595 150 Watt $249 $11595

mEMEwm

FREE PC PAINTBRUSH W/MICR0S0FT Mouse

LIST JADE

Microsoft Mouse. RS-232 Serial '199 '129.95

Microsoft Mouse. IBM Bus '199 '129.95

PC MOUSE with Pop-ups '195 '139.9s

PC MOUSE with Paint '220 '159.95

CHnMna

LIST JADE

KB5150 Improved IBM Keyboard 209 '159.95

KB5151 Deluxe IBM Keyboard '299 '199.95

KB 200 for Apple II + '399 '249.95

KB5153. KB5152V also available.

64K RAM Chip Sq99

Upgrade Kits **

High speed RAM upgrade kit with FREE parity (error detection) and one year warranty. We ship thousands of these kits to satisfied customers every week.

128K RAM Chip Kit for AT 256K RAM Chip Kit

LIST JADE '395 '99.95 _'99 '39.95

10 MEGABYTE

Hard Disk System

FOR YOUR IBM PC

95

Complete with controller card, data cable and mounting hardware, totally PC/XT compatible. External model includes cabinet & power supply UST JADE

10 MB Internal % High S990

20 MB Internal % High '1550

33 MB Internal 45 ms '2184

20 MB Hi-Speed for AT 1250

30 MB Hi-Speed lor AT 1550

For external cabinet & power supply add '19995

'389.9S •489.95 '1229.95 •699.9S '899.95

^C$QQ95

360K WW I Disk Drive for IBM PC

TANDON 100-2, DS, DD '299

TEAC 55B, DS, DD '249

TEAC 55F, DS, QD 720K '299

High Resolution Video Monitors

Amdek 300G

Amdek 300A

Amdek 310A

Amdek Color 710

PGS MAX-12E 720 x 350

PGS HX-12 640 x 240

PGS HX-12E 690 x 350

PGS SR-12 720 x 480

PGS Scan-Doubler for SR-12 Taxan 640 Ultra Hi-Res RGB

LIST •179

.'199 '230

.'799 '269 '699 '785 '799 '299

.'799

'99.9s •89.95

•99.95

JADE

'139.95 '149.95 '179.95

•589.95

'179.95

•449.95 '549.95 •629.95

'199.95

•599.95

IBM*

^ 1975 - 1985 ^

10 YEARS !*

SATISFACTION GUARANTEED!

HAYES Smartmodem 1200 Compatible at a fraction of the price FCC approved

JADE 1200 Baud External JADE 2400 Baud External JADE 1200B Internal _

LIST _'349 .«99 ^'349

JADE 179.95

•499.95

•179.95

HAYES

•*^i^H

^^ZJ

Smartmodems

""—-—->

y

Sophisticated direct-connect auto-answer/auto

dial modem, touch tone or pulse dialing

RS-232

interface programmable ,._,.

JADE

HAYES Smartmodem 2400 HAYES Smartmodem 1200 HAYES 1200B w/o Smartcor

'R99

>629 95

'699

'389.95

n II _ '539

•339.95

HAYES 1200B lor IBM PC '599

'359.95

HAYES Smartmodem 300 s289

•169.95

HAYES Micromodem lie '299

•169.95

HAYES Smartmodem lie '399

•169.95

Mnripm Cahl* «3S

•24.95

PR0M0DEMS i

As Low As $14995^

ProModem 300c for Apple He ProModem 1200B lor IBM PC ProModem 1200 RS-232

ProModem 1200A tor Apple

ProModem 1200 for Macintosh

Alpha/num Display Option

Options Processor

64K Mem Expansion lor Above Modem Cable

LIST

JADE

'199

'149.95

'399

'289.95

'495

'299.95

'449

'349.95

>495

'349.95

_'99

■79.95

__'99

'79.95

^'99

'19.95

'35

'24.95

rdiiiUA

EPSON FX-85 & FX-185, OKIDATA192 & 193, C. ITOH, CITIZEN, STAR

PRICED TOO LOW TO PUBLISH!

Call Us Toll Free For The Best Deal In The Country!

A-B Printer/Data Switch

Fully bi-directional switch allows your computer to run either of two printers, or allows two computers to share one printer, standard A-B switch box.

Parallel Printer A-B Switch Serial A-B Switch

Parallel A-B-C-D Switch

Serial A-B-C-D Switch

Parallel "X" Switch

Serial "X" Switch

LIST

_s149 _s129 _s175 _M75 _s149 _s149

JADE •69.9s 179.95

'99.95 >99.95 '89.95 •89.95

Printer Accessories

IBM PC Style Cable

Standard Parallel Cable

RS-232 Serial Cable

Ribbons

Apple lie/Macintosh Cable

LIST JADE _ s54 '19.95 _ s40 '19.95 _ s30 24.95 as low as '4.99 39 '19.95

These industrial quality ISO-BARs contain surge suppression circuitry and built-in noise filters plus a 15 amp circuit breaker list jade

6 Socket, 1 Filter ISO-BAR s69 '44.95

4 Socket, 2 Filter ISO-BAR '89 '59.95

8 Socket, 4 Filter ISO-BAR s99 "69.95

UNINTERRUPTABLE POWER SUPPLY Emergency back-up power to save your computer system. A must for every computer system

200 Watt UPS s359 '269.95

425 Watt UPS s539 "449.95

1000 Watt UPS s1179 "969.95

Disk Drive for Your Apple lie

$12995

Disk Drive lor Apple He

Parallel Printer Cable lor He

Full Height Disk Drive

Hall Height Disk Drive

ALS Z Engine

16K RAM Card

64K 80 Column Card lor He Best 80 ColumnCard ll/ll-t _

Printer Card & Cable

Fan with Surge Protection

Grappler Plus

64K Buttered Grappler w/16K

_5249

s99

^s299 __s249 _s299 _s99 _s219 _s219 _M09

"99

_s175 _s275

JADE

'129.95

'59.95

'139.95

'129.95

'145.95

'39.95

'119.95

"139.95

'49.95

'59.95

"99.95

'149.95

Letter Quality Upgrade For Your EPSON RX-80,

RX-100. FX-80. FX-100

Near-Letter-Quality upgrade with front panel font controls for your old printer. LiSt JADE

LetterWriter Upgrade 79 '58.95

MICR0FAZER Buffers

Expandable to 64K (Parallel model expands to512K)

8K Parallel in/Parallel out

64K Parallel in/Parallel out

128K Parallel in/Parallel out

Your choice: serial in/serial out. parallel m/senal out. serial in/parallel out

LIST JADE LIST JADE

8K 199 '169.95 64K 260 '199.95

LIST

JADE

'169

'139.95

s225

'164.95

>445

'269.95

Microbuffers

Parallel or serial for printers and modems Expands to 256K. L|ST JADE

32K Microbuffer __

64K Microbuffer

64K Add-on Board

. !299 '229.95 . >349 '249.95 .'179 "149.95

JADEXPC IBM PC

• 640K Of RAM

• 135 Watt Power Supply

• 8 Expansion Slots

• Deluxe Keyboard

• 90 Day Warranty

• 256K of RAM

• 63 Watt Power Supply

• 5 Expansion Slots

• IBM Keyboard

• 90 Day Warranty

256K of RAM, Two 360K Disk Drives & Disk Controller

$995

OPTION #1

256K of RAM Two 360K Drives Monochrome graphics card Amdek 310A

IBM PC __ $1995 JADEXPC $1295

OPTION #3

640 K of RAM

10 Mb of Hard Disk

One 360K Drive

130 Watts of Power

Parallel & Serial Ports

Color Card

Taxan RGB Monitor

IBM PC _ $2995 JADEXPC $1995

*1695

OPTION #2

256K of RAM Two 360K Drives Color Graphics Card Taxan RGB Monitor

IBM PC _ $2395 JADEXPC $1395

IBM PC-XT

• 256K RAM

• 10 Mb Hard Disk

• Mono-Graphics Card

• Parallel Printer Port

• Amdek 310A

$2895

IBM PC-AT

• 512K RAM

• 20 Mb 60 ms Hard Disk

• 1.2 Mb Disk Drive

• Parallel Printer Port

• Serial RS-232C Port

• Color Graphics Card

• Taxan Hi-Res Color Monitor

$4595

Place Orders Toll Free! 2

Continental U.S.A. Inside California Los Angeles Area

(800)421-5500 (800)262-1710 (213)973-7707 4901 W.Rosecrans Ave. Box 5046 Hawthorne. CA 90251-5046

Computer Products

TAXAN 415

High Resolution Color Monitor

$

95

289

IBM Cable s1495

LIST

PRICE

>699

• 640 X 262

• 16 Colors

• .38" Dot Pitch

• IBM & Lotus Compatible

• 12" Black Matrix

• 18 MHz Band Width

Why pay s1149 for a C.ltoh

STARWRITER F-10

When our 40 cps letter quality

daisywheel from the same

manufacturer is only

s499

95

'"StarWnler is a Trademark of C Itoh Digital Products. Inc

STREAMING TAPE BACK-UP UNIT

V2 Height Unit (Internal Mount)

File-by-File or Complete Image

Back-up and Retrieval

$399

95

Backs up 10 Megabyte/12 Min.

STAR GEMINI 10-X

120 cps

Friction &

Adjustable

Tractor Feed

w/Graphics

Limited

Quantity.

s159

CANON PRINTERS

160 cps, 23 x 18 NLQ Mode, 2K

Buffer. Single Sheet & Fan Fold

Paper, Hi-Res Graphics, Bi-direc

tional/Logic Seeking, Quiet—Less

Than 60dB

PW-1080A 10" Carriage

I95

s199!

LIST

PRICE

'499

PW-1156A 15" Carriage

s299

95

LIST

PRICE

s699

Hurry! Limited quantity-No rain checks!

360K DISK DRIVE

Double-Sided, Double-Density

IBM PC. XT or Compatibles

JADE 1200 BAUD MODEM

HAYES Smartmodem 1200 compatible at a fraction of the price. FCC approved

$179

TOSHIBA PRINTERS

24 Pin Letter Quality High Speed Dot Matrix Printers

P1340 Parallel P1340 Serial P341 Parallel

P341 Parallel/Serial P351 Parallel

P351 Parallel/Serial

_s799 _!799

>599.« S59995

*999.95

M299

1349 '1049."

1699 '1099.95

1749 M149.35

BERNOULLI BOX

s1995

New Half-Height Drives!

10 Mb Bernoulli Box 10 -10 Bernoulli Box 20 Mb Bernoulli Box 20 20 Bernoulli Box

Controller Card

New Plus Card

Extra 10 Mb Cartridge Extra 20 Mb Cartridge

s2295 s3195 !2995 ^4540 _s155 _>355

s79

s99

'1995

s2695

'2495

>3495

'129

'279

'59

>69

PLACE ORDERS TOLL FREE!

Continental U.S.A. Inside California (800)421-5500 (800)262-1710

fccXPftESS

Los Angeles Area (213)973-7707

We accept cash, checks, credit cards or purchase orders from qualified firms & institutions Minimum prepaid order $15.00. California residents add 6 \/?% tax Prices A availability subject to change without notice. Shipping & handling charges via UPS Ground 50C/lb. UPS Air Si.00.--ib Minimum charge $3.00

Computer Products

4901 W. Rosecrans, Box 5046, Hawthorne, CA 90250-5046

466 BYTE* DECEMBER 1985

Inquiry 190

$91.00

Single Board Computer

,*?

6S00 MPU, serial I/O, parallel I/O, RAM, EPROM, 44-pln 4.5" » 6.5" PCB EXPANSION MODULES: RAM, EPROM, CMOS RAM/battery, analog I/O, serial I/O, parallel I/O, counter/timer, IEEE-488, EPROM programmer, floppy disks, cassette, breadboard, keyboard/display.

IWinlek Corp. 1801 South SI Lalavette. IN 47904

Lafayette. IN 47904 317 7428428

SAVE TIME AND MONEY WITH LOW COST PI-SWITCH BOXES.

f 1 j»

n Starting at $59.95 I-. 1

&£

titiJa fc»

•Quickly shares your computer among multiple terminals, printers, moderns, etc. with just a tlick of the wrist.

•Compact black & beige aluminum enclosure features a high quality rotary switch with rear mounted connectors.

•Serial RS-232 Models have fern. 25-Pin Conn. (Lines 1-7 & 20)

PI-02S switches 2 to 1 $59.95

PMJ3-S switches 3 to 1 79.95

PI-05-S switches 5 to 1 10945

•Parallel models have fern. 36-Pin cent. conn.

PI-02-P switches 2 to 1 94.95

PI-04-P switches 4 to 1 154.95

•Dealers, schools & custom inquiries welcome.

•One Year Warrantee. COD. VISA, M/C.

• Shipping UPS $2.00/ea AIR $4 00/ea

iflt> /~~\ r3C1 NW 41 Sl'

LyunK

MIAMI, FL 33166 (305) 592-6092

Serial 4 IIIMIII ^ Parallel

Convert What You Have To What You Want I

* RS232 Serial ' Centronics Parallel

* 8 Baud Rates * Handshake Signals

* Latched Outputs ' Compact 3V, x *% x Vf,

No longer will your peripheral choices be limited by the type of port you have available! Our new High Performance 700 Series Converters provide the missing link. Based on Ihe latest in CMOS technology, these units leature full baud rate selection to 19.2K, with handshake signals to maximize transfer efficiency. Detailed documentation allows simplified installation. Order the Model 770 (Ser/Par) or Model 775 (ParfSer) Today!

only*89.95

Conned or Option 110.00 CA Residents 6% tax UPS Shipping 1300

iiatrtranicB

2734-C Johnson Dr

Post Office Box 3717

Ventura. California 93006

CALL (805) 658-7466 or 658-7467 i For FAST Delivery I

Inquiry 376

Inquiry 320

Inquiry 357

5V4" FLOPPY MOTORS

Now BuehlerOEM replacement spindle motors for all major 5V4-inch, full-height floppy disk drives are available for fast delivery. Built to exact OEM size, performance and quality standards. Pulleys included.

For details and prices, contact:

Buehler Services, Inc. PO. Box A, Hwy 70-E Kinston, NC 28501 Phone: 919/522-4300

Maxell Floppy Disks

The Mini-Disks with maximum quality

Dealer inquiries

invited. CO.D's

accepted. Call

FREE (800) 235-4137.

PACIFIC EXCHANGES

100 Foothill Blvd.. San Luis San Luis Obispo. CA 93401 In Catcall (800) 592-5935 or (805)543-1037.

DATA ACQUISITION TO GO

INTERFACE FOR ANY COMPUTER

Connects via RS-232. 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.

SPECIALISTS IN PORTABLE APPLICATIONS

(201) 299-1615

P.O. Box 246, Morris Plains, NJ 07950

ELEXOR

inquiry 277

Inquiry I3I

Osborne

As available only! Very limited quantity.

Important: Always call to check availability before ordering.

To fix yourself, or for parts. Complete, but known not working.

Guaranle days. Ma or lefurb ding on Exch/ Repair

ed for 30 / be new

, depensvaii.

Outright

Mam Board OS-1

$79

579

$139

Main Board Exec.

$159

$139

$299

Battery Pack, 40 Watt

—

$49

Double Density Kit •■ ** Includes board, cab)

a,-cume

niation 81

$79

disk

5" CRT (Grn/White)

$9.95

$19

$29

7" CRT (Amber)

$19

$49

$99

15" CRT, no case

$85

Drive Analog Card

$9.95

$29

$59

Drive Mechanism

S19

$25

S59

Power Supply

$4.95

$24

$29

Keyboard (No enclos.)

S9.9S

$99

Shipping charged on all orders

Computer Parts Mart 415-493 5930 200 Park Blvd * Palo Alto * CA 94306

W PC/XT USERS!

#

COGTREE Utilities by

Cogitate SI 29.95

#

LYNC by Norton-Lamber S199.95

#

DATAFLEX by Data Access. . .Varies

#

RM/COBOL by Ryan/

McFarland Varies

#

Universe by Omnitrend . . . . S 98.50

§

Blue Mac! by Cogitate S599.00

1

CadPower + by Tnlex $995.00

f

Softext Teaching Aids $ 95.00

1

PrmtSet by Cogitate S 79.95

f

CogiTAPE by Cogitate CALLII

M

Anti-Static Products Varies

W

Uninterruptible Power

Backups Varies

J

TeleVideo Software CALLII

Elite!

"A Higher Form of Software"

24000 Telegraph Road

Southfleld. Ml 48034

[313] 352-2345/Telex 386581

VISA/MASTERCARD ACCEPTED

Dealer inquiries Welcomed

Inquiry 78

Inquiry 34

Inquiry 63

TERMINAL EMULATION

Softerm PC emulates over 30 popular terminals Including the:

• DECVT102.VT220

• Data General D200, D410

• IBM 3101-20 (block mode)

• Hewlett-Packard 2622A

• Honeywell VIP7801. VIP7803 Guaranteed Compatibility

Call for free product brief

S195MC-VISA-COD

For the IBM PC/XT/AT, DG1, NEC,

Wang PC, Tl Pro, Gridcase, Tandy

sofihonics

3639 New Getwell, Suite 10

Memphis, TN 38118

901-683-6850

DISK DUPLICATION 5V«" DOUBLE SIDED

$.98

3V SINGLE SIDED

$2.12

PRICES BASED ON RUN SIZE OF 1000

maxell.

