softalkv1n08apr1981

3091 ALIVE VOLUME 1 APRIL 1981 ¢ Finance Packag ... the ultimate fantas role-playing game ee a a. te Available\thru your loca Com . ee. ™ wae “or < : APRIL 1981 Chairman John Haller Editor Margot Comstock ‘Tommervik Managing Editor Al Tommervik ‘Associate Editor Craig Stinson ‘Art Director Kurt A. Wahlner Contributing Editors Roger Wagner Jim Merritt Frank Malone Robert Koehler William Depew Guest Reviewer Joe Villareal Assistant Editor Robert Koehler Circulation David Hunter Ron Rennells Systems William V.R. Smith Advertising Sales Al Tommervik 3-980-5074 Margot Tommervik Cover photo of the power yacht Westward by Jack West. ‘Composition by Photographics, Hotlywood, Gailfornla, Printing by Cailfornta Ofteet Printers, iifornta. registered trademark of Appie Com- inc., Cupertino, California. Pascal is a trademark of the University of California at San Diego. ie ie @ trademark of Personal Software, sunnyvate, Callforniay Subserlptions: Compitmentary to ail owners of Apple computers in the USA. Apple owners in Canada and ere rom pulsdertne $19 per year, first-class airmail. vs fhack lnsuey? 42 through February 1081; $2.90 there- after. November and December, 1980, issues are sold out. January and March, 1981, are in short supply. Moving? Send new address and old to Softalk Cireu- jation, 10761 Burbank Boulevard #6, North Hollywood, Catifornia 91601. SOFTALK. Volume 1, Number 8. Copyright © 1981 by Softaik Publishing Inc., 10432 Burbank Boulevard, North Hotlywood, CA 91601. Tel (213) 980-8074, Controited clreu- fation pos pald at Los An Send address cl vard 40, North Hollywood, CA D180, ADVERTISERS INDE k Advanced Business Technology . Artscl ... Avant-Garde . Beagle Bros. Bell & Howell Bite-Soft ... ‘The Book 1981 . Boston Computer Society Broderbund Software .. Business & Professional Software - California Pacific Cavri Systems . Color Software. Computer Station Continental Software Dakin5 . Data Trai Edu-Ware FSI. High! 5 High Technology. Howard Industries . Information Unlimited . Interactive Microware . Mastertype Math City . Microlab Micromate. Microsoft MUSE Software - On-Line Systems. Peelings II Programma . Progressive Software Prosoft . Rainbow Computing . Sirius Software Softsel ....... Software Alternatives Software Publishing Corp. Software Technology for Computers Sonora Software ... Southeastern Software . Southwestern Data Systems Spectrum Software Stellation Two . Sterling Swift Stoneware . Strategic Si Street Electronics . Synergistic Softwar. Systems Design Lal 2ist Century RSBRESSERE -Cover 2 Roni E nT § Profile of a Programmer: Nasir Interview with most prolific of the ruling triumvirote in orcades for Apple. ROBERT KOEHLER The Most Popular Program Ever—Results Softolk’s reoders voted, ond the winner is ....+..s 0+ Where Does the Money Go? Leorn which home finonce pockoge best suits the needs of your fomily ond Apple. CRAIG STINSON ........... eee Exec Microsoft: Adventure with an Expanding Apple A yeor old, Microsoft Consumer Products boosts bestsellers in hordwore ond softwore. Also, whotever happens to those teenoge wonders? AL TOMMERVIK .... A Seafaring Apple: The Mazatlan Regatta ‘An Apple finds 0 niche on 0 grond old yocht ond leorns to live the eosy life. CRAIG STINSON... ......-2. 203 iene open A Self-Taught Programmer Insures His Future Dick Clinchy hos found unique woys for his Apple fo help plon ond sell insurance. RICHARD KNUDSEN ................0005 The Newest Face at Summer Camp Is Apple's A pictoriol reminiscence of lost summer ot Computer Comp, onnototed by 0 comper who wos there. KURT WAHLNER and KIRIN TOMMERVIK ....72 A 2 Contest: Rainy Day Chain....... 20.0000 Marketalk: Impressions . 43 Earn a Scholarship Marketalk: News to Computer Camp Tradetalk ... Open Discussion ‘ The Pascal Patl Ventures with VisiCalc: Minn, Memritt ene tects aN. vs tat ts 63 Frank’ Malone: suck ox tii. ic sa The Basic Solution Assembly Lines: Wm. V.R. Smith... Roger Wagner .......0..e. 000s 25. Softalk Presents Marketalk: Reviews 37 _The Bestsellers PREVIEWS Murmurs of May .. . The Schoolhouse Ap- ple ... Apple's educational foundation, held over for this theme issue Educational software for schoo! and home « Exec Edu-Wore ... Home Finance Wrapup ... Bulletin Boards in Modemland ... and more. @ TOFTATK APRIL 1981 CONTEST. RAINY DAY CHAIN April's contest is a game for a rainy day—and the longer it rains, the more likely you'll be to win the sunshine of $100 of goods made by our April advertisers. The object is to make the longest possible unbroken chain of well-known names or phrases; each phrase must link by asso- ciation to the ones before and after it. There are two ways to link: 1. A following phrase can begin with the word or words end- ing the phrase before it; for example, Space Eggs/eggs and bacon/bacon, lettuce, and tomato/tomato sauce/Saucer War/War and Peace/Peace March/March King/King Henry/Henry James/James Brothers/Brothers Four/four-in- hand/hand-me-down/down to the last drop/drop the ball/ball game/Game of the States/States Avenue/Avenue of the Amer- icas/Americas Cup/cup and saucer—Oops, that’s the end of that one, because the only linking word that can be repeated as a linking word is one that links the end to the beginning. 2. A phrase can connect to the one before or after it by as- sociation of any sort. Example: Marilyn Monroe/James Mon- roe/James Madison/Madison, Wisconsin/Wisconsin cheese/quiche Lorraine/Laraine Day/Leo Durocher/Brook- lyn Dodgers/Los Angeles Dodgers/California Angels/Orange County/apples and oranges/Apple Computer/Hal the comput- er/2001: A Space Odyssey/Star Trek/Mr. Spock/Dr. Spock/raising babies/Pretty Baby/Marilyn Monroe. This one came full circle, the way a good chain should. You can combine the two, as the second example does. There are several ways to score points. 1. You get five points for every entry in your chain. 2. You get fifteen points extra if the end links to the begin- ning. 3. You get fifteen points bonus if all the links in your chain are of one kind, as in the first example. 4. Here's the kicker—you get ten extra points for every en- try that refers to a Softalk advertiser or a product of a Softalk advertiser, but this relationship may not be used as a link. 5. You get five extra points for especially clever associa- tions (puns allowed—if they work). Where these points are awarded js solely the prerogative of Softalk’s staff. If your ref- erence is very esoteric, better explain it—briefly. 6. Total your score according to these rules and write the total on the entry form. Be sure to be accurate. 7. Deadline for entries is May 15, 1981. Enter as many chains as you like. If it doesn’t rain soon—sunny day chains are acceptable, too. Have fun. Send your entry and form to Softalk Chain, 10761 Burbank Boulevard, #6, North Hollywood CA 91601, By May 15, 1981. al | My chain is attached. If I win, the prize I'd like is: Name: Address: City/State/Zip: Your Dealer: Win Jweek s at Comp Computer Camp this year meets at Zaca Lake, thirty miles north of Santa Barbara, California. Four two-week ses- sions are scheduled, starting on July 5, July 19, August 2, and August 16. Campers spend approximately five hours a day learning to program. Op- tional outside activities include lake swimming and canoeing, square danc- ing, guest speakers, and campfires. Most lunches will be picnic style, combined with hikes and nature walks. Director Garry White expects thirty to forty campers per session—an aver- age of six or seven per counselor and two per computer. The cost is $795. A re- fundable $100 application fee must ac- company your reservation, with $300 due upon acceptance and the balance pay- able by June 1. There is a discount for more than one child per family. For further information and a bro- chure write Computer Camp, 1235 Coast Village Road, Suite G, Santa Barbara, CA 93108, or call 805-965-7777. How Would You like Computer Camp? Softalk and California Pacific Com- puter Company are each offering a scholarship for one to Computer Camp this summer, in the session you choose. Who's Eligible? 1. Entrants must be at least ten years old but no older than fifteen by June 1, 1981. 