1-800-222-0490 201-462-7828 in NJ

MHEKeft

PO BOX 1143 FREEHOLD, N.J. 07728

DATA SWITCHES

SHARE computers, printers, any parallel or senai device M ELIMINATE cable swapping INEXPENSIVE way to network COMPATIBLE with all computers

Businesses, Schools. Homes WE ALSO OFFER Data Butters. Line Drivers, Modems, Protocol Converters. Parallel - Serial Converters. Cables, Computers. Printers, Disk Drives, and more AUTOMATIC - CARETAKER is ideal for a business or school to share a printer or modem among many computers Operation is fully automatic with no software required Parallel or Serial 4 channels - S295 8 channels - $395 MANUAL HARDSWITCH is operated with the flip of a switch 22 and 2:4 models allow simultaneous communication Serial 1.2 $59 1 4 $ 99 2 2 $109 2 4 $169 Parallel 1 2 - $79 14- $139 22 - $119 24 $199 LED and spike protection on serial models add $20 CODE ACTIVATED - PORTER connects one computer to multiple peripherals A software code selects the peripheral Parallel or Serial 4 channels - $295 8 channels - $395 Buffer option 64K - $100 256K • $250 REMOTE - TELEPATH connects multiple computers to multiple peripherals A selector at each computer or terminal chooses up to 4 peripherals and displays busy status 4 4 $495 4 8 - $795 selector - $39

~ — £^*W * T£oAe U yot* e*m0itn "

ROSE ELECTRONICS (713) 240-7673

P.O. BOX 742571 MC h VISA AccapUd

HOUSTON, TX 77274 Dealer Inquiries Invited

CALL US FOB ALL YOUR INTERFACE NEEDS

Inquiry 332

Inquiry 230

Inquiry 315

Pinwriter P-2 $ 485

(w/lnterface & Tractor)

Pinwriter P-3 $ 685

(w/lnterface & Tractor)

Pinwriter P-5 $ 925

(w/lnterface & Cut Sheet Guide)

ELF 360, 350 $ 380

2010/15/30/50 $ 605

3510/15/30/50 $ 960

8810/15/30/50 $1365

Optional Forms Handling Devices CALL

QUALITY PRINTERS 8415 Cement City Rd. Brooklyn, Michigan 49230 Phone: 517-592-3749

FREE SOFTWARE

FROM THE PUBLIC DOMAIN

User Group Software isn't copyrighted, so no fees to pay! 1000's of CP/M and IBM software programs in COM and source code to copy yourself! Games. business, utilities' All FREE!

Rent Buy

IBMPC-SIG 1-370 Disksides 400. 800.

IBMPC-BLUE 1-116 Disksides 145. 375.

SIG/M UG 1-222 Disksides 130. 625.

CP/M UG 1-92 Disksides 45. 250.

PICO NET 1-34 Disksides 25. 100.

KAYPRO UG 1-39 Disksides 45. 90.

EPSON UG 1-39 Disksides 45. 90.

Commodore CBM 1-28 Oisksides.. 25. 65.

Public Domain User Group Catalog Disk $5 pp

(payment in advance, please) Rental is for 7 days after receipt. 3 days grace to

return. Use a credit card, no disk deposit

Shipping, handling & insurance $950 per library.

(619) 941-0925 Orders & Technical (9 to 5)

(619) 727-1015 24 Hr. 3 Mm. Info Recording

Have your credit card ready!

National Public Domain Software

1533 Avohill Dr. Vista, CA 92083

BBB

AM EX

ROM DISK

EPROM DISKETTE AND

DISK DRIVE EMULATOR

IBM PC* COMPATIBLES

AND APPLE lie*

• Diskless control and communications systems

• Dedicated workstations for improved productivity

• Customized, high speed, smart terminal

• Put software in silicon

• Solid state reliability and performance

• Self contained control and EPROM program circuitry

• PC and MS DOS' compatiOle

ROMDISK PC-I |I80KJ S49S ROMDISK PC-2 |360K) S595 ROMDISK A FOR //e |I44K) S349

WS4'

CURTIS, INC. 22 Red Fox Road St. Paul. MN 55110 612/484-5064

Inquiry 306

Inquiry 259

Inquiry 90

ICs and Disk Drives

64K / 128K / 256K

D-RAMs at LOW PRICES

TEAC FD-55BV DSDD Disk Drives

KB5.00 sach or

f 7S.50 each for box of 1D

[w/one year factory warranty!]

V 20 TURBO CHARGER

• HIGH SPEED—Up to 40% ^crease'

• CMOS--Uses 85% tess power

• REPLACES slow 8088 CPU

• LOW COST! MEMORY BOARDS

•SIXPAK PLUS W/64K 1230.00

•ABM SUPEPBOARD w/BK S150.0O

•ABM MEM512 w/BK S100.00

•JRAM 2 wflDK B159.00

EPROM, SUA M, BOB7, and 80287a ara IN STOCK CALL US FOR DETAILS!

ExcelTec Industries, Inc.

RO. Box 2205 Silver Spring, MD 20902 1015 Gayley Ave #422. Los Angeles. CA 90024

West Coast East Coast

Phone: (213) 208-6942 (301) 933-3523

FAX: (213) 208-6846 (301) 933-3643

OEMs and DEALERS are invited

CALL US FOR THE LATEST PRICES

ATTENTION BERNOULLI BOXERS

Give your IOMEGA a Boot!

FiXT/B PLUS for IBM AT, XT, PC and compatibles

FiXT B PLUS gives you the utility of a bootable hard disk while preserving the performance of

your Bernoulli Boi.

You cm have it all

wtth FiXT/B PLUS!

Golden Bow Systems

$95-$110

Add 13 lor shipping |

tundhne

Cailonna residents Odd

6\ silee m

3308 Second Aw Suite rSan Dwqo. CA 92103

(619)298-9349

*** APPLE IBM**1*

PRINTERS-PLOTTERS-MODEMS EXTERNAL PRINTER BUFFER

a 64K RAM

• BUILT-IN MICROPROCESSOR

a WORKS WITH ANY RSZ32 INTERFACE

• 8 SELECTABLE BAUD RATES

a SEPARATE INPUT AND OUTPUT SPEEDS a SELECTABLE CHARACTER ATTRIBUTES a XON/XOFF OR HARDWARE HANDSHAKE a BUFFER LEVEL AND STATUS DISPLAY a STANDARD DB25 CONNECTORS a ACCEPTS ANY DATA FORMAT

PCB. ROM 5 SCHEMATICS S75

FULL KIT $135

ASSEMBLEO & TESTED SI85

5-CHANNEL 256K ALSO AVAILABLE

MICRO SYSTEMS DESIGN

PO BOX 1187

LOOMIS. CA 95650

(916) 652-5665

Inquiry 4I3

Inquiry 154

Inquiry 239

icro roducts nternational

714/898-0840

CHRISTMAS SPECIALS

:=:p=:_: New Hayes SmartModem Compatible! J:pC

i. » o. .«.■?■ WyX "e lo catch yi

N *• V k0* °v <&V«£> > *Vour volume purchase ot

Finally a price breakthrough on a Hayes compatible, external 3Q0 1200 baud modem. This low price is without driver software, but it you need it add S25.00 7 Call for a 26 page catalog of our special deals rLook in this spot every month for Hot, New items \ sure to catch your interest.

SELECTRIC KEYBOARDS

e purchase ot these excellent Selectnc type keyboards will bring trie features you nave been wanting down to a price you can't resist So many features - you'H love it!! • Single Key reset

• separate numeric keypad ' lvSJ_u , u . . , . , Ju ,_, l\*'JF*!*' » oJ'X •Separate "Arrow'keypad - [ M^-,

^C» ci .c?' $>Y ' Dimple marked 5'. F.»J keys x

d1 *iTjf <)sfVKEY-1051-00 Select™ $129.00 Tf

<ei °*a# x^X KEY-1050-00 Standard 89.00

*^'

MOTHERBOARD

Micro Products announces a powerful new IBM XT type motherboard. 4 layers for superior reliability & speed. Turbo mode allows75% higher thru-put by increasing system clock to 7 MHz under software control. Designed to use new 256K RAM chips or 64K chips. 640K memory expansion does not require useof valuable card slots. Many outstanding features combined with our new 7 PAK Multifunction board make previously expensive options standard features at a LOW LOW Cost. BOA-6078-00 Supplied with OK $349.00

► Runs the popular Hayes communications software

• FCC apprvd direct RJ-11 connection"

• Phone Cable & power supply one low price

MOD-8100-00 $1 99.00

ADD-ON POWER SUPPLIES

Two new, thoroughly

tested IBM PC/XT power

supplies for your system

upgrade. Best price in "V '■*z% "^

Byte with ONE YEAR X^ *J* ^.

warranty!! ^L **^k

POW-1040-00 135 watt $ 99.0oV ^L

POW-1044-00 150 watt $115.00 X *^L

V\\»

SUPER 12 PAK MULTI-FUNCTION

This one is really loaded! Features One Parallel Port, One RS232-C Serial Port, One Game Port, Real-Time Clock/Calendar with Battery Back-up, Expandable to 384Kof Parity-checked Memory, Supplied OK Memory, all cables, PrintSpooler and RAM Disk Software.

BOA-6335-00 $129.95

Additional (9) 64K Memory Chips KIT-8000-00 $ 10.00

5»

Do it Yourself!

hree ways to begin ■ an Empty cabinet ■ a "Basic" a Full system ■ all that you assemble yourself! CABINET ONLY

I Slot CAB-3068-00 $75.00

"BASIC" Cabinet, Keyboard, Power Supply, Motherbrd w/OK iYS-8000-00 $525.00

This is OUR Junior!

Jsethis "Omstess" workstation tor lew-cost Networking, Matures: • 4-slot IBM™ compatible Motherboard i 128K Standard Memory • 8088,8067 Math Co-pro:essor • Optional Floppy Drive with Controllers.

YS-8100-00 $475.00

uli System w/Keyboard, Mono Monitor, Video Display ard, 256K 1 RAM Drive SYS-ft7?S-uO $895.00

*1395°° WOW!

Complete ===;i= TimHn

System! --- ^=- f tfrffot/

NEW 17,000 in Service! ^Si* Features!

a RAM DisK

km'Game Port

m640K epety

W PrintSpooler

WTurbo mode!

4.77MHz

to 7MHz! mSer,Par mciock

Add-On H.D. & Tape

////«

M99500

20 Meg Color

Complete System!

$255000

40 Meg w/Tape

Complete System!

*303500 Software

• XWORD

• XBASIC

• XBASE

• XCALC > XCOM

Check These Standard Features:

• Full-Size, Feather-Touch, Capacitance Keyboard, to Function Keys, Calculator-Type Numeric Keypad •

• Parallel & Serial I/O • Real Time Clod. • Game Port • 2-Slimline 5V4 ■ DS/DO 48 TPI360K Drives •

•8 IBM expansion slots • RAM Disk •PrintSpooler • 4 DMA &3 Timer channels'

• Full 640K capacity on-board • 808816-bit CPU • Monochrome Video Card •

• Up to 32K ot EPROM (full 8K supplied) • Supports PC-DOS ■ MS-DOS - CP/M-86 •

• Power Supply Hard-Disk-Ready, no need to add-on additional power •

' High resolution 12" Monitor, Green Screen, 22 MHz bandwidth»

10 Meg $1095 20 Meg $1295 26 Meg $1395

10 or 20 Megabyte on the top, your choice of Hard Disk on the bottom. Super appearance! Requires one slot in your PC for SASI Interface and an extension connecto. on the floppy card. Everything else is supplied by us.

40 Meg $1695 105 Meg $4195 140 Meg $4695

Add-On Hard Disk

Two ways to go. The Internal system is cheaper because it does not need a P/S & Chassis. The same P/S & Chassis can be used for a 10 Meg Tape Back-up on your XTI

10 Megabyte

'525lnt/'695ut 20 Megabyte

•650lnt/'795«t 26 Megabyte

•795lnt/'895ext

40 Megabyte ■1195lnt/*1295exl

105 Megabyte '3795int/'3995ext

140 Megabyte *4395lnt/'4695flxt

Add-On 20 Meg Tape

SUB-8300-00

IfyourlBM-ATneedsalittle help in the Back-up category, you won't be able to beat this price! Cables, software and everything! $595.00

Not enough room here - Call for Catalog

PROM LASER

This is the One! Our PROM Burner allows reading, storing-to-dsk, recalling, and burning. Hi-speed alogrithmes burns 2764 in 45 seconds! Also handles 2716,2732, 27128, 27256. Features: Zero insertion torce sockets; On-board Voltage Generator: No Interference with normal computer operations BOA-8640-00 $199.00

MISCELLANEOUS $$$ SAVERS

7 PAK Multifunction Floppy, RTC. 2 Serial. 1 Parallel, Game, RAM Disk

BOA-6250-00 $189.00

64K Memory Chips (9) NEC for IBM KIT-8000-00 $ 10.00

256K DRAM Memory Chips (9) ■ 256K KIT-9000-00 S 45.00

Add-On Memory, (up to 512K) supplied OK BOA-6350-00 $ 99.00

Floppy Controller, Controls up to lour drives, 5V» ■ 48/96 TPI

BOA-6100-00 $ 95.00

Monochrome Graphics C«rd, (Hercules type) (1-2-3 compatible) 720h x 348v

BOA-6150-00 $175.00

Color Graphics Card. 320 x 200 Res. Color, 640 x 200 Monochrome

BOA-6200-00 $145.00

Clock Calendar Board, fits In "short slot" w/battery Back-up

BOA-6375-00 $ 55.00

Hard Disk Controller, standard ST-506 interface for DOS 2.1 & 3.1

BOA-8060-00 $155.00

100/1200 Baud Modem Internal w/PC Talk III Communications Software

BOA-8725-00 $210.00

Monochrome Monitor, 22MHz bandwidth, composite input or TTL UON-1725-OOGreen/Comp 99.00 MON-170O-O0 Amber/Comp 104.00 v10N-1775-OOGreen/TTL.. 104.00 MON-1750-00 Amber/TTL .. 109.00

We want your DRIVE business!

Mill

Shugart 3«0K TEAC 360K NEC 10meg Tulin 26meg Memtek m,jj •«.<;»• "OS" >34.<;»« •fins" >aa<;°o

INTERNATIONAL ORDERS

Micro Products is ready to serve your needs in several countries. Each Office has Sales Literature, Local Pricing, Inventory and Technical Service available to support your needs. There are no problems with U.S. Export Forms.

USA OFFICE

15392 Assembly Lane, Unit A Huntington Beach, CA 92649 Tel: 714/898-0840 Tlx: 887841 XORDATA HTBH AMSTERDAM OFFICE Building 70,4th Floor 1117ZHSchiphol-East Amsterdam, The Netherlands Tel: (020) 45 26 50-Tlx: 18306 AUSTRALIAN OFFICE 8 Irwin Street, Bellevue W. Australia 6056 Tel: 274-3701

MARACAIBO OFFICE

Av. 3F Esq. Cafle 81 Centro Com. Maelga ■ Local #5 Maracaibo, Venezuela 4001-A Tel: 061-913328-Tlx: 62344 PEMIN BOMBAY OFFICE 311 Sindhi Lane Nanubhai Desai Rd. Bombay 400-004 India Tel: 357172-Tlx: 011-2868 CANADA OFFICE 264 Prhcipale. St. Blaise. Quebec, Canada J0J1WO Tel: 541/291-3118

Now SFC-XT in a Kit!

Completely XT Compatible

$109S°°

Why didn't anybody think of it before? if

you have a phillips screwdriver and 1 - 2 hours available, SAVE yourself a bundle of MONEY! Nowhere will you beat this deal on a complete 8 slot ready-to-assemble and run XT compatible.

• Cabinet • 2-360K Shugart Drives

• 135 watt Power Supply • Floppy Controller &

• Keyboard Cable

• 8 Slot Motherboard • Mono Video Card

e 256K RAM • TTL Amber Monitor

Micro Products • 15392 Assembly Lane • Huntington Beach, CA 92649 • 714/898-0840 ■+

IBM PC

256k, 2 floppies

IBM PC 10 MB

256k, 1 or 2 floppies

IBM PC 20 MB

256k. 1 or 2 floppies

IBM PC 30 MB

256k. 1 or 2 floppies

IBM PC 10 * 10

256k. 1 or 2 floppies 10MB HD & 10MB Backup

IBM PC 20 + 20

256k, 1 or 2 floppies 20MB HD & 20MB Backup

IBM XT

256k. 2 floppies

IBM XT 10 MB

256k. 1 or 2 floppies

IBM XT 20 MB

256k. 1 or 2 floppies

IBM XT 30 MB

256k, 1 or 2 floppies

IBM XT 10 + 10

256k, 1 or 2 floppies 10MB HD& 10MB Backup

IBM XT 20 ♦ 20

256k. 1 or 2 floppies 20MB HD & 20MB Backup

IBM AT 20 MB

512k. 1 or 2 floppies

IBM AT 30 MB

512k. 1 or 2 floppies

IBM AT 40 MB

512k. 1 or 2 floppies

FOR EXTRA SAVINGS

Call for the latest prices for your custom configuration. All systems are configured and tested at no extra cost and come only with Compumail s 90 day warranty.

IBM AT 20 • 20

512k, 1 or 2 floppies 20MB HD& 20MB Backup

IBM AT 30 * BO

512k. 1 or 2 floppies 30MB HD & 60MB Backup

IBM AT 40 + 60

512k, 1 or 2 floppies 40MB HD 8.60MB Backup

COMPAQ PORTABLE

256k. 1 or 2 floppies

COMPAQ PORTABLE 10 MB

256k. 1 or 2 floppies

COMPAQ

DESK PRO 10 MB

640k, 1 or 2 floppies

COMPAQ DCSKPRO 10 ♦ 10

10MB HD& 10MB Backup

COMPAQ DESKPRO 20 MB

Backup Available

COMPAQ DESKPRO 30 MB

Backup Available

COMPAQ DESKPRO 40 MB

Backup Available

COMPAQ PORTABLE 286

Custom Configurations

COMPAQ DESKPRO 286

Custom Configurations

IBM XT COMPATIBLE

Custom Configurations

IBM AT COMPATIBLE

Custom Configurations

IBM COMPATIBLES

ARE YOUR LOW COST

ALTERNATIVE

* PRICE WAR • LAST

WITH YOUR BEST QUOTES

PRINTERS

EPSON FX-85 + NLQ $339

FX-185 + NLQ $459

Sht Fdr FX-85/FX-185 $249/$299

NLQ Upgrade Kit for FX-80/FX-100 CALL

LX-80/HI-80/JX-80 $219/$359/$469

Tractor LX-80/FX-80/HI-80 $50/$60/$7O

LQ-1500 w/Parallel Module $889

LQ Tract/Sing/Dual Shi Fdr $70/$450/$750 LX-90w/Par Interfaces Tractor , $279

OKIOATA 192-P/192-IBM .... $329

193-P/193-IBM $459

84-P/84-IBM $629

93-IBM (While Supplies Last) $499

TOSHIBA 1340P $469 341 CALL

TOSHIBA 351-P/S REDUCED' $1069

351 Tractor/Sht Fdr $190/5790

JUKI 6100/6200/6300 $349/$549/$649

6X00 Tractor/Sht Fdr $150/$250

5510P(160cps) $369 5510Color Kil $150

BROTHER HR-15XL $329

HR-15Trac $110 Sht Fdr $190

HR-15 Keyboard $160

HR-25P/HR-35P $439/$649

HR-25/35 Tractor/Sht Fdr $120/$200

2024L LQ/Graphics-24 pin. 160/80 cps $779 2024L Sht Fdr-Narrow/Wide $220/$290

TWINRITER 5 Worlds First Dot Matrix &

Daisy Wheel combined in ONE $799

TWINRITER 5 Trac/Sht Fdr $150/5250

C.ITOHProWnterJrw/NLQ $219

8510BPI ' $309 8510SEP+NLQ $379 8510SCEP + NLQ $449 1550-EP $429

1550SEP + NLQ $519 1550SCEP+NLQ $619 24L0P $949 A10-30SP $439

Y10-20P $379 A10 Tractor $160

F10-40P $869 F10-55P $1069

F10 Tractor/Sht Fdr $190/$290

CX-4800P 4 Pen Plotter $429

OUMELetterPro20P(20cps) $399

20P Trac/ShtFdr $150/$390

SPRINT 1140 + /1155+ $1299/$1399

SPRINT Interface Module $80

SPRINT Trac/Sht Fdr $210/$690

PANASONIC KX-P3151LQ(22cps) $459

KX-P1090/91/92/93 $199/$259/$369/$469

STAR Power Type $349

SG-10/SG-15(120cps) $259/$399

SD-10/SD-15(160cps) $369/5479

SR-10/SR-15(200cps) $519/5619

NECPINWRITERP-2/P-3 $499/$699

Stit Fdr lor P-2/P-3 5350/5420

2050/3550/8850 $649/$999/$1399

SPINWRITER Trac/Sht Fdr . $190/5790

ELF360Par(16cps) 5419

DIABLO Advantage D-25 5499

630 API $1499 630ECS-IBM 51599 Trac/Mech Single Bin Sht Fdr 5230/5470

CITIZEN: 18 months manufacturer warranty MSP-10/15(160/40cps) 5299/5449

MSP-20/25(200/50cps) 5439/5589

Sht Fdr {Specify Model) 5229

LEGEND CP VII $899 1200 $259

880/1080/1380/1385 $199/$219/$259/S319

ANADEX 9620B/9625B-PLUS 51199/51299

9725B COLOR ... 51399

WP6000/DP6500 52299/52569

HEWLETT PACKARD PRINTERS CALL

SILVER REED Daisywheel - Parallel Models 400/500/550/770 $189/$269/$379/S669

TELEVIDE0 750Daisywheel-50cps CALL

AB/ABC/ABCD Switch Boxes CALL

KENSINGTON Universal Printer Stand 520

With Printer $10

FLOPPY/HARD DISKS

CDC/MITSUBISHI/PANASONIC/TANOON/TEAC

MONITORS

Half Ht DSDD REDUCED

Free Mounting Kit with 2 Drives CDC/TANDON Full Ht DSDD HARD DISKS for IBM PC/XT

REDUCED REDUCED REDUCED REDUCED REDUCED REDUCED REDUCED REDUCED

10 MB Inl w/Controller

10 MB Ext w/Conlroller

20 MB Int w/Controller

20MBExtw/Controller

33 MB Int w/Controller

33 MB Ext w/Controller

44 MB Int w/Controller

44 MB Ext w/Controller MAYNARD complete line

MAYNSTREAM portable tape backup 20MB

MAYNSTREAM portable tape backup 60MB HARD DISKS/BACKUP FOR IBM PC AT GENOA GALAXAY TAPE BACKUPS

20 MB Int/Exl

60 MB Inl/Ext

32 + 60 MB Exl Disk/Backup TALL GRASS NEW PC/T FORMAT

25/35 MB w/60 MB Backup

50/80 MBw/60 MB Backup

60 MB Tape Backup only

Controller. $140 Cartridge (60 MB) EVEREX 60MB Tape Backup Int

EVEREX 60MB Tape Backup Ext

EVEREX Expansion Chasis Half Height

EVEREX Expansion Chasis Full Height INTERDYNE TAPE BACKUP

10 MB Int/Ext REDUCED

20 MB Int/Ext REDUCED

HARD DISKS/BACKUP FOR COMPAQ BERNOULLI Box by Iomega 10+10

Auto Boot also Available BERNOULLI Box by Iomega 20 + 20 POWER SUPPLY 130 Watts POWER SUPPLY 150 Watts

$79

$99

$399

$569

$469

5649

5999

51199

51349

51499

5999 51299 CALL

5749/5849

5999/51099

52399

S2599/$3399

$4299/55499

51199

540

$899

$999

$699

$749

5369/5549 CALL CALL CALL

CALL

599

MULTI-FUNCTION CARDS

$209 384K

ASTSIXPAK64K

Rampage'

Advantage OK $379 128K

ORCHID Blossom OK $169 384K

Conquest for IBM PC/XT (up to 2MB)

Cram-RAM for IBM XT shod slot i up to 2MB)

EccellforlBM AT (up to 4MB) TECMAR Captain 0-K $169 384K

MAESTRO AT w/Treasure Chest INTEL Above Board (up to 4MB) PARADISE 5-Pack OK $139 384K MF-100 0-K 5169 384k

Par. Ser & Game Ports. Clock/Cal QUADBOARD OK 5189 384K

Silver Quadboard 0-K to 640k

Gold Quadboard Multifunction & Color

QuadmegAT(upto4MB)

Quadport-AT/Expansion Kit INSTALL RAM & test brd for PC/AT

5239 CALL 5389 $199 CALL CALL CALL $199 Besl Price CALL $169 $199

PGS MAX-12/HX 12/HX-12E $169/5419/5499

HX-9/HX 9E/SR-12 $419/$499/$549

SR-12w/ScanDoubler 5699

SR-12w/Sigma400 5999

TAXAN NEW MONITORS GUARANTEED LOWEST

PRICES ON ALL TAXAN MONITORS

COLOR 620 4 text modes - 640X262 Res

COLOR 630 4 text modes ■ 640X400 Res

COLOR 640 Top ot the line monitor

COLOR 640 w/TAXAN 555 RGB Card 5749

COLOR 640 w/Persysl BoB Brd 5799

COLOR 640 w/Sigma 400 5939

AMDEK 30OG/300A/310A(M| $139/5149/5159

COLOR 300/500/600 $239/5349/5419

710 $489 w/Tecmar Graphics Master $899

PGS MD 12 RGB 690x400 BEST $399

With Persyst Bob Brd VALUE $699

ROLAND MB-142 14" BS.W Reversible 5299

TECMAR Cow 5529 w/Graphcs Master $939

SONY TV/RGB Monitor in ONE $449

TILT/SWIVEL Moniior Pedestal $20

DISPLAY CARDS

HERCULES MonoGraphics $289 Color $149

HERCULES COMPATIBLE MonoGraphics $199

EVEREX Graphics Edge $269

The Edge 5269

AST Preview w / Flight Simulator 5249

PERSYST Short Color'Mim Mono S159/CALL

Color Combo Multifunction & Color from 5299

Mono Combo Multifunction & Mono Irom 5299

PERSYST BoB Board $339

PERSYST Bob w/TAXAN 640 $799

IBM EGA (Enhanced Color Graphics) $499

With IBM Enhanced Color Monitor $1079

Gold Quadboard: Multifunction & Color CALL

STB Chauffer REDUCED 5299

PARAOISE Modular Brd trom 5279

TECMAR Graphics Master 5429

G Master w/TECMAR Color Monitor 5939

G Master w/AMDEK 710 Color Monitor 5899

GENOA Spectrum $269

MYLEX Chairman 5299

SIGMA COLOR 400 (Specify Monitor) $479

C0LOR400WPGSSR-12 $999

COLOR 400 w' TAXAN 640 $939

PERSYST Bob with PGS MD-12 Hi-Res RGB

Color Monitor gives 690x400 resolution making

this best combination value $699

CHIPS ETCT

5219 CALL CALL CALL CALL 520/540

HIGHEST

QUALITY!

Major Brands

64KRAMSet 57 10+Sets 56 50+ $5

i28KRAMSet 535 10+Sets 533 50+ 530

256KRAMSet 530 10+Sets 528 50+ 525

8087 Maths Co-Processor Best Price

80287-3 for IBM AT REDUCED 5239

ORCHID PCturbow/128k 5549

Latest Version w/640k 5599

OUADRAM QUADspnnt REDUCED 5499

COMPANY POLICY Mir order $100 Pros & avatabtty suttBct to change V* slip UPS -only Shnxng/hanriing charges vary Prices reflect cash discount on rxepad orders Add 1 % tor COO orders 3% tor MC7VISA & 5% tor AMEx COD requires cashiers check At meroiardse sold s new and al sates are final Refused shpmerts subject to 20% charge (Mm $501 Products shaped'" factory cartons come wtti manufacturer warranty For others inducing IBM systems can tech support tor return auth #tor warranty recars Non-detective «ems returned as defective suttee! to 10% service charge* Mm $501 Not responsible tor hardware or software ampatirjlrtyot any product No open acct PO's or foreign orders Noshowroom. demonstrators or watk-in sates Personal a company checks take 3 weeks to dear FOR ADVANCE PAYMENTS or PICKUP PLEASE CALL FIRST FOR WORKOROER I

MODEMS

EasyData I2B 300/1200 Bd Int w/PCTalk III $199

SmarTEAM212A1200BdExtw/osft $209

HAYES 1200 B w/SmarlCom II $329

HAYES 1200 Ext, w/o Software $359

Smartcomll 589 NEW 2400 Bd Ext 5549

HAYES Transet 1000 "REDUCED" 5299

POPC0MC-150lntw/PFS:Access 5289

POPCOM X-150 Ext w/PFS Access 5299

AST Reach1 1200 Bd short card w/Crosstalk 5329

PROMETHEUS PROMODEM 1200 Ext 5269

Options Processor 579 w/Modem 565

Alphanum Display 579 w/Modem 565

New Cdmm Buffer tor 1200 Ext CALL

PROMODEM 1200 B Int w/MITE software 5229

OUADMODEM II shortcard w/Crosstalk XVI $299

2400 Bd Upgrade Kit for Quadmodem II CALL

Ven-Tel Half Card w/Crosstalk XVI $349

1200 Plus Ext w/o software $349

BIZCOMP IntelliModem EXT 5319

ST/XL/XT $289/5319/5359

WATSON integrated Voice Oata Modem CALL

EVEREX 1200B Internal w/software $249

US ROBOTICS Complete Line CALL

SPECIAL ITEMS

OBERON OMNI READER

A must for any one using word processing Works like a scanner, transferring text from paper to your computer Reads cdmmon type laces Will save hours ot laborious typing. It is a great technological breakthrough at a very reasonable price Comes complete with interlace and sdftware fdr your cdmputer $499

IBM TERMINAL 3161 CALL

IBM TERMINAL 3163 CALL

GENERAL Parametric's VideoShow CALL

CHORUS PHOTOBASE/PC-EYE CALL

MISC. ADD ONS

CABLE Parallel. 6 ft $20 10 ft $25

Serial. 6 ft $25

Keyboard Extension. 6 ft $10

0RCHI0PCturbow/128k $549

Latest Version w/640k $599

HAYES Transet 1000 REDUCED $299

QUADRAM QUADspnnt $499

MOUSE SYSTEMS PC Mouse w/PC Paint $129

PC Mouse w/PC Paintbrush $129 MICROSOFT MOUSE w/PC Paintbrush

Bus/Serial $129/5139

KEYTRONIC KB 5151 $165

KB5!53Tw/TouchPad CALL

AB/ABC/ABCD Switch Boxes CALL

COMPUTER ACCESSORIES P 1 2-3 $299

POWER DIRECTOR P-2W/5 outlets 599

POWER DIRECTOR P-12W/6 outlets 5129

KENSINGTON Master Piece (5 outlets I 589

KENSINGTON Universal Printer Stand 520

KENSINGTON Master Piece Plus CALL

STANDBY PWR SUPPLY w/surge protection

300 Wans 5339

500 Watts 5599

800 Wans (Sine Wave) 5699

QUADRAM Microtazer 8k 5129 128k 5149

TILT/SWIVEL Monitor Pedestal 520

POWER SUPPLY 130 Wans 589

POWER SUPPLY 150 Warts 599

EVEREX Expansion Chassis Half Height 5699

EVEREX Expansion Chassis Full Height 5749

| 406-C CONSTITUTION AVE., CAMARILLO, CA 93010

805-987-7015

WHEN ORDERING PLEASE REFER TO AD #B807

470 B YTE • DECEMBER

Try It.

Then Buy It.

PC-Write.

A fast, full-featured word processing package for the unbelievable price of $10. Complete. You get a manual on disk, mail merge, split screen, keyboard macros, on-screen formatting, full printer support, and more.

Try PC-Write for $10. Then register for $75 to get:

• latest diskette

• printed manual

• two updates

• phone support

• newsletter Registration supports our "shareware" concept that keeps our prices low, and allows our development of PC-Write enhancements.

Shareware means you can get PC-Write from a friend or user group to try, and give away copies yourself. Then register if you like it. No risk!

Byte December 85

Now you can

use the same

editor for all your work,

both programs and manuals.

Watch for version 2.6 soon.

A perfect Christmas gift!

We'll send it and include a nice card in your name.

Order PC-Write Today.

Satisfaction Guaranteed.

(206) 282-0452

219 First N. #224y

1 Seattle, WA 98109

Inquiry 426

EPROM

PROGRAMMER

APROTEK 1000

riin $265.00

"— I jj l—l COMPLETE WITH

PERSONALITY MODULE 1 I 7 VOLT AC POWER-RS232 •6 BAUD RATES - HANDSHAKE TO HOST ALLOWS READ, WRITE, VERIFY & COPY

Comes complete with a CPM, IBM-PC or Apple Driver Program on Disc.

Programs the following 5 Volt 24 or 28 pin devices: 2716 series through 27256, 25xx series, 68764 plus others. Please Specify Personality Module desired with order. Additional Personality Modules only $15.00 ea. Full 1 year warranty

TO ORDER: CALL 1 800 962 5800 OR WRITE

APROTEK

1071-A AVENIDA ACASO Add

CAMARILLO, CA 93010 S4 00 Shipi

Info: [805) 987 2454 VISA or MC Add 3%

Inquiry 24

_______ SINGLE

M68000 board

COMPUTER

On board 6-10 MHz CPU. 20K RAM. 32K EPROM. two RS-232.16-bit port. 5-counter/timers expandable via Memory/FDC Board.

M68K CPU (bare board) % 89.95

M68K CPU A&T (6MHz) S495.00

MD512K Memory/FDC (bare board) $ 89.95

MD512K Memory/FDC (128K) $495.00

FDC/Hard Disk interface option $150.00

M68KE Enclosure w/power supply $249.00

M68K Monitor EPROM's $ 95.00

M68K Macro Cross Assembler $195.00

4XF0RTH OS w/assembler. editor $295.00

CP/M 68K OS »/"C" compiler $395.00

pWO Educational P.O. Box 16115

§-• IV| ^% Microcomputei Irvine, CA 92713 1—ii.wM.\J Systems (714)854-8545

Inquiry 129

WHOLESALE

AST 6-PACK + 64K $239

ANCHOR VOLKSMOOEM 12 . . . 164

AUTOCAD CALL

(DIGITIZERS, PLOTTERS) PENCEPT. HOUSTON. HITACHI, CALCOMP. NICOLET. ENTER. GTCO

JUKI 6300 639

MAC 3.5 FLOPPY DRIVE 279

CALL FOR LATEST PRICE

APPLE

AXIOM

CITIZEN

C. ITOH

COMPAC

EPSON

ENTER

HAYES

IBM

JUKI

LEGEND

LOTUS

NEC

NOVATION

PANASONIC

PARADISE

PRINCETON

SILVER REED

TAXAN

TOSHIBA

VENTEL

MICROPRO ZENITH

MINORITY INDUSTRIES

5021 N. 20th SI.. (10261. Pho

ORDERS ONLY 1 OTHER INFORMATION (

Inquiry 250

1-800-428-7979 (602) 890-0596

R . D - Q . CABLES

3021 PURDUE ROAD DAYTON, OHIO 45420

No higher* quail i •£ y computer* cabl es on the man- l< e *; today! !

METALIZED MOODS FULLY SHIELDED ROSITI«~»E STRAIN REL I EZF

l o ov: ou aranteed

6' IBM PARALLEL CENTRONICS *17.00

6' IBM SERIAL PRINTER CABLE *17.00

6- IBM SERIAL FOR MODEM *17.00

o' STRAIGHT PARALLEL CENTR0NICS-*18.00

i' RS232C *17.00

IF THERE IS A CABLE NEEDED, F» . © . O ■ CAN CONSTRUCT AND GUARANTEE IT!

CALL <C 51 3 > 25*» — ST* 5 5

Inquiry 282

ATTENTION MEGABYTERS

Let your PC grow!

Vfeature

for IBM AT, XT and compatibles

supports BIG disks

secures disk data.

Vfeature operates with AT ami XT-compatible hard disk controllers.

Golden Bow Systems

$80.00

Add S3 !0: srupoing/

handling

C actor ma residents add

6% sales tai

Second Ave., Suite F San Diego, CA 92103

(619) 298-9349

Inquiry !55

Erases Most Eproms in 3 Minutes ^

I

-•*«*

Solid State 2-8 Min.

Timer Version $54.95

For all 24 or 28 pin devices—2 at a time

90 DAY WARRANTEE SHIPPING & HANOLING DEALERS WELCOME

WdLLIIIG CO.