2. Entrants must be Apple owners, or children of Apple owners. Here’s How You Apply Write an essay telling why you'd like to go to Computer Camp and what you'd like to do with a computer. Don't Get Disqualified! The rules: 1. Essays must be at least 200 words long but no longer than 500 words. That's one or two pages double-spaced on a typewriter or printer. 2. Essays must be computer print- outs or typed or very neatly hand- printed. 3. Put your name in the top right- hand corner of every page. 4. Fill out the entry form at the bot- tom of the page. 5. Make sure that your parents, parent, or guardian fills out their part of the form and signs it. 6. Mail your entry form and essay in time to arrive at Softalk by May 15, 1981. Remember, essays that we can’t read will be disqualified, so be sure yours is neat. Entries that have not had the sec- ond part filled in by a parent or guardian cannot be accepted. Be sure to follow all the rules. Winning Each of this year's two winners will be entitled to one two-week session at Computer Camp with tuition of $795 paid by Softalk or by California Pacific. The two winning essays will be published in vter Camp! Softalk. The scholarships do not provide for transportation to and from the camp nor for any expenses incurred in preparing for camp. If the campers are to arrive via public transportation, Computer Camp personnel will meet them. The Judging Essays will be read and evaluated by Softalk’s editors and California Pacific’s staff. Winners will be entrants whose es- says excel in thought, sincerity, original- ity, and validity of reasons. The judg- ment of Softalk’s editors and California Pacific’s staff will be final. aa Attach this form to the front page of your essay and mail to Softalk Campership, 10761 Burbank Boulevard, #6, North Hollywood, CA 91601. For the entrant to fill in: Name: Address: City/State/Zip: Age and birthdate: Have you used an Apple? long? Your autograph: For the parent/guardian to fill in: Name: For how Relationship to entrant: Your signature: CREATURE VENTURE You have just inherited your UNCLE STASHBUCK’S MANSION but first you must rid it of the horrible creatures that have taken it over’and find your uncle’s buried treasure. ie Directing the computer with two word commands such as. ‘Go North’, ‘Get Key’ ‘Look Room; ‘Punchout 3 Boogeyman; etc. You will need to explore deep se aan into the mansion to fin lly find the 2p Highlands Computer Services ed 14422 §.E. 132nd {4 RENTON, WA 98055 * (206) 228-6691 VISA 'M.C. C.0.D. APRIL 1981 SOETALE Nasir has a considerable number of people to answer to. ri Those who stay up far past their bed- times, bound and determined to dock their ships after successful elimination of the last strike from the drone raiders. ~ Those who are much chagrined at bombing the hospital, thus losing all their points, when they intended to wipe out the enemy's military headquarters and get the chance to dogfight with one of their five phantom jets. Those who grumble back at—and sometimes scream at—their Apples when the last fuzz ball, after hatching from its space egg, refuses to bounce back out into space and instead slides in- exorably across the bottom of the screen, toward your ship and its complete anni- hilation. For all the fury, fusillades, and vio- lence, all this frustrated activity is the result of an innocent-enough addiction. These harried bombardiers and space pi- lots are actually at play with their Apples and the games Nasir Gebelli has written for them. Still, as much joy as anger can be had from these consuming diversions, exem- plified by the presence of three of Na- sir's games—Phantoms Five, Cyber Strike, and Star Cruiser—in Softalk’s March Top Thirty poll. Nasir can’t answer for any of the emo- tion or attention his work has caused. In fact, he is a bit bemused by the entire phenomenon, the growth of which he is doing nothing to dissipate: his Space Eggs just recently appeared, and, very soon, his Pulsar 2 should be the talk of Nasirenes everywhere. The British novelist Graham Greene once counseled aspiring writers and all artists not to “simply steal, but steal well—steal with flair and style.” Nasir, like many game programmers, instinc- tively takes this advice to heart. And