$2 50

AZ RESIDENTS

ADD 6*o TAX

4401 S. JUNIPER • TEMPE. AZ 85282• (602) 838-1277

Inquiry 372

4164 2oons 490 41256 isons $2.95

STATIC RAMS

2101

256x4

(450ns)

1.95

5101

256«4

{450ns){CMOSI

3.95

2102L-4

1024»1

(450ns)ILP)

.99

2102L 2

1024x1

(250ns)(LP|

1.45

2112

256x4

(450ns)

299

2114

1024x4

(450ns)

.99

2114L-4

1024x4

(450ns)(LP)

1.09

21141-2

1024x4

(200ns)(LP)

1.49

2114L-15

1024x4

(150ns)|LP)

1.95

TMS4044-4

4096x1

(450ns)

1.95

TMM2016-150

2048x8

(150ns)

1.49

TMM2016 100

2048x8

(100ns)

195

HM6116-4

2048x8

(200nsl(CMOS)

1 39

HM6116 3

2048x8

(ISOnsl(CMOS)

1.49

HM6116LP-4

2048x8

(200ns)(CMOS)(LP)

149

HM6116LP-3

2048x8

(150ns)(CMOS)(LP)

159

HM6116LP2

2048x8 8192x8

(120ns)(CMOS)(LP) |150ns)ICMOS)

295 3.89

HM6264P-15

HIH6264LP 15

8192x8

(150ns)(CMOS)ILP|

3.95

HM6264LP 12

8192x8

(120ns)(CMOS)(LP)

449

LP- Low power

DYNAMIC RAMS

16384x1 |250ns>

49

4116-250

4116 200

16384x1

(200ns)

69

4116-150 4116-120

16384x1 16384x1

(150nsl

89

(120ns)

1.49 1

NIK4332

32768x1

(200ns)

6.95

4164-200

65536x1

(2O0ns)(5V)

49

4164 150

65536x1

(150ns)(5V)

69

4164-120

65536x1

|120ns)(5V)

1 95

MCIW6665

65536x1

(200nsl(5V)

1 95

TMS4164

65536x1

(150ns)(5V)

1 95

4164 REFRESH

65536x1 16384x4

(150nsl|5V)|REFRESH) 2 95 1 (150nsl(5VI 495 |

TMS4416

41128-150

131072x1

|150ns||5V|

5.95 1

41256-200

262144x1

(200ns)(5V)

295

41256150

262144x1

(150ns)(5V)

295

SV= Single 5 Volt Supply

REFRESH-Pin 1 Refresh

• ** •HIGH-TECH* •** NECV20 /PD70108 $2095

REPLACES 8088 TO SPEED UP IBM PC 10-40%

* HIGH SPEED ADDRESS CALCULATION IN HARDWARE

* PIN COMPATIBLE WITH 8088

* SUPERSET OF 8086/8088 INSTRUCTION SET

LOW POWER CMOS

• •••SPOTLIGHT****

ORDER TOLL FREE

TmnRT;liTiTiTi

800-662-6279!

EPROMS

2708

1024x8

|450ns)

3.95

2716 6

2048x8

(650ns)

2.29

2716

2048x8

.450ns)(5V

1.95

2716 1

2048x8

(350ns)(5V)

2.49

TMS2532

4096x8

450nsl(5V

3.95

2732

4096x8

(450ns)(5V)

2.29

2732A

4096x8

(250ns||5V)(21VPGM!

2.69

2732A 2

4096x8

(200ns)(5V||21VPGIVI|

395

27C64

8192x8

<250nsll5V)(CMOS)

595

2764

8192x8

(450ns)(5V)

1 95

2764-250

8192x8

(250ns)(5V)

2.49

2764 200

8192x8

(200ns)(5V)

349

TMS2564

8192x8

l450ns)|5V|

895

MCM68766

8192x8

l350ns)|5V)(24 PINI

1795

27128

16384x8

l250ns)(5V)

279

27C256

32768x8

l250ns)(5V>(CMOS>

12.95

27256

32768x8

■ 250nsli5V

7.49

- 5V Single

5 Vott Supply

21V PGM=Program at 21 Volts J

D corporation EPROM ERASERS

Model

Timer

Capacity Chip

Intensity

(uW/Cm'|

Unit Price

PE-14

NO

9

8,000

$83.00

PE-14T

YES

9

8.000

S119.00

PE 24T

YES

12

9.600

S175.00

r 8000

8035

1.49

8039

1.95

8080

2 95

8085

2.49

I 8087 2

139 95

8087

109.00

8088

6.95

8088-2

9.95

8155

2.49

8155-2

3.95

8748

7.95

8755

19.95

80286

129.95

I 80287

185.00 J

8200

8203

29.95

8205

3.29

8212

1 49

8216

1 49

8224

225

8237

495

82375

5.49

8250

6.95

8251

1.69

8251A

1.89

8253

1.89

8253 5

1 95

8255

1 69

8255 5

1 89

8259

1.95

8259 5

229

8272

495

8279

249

8279-5

2.95

8282

3.95

8284

2.95

8286

3.95

8288

495

" 6500 1

1.0MHZ

6502

2.79

65C02

IMOS] 12.95

6507

9.95

6520

1.95

6522

4.95

6526

26.95

6532

6.95

6545

6.95

6551

5.95

6561

19.95

6581

34.95

2.0 MHZ

6502A

2.95

6520A

2.95

6522A

5.95

6532A

11.95

6545A

7.95

6551A

6.95

3.0 MHZ

6502B

6.95 J

CRT

CONTROLLERS

6845

4 95

68B45

8.95

6847

11 95

HD46505SP

695

MC1372

2.95

8275

2695

7220

19 95

CRT5027

12.95

CRT5037

995

TMS9918A

19 95

Z-80

4.0 MHZ

Z80A CPU Z80A CTC Z80A DART Z80A-DMA Z80A PIO Z80A-SIO 0 Z80A SIO 1 Z80A SIO 2

6.0 MHZ

ZBOB CPU Z80B-CTC Z80B PIO Z80B DART Z80B SIO 0 Z80B SIO 2 . Z8671 ZILOG

1 89 1 96 595 5.95 1 95 5.95 595 5.95

4.95 8.95 8.95 14.95 12 95 12.95 19 95 ,

' 6800

1.0 MHZ

6800

1 95

6802

4.95

6803

995

6809

5 95

6809E

5.95

6810

1.95

6820

2.95

6821

1 96

6840

6.95

6843

19.95

6844

12 95

6845

496

6847

11 95

6850

1.95

6883

22.95

2.0 MHZ

68B00

4.95

68B02

595

68B09E

795

68B09

795

68B21

495

68B45

895

68B50

395

. 68B54

795

DISK

CONTROLLERS

1771

4.95

1791

995

1793

9.95

1795

12.95

1797

12.95

2791

19.95

2793

19.95

2797

29.95

6843

19.95

8272

4.95

UPD765

4.95

MB8876

12.95

MB8877

12.95

1691

6.95

.2143

6.95 J

BIT RATE GENERATORS

IVIC14411 BR1941 4702 COM8116 , MM5307

9.95 4.95 995 8.95 4.95 .

UARTS

AY5-1013

395

AY3-1015

495

TR1602

3.95

2651

495

IM6402

695

IM6403

9.95

INS8250

695

' CRYSTALS '

32 768 KHz

95

1.0 MHz

2.95

1.8432

295

2.0

1 95

2 097152

1.95

24576

1 95

32768

1 95

3579545

1 95

4.0

1 95

4032

1 95

5.0

1.95

50688

1 95

6.0

1 95

6144

1 95

65536

1.95

8.0

1.95

10.0

1 95

10.738635

1.95

12.0

1.95

14.31818

1 95

15.0

1 95

16.0

1 95

17 430

1 95

18 0

1 95

18.432

1 95

200

1 95

22 1184

1 95

24.0

1 95

320

1 95

CRYSTAL

OSCILLATORS

1.0MHz

595

1 8432

5.95

2.0

5.95

24576

5.95

2.5

4.95

4.0

4.95

5 0688

495

6.0

4.95

6144

4.95

80

4.95

10 0

495

12.0

4.95

12.480

495

15.0

495

16.0

495

18.432

495

20.0

4.95

.24.0

4 95

CLOCK CIRCUITS

MM5369 1.95

MM5369 EST 1.95 MM58167 12.95 MM58174 11.95 . MSM5832 2.9S A

SOUND CHIPS

76477 76489 SSI -263 AY3-8910 AY38912 . SP1000

3.95 895 39 95 12.95 12 95 39.00 .

' MISC

TMS99531

9-95

TMS99532

19 95

ULN2003

.79

3242

7.95

3341

4.95

MC3470

1.95

MC3480

895

MC3487

295

11C90

13.95

2513-001 UP

695

AY5-2376

11 95

AY5-3600 PRO 11 95 J

74LS00

74LS00

16

74LS165

.65

74LS01

18

74LS166

.95

74LS02

17

74LS169

.95

74LS03

18

74LS173

49

74LS04

16

74LS174

.39

74LS05

18

74LS175

39

74LS08

18

74LS191

.49

74LS09

18

74LS192

69

74LS10

16

74LS193

69

74LS11

22

74LS194

69

74LS12

22

74LS195

69

74LS13

26

74LS196

.59

74LS14

39

74LS197

.59

74LS15

26

74LS221

.59

74LS20

17

74LS240

.69

74LS21

22

74LS241

69

74LS22

22

74LS242

69

74LS27

23

74LS243

69

74LS28

26

74LS244

69

74LS30

17

74LS245

.79

74LS32

18

74LS251

49

74LS33

28

74LS253

49

74LS37

26

74LS256

1 79

741S38

26

74LS257

39

74LS42

39

74LS258

49

74LS47

59

74LS259

1 29

74LS48

69

74LS260

49

74LS51

17

74LS266

39

74LS73

29

74LS273

.79

74LS74

24

74LS279

.39

74LS75

29

74LS280

1 98

74LS76

29

74LS283

59

74LS83

49

74LS290

.89

74LS85

49

74LS293

89

74LS86

22

74LS299

1 49

74LS90

39

74LS322

3.95

74LS92

49

74LS323

2.49

74LS93

39

74LS364

1 95

74LS95

49

74LS365

.39

74LS107

34

74LS367

.39

74LS109

36

74LS368

.39

74LS112

29

74LS373

79

74LS122

45

74LS374

79

74LS123

49

74LS375

.95

74LS124 2

75

74LS377

.79

74LS125

39

74LS378

1.18

74LS126

39

74LS390

1.19

74LS132

39

74LS393

.79

74LS133

49

74LS541

1.49

74LS136

39

74LS624

1.95

74LS138

39

74LS640

99

74LS139

39

74LS645

99

74LS145

99

74LS669

1.29

74LS147

99

74LS670

89

74LS148

99

74LS682

3.20

74LS151

39

74LS683

320

74LS153

39

74LS684

3.20

74LS154 1

49

74LS688

240

74LS155

59

74LS783 22 96

74LS156

49

81LS95

1.49

74LS157

35

81LS96

1-49

74LS158

29

81LS97

1 49

74LS160

29

81LS98

1.49

74LS161

39

25LS2521 280

74LS162

49

25LS2569 2.80

74LS163

39

26LS31

1 95

74LS164

49

26LS32

1 95

HIGH SPEED CMOS

A new family o

high speed CMOS logic featuring

the speed of tow

power

Schottky (8ns typical gate

propagation delay), combined with the advantages of

CMOS very low power consumption, superior noise

immunity, and im

proved output drive

74HC00

74HC: Operate at CMOS logic levels and are ideal

tor new, all-CMOS destg

is

74HC00

59

74HC148

1.19

74HC02

59

74HC151

.89

74HC04

59

74HC154

249

74HC08

59

74HC157

89

74HC10

59

74HC158

.95

74HC14

-79

74HC163

1.15

74HC20

59

74HC175

99

74HC27

59

74HC240

1 89

74HC30

59

74HC244

1 89

74HC32

.69

74HC245

1 89

74HC51

59

74HC257

.85

74HC74

.75

74HC259

1 39

74HC85

1 35

74HC273

1 89

74HC86

69

74HC299

499

74HC93

1.19

74HC368

99

74HC107

79

74HC373

2.29

74HC109

79

74HC374

2.29

74HC112

79

74HC390

1.39

74HC125

1.19

74HC393

1.39

74HC132

1 19

74HC4017

1.99

74HC133

69

74HC4020

1.39

74HC138

99

74HC4049

89

74HC139

99

74HC4050

.89

74HCT00

74HCT: Dired

. drop

n replacements for LS TTL

and can be intermixed with 74LS in the same circuit

74HCT00

69

74HCT166

3.05

74HCT02

69

74HCT174

1.09

74HCT04

69

74HCT193

1.39

74HCT08

.69

74HCT194

1.19

74HCT10

69

74HCT240

2.19

74HCT11

69

74HCT241

2.19

74HCT27

69

74HCT244

2.19

74HCT30

69

74HCT245

2 19

74HCT32

79

74HCT257

99

74HCT74

85

74HCT259

1.59

74HCT75

.95

74HCT273

2.09

74HCT138

1.15

74HCT367

1 09

74HCT139

1.15

74HCT373

2.49

74HCT154

2.99

74HCT374

249

74HCT157

99

74HCT393

1 59

74HCT158

99

74HCT4017

2.19

74HCT161

1 29

74HCT4040

1 59

74HCT164

1.39

74HCT4060

1 49

74F00

74F00

69

74F74 .79

74F251 1.69

74F02

69

74F86 .99

74F253 1.69

74F04

79

74F138 1.69

74F257 1.69

74F08

69

74F139 1 69

74F280 1.79

74F10

69

74F157 1 69

74F283 3.95

74F32

69

74F240 3 29

74F373 4 29

74F64

89

74F244 3.29

74F374 4.29

VISIT OUR RETAIL STORE LOCATED AT 1256 SOUTH BASCOM AVENUE IN SAN JOSE

JDR Microdevices

1224 S. Bascom Avenue, San Jose, CA 95128

800-538-5000 • 800-662-6279 (CA) • (408) 995-5430

FAX (408) 275-8415 • Telex 171-110

TU-TH, 9-9

HOURS: M-W-F, 9-5 TU-TH, 9-9 SAT, 10-3

PLEASE USE YOUR CUSTOMER NUMBER WHEN ORDERING

TERMS: Minimum order $10.00. For shippino and handing Include S2J30 lor UPS Ground and S3 50 lor UPS Air. Orders over 1 lb. and foreign order* may require additional shipping charges - please contact our sales department for the amount CA. residents must Include applicable sales lax. All merchandise Is warranted for 90 days unless otherwise stated. Prices are subject to change without notice. We are not responsible for typographical errors. We reserve the tight to limit quantities and to substitute manufacturer. All merchandise subject to prior sale.

©COPYRIGHT 1985 JDR MICRODEVICES. INC.

THE JDR MICRODEVICES LOGO IS A REGISTERED TRADEMARK OF JDR MICRODEVICES. JDR INSTRUMENTS AND JDR MICRODEVICES ARE TRADEMARKS OF JDR MICRODEVICES. IBM IS A TRADEMARK OF INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES APPLE IS A TRADEMARK OF APPLE COMPUTER

472 B YTE • DECEMBER

Inquiry 193

PARTIAL LISTING ONLY — CALL FOR A FREE CATALOG

CMOS

7400/9000

4001

.19

14419

4.95

7400

19

74147

2.49

4011

.19

14433

1496

7402

.19

74148

1.20

4012

.25

4503

49

7404

.19

74150

1.35

4013

35

4511

.69

7406

29

74151

.55

4015

.29

4516

.79

7407

.29

74153

.55

4016

.29

4S18

.85

7408

24

74154

1.49

4017

.49

4522

.79

7410

.19

74155

.75

4018

.69

4526

.79

7411

.25

74157

.55

4020

.59

4527

1.95

7414

.49

74159

1.65

4021

69

4528

79

7416

.25

74161

.69

4024

49

4529

295

7417

25

74163

.69

4025

.25

4532

1.95

7420

.19

74164

.85

4027

.39

4538

95

7423

.29

74165

.85

4028

.65

4541

1.29

7430

.19

74166

1.00

4035

.69

4553

579

7432

.29

74175

.89

4040

69

4585

.75

7438

29

74177

.75

4041

.75

4702

12 95

7442

49

74178

1.15

4042

.59

74C00

29

7445

69

74181

2.25

4043

.85

74C14

59

7447

89

74182

.75

4044

.69

74C74

S9

7470

.35

74184

2.00

4045

1 98

74C83

1 95

7473

34

74191

1.15

4046

.69

74C85

1 49

7474

33

74192

.79

4047

.69

74C95

99

7475

45

74194

.85

4049

.29

74C150

5.75

7476

35

74196

.79

4050

.29

74C151

2.25

7483

50

74197

.75

4051

.69

74C161

.99

7485

59

74199

135

4052

69

74C163

99

7486

35

74221

1.35

4053

.69

74C164

1 39

7489

2.15

74246

1 35

4056

2.19

74C192

1.49

7490

39

74247

1.25

4060

.69

74C193

1 49

7492

.50

74248

1.85

4066

.29

74C221

1.75

7493

35

74249

195

4065

19

74C240

1.89

7495

55

74251

75

4076

.59

74C244

1 89

7497

2 75

74265

1.35

4077

.29

74C374

1 99

74100

2 29

74273

1.95

4081

22

74C905 10.95

74121

.29

74278

3.11

4085

.79

74C911

8 95

74123

.49

74367

.65

4086

.89

74C917

8.95

74125

45

74368

.65 I

4093

.49

74C922

449

74141

.65

9368

3.95 I

4094

2.49

74C923

4.95

74143

595

9602

1.50 I

14411

9.95

74C926

795

74144

2.95

9637

2.95 I

14412

6.95

80C97

95

74145

.60

96S02

1.95 J

74S00

74SO0

29

74S163

1.29

74S02

.29

74S168

3.95

74S03

.29

74S174

.79

74S04

.29

74S175

.79

74S05

.29

74S188

1.95

74S08

.35

74S189

1.95

74S10

.29

74S195

1.49

74S15

.35

74S196

1.49

74S30

.29

74S197

1.49

74S32

.35

74S226

3.99

74S37

.69

74S240

1.49

74S38

69

74S241

1.49

74S74

.49

74S244

1.49

74S85

.95

74S257

.79

74S86

35

74S253

.79

74S112

SO

74S258

.95

74S124

2.75

74S280

1.95

74S138

.79

74S287

1.69

74S140

55

74S288

1.69

74S151

.79

74S299

2.95

74S153

.79

74S373

1.69

74S157

.79

74S374

1.69

74S158

95

74S471

4.95

74S161

1.29

74S571

2.95 J

DATA ACQ

INTERFACE

AOC0800 15.55

8T26

1.29

AOC0804 3.49

8T28

1.29

ADC0809 4.49

8T95

.89

ADC0816 14.95

8T96

89

ADC0817 9.95

8T97

.59

ADC0831 8.95

8T98

89

DAC0800 44f

DM8131

2.95

DAC0806 1.95

DP8304

2.29

DAC0808 2.95

DS8833

2.25

OAC1020 8.25

DS8835

1 99

DAC1022 5.95

DS8836

.99

MC1408L8 2 95

OS8837

1 65

' EDBECARD CONNECTORS'

100

PIN

ST

S 100

125

3.95

100

PIN

WW

S 100

125

4.95

62

PIN

ST

IBM PC

.100

1 95

50

PIN

ST

APPLE

100

2 95

44

PIN

ST

STD

.156

1.95

.44

PIN

WW

STD

156

4.95

r 36 PIN CENTRONICS

MILE

IDCEN36 RIBBON CABLE

6.95

CEN36 SOLDER CUP

4.95

CEN36PC RT ANGLE PC MOUNT

495

PBMU

IOCEN36 F RIBBON CABLE

7.95

INTERSIL

ICL7106 ICL7107 ICL7660 ICL8038 ICM7207A k ICM7208

9.95 12.95 295 4.95 5.95 15.95 ,

VOLTAGE REGULATORS

TO 220 CASE

7805T 49 7905T .59

7808T .49 7908T .59

7812T .49 7912T .59

781ST .49 7915T .59

TO 3 CASE

7805K 1.39 7905K 1.49

7812K 1 39 7912K 1.49

TO 92 CASE 78L05 .49 79L05 .69 78L12 .49 79L12 .69

OTHER VOLTAGE REGS

LM323K5V 3A TO 3 4.79 LM338KA45A TO 3 3.95 78H05K5V 5A TO 3 7.95 78H12K12V5A TO 3 8.95 fc78P05K 5V 10A TO-3 14.95

[ IC SOCKETS

1-99

100

8 PIN ST

.13

.11

14 PIN ST

.15

.12

16 PIN ST

.17

.13

18 PIN ST

.20

.18

20 PIN ST

.29

.27

22 PIN ST

.30

.27

24 PIN ST

.30

.27

28 PIN ST

40

.32

40 PIN ST

49

.39

64 PIN ST

4.25

CALL

ST=SOLOERTAIL

8 PIN WW

.59

.49

14 PIN WW

.69

.52

16 PIN WW

.69

58

18 PIN WW

.99

.90

20 PIN WW

1.09

98

22 PIN WW

1 39

1 28

24 PIN WW

1.49

1.35

28 PIN WW

1 69

1.49

40 PIN WW

1 99

1.80

WW WIREWRAP

16 PIN ZIF

4.95

CALL

24 PIN ZIF

595

CALL

28 PIN ZIF

6.95

CALL

40 PIN ZIF

995

CALL

ZIF=TEXTOOL

IZERO INSERTION FORCE)

LINEAR

I TL066

.99

LM733

.98

1 TL071

69

LM741

29

1 TL072

1 09

LM747

.69

I TL074

1.95

LM748

59

I TL081

59

MCI 330

1 69

I TL082

99

MCI 350

1.19

I TL084

1.49

MC1372

6.95

I LM301

.34

LM1414

1.59

LM309K

1.25

LM1458

.49

LM311

.59

LM1488

.49

LM311H

89

LM1489

49

LM317K

349

LM1496

85

LM317T

95

LM1812

8.25

LM318

1.49

LM1889

1.95

LM319

1.25

ULN2003

79

LM320 SM79O0

XR2206

3.75

LM322

1.65

XR2211

2.95

LM323K

4.79

XR2240

1.95

LM324

49

MPQ2907

1 95

LM331

3.95

LM2917

1.95

LM334

1.19

CA3046

89

LM335

1.40

CA3081

99

LM336

1.75

CA3082

99

LM337K

3.95

CA3086

80

LM338K

3.95

CA3089

1 95

LM339

.59

CA3130E

99

LM340 SM78O0

CA3146

1 29

LM350T

460

CA3160

1.19

LF353

59

MC3470

1.95

LF356

.99

MC3480

8.95

LF367

99

MC3487

295

LM358

59

LM3900

49

LM380

.89

LM3909

98

LM383

1.95

LM3911

225

LM386

.89

LM3914

2.39

LM393

.45

MC4024

3.49

LM394H

4.60

MC4044

3.99

TL494

4.20

RC4136

1.25

TL497

3.25

RC4558

.69

NE555

.29

LM13600

1.49

NE556

.49

75107

1.49

NE558

1.29

75110

1.95

NE564

1 95

75150

1.95

LM565

.95

75154

1.95

LM566

1 49

75188

1.25

LM567

79

75189

1.25

NE570

2.95

75451

.39

NE590

250

75452

.39

NE592

98

75453

.39

LM710

75

75477

1.29

LM723

49

75492

.79

H=TO-5 CAN. K

TO-3. T=TO-220

DIPCC

INNECTORS

DESCRIPTION

ORDER BV

CONTACTS

8

14

16

18

20

22

24

28

40

HIGH RELIABILITY TOOLED ST IC SOCKETS

AUGATxxST

62

.79

.89

1.09

1.29

1.39

1.49

1 69

2.49

HIGH RELIABILITY TOOLED WW IC SOCKETS

AUGATxxWW

1 30

1.80

2.10

240

2.50

2.90

3.15

3.70

5.40

COMPONENT CARRIES (DIP HEADERS!

ICCxx

.49

.59

69

.99

.99

.99

.99

1 09

1.49

RIBBON CABLE

DIP PLUGS (IDC)

IDPxx

.95

.95

1.75

...

2.95

.-■—•*■

e

FOR ORDERING INS TRuC TiQNS SEE D-SUBMINIA TuRE BELOW

AUGAT 24ST

o-s

UBMINII

TURI

E

DESCRIPTION

ORDER BY

CONTACTS

9

15

19

25

37

50

SOLDER CUP

MALE

OBxxP

.82

90

1

25

1.25

1.80

3.48

FEMALE

DBxxS

95

115

1

50

1 50

2.35

4.32

RIGHT ANGLE PC SOLDER

MALE

DBxxPH

1.20

1.49

1.95

2.65

FEMALE

DBxxSR

1.25

1.55

200

2.79

WIRE WRAP

MALE

DBxxPWW

1.69

2 56

389

5.60

FEMALE

OBxxSWW

2.76

4.27

6.84

995

IDC RIBBON CABLE

MALE

IDBxxP

2.70

295

3.98

5.70

FEMALE

IDBxxS

292

3.20

4.33

676

HOODS

METAL

MHOODxx

1.25

1.25

1

30

1.30

GREY

HOODxx

65

.65

.65

75

.95

ORDERING INSTRUCTIONS: INSERT THE NUMBER OF CONTACTS IN THE POSITION MARKED "xx OF THE ORDER BY PART NUMBER LISTED. I EXAMPLE A 15 PIN RIGHT ANGLE MALE PC SOLDER WOULD BE DBJ5PR

MOUNTIHG HARDWARE S1.00 IOC CONNECTORS

DESCRIPTION

ORDER BY

CONTACTS

10

20

26

34

40

50

SOLDER HEADER

IDHxxS

.82

1.29

1.68

2.20

2.58

3-24

RIGHT ANGLE SOLDER HEADER

IDHxxSR

.85

1.35

1.76

2.31

2.72

3.39

WW HEADER

IDH..W

1.86

2 98

384

4.50

5.28

6.63

RIGHT ANGLE WW HEADER

IDHxxWR

2.05

3.28

4.22

4.45

4.80

730

RIBBON HEADER SOCKET

IDSxx

.79

.99

1.39

1.59

1.99

2 25J

RIBBON HEADER

IDMxx

—

5.50

6.25

7.00

7.50

8.50

RIBBON EDGE CARD

IDE XX

1 75

2 25

2.65

2.75

380

3.95

FOR ORDERING INSTRUCTIONS SEE D-SUBMINIA TURE ABOVE

HARD TO FIND "SNAPABLE" HEADERS

CAN BE SNAPPED APART TO

MAKE ANY SIZE HEADER.

ALL WITH .1" CENTERS

1<40 STRAIGHT LEAD .99

1x40 RIGHT ANGLE 1.49

2x40 STRAIGHT LEAD 2.49

. 2x40 RIGHT ANGLE 2.99

SHORTING BLOCKS

GOLD

CONTACTS

SPACED

5/S1.00

Let, me tell you how much I appreciate your Sales & Customer Service staffs . My recent orderwas filled in amost courteous & prompt manner & I will deal withyou in the future to the exclusion of other similar firms who obviously don't need customers botherin them . Thank you ,

f-K

CALL FOR VOLUME QUOTES

' DIODES/OPTO/TRANSISTORS '

1N751

.25

4N26

69

1N759

25

4N27

.69

1N4148

25

1.00

4N28

.69

1N4004

10

1.00

4N33

.89

1NS402

.25

4N37

1.19

KBP04

.55

MCT-2

.59

KBU8A

95

MCT-6

1.29

MDA990-2

.35

TIL-111

.99

N2222

.25

2N3906

.10

PN2222

10

2N4401

.25

2N2905

50

2N4402

.25

2N2907

25

2N4403

.25

2N3055

.79

2N6045

1.75

12N3904

10

TIP31

.49 J

LED DISPLAYS

FND-357(359I

FND-500I503)

FND-507I510I

MAN 72

MAN-74

MAN 8940

TIL-313

HP50827760

TIL-311

HP5082-7340

COM COM COM COM COM COM COM COM 4x7 HEX 4x7 HEX

CATHODE .362" CATHODE .5" CATHODE .5" ANODE .3" CATHODE .3" CATHODE .8" CATHODE .3" CATHODE 43" W/LOGIC .270" W LOGIC .290"

1.25

1.49

1 49

.99

.99

1.99

.45

1.29

9.95

7.95

DIFFUSED LEDS

JUMBO RED JUMBO GREEN JUMBO YELLOW MOUNTING HDW .MINI RED

1-99 .10

TIM

T1V.

100-UP .09

12 09

SWITCHES

SPST MINI TOGGLE ON ON

1.25

DPDT MINI TOGliLE ON ON

1 50

DPDT MINI-TOGGLE ON OFF ON

1 75

SPST MINI PUSHBUTTON NO

39

SPST MINI-PUSHBUTTON N.C

39

SPST TOGGLE ON OFF

.49

BCD OUTPUT 10 POSITION 6 PIN DIP

1 95

DIP SWITCHES

4 POSITION 85 7 POSITION

.95

5 POSITION .90 8 POSITION

95

6 POSITION .90 10 POSITION

1.29

Chapel Hil]

© COPYRIGHT 1985 JDR MICRODf VICES

i

IBBON CAB

LE

CONTACTS

SINGLE COLOR

COLOR CODED

1'

10'

1'

10'

10

.18

1.60

30

2.75

16

28

2.50

48

4.40

20

.36

3.20

.60

5.50

25

.45

4.00

.75

6.85

26

.45

4.10

.78

7.15

34

.61

5.40

1.07

9.35

40

.72

6.40

1.20

11.00

50

89

7.50

1 50

13.25

Inquiry 193

DECEMBER 1985 • BYTE 473

order toll free 800-538-5000 800-662-6279 (ca>

BARGAIN HUNTERS CORNER

IBM COMPATIBLE MONOCHROME DISPLAY ADAPTOR

• 720 «350 PIXEL SCREEN (10 CHARACTERS . 2S LINE S

• CHARACTER ATTRIBUTES

BLINK. UNDERLINE, ftEVWSF VIDEO 8, INTfMMFIED

■ STANDARD TTL OUTWT

• MADE IN USA BY INTEKSIl SYSTEMS

• 90 DAY WARRANTY

■ INCLUDES 5 PAGE MANUAL

$4995

NOTE THE ABOVE Onto i EXCESS INVENTORYLUI.

<i *OU,ASWt ■■••. ?eu The

■1 PARALLEL PRINTER PORT HCHASLQ THESE FROM AN ■a r AN uUHfARDOE-PRICc'

PURCHAM TMK ABOVE

MONOCHROME DISPLAY ADAPTOR

AND THE

SAMW00 MONOCHROME MONITOR

FOR ONLY

$13995

SPECIALS END 12/31/85,

PAGE WIRE WRAP WIRE

PRECUT ASSORTMENT

IN ASSORTED COLORS S27.50

lOOea 5.S". 6.0". 6.5". 7.0" 2S0ea 2.5". 4.5". 5.0" 500ea 3 0". 3 5", 4.0"

SPOOLS

100 feet $4.30 500 feet S13 25

250 feet S7 25 1000 feet S21 95

Please specify color: Blue. Black. Yellow or Red

EMI FILTER

$4.95

• MANUFACTURED BY CORCOM

• LOW COST »;i

■ FITS LC HP BELOW I

■ 6 AMP 120 240 VOLT

6 FOOT LINE CORDS

LC-2 2 CONDUCTOR .39

LC-3 2 CONDUCTOR .99 LC HP 3 CONDUCTOR W STD

FEMALE SOCKET 1.49

MUFFIN FANS

SQ ROTROIM 14.95

SQ ETRI 1495

SO MASUSHITA 16 95

WIRE WRAP PROTOTYPE CARDS

FR-4 EPOXY GLASS LAMINATE WITH GOLD-PLATED EDGE CARD FINGERS

'BMPR2 IBM

BOTH CARDS HAVE SILK SCREENED LEGENDS

AND INCLUDES MOUNTING BRACKET

IBM PR 1 WITH -5V AND GROUND PLANE .... $27 95

IBM PR2 AS ABOVE WITH DECODING LAYOUT S29.95

S-100

PI00-1 BARE NO FOIL PADS S15.15

PI 00-2 HORIZONTAL BUS $21.80

P100 3 VERTICAL BUS »21.80

P100-4 SINGLE FOIL PADS PER HOLE S22.75

APPLE

P500-1 BARE NO FOIL PADS S15.15

P500 3 HORIZONTAL BUS S22.75

P50O4 SINGLE FOIL PADS PER HOLE $21.80

, 7060-45 FOR APPLE Me AUX SLOT $3000 .

SOCKET-WRAP I.D.™

• SLIPS OVER WIRE WRAP PINS

• IDENTIFIES PIN NUMBERS ON WRAP SIDE OF BOARD

• CAN WRITE ON PLASTIC; SUCH AS IC --'

PCK OF 10

PINS PARTa

8 IDWRAP 08

14 IDWRAP 14 10 1.

16 IDWRAP 16 10 1

18 IDWRAP 18 5 1.

20 IDWRAP 20 5 1.

22 IDWRAP 22 5 1.

24 IDWRAP 24 5 1.

28 IDWRAP 28 5 1,

40 IDWRAP 40 5 1.

PLEASE ORDER BY NUMBER OF PACKAGES (PCK OF)

CAPACITORS

TANTALUM

15V 35 .47//I 35V

15V 70 1.0 35V

15V .80 2.2 35V

15V 1 35 47 35V 85

35V 40 10 35V 100

,? ' * =1

ID WRAP 24

FRAME STYLE

TRANSFORMERS

SWITCHING POWER SUPPLIES

12 6V AC CT

12 6V AC CT

12 6V AC CT

1 25 2V AC CT

2 AMP

4 AMP

8 AMP

2 AMP

25PIH0 SUB GENDER &ZCHANGERS 'V $7.95

DATARASE EPROM ERASER $34.95

45

I ERASES TWO EPROMS IN 10 MINUTES • COMPACT NO DRAWER I THIN METAL SHUTTER

PREVENTS UV LIGHT

FROM ESCAPING

"

50V

50V 05

50V 05

50V 05

50V .05

50V .05

50V 05

50V 05

50V 05

DISC

680

001, 0022 005 .01

02

"« WATT RESISTORS

5% CARBON FILM ALL STANDARD VALUES FROM 1 OHM TO 10 MEG OHM

10 PCS -*!»■ >--.»•- .05 100 PCS -mi. ■-■■*■■ .02

. 50 PCS ■..>„■■«**■ .025 1000 PCS samevalue 01S ,

MONOLITHIC

01/.I

50V

14

•lpf

50V

.18

047//I

50V

.15

47j/f

50V

.25

ELECTROLYTIC

RADIAL

AXIAL

V

25V

.14

W

50V

.14 1

2.2

35V

15

10

50V

16 1

4.7

bOV

15

22

16V

14 1

10

50V

15

47

50V

20 1

47

15V

18

100

35V

25 1

100

16V

18

720

25V

30 1

220

J5V

20

470

50V

50 1

470

25V

30

1000

16V

60 1

2200

16V

70

2200

16V

70 1

4700

25V

1 45

4700

16V

1 25 I

COMPUTER GRADE

44.000ul

30V

3 95 1

RESISTOR NETWORKS

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

SPECIALS ON DYPASS CAPACITORS

.01/vf CERAMIC DISC .01 fji MONOLITHIC 1 fA CERAMIC DISC .1 //f MONOLITHIC

100/S5.00 100/S10.00

100/S6.50 100/S12.50,

PS-IBM $99.95

• FOR IBM PC-XT COMPATIBLE

• 130 WATTS

• -5V I 15A. -12V (i 4.2A

5V i 5A. 12V(».5A

• ONE YEAR WARRANTY

PS-130 S99.95

■ 130 WATTS

• SWITCH ON REAR

• FOR USE IN OTHER IBM TYPE MACHINES

■ 90 DAY WARRANTY

PSA $49.95

• USE TO POWER APPLE TYPE SYSTEMS

• -SV .a 4A. -12V :i 2.5A -5V(S .SA, 12V (d ,5A

• APPLE POWER CONNECTOR

PS-3 $39.95

• AS USED IN APPLE III

• -SV (a- 4A. -12V (a 2.5A -5V @ -25A. -12V ' i 30A.

• 1S.5" » 4.5" x 2.0". .884 LBS.

PS-ASTEC $19.95

• CAN POWER TWO 5' fc" FDDS

• '5V'5 2 5A. -12V i 2A

12V $ 1A

• »5VIS 5AIF 12V IS NOT USED

• 6.3" X 4.0" K 1.9". 1 LB

PS-TDK $29.95

. '5V@4A, -12V i i 2A

• *12V @ 2.8A, -12V lui .30A > 6.2" x 7.4" x 1.7". 1.6 LBS.

NEW BOOKS BY STEVE CIARCIA

BIULD YOUR OWN

Z80 COMPUTER $19 95

CIRCUIT CELLAR VOL 1 $17.95

CIRCUIT CELLAR VOL 2 $18.95

! CIRCUIT CELLAR VOL 3 $18.95

k CIRCUIT CELLAR VOL 4 $18.95 J

,v

WISH SOLDERLESS BREADBOI

RDS

PART NUMBER

DIMENSIONS

DISTRIBUTION STBIPISI

TIE

POINTS

TERMINAL STRIP1S)

TIE POINTS

BINDING POSTS

PRICE

WBU D

.38 I 6.50"

1

100

—

...

—

2.95

WBUT | 1 38x6 50"

—

1

630

6.95

WBU 204 3

3.94 x 8.45"

1

10O

2

1260

2

17.95

WBU 204

5.13x8 45"

4

400

2

12S0

3

24.95

WBU 206

6.88 x 9.06"

5

500

3

1890

4

29.95

WBU 208 I 8.25 x 9.45"

7

700

4

2520

4

39.95 J

LITHIUM BATTERY

AS USED IN CLOCK CIRCUITS

3 VOLT BATTERY S3.95

, BATTERY HOLDER SI 49

MICROCOMPUTER HARDWARE HANDBOOK

FROMELCOMP $14.95

OVER 800 PAGES OF DATA SHEETS ON THE MOST COMMONLY USED ICs. INCLUDES TTL. CMOS. 74LS00. MEMORY. CPUs. MPU SUPPORT .AND MUCH MORE'

IC MASTER $79.95

THE INDUSTRY STANDARD

VISIT OUR RETAIL STORE LOCATED AT 1256 SOUTH BASCOM AVENUE IN SAN JOSE

atSJDR Microdevices

■ ■ 1224 S. Bascom Avenue, San Jose, CA 95128 800-538-5000 • 800-662-6279 (CA) • (408) 995-5430 FAX (408) 275-8415 • Telex 171-110

HOURS: M-W-F, 9-5 TU-TH, 9-9 SAT, 10-3

PLEASE USE YOUR CUSTOMER NUMBER WHEN ORDERING

TERMS: Minimum order $10.00 For shipping and handling include $2.50 lor UPS

Ground and $3 50 for UPS Air Orders over 1 lb. and foreign orders may require

additional shipping charges - please contact our sales department lor the amount CA

residents must Include applicable sales tax. All mere

unless otherwise slated Prices are subject to change without noli

responsible lor typographical errors. We reserve the right to limit quantities and to

substitute manufacturer. All merchandise subject to prior sale.

ALL MERCHANDISE 100% GUARANTEED

! COPYRIGHT 1985 JDR MICRODEVICES

474 BYTE • DECEMBER 1985

Inquiry I94

PARTIAL LISTING ONLY — CALL FOR A FREE CATALOG

PRINTER BUFFERS

3-WAY SWITCH BOXES

FLOPPY DISK DRIVES

• FREES COMPUTER FOR OTHER TASKS WHILE PRINTING LONG DOCUMENTS.

. STANDALONE DESIGN - WORKS WITH ANY COMPUTER OR PRINTER.

• ALL MODELS FEATURE PRINT PAUSE, MEMORY CHECK AND GRAPHICS CAPABILITY.

$139.95

SP120P PARALLEL

• 64K UPGRADABLE TO 256K

• LED INDICATOR SHOWS VOLUME OF DATA IN BUFFER

SP120S RS232 SERIAL $159.95

• 64K UPGRADABLE TO 256K

• SIX SELECTABLE BAUD RATES FROM 600B 19.200B

SP110 PARALLEL $249.95

• 64K UPGRADABLE TO 512K

• SPOOLS OUTPUT OF UP TO THREE COMPUTERS

• LED BARGRAPH DISPLAYS AMOUNT OF DATA IN BUFFER

• RESET FUNCTION CLEARS DATA IN BUFFER

• REPEAT FUNCTION CAN PRODUCE MULTIPLE COPIES OF A DOCUMENT

• SERIAL OR PARALLEL

» CONNECTS 3 PRINTERS TO 1 COMPUTER OR 3 COMPUTERS TO 1 PRINTER

• ALL LINES SWITCHED

• HIGH QUALITY ROTARY SWITCH MOUNTED ON PCB

• GOLD CONTACTS

• STURDY METAL ENCLOSURE

TEAC

FD-55B '■! HEIGHT DS/DD FD-55F Vj HEIGHT DS QUAD

«.«,«,„ SHUGART

SA460 5V." (80 TRACKI DS/QUAD

-r...^ i TAIMDOIM

TlYll 00-2 SW IFOR IBM] DS/DD MPI-B525V(FORIBM)DS DD

SWITCH-3P CENTRONICS PARALLEL SWITCH-3S RS232 SERIAL

99.95 99.95 ,

IBM

PRINTER

GABLE

• DB25 TO CENTRONICS

• SHIELDED CABLE

$9.95

JOYSTICKS 51 $7.95

$4.95 I

$89.95 $99.95

$199.95

$99.95

$89.95 SIEMENS 8" DISK DRIVES

FD100-8SS DDSA801REQUIV $119.00

FD200-8 DS/DD SA851R EQUIV. $1 59.00

JFORMAT-2 SOFTWARE $49.95

TEAC FD-55B

9 *~V"^'*^

TANDONTM100 2

NASHUA DISKETTE SPECIALS

5V4" SOFT SECTOR DS/DD WITH HUB RINGS

$9.90

BON OF 10

89Cea

BULK OTY SO

790ea

BULK OTY 250

NASHUA DISKETTES WERE JUDGED TO HAVE THE HIGHEST

POLISH AND RECORDED AMPLITUDE OF ANY DISKETTES

TESTED SEE -COMPARING FLOPPY DISKS". BYTE 9-84

DISKETTE FILE

$8.95

HOLDS 70 5V." DISKETTES

SUPPORT FOR QUAD DENSITY DRIVES FROM TALL TREE SYSTEMS

DISK DRIVE CABINETS

BV4" DRIVE ENCLOSURES

CAB-APPLE APPLE TYPE DRIVE CABINET $24.95

WITHOUT POWER SUPPLY CAB-1FH5 FULL HEIGHTS'/." BEIGE DRIVE CABINET S69.95

WITH POWER SUPPLY CAB-2SV5 DUAL SLIMLINE 5V," CABINET S49.95

WITH POWER SUPPLY - VERTICAL MOUNT

8 INCH DRIVE ENCLOSURES BY JRR

CAB-2SV8 DUAL SUMLINE 8" DRIVE CABINET $209.95

WITH POWER SUPPLY ■ VERTICAL MOUNT CAB-2FH8 DUAL FULL HEIGHT 8" DRIVE CABINET $219.95

WITH POWER SUPPLY HORIZONTAL

CAB-1FH5

CAB-2SV5

DISKETTES

N-MD2D N-MD2F N-MD2H

N-FD1 N-FD2D

N-3.5SS

VMD1D V-MD2D V-MD110D

NASHUA 5V4"

DS DD SOFT SECTOR DS/QUAD SOFT SECTOR DS HIGH DENSITY FOR AT

NASHUA 8"

SS/DD SOFT SECTOR DS DD SOFT SECTOR

NASHUA 3.5"

3 5" SSDD FOR MACINTOSH $32.95

VERBATIM 51/4"

SS/DD SOFT SECTOR DS DD SOFT SECTOR SS DD 10 SECTOR HARD

$9.90 $34.95 $49.95

$27.95 $34.95

IBM STYLE COMPUTER CASE

| ATTRACTIVE STEEL CASE, WITH HINGED LID, FITS POPULAR PC XT COMPATIBLE MOTHER-BOARDS.

• SWITCH CUT-OUT ON SIDE FOR PC/XT STYLE POWER SUPPLY

• CUT-OUT FOR 8 EXPANSION SLOTS

• ALL HARDWARE INCLUDED

IBM COMPATIBLE KEYBOARDS

«

ONLY $59.95

VP

j DKM-2000 $79.95 r

• FULLY IBM COMPATIBLE ' 83 KEY WITH CAPACI

TANCE TYPE SWITCHES

• LED STATUS INDICATORS FOR CAPS. NUMBER LOCK

I AUDIBLE CLICK

KB 5151 $99.95

Jl^r/lT.ijlforlfo^jj

• ENHANCED IBM COMPATIBLE

■ SEPARATE CURSOR AND NUMERIC KEYPADS

■ CAPS LOCK 8. NUMBER LOCK INDICATORS

■ IMPROVED KEYBOARD LAYOUT

EKTENDER CARDS

POWER STRIPS

• UL APPROVED

• 15A CIRCUIT BREAKER

CASE WITH KEYBOARD

KEYBOARD-AP

$12.95

IBM PC IBM AT APPLE II APPLE lie MULTIBUS

S45.00 S68.00 $45.00 $45.00 $86.00

»%%%%•*

I REPLACEMENT FOR APPLE II KEYBOARD

. CAPS LOCK KEY

. AUTOREPEAT

I ONE KEY ENTRY OF BASIC OR CP M COMMANDS

$49.95

JB

FOR APPLE MOTHER-BOARD

. USER DEFINED FUNCTION KEYS

• NUMERIC KEYPAD WITH CURSOR CONTROL

• CAPS LOCK

• AUTO REPEAT

MODEL KB 1000

.ONLY $79.95

20 MHz DUAL TRACE OSCILLOSCOPE

HIGH QUALITY TEST EQUIPMENT FROM JDR INSTRUMENTS

35 MHz DUAL TRACE OSCILLOSCOPE

MODEL 2000

$389

• BAND WIDTH DC: TO20 MHi |-3dbl

AC: 10 Hz TO 20MHZ |-3dt»

• SWEEP TIME - .2 (/SEC TO .5 SEC/DIV ON 20 RANGES

. COMPLETE MANUAL AND HIGH QUALITY HOOK-ON PROBES INCLUDED

• INPUT IMPEDANCE: 1 MEG OHM . TV VIDEO SYNC FILTER

• XV AND Z AXIS OPERATION

• 110/220 VOLT OPERATION

• COMPONENT TESTER

. LP CONSUMPTION - 19 WATTS

• BUILT-IN CALIBRATOR

■ AUTOMATIC OR TRIGGERED TIMEBASE

MODEL 3500

$549

. BAND WIDTH - DC: TO 35MHz (-3db)

AC: 10 Hz TO 35MHZ (3.11,)

• SWEEP TIME - .1 j/SEC TO .5 SEC/DIV ON 21 RANGES

• DELAYED TRIGGER 100 mSEC TO 1 /(SEC WITH INTENSIFIED AND DELAYED MODES

• COMPLETE MANUAL AND 1X-10X COMPENSATED HOOK-ON PROBES INCLUDED

• VARIABLE HOLD OFF FOR VIEWING COMPLEX WAVES

• TV VIDEO SYNC FILTER

• TRIGGERING OF CHA. CH-B. ALTERNATING. LINE OR EXTERNAL

• XY AND Z AXIS OPERATION

CALL FOR VOLUME QUOTES

DIGITAL MULTIMETER PEN

MODEL DPM 1000

$49

95

AUTO RANGING, POLARITY AND DECIMAL!

LARGE 3 5" DISPLAY

DATA HOLD SWITCH FREEZES READING

FAST. AUDIBLE CONTINUITY TEST

LOW BATTERY INDICATOR

OVERLOAD PROTECTION . ONLY IV, x SV. « "A" > DC VOLTS 1mV-500V

AC VOLTS 1tnV-5O0V i 1 OHM 2 MEG OHM

WEIGHS ONLY 2.3 OUNCES . LOW PARTS COUNT-CUSTOM 80 PIN LSI INSURES

RELIABILITY i INCLUDES MANUAL. BATTERIES. HARD CASE. AND '

ALLIGATOR CUP

©COPYRIGHT 1985 JDR MICRODEVICES

Inquiry 194

DECEMBER 1985 -BYTE 475

#JDR Microdevices

1224 South Bascom Avenue, San Jose, CA 95128 800-538-5000 • 800-662-6279 (CA) • (408) 995-5430 • FAX (408) 275-8415 • Telex 171-110

IBM COMPATIBLE INTERFACE CARDS

ALL WITH A ONE YEAR WARRANTY

MULTIFUNCTION CARD

$129.95

ALL THE FEATURES OF ASTS 6 PACK PLUS AT HALF THE PRICE

• CLOCK CALENOAR

• 0-384K RAM

• SERIAL PORT . PARALLEL PORT

• GAME PORT

• SOFTWARE INCLUDED

PRINTER CABLE $9.95 64K RAM UPGRADE 9 $7 11

COLOR GRAPHICS ADAPTOR $99.95

FULLY COMPATIBLE WITH IBM COLOR CARD

• 4 VIDEO INTERFACES: RGB. COMPOSITE COLOR. HI-RES COMPOSITE MONOCHROME. CONNECTOR FOR RF MODULATOR

> COLOR GRAPHICS MODE: 320 x 200 ' MONO GRAPHICS MODE: 640 Jt 200 ■ LIGHT PEN INTERFACE

MONOCHROME GRAPHICS CARD $129.95

FULLY COMPA TIBLE WITH IBM MONOCHROME ADAPTOR AND HERCULES GRAPHICS CARD

• LOTUS COMPATIBLE

• TEXT MODE: 80 x 25

• GRAPHICS MODE: 720 x 348

• PARALLEL PRINTER INTERFACE

• OPTIONAL SERIAL PORT

-gva&txsm

FLOPPY DISK DRIVE ADAPTOR

$59.95

* INTERFACES UPTO FOUR STANDARD

FDDs TO IBM PC OR COMPATIBLES

• INCLUDES CABLE FOR TWO INTERNAL DRIVES

1200 BAUD INTERNAL MODEM FOR IBM

INCLUDES PC TALK III COMMUNICATIONS SOFTWARE

• HAYES COMPATIBLE

• AUTO DIAL AUTO ANSWER

• AUTO RE-OIAL ON BUSY > INCLUDES SERIAL PORT?

• ONE YEAR WARRANTY

EASYDATA-12B $195

300 BAUD MODEM FOR APPLE OR IBM

CLOSE-OUT mJ SPECIAL

NOW ONLY

$49.95

INCLUDES ASCII PRO EZ SOFTWARE (A S10O VALUE IN ITSELF)

' FCC APPROVED

• BELL SYSTEMS 103 COMPATIBLE

. INCLUDES AC ADAPTOR

CABLE FOR APPLE He

AUTO DIAL AUTO ANSWER DIRECT CONNECT

S14.95

100 CPS ESPRIT PRINTER

3&*;

9x9 DOT MATRIX 100 CPS - BIDIRECTIONAL FRICTION AND TRACTOR FEED PROPORTIONAL SPACING

CABLE TO IBM PC

$149.95

80 COLUMN

PARALLEL AND SERIAL INTERFACES

8 CHARACTER SETS AND GRAPHICS

$995

REPLACEMENT RIBBON CARTRIDGE SZ 44 $11.95

UNBELIEVABLE MONITOR DEALS

TAXAN

RGB VISION III

MODEL 4)5 18 MHi BAND WIOTH 640 x 262 PIXEL RESOLUTION 16 COLORS WITH INTENSITY CONTROL

12" BLACK MATRIX IBM ANO LOTUS COMPATIBLE

SAKATA COMPOSITE COLOR

MODEL SC-100

TOP RATEO FOR APPLE 13" COMPOSITE VIDEO RESOLUTION: 280H - 300V INTERNAL AUDIO AMPLIFIER ONE YEAR WAHRANTY

SAMWOO

MONOCHROME

MODEL DM-216B

PERFECT COSMETIC MATCH

FOR IBM PC

IBM COMPATIBLE TTL INPUT i 12" NON-GLARE SCREEN • P39 GREEN PHOSPHOR

HI-HES 22 MHz BAND WIDTH

CABLE FOR IBM

$15.95

$209.95 $169.95 $99.95

MONITOR STAND

TILTS AND SWIVELS

$12.95

APPLE COMPATIBLE INTERFACE CARDS

I EPROM PROGRAMMER $79.95

MODEL RP525

• DUPLICATE OR BURN ANY STANDARD 27xx SERIES EPROM

• EASY TO USE MENU-DRIVEN SOFTWARE INCLUDED

• MENU SELECTION FOR 2716, 2732, 2732A, 2764 8.27128

• HIGH SPEED WRITE ALGORITHM

• LED INDICATORS FOR ACTIVITY i NO EXTERNAL POWER SUPPLY

REQUIRED

• ONE YEAR WARRANTY

08SM

1BK RAMCARD

$39.95

- FULL TWO YEAR WARRANTY I EXPAND YOUR 48K APPLE TO 64K . USE IN PLACE OF APPLE LANGUAGE CARD

I B»M PC tUD */ INSTRUCTIONS $8 95

i\M

I IC TEST CARD

$99.95

• QUICKLY TESTS MANY COMMON ICs

■ DISPLAYS PASS OR FAIL

• ONE YEAR WARRANTY

• TESTS: 4000 SERIES CMOS

74HC SERIES CMOS 7400; 74LS. 74L. 74H. 74S. SOME PROMS AND RAMS

DISK DRIVES

FOR APPLE COMPUTERS

■ V'z HEIGHT-ALPS MECHANISM ' 100% APPLE COMPATIBLE . FULL 1 YEAR WARRANTY

BAL-525 $99.95

BAL-590 $129.95

• TEAC MECHANISM DIRECT DRIVE

• 100% APPLE COMPATIBLE

• FULL 1 YEAR WARRANTY

AP-135

$129.95

> FULL HT SHUGART MECHANISM I DIRECT REPLACEMENT FOR APPLE

DISK II ■ SIX MONTH WARRANTY

FOR APPLE IIC

AD-3G $139.95

. 100% APPLE lie COMPATIBLE.

READY TO PLUG IN W/ SHIELDED

CABLE 8, MOLDED 19 PIN CONNECTOR i FAST. RELIABLE SLIMLINE

DIRECT DRIVE ■ SIX MONTH WARRANTY

FOR MACINTOSH

MAC535 $299.95

• 3.5" ADD-ON DISK DRIVE

• 100% MACINTOSH COMPATIBLE

• SINGLE SIDED 40OK BYTE STORAGE

• HIGH RELIABILITY DRIVE FEATURES AUTO-EJECT MECHANISM

- FULL ONE YEAR WARRANTY

DISK DRIVE ACCESSORIES

DISK CONTROLLER CARD $49.95

APPLE lie ADAPTOR CABLE $19.95

ADAPTS STANDARD APPLE DRIVES FOR USE WITH APPLE lie

TEAC OISK DRIVES FOR IBM PCS

FD-55B

FD55F

OS/DO DS/OUIO

589.95 £99.95.

COMREXCR 1000 DUAL SLIMLINE DISK DRIVE <M QQ QC

FOR APPLE COMPU TERS 9 ■ WW.OU

■ SPACE SAVING DESIGN. STACK BETWEEN COMPUTER AND MONITOR

I QUIET. RELIABLE Vi HEIGHT DRIVES

i TOTAL STORAGE CAPACITY: 286K BYTES

■ AUTO-EJECT MECHANISM

i SHIELDED CABLE INCLUDED

INCLUDES CONTROLLER AND DOS 3.3 WITH DISK UTILITIES

ALL MERCHANDISE 100% GUARANTEED

©COPYRIGHT 198S JDR MICRODEVICES

476 BYTE • DECEMBER 1985

Inquiry 195

UNCLASSIFIED ADS

NEEDED: Nonprofit counseling, crisis-intervention and information and referral service needs taxdeductible donation of Apple II and printer. Will pay shipping. Hotline for Help, 17 Elliot St., Brattleboro. VT 05301.

NEEDED: Nonprofit school for emotionally disturbed children seeks tax-deductible donation of Apple computers, peripherals, literature, supplies, etc. Will provide receipts. Dean Esmay. SMA Independence High School. 22700 Richton Square Rd. Richton Park. IL 60471, (312) 481-6091.

NEEDED: Nonprofit corporation providing free transportation within the state of Washington to elderly, disadvantaged, or low-income people seeks donation of used radio equipment and two computers. Minuteman Messengers, 636 Burwell. Bremerton, WA 98310, (206) 377-9996.

WANTED: Explorers' Post 367. a unit of Boy Scouts of America, seeks tax-deductible donation of computer and peripherals. Will provide receipt. Explorers' Post 367, 539 South Main St., Room 2205. Findlay. OH 45840. (419) 422-2121. ext. 4195.

WANTED: Library of the Marine Environmental Sciences Consortium seeks tax-deductible donation of IBM PC or compatible with 2 56K or 5I2K bytes of RAM and 360K disk drive(s). 10- to 20-megabyte hard disk, monitor, and dot-matrix printer, MESC, POB 369. Dauphin Island. AL 36528.

WANTED: Nonprofit mathematics research association needs new or used 20- to 40-megabyte computer and printer to foster growth regarding conservative and abstract concepts, logic, and the history and future of mathematical sciences. Richard Teter, Paranumerics Foundation. POB 5813, Sherman Oaks. CA 91403,

WANTED: Nonprofit organization needs low-cost serial I/O interface option for Compugraphic G 7500 typesetter. Offers or any hints are welcome. Missionsverlag. D-4812 Bielefeld 11, Mainweg 12. West Germany.

NEEDED: Mission organization needs donation of up to five Digital Rainbow 100s. dual disk drive, and LA100 printers for Bible translation and study in Africa. Will pay shipping. Africa Evangelical Fellowship Inc.. POB 1679. Bloomfield. N| 07003. 1201) 748-9281.

WANTED: Missionary needs donation of PC and public-domain word-processing software for aid to translation of evangelical literature. Ingo Haake. POB 1688. 90000 Porto Alegre. RS, Brazil.

NEEDED: Information on NAPLPS or sources to acquire information on this subject, lohann G. Kiermeyer. Hauptstrasse 27, 842 5 Neustadt/Donau. West Germany.

WANTED: lune 1977 BYTE or copy of Dan Fylstra's article Interfacing the IBM Selectric Keyboard Printer.' pages 46-52 and 133-139, Any other information appreciated for this task. Roger G. Smith. Rt 2, Box 366, Laurel. MS 39440. (601) 428-7484.

FOR TRADE: Macintosh public-domain programs. Will share with users groups only. Send newsletter and list of your public-domain files and digitized images. Also, inquire about International Mac User Group Network lohn Allen. POB 4004 5, Portland. OR 97024-0045.

WANTED: Persons interested in robotics to form international club with newsletter, etc. Send SASE. The Time machine. 30 Melken Court. Baltimore. MD 21236.

WANTED: People interested in starting nationwide MC-10/6803/6801 users group and public-domain software exchange. Send SASE. Ion Porter, 6501 Amber Crest, Indianapolis, IN 46220

FOR SALE: CompuPro System B. TeleVideo 950 terminal, extra S-100 bus boards. HP 5 plotter, NEC 7710 letter-quality printer, and more. S6000 for whole system or will separate. M. D. Schier, 3195 Linwood Ave.. Cincinnati. OH 45208, (513) 321-3199,

FOR SALE: Rockwell AIM 65 with 4K: S250. ExpandoRAM with 16K: $100. Kimsi S-100 expansion board for AIM: S60. SSM VBIB video board: $80 Each has documentation, lohn Ip, 9465 McNaught Rd,, Chilliwack. British Columbia V2P 6E9. Canada.

FOR SALE: Apple lie 80-column card with manual. Excellent condition. $70 or best offer. Michael Smith. D-8 Gatewood. Greenwood, SC 29646.

FOR SALE: LDP Lightning One S-100 PC. 10-MHz 8086. '/j-megabyte RAM. 5-megabyte Winchester, handles three 40-megabyte drives. Will also configure as 8-inch system $1900. R. Morein. 1570 Arran Way. Dresher. PA 1902 5, (2151 646-4894.

WANTED: Apple II with damaged case or keyboard. Need a working motherboard. Glen Button, POB 536. Cheshire. CT 06410. (203) 272-9251.

FOR SALE: 12-inch Sanyo CRT-36 green monochrome monitor with cable. $100 or best offer Two TEAC 55B DS/DD disk drives. $75 each or best offer. Excellent condition, Michael I Vargo. 2999 Lutheran Rd,, Gilbertsville, PA 1952 5.

FOR SALE: ADDS Regent 200 terminal with detachable keyboard. Best offer over $600 Tony Preston. 119 Hickory Lane, Medford, N| 08055,

FOR SALE: Assembled and tested Slicer single-board computer, 8-MHz 80186. I28K RAM. almost new. $700. Charles Ng. 49 Showers Dr. #474. Mountain View. CA 94040, (415) 948-5174.

WANTED: 15-inch white-on-black Hitachi highresolution monitor or equivalent. Harry |. Weber M.D.. Route 8. Box 554. Hot Springs, AR 71913, (501) 767-6266

FOR SALE: Olivetti LUC 401, line-control unit. TTY interface, communications interface, RS-232 serial interface, and RS-232 cable. Excellent condition. $600 (Canadian) or best offer K. Molohon. POB 562. Sudbury, Ontario P3E 4P8, Canada.

FOR SALE: TRS-80 Model 16A with 128K, 68000 board, two 8-inch floppy drives (1.25 megabytes each). $3000. Ralph Stegner. 66 South Broad St.. Fairborn. OH 45324, (513) 878-3447,

FOR SALE: Passport Music System with keyboard. Also. Mountain Hardware's Music System with light pen. Brand new. Will sell for dealer cost. Robert M. Reinhart. 4816 North Rutherford. Chicago, IL 60656. (312) 286-6606.

FOR SALE: Applied Concepts Morphy Encore chess computer, USCF rating 1800+. $150. Steve Ferrero. 8601 First Ave. North Bergen, Nl 07047. (201) 869-53 51

FOR SALE: CompuPro 8085/88 system with 64 K. two 8-inch 600K drives, three serial ports, TeleVideo 910+ CRT. Okidata 82A printer, Mullens I/O. and more: $3200, Excellent working order. Gary Ragsdale. 8631 Wine Leaf Cove. Germantown. TN 38138. (901) 754-9522.

FOR SALE: Apple III with 128K, one external disk, and green-on-green monitor. Mike Ashton, 317 St. Pauls Ave, lersey City, N| 07306, (201) 4200515.

AVAILABLE: Public-domain Life, Core War, Line Automation, and Wa-Tor. All written and compiled with Turbo Pascal 3.00 and constantly updated. Source code included. Runs on 64K IBM PC with graphics card. Send SASE Doug Church. 2112 Noyes St.. Evanston, IL 60201

FOR SALE: Xerox 820 board (compatible with Big Board). Includes all sockets, resistors, capacitors, schematics, and assembly instructions. Contains monitor and character set on EPROMs. $55 or best offer. Gary M. McComas, Route #1. Box 454. West Hamlin. WV 25571, (304) 824-5664.

FOR SALE: Complete set of Heathkit H-l 1 computer manuals, includes schematics and documentation. Make offer Trade: Have extra lanuary and February 1979 issues of BYTE: need lanuary and February 1977, Will sell/buy if necessary. Luis Mulford, 205 Post Oak. Lake lackson. TX 77566,

UNCLASSIFIED ADS MUST be noncommercial, from readers who have computer equipment to buy, sell, or trade on a onetime basis. All requests for donated computer equipment must be from nonprofit organizations. Programs to be exchanged must be written by the individual or be in the public domain. Ads must be typed double-spaced, contain 50 words or less, and include full name and address. This is a free service: ads are printed as space permits. BYTE reserves the right to reject any unclassified ad that does not meet these criteria. VJhen you submit your ad (BYTE. Unclassified Ads. POB 372. Hancock. NH 03449). allow at least four months for it to appear.

FOR SALE: BYTE: lanuary. February, March, September through December, 1976: lanuary, November. December. 1977: complete 1978 lanuary through October 1979. All for $60 postpaid, leffrey Viola. 16 Temple Ave.. Hackensack, N| 07601.

FOR SALE: Inexpensive expansion interface, printer, modem, and disk drive for TRS-80 Model I, Level II. Paul Ngaopravej. 67-01 Woodside Ave.. Woodside. NY 11377.

FOR SALE: MPX-16 bare board in original sealed envelope, with BIOS and manuals. $210 including shipping. Merton Bollman. 18002 Atkinson Ave.. Torrance. CA 90504.

FOR SALE: Zenith Z-90 loaded and Z-37 drives. Morrow MDI-E with MDT-70 terminal Excellent condition. Will consider any reasonable offer. Scott Kudika. 2 37 Main St., New Kensington. PA 15068. (412) 335-3472 or 337-1717.

FOR SALE: Atari 810 disk drive with interface card. $200 or best offer. Don C lacobs, VF-103 MC. FPO New York, NY 09501-6117.

FOR SALE: Three Industrial Micro-Systems Model 282 I6K static RAM boards. Phantom line. RAM disable. PWR/MWR. and memory-management capability using 4 50-ns 2114s, with documentation. $120 each G. Bober. POB 36428, Grosse Pointe Woods, Ml 48236. (313) 884-2133

FOR SALE: Tektronix 4012 with controller and 10-inch diagonal screen Hazeltine 1421 with keyboard and 12-inch alphanumeric screen Best offer. Sharon Mott. Great Plains Gasification Associates, POB 1149, Beulah, ND 58523.

FOR SALE: 80-column card for the Apple lie: $50. Ed Rambeau. 55 West 74th St.. New York. NY 10023. (212) 724-0458.

TRADE: Will trade my Apple II public-domain software for yours. Send SASE. Dale Flatow, 7684 South Logan Ave.. Oak Creek. Wl 53154.

FOR SALE: DAK Microsystems 6/232. S-100 board with six programmable RS-232 channels plus 16-channel master/slave interrupt controller Preproduction with full documentation. Best offer over $175. K. S Kolberg. 52105B Friars Court, South Bend. IN 46637. (219) 277-6154

FOR SALE: Dual Remex ^-height 5-inch fully IBM PCcompatible DS/DD drives in cabinet with power supply. Almost new. Manual included. $220. Benny Bamgbade. POB 440323, Houston. TX 77244-0323, (713) 550-4651.

FOR SALE: Motorola UDS 208 A/B 4800-bps data modem $1500 (Canadian). Doug Anderson/Ernie Reimer. 118 Midland St., Winnipeg. Manitoba R3E 2Y6. Canada. (204) 775-8531

FOR SALE: Data General/One with 2 56K bytes, screen, two 3!^-inch drives, printer, internal battery, and carrying bag. $3500. Michael Balamuth. 300 East Main St.. Centerport. NY 11721. (516) 367-8390.

FOR SALE: BYTE: 1978-1984 complete, except for February and December 1979 and lune 1981. Also November and December 1977. $30 per year. Martin Evans. 32 5 East 52nd St, New York, NY 10022, (212) 355-1926,

FOR SALE: TI-99/4A. Excellent condition, hardly used. Manuals and cables included $45 plus shipping. Anthony Switzer. Rt. 2. Box 2 54. Campobello. SC 29322, (803) 895-2659.

FOR SALE: Kaypro 4 84 Plus 88. CP/M machine (64K) with factory-installed MS-DOS SWP coprocessor (2 56K). built-in clock, and 300-bps modem. SI200 or offer. Eric Hart, 103 McGraw Place, Ithaca. NY 14850. (607) 272-3691.

FOR SALE: HP 2I16B "mini'' computer. In working order, but some assembly may be required. $200. best offer, or trade. Billy Vitro. 10480 Orange Ave., Cupertino, CA 95014.

FOR SALE: Two Visual 50 terminals Emulate DEC VT52, ADDS Viewpoint. LSI ADM 3A. and Hazeltine Esprit terminals. Nearly new. $400 each or best offer. Will swap both for one SwTPC 8212 terminal. Dwight Lanpher, Box 472. Northeast Harbor, ME 04662. (207) 276-5350.

WANTED: Used IBM PC with dual disk drives, memory expansion (at least 2 56K), monochrome graphics card, and serial and parallel ports. State price and other details. L. D. Thomas. 104 Birchwood Rd.. Baltimore. MD 21228.

DECEMBER 1985 -BYTE 477

BOMB

BYTE's Ongoing Monitor Box

ARTICLE*

PAGI

1

9

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37. 42

3

48

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65

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PAGE ARTICLE AUTHORISl

Microbytes staff

What s New staff

Ask BYTE Ciarcia

Book Reviews Vose. Czarnik.

Clark Ciarcia s Circuit Cellar: Turnkey Bulletin-Board System Ciarcia Programming Project: A SIMPL Compiler Part I: The Basics Amsterdam

Product Description: The Tandy

600 and the Tandy 3000 Vose

English Recognition Kimbreli

Scientific Applications Software ... Nash Programming Insight:

Virtual Fielding in Microsoft BASIC.Currie Programming Insight:

Travesty with Database Rubenking

An Overview of

Conferencing Systems Meeks

Conferencing Standards Palme

Database Structure in PortaCOM . Palme The Network Application Manager Flavin,

Williford Storage Architectures Mayer

ARTICLE*

17

IS

20

21 22

23 24 25 26

27 28

29

30 il >2

221

PAGE ARTICLE AUTHORISl

239 Common Ground Hancock

2 51 Local Power in a Remote Link . McManis

263 Conversations Comer.

Peterson

273 Cross-System Conferencing

with CLACR Levinson

294 The AT&T PC 6300 Troiano

306 The Tandy 200 and the

NEC PC-840IA Krause

317 Golden Common LISP DAmbrosio

323 The Norton Utilities Rabinovitz

329 HyperDrive for the Macintosh Williams

335 Upgrades for the TRS-80

Model 100 Kepner

343 The IBM Proprinter Malloy

351 Panasonics 4-Color Graphic

Penwriter Edwards

363 Computing at Chaos Manor:

The European Connection Pournelle

385 BYTE U.K.: The Torch Triple X . . . . Pountain

397 BYTE lapan: Computing in Taiwan Raike

405 According to Webster:

Microcomputer Color GraphicsObservations Webster

BOMB Results

A TECHNICAL EVOLUTION

Mark Garetz. author of Evolution of the Microprocessor, which appeared in September s 10th Anniversary Section wins the S100 bonus. Howard Austerlitz wins S50 for second place for his theme. A Parallel

to-Serial Printer Port Adapter." The columns by Steve Ciarcia and lerry Pounelle continue in their popularity with readers, as does Robert Kurosaka's Mathematical Recreations.

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READER SERVICE

Inquiry No.

Page No.

388 1ST PLACE COMP SYSTEMS 208

2 A-D ELECTRONICS 180

3 A-OK SYSTEMS 448

4 A.ST RESEARCH 19

5 A.ST RESEARCH 19

6 AB COMPUTERS 68

7 ADDMASTER CORP 450

8 ADTEK 185

9 ADV DIGITAL CORP 36

10 ADV. DIGITAL CORP 36

11 ADVANCED COMP PROD 460. 461 411 ALPHA LOGIC BUSINESS SYS. . . 372

12 ALF PRODUCTS. INC 448

13 ALLEN-HARRIS INDUSTRIES . 159

14 ALPHANUMERIC INTL. INC 406

16 AMERICAN MICRO TECHNOLOGY 82

• AMERICAN MICROSYSTEMS 463

18 AMERICAN SMALL BUSN.COMP 259

19 AMPRO COMPUTERS INC 78

20 AMPRO COMPUTERS INC . . 78

• ANTHRO CORP 75

21 APPLIED INFORMATICS INC ... 448

22 APROTEK 285

23 APROTEK 285

24 APROTEK 471

25 ARISTO SOFTWARE 50

27 ASIDOR SYS. INC 446

• AT&T 312. 313

393 AT&T 410, 411

• AT&T INFORMATION SYS . 84, 85

• AT&T INTERNATIONAL 367

28 ATRON CORP. 278

29 ATRONICS INTL. INC 200

30 AVOCET 227

31 B&B ELECTRONICS 463

• B&C MICROSYSTEMS 369

32 BASIC TIME 327

33 BAY TECHNICAL ASSOC 23

• BEST WESTERN 333

34 BINARY TECHNOLOGY INC 467

35 BITTNER ELECTRONICS 348

36 BLAISE COMPUTING INC 300

37 BORLAND INT'L CII, 1

38 BORLAND INT L CII. 1

39 BORLAND INTL 39

40 BORLAND INTL 39

41 BORLAND INTL 41

42 BORLAND INTL 41

43 BP MICROSYSTEMS 348

• BUEHLER SERVICES INC 467

44 BUSINESS TOOLS INC 51

46 BYTE CONNECTION. THE 442

• BYTE MARKETING 391

• BYTE SUBSCRIBER MESSAGE . 369

• BYTE SUBSCRIPTION SERVICE 178, 439

• C WARE/DESMET C 406

47 CI COMPUTERS 282

48 C.I COMPUTERS 282

• CALIF. DIGITAL 456. 457

50 CANON USA 53

51 CAPITAL EQUIPMENT CORP . . 30

• CAPITAL MICRO 286

52 CARTREX CORP 12. 13

53 CARTREX CORP. 12. 13

55 CENTROID CORP 446

56 CHALCEDONY SOFTWARE 24

57 CHALCEDONY SOFTWARE . 24

58 CHORUS DATA SYSTEMS 177

60 CLARITY SOFTWARE 154

61 CMS 358

62 COEFFICIENT SYS. CORP . 275

64 COGITATE 463

63 COGITATE 467

417 COMET TECH. INC 450

65 COMMUNICATIONS ELECTR 454

• COMPAQ COMPUTER CORP 152. 153 67 COMPETITIVE EDGE 408

• COMPUMAIL 470

369 COMPUPRO/VIASYN 225

70 COMPUSAVE 440

71 COMPUSERVE 157

72 COMPUTER AFFAIRS INC . 388

Inquiry No.

Page No.

337 COMPUTER ASSOCIATES 292

73 COMPUTER CONNECTION INC 453

• COMPUTER CONTINUUM 446

74 COMPUTER FRIENDS 326

75 COMPUTER HUT OF N.E 409

76 COMPUTER INNOVATIONS 371

77 COMPUTER MAIL ORDER 260, 261 398 COMPUTER MART 350

78 COMPUTER PARTS MART 467

79 COMPUTER PROD SUPPLY ... .446

80 COMPUTER WAREHOUSE . . 247

81 COMPUTER WAREHOUSE . 247

82 COMPUTERBANC 447

83 COMPUTRADE 272

84 CONCORD TECHNOLOGY CO 414

85 CONROY-LAPOINTE 70. 71

86 CONROY-LAPOINTE 70. 71

87 CONROY-LAPOINTE 70. 71

88 COSMOS 46. 47

418 COUGAR MOUNTAIN SOFTWARE446

89 CUESTA SYSTEMS 18

90 CURTIS. INC 468

91 CUSTOM COMP TECH 440

92 CUSTOM COMP TECH 441

93 CYGNET TECHNOLOGIES INC 54

94 CYMA CORPORATION 349

95 CYMA CORPORATION 349

96 CYMA CORPORATION 400

97 CYMA CORPORATION 400

98 D AND D DISCOUNT 443

99 DAC SOFTWARE INC 55

389 DAISY GRAPHICS.' 194

390 DAISY GRAPHICS 194

102 DATA ACCESS CORP 267

103 DATA EXCHANGE 450

104 DATA EXCHANGE 463

105 DATA SPEC 382

106 DATA SPEC 382

107 DATA TRANSLATION INC 283

108 DATASOUTH COMP. CORP. . . .402

391 DHL 421

109 DIGI DATA CORP. 232

110 DIGITAL PRODUCTS INC 176

111 DIGITAL RESEARCH COMPUTERS266

112 DIGITAL RESEARCH INC 230

113 DIGITALK 224

114 DISK MERCHANT 412

115 DISKETTE CONNECTION 417

116 DISKS PLUS 418

420 DISKWORLDI, INC . . 458. 459

421 DISKWORLDI. INC 458, 459

118 DITRON CORP 444

119 DIVERSIFIED COMPUTER SYS . 444

121 DOKAY COMP PROD INC 455

123 DYNATEC SYSTEMS INC 412

394 DYNATECH COMP POWER 322

395 DYNATECH COMP POWER 322

125 EARTH COMPUTERS 338

126 EARTH COMPUTERS 338

• EASTMAN KODAK CO 151

128 ECOSOFT 220

129 EDUCATIONAL MICROCOMP SYS, 471

130 ELECTRONIC VAULTS, INC 74

131 ELEXOR INC 467

132 ELLIS COMPUTING INC 229

• EPSON AMERICA II

• EPSON AMERICA 218.219

135 EVEREX SYSTEMS 43

136 EVEREX SYSTEMS 43

413 EXCELTEC INDUSTRIES INC .468

137 EXPRESS MICRO SUPPLIES .... 374

138 EXPRESS SYSTEMS INC 304. 305

414 FIFTH GENERATION 123

Inquiry No.

Page No.

140 FIGURE FLOW LTD 463

141 FIRST CLASS PERIPHERALS .407

142 FLAGSTAFF ENGINEERING ... 353

143 FLAGSTAFF ENGINEERING 353

144 FORTRON, INC 449

145 FORTRON INC 449

146 FOX AND GELLER, INC 228

147 FOX SOFTWARE INC 147

407 FUNK SOFTWARE 376

150 GENERAL TECHNOLOGY , . .. 52

151 GENERIC SOFTWARE INC 450

408 GENICOM 370

152 GENOA SYSTEMS CORP. 281

153 GOLD HILL COMPUTERS 168

154 GOLDEN BOW SYSTEMS 468

155 GOLDEN BOW SYSTEMS. 471

156 GRAND UNION MICROSYSTEMS 448

157 GTE-TELENET 238

158 GTEK INC 413

159 H&E COMPUTRONICS 22

160 HARMONY VIDEO & COMP 394

161 HARRIS/LANIER.EOS DIV 373

162 HARRIS/LANIER EOS DIV 375

163 HARRIS/LANIER.EOS DIV. 377

164 HAYES EMPLOYMENT 357

399 HAYES MICROCOMPUTER PROD 231

165 HERCULES COMPUTER TECH .87

166 HERCULES COMPUTER TECH . . 316

• HEWLETT-PACKARD 253

168 HEWLETT-PACKARD 255

170 HI-TEC COMP & ELECTR 419

• HOLIDAY INNS. INC 368

172 IBEX COMP CORP 408

173 IBM (ISGl SERVICES 207

174 IBM IISGI SERVICES 398

175 IBS CORP. 72

176 IBS CORP. 72

177 I.C EXPRESS 450

178 INFOCOM 277

• INFORMATION APPLIANCE. . 181

180 INLAB INC 450

404 INNOVATIVE PERIPHERALS 377

181 INSPIRATION SYSTEMS 446

182 INTECTRA INC 448

183 INTEGRAND 356

184 INTELLIGENT COMP DESIGNS 149

185 INTELLIGENT COMP DESIGNS. . 149

• INTERFACE TECH CORP. 396

189 INTOUCH COMPUTING 18

402 ITT INFORMATION SYSTEMS . . 428

403 ITT INFORMATION SYSTEMS . 428

190 IADE COMP PROD . . 464. 465, 466

191 IAMECO ELECTRONICS , , , 236. 237

192 IDR INSTRUMENTS 325

193 IDR MICRODEVICES . 472. 473

194 IDR MICRODEVICES . 474. 475

195 IDR MICRODEVICES 476

412 IHL RESEARCH INC 444

196 IVC COMPANY OF AMERICA ... 79

197 KADAK PRODUCTS LTD 394

385 KEA SYSTEMS LTD 444

198 KIMTRON CORP. 186

200 KYOCERA 142. 143

201 KYOCERA 142, 143

202 LABORATORY MICROSYS 268

203 LANG ALLEN INC 74

204 LARK SOFTWARE 162

205 LATTICE, INC 140

206 LEO ELECTRONICS 448

207 LIFEBOAT ASSOC 373

208 LIFEBOAT ASSOC 375

209 LINTEK INC 272

210 LIONHEART PRESS 446

TO GET FURTHER information on the products advertised in BYTE, either pick up your touch-tone telephone and use TIPS (if you are a subscriber), or fill out the reader service card. Either way full instructions are provided following this reader service index which is provided as an additional service by the publisher, who assumes no liability for errors or omissions. 'Correspond directly with company.

Inquiry No.

Page No.

211 LOGIC SOFT 416

212 LOGICAL DEVICES 30

214 LOGITECH INC 211

215 LOGITECH INC 213

216 LOMAS DATA PRODUCTS 197

• LOTUS DEVELOPMENT 205

217 LYBEN COMP SYS 444

219 LYCO COMPUTER 404

220 MAIN STREET COMPUTER , 116, 117

221 MANAGEMENT INFO SOURCE 424

222 MANX SOFTWARE SYS 64

299 MANZANA 58

223 MARK WILLIAMS CO, 59

224 MARK WILLIAMS CO 61

225 MARYMAC INDUSTRIES INC ... 450

226 MASTERBYTE COMP OF NY 72

227 MAXELL DATA PRODUCTS 7

228 MAYNARD ELECTRONICS 15

148 MCGRAW-HILL, INC 365

230 MEGASOFT 468

231 MEGATEL COMPUTER TECH 418

232 MERRITT COMP PRODUCTS .463

233 MFI ENTERPRISES INC 321

424 MICRO BUSINESS PROD. 433

425 MICRO BUSINESS PROD 433

234 MICRO DATA BASE SYS 191

235 MICRO DESIGN INTL 92

236 MICRO MART. INC 62. 63

238 MICRO PRODUCTS 469

239 MICRO SYSTEMS DESIGN 468

240 MICROCOMPUTER ACCESSORIES 141

241 MICROCOMPUTER ACCESSORIES 141

242 MICROGRAFX 17

• MICROMINT INC 452

419 MICROPHONICS TECH. CORP. . . 206

243 MICROPHONICS TECH. CORP. . . 235

244 MICROPROCESSORS UNLTD 444

• MICRORIM INC 248, 249

245 MICROSHOP 451

422 MICROSIM 433

423 MICROSIM 433

• MICROSOFT CORP 137

• MICROSOFT CORP, 139

• MICROSOFT PRESS 362

246 MICROSTUF, INC 328

247 MICROWAY 250

248 MICROWAY 389

133 MIDWEST COMP & VIDEO SUPPLY333

249 MIMIC SYSTEMS 334

250 MINORITY INDUSTRIES 471

• MIX SOFTWARE 315

251 MODULA CORP. 303

252 MONTEREY INTL. CORP. ... 80

253 MOTEL COMPUTERS LTD 450

254 MULTI-TECH SYSTEMS 341

255 MULTI-TECH SYSTEMS 341

259 NATL PUBLIC DOMAIN SFTW 468

260 NATIONAL INSTRUMENTS 132

261 NATIONSERV 444

262 NCR . 45

263 NEC HOME ELECTR USA 183

264 NEC INFORMATION SYS CHI

265 NETWORK TECHNOLOGIES INTL.34. 35

266 NEW GENERATION SYS 390

• NEWSNET INC 16

268 NICOLET PARATRONICS 122

• NORTH HILLS CORP 414

269 OKIDATA 339

270 ORANGE MICRO 4

271 ORION INSTRUMENTS 381

275 OSBORNE/MCGRAW-HILL 393

276 P C HORIZONS INC 463

277 PACIFIC EXCHANGES 467

278 PANASONIC COMPUTER DIV 73

279 PC NETWORK 202

280 PCS LIMITED 76, 77

281 PCS LIMITED 271

68 PC SOURCE 384

282 PDQ CABLES 471

283 PERSOFT INC 8

284 PHOENIX COMP PROD CORP . . 279 416 POLAROID 121

DECEMBER 1985 -BYTE 479

READER SERVICE

Inquiry No.

Page No.

286 PLUS DEVELOPMENT CORP 56. 57

287 PRECISION DATA 348

288 PRICE-LINE COMPUTERS INC 422, 421

289 PRINCETON GRAPHIC SYS . 25

291 PRINCETON GRAPHIC SYS 163. 164. 165

292 PRINCETON GRAPHIC SYS 342

293 PRINTERS PLUS 262

294 PRIORITY ONE 462

295 PRO CODE INTERNATIONAL 222

296 PROGRAMMER S SHOP 372

297 PROGRESSIVE MICRO DISTR 104. 105

298 PROTECTO ENTERPR 179

300 PURPLE COMPUTING . 446

301 QIC RESEARCH 26

302 QUA TECH INC 448

303 QUA TECH. INC 448

304 OUA TECH. INC . 448

305 QUADRAM CORP ... 256. 257

306 QUALITY PRINTERS 468

307 OUBIE* 88 89

308 OUELO INC . 446

426 QUICKSOFT 471

309 RADIO SHACK CIV

310 RAINBOW TECHNOLGOIES 463

311 RATIONAL SYSTEMS . 314

312 RfcD RIVER TECHNOLOGY INC 81

313 REFERENCE TECHNOLOGY INC 32

314 RELMS 340

315 ROSE ELECTRONICS . . 468

316 S&K TECHNOLOGY INC 444

317 S-100 DIV 696 CORP 445

318 S-100 DIV 696 CORP. 445

Inquiry No.

Page No.

319 5NW ELECT & APPL 122

320 SAB-LINK INC . 467

321 SAFE WARE 463

322 SAMSUNG ELECT DEVICES 287

• SCOTTSDALE SYSTEMS . 209

324 SEMIDISK SYSTEMS Ill

325 SENTINEL TECHNOLOGIES 226

326 SILICON SPECIALTIES . . 265

327 SILICON SPECIALTIES 265

122 SMARTEK INC 392

329 SOCIETY-APPLIED LRNGTECH 80

330 SOFTCRAKT INC .. 112

331 SOFTKLONE DISTRIBUTING 215

• SOFTLINE CORP 83

332 SOFTRONICS 468

229 SOFTWARE CHANNELS INC 67

333 SOFTWARE LINK THE 199

334 SOFTWARE SOLUTIONS INC 28. 29

335 SOLUTION SYSTEMS . 364

336 SOLUTION SYSTEMS 364

• SOURCE TELECOMP CORP 269

338 SOUTHERN PACIFIC USA INC 280

339 SPECTRUM SOFTWARE 243

405 STATSOFT 425

340 STSC INC 301

341 SUMMIT SOFTWARE TECHN INC 395

• SUNNYVALE COMMUNICATIONS427

342 SUNTRONICS CO INC 442

343 SUPREME COMPANY 348 ■ SYSGEN INC . 20 2!

344 SYSTEMS MANAGEMENT ASSOC 387

345 TS MICROTECH INC . . 216

Inquiry No.

Page No

346 TATUM LABS 348

347 TATUNG. . 217

348 TATUNG. . . 217

400 TAXAN CORP . 223

401 TAXAN CORP 223 406 TEAC 245

351 TECH PC 426

352 TECH PC 426

353 TEKTRONIX INC 49

328 TELEMEDIA 212

• TELEVIDEO SYSTEMS 171

• TEXAS INSTRUMENTS 193

355 THOMSON CONSUMER PROD 124

356 THUNDERWARE 54

357 TIGERTRONICS ... 467

• TINNEY ROBERT GRAPHICS. 337

358 TLM SYSTEMS INC 399

359 TLM SYSTEMS INC 401

360 TLM SYSTEMS INC 403

361 TRANSEC SYSTEMS 182

362 TRUE BASIC 144

363 TURBOPOWER SOFTWARE . .378 392 US POSTAL SERVICE 415

364 US ROBOTICS 379

365 ULTIMATE MEDIA INC 444

366 UNICORN . 450

367 VEN-TEL INC 27

368 VERBATIM CORP 233

• VLM COMPUTER ELECTR 348

371 VCTRAX INC 156

372 WALLING CO ... 471

373 WAREHOUSE DATA PRODUCTS 69

Inquiry No.

Page No.

386 WESTERN COMPUTER . 66

387 WESTERN COMPUTER 66

375 WINTEK CORP 5

376 WINTEK CORP 467

377 WRITING CONSULTANTS. . 258

378 V. YSE TECHNOLOGY 201

379 X-10 USA INC 345

381 XEROX CORP 288. 289

396 Z-SOFT CORP 31

397 Z-SOFT CORP 31

383 ZEDCOR 135

384 ZEDCOR 135

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INTERNATIONAL ADVERTISING SECTION

500 AMERICAN BUYING & EXPORT SERVICES I44B

• BYTE I44A

501 CASIO I44H

502 CITIZEN PRINTERS I44E

503 DELIN INFORMATICA I44D

504 FIGURE FLOW LTD 144D

505 GREY MATTER 144D

506 ING C OLIVETTI . . 144C

507 MULTITECH INDUSTRIAL CORP 144F I44G

508 WINTECH CORP I44D

No domestic inquiries please

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Use BYTE's Telephone Inquiry Processing System

Using TIPS can bring product information as much as 10 days earlier.

SEND FOR YOUR 1) SUBSCRIBER I.D. CARD

If you 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 boxes 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-Tone 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 DDDDDDDDIIffl

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ENTER YOUR INQUIRIES

7a) When TIPS says "Enter (next) Inquiry Number"

Enter one inquiry selection from below (ignore blank boxes)

b) Repeat 7a as needed (maximum 17 inquiry numbers)

1. □ □ □

2.DDD

3. D □ □

4. □ □ □

5.DDD

6.DDDI T.DDDi 8.DDDI 9. □ □ □ I

10. □ □ □ I

11. □ □ □ I

12. □ □ □ I

13. □ □ □ I

14. D D D 11 15.DDDI1

i6. n n n

i7. n n n

END SESSION

8) End session by entering E E GE LI DD \E

9) Hang up after hearing final message

If you are a subscriber and need assistance, call (603) 924-9281.

If you are not a subscriber fill out the subscription card found in this issue or, call BYTE Circulation 800-258-5485. ♦Domestic and Canadian Subscribers Only! 480 BYTE • DECEMBER 1985

THIS NEC PRINTER MANUEiOURE 2 MILLION CARS WITHOUT A REPAIR.

Color Pinwriter CP5 dot matrix printer.

To build 2 million of these cars requires printing more than 25 billion dots. And that's how many our new Pinwriter'™ P5 printer can print before you have to think about a repair.

This NEC printer is not an exception. In fact, any NEC printer can run an average of 5 years in normal use before it needs a repair.

Such reliability doesn't come easy Every NEC printer is built on a highly automated assembly line. From the most advanced components in the industry. Then it's subjected to some of the most demanding tests ever devised for printers.

Reliability is not the only thing this NEC printer has going. It's also the quietest dot matrix printer in its class. And it has the finest graphics resolution, plus more built-in true fonts. And it's the fastest multi-speed 24-pin dot matrix printer available.

Now don't you wish NEC also made cars?

Check out a new Pinwriter P5 at your nearest NEC dealer. Or for more information, call 1-800-343-4418 (in MA 617-264-8635). Or write: NEC Information Systems, Dept. 1610,1414 Massachusetts Ave., Boxborough, MA 01719.

NEC PRINTERS.THEYONLY STOP WHEN YOU WANTTHEM TO.

c&c

NEC

NEC Information Systems, Inc.

Computers and Communications

Inquiry 264

• '■•

TANDY..

Clearly Superior"1,

Tandy 2000 Computer-Aided Design Systems combine minicomputer-quality graphics with PC affordability.

With a Tandy 2000 and Computer-Aided Design (CAD) software, you can get highly sophisticated, reproduction-quality drawings, graphs and illustrations that you'd expect from a very expensive, dedicated drafting system.

The Tandy 2000's high resolution graphics let you create razor-sharp diagrams, charts and graphs in a brilliant array of colors. The precision drafting

and design functions that used to be available only on mainframe or minicomputers can now be yours for less than $7,000, including software.

And along with improving the productivity-of your design staff, you can use the Tandy 2000 for word processing, accounting, spreadsheets and many other business applications.

Look to us for total support, too. Over 120' . . s

/y\cc<*cu-5> lo

Computer Centers offer leasing plans, software and accessories. And almost 60 Area Training and Support Operations Centers offer such services as installation, new user orientation and training.

CAD doesn't have to be expensive, and it isn't with Tandy l computers. Ask for a demonstra^ tion at the Radio Shack Computer Center nearest you. The Tandy 2000 is Clearly Superior!

Available at over 129Q

Radio Shack Computer Centers and at

participating Radio Shack stores and dealers.

Radio/hack

COMPUTER CENTERS

A DIVISION OF TANDY CORPORATION

Prices apply at Radio Shack Computer Centers and participating stores anct'dealers. * , Inquiry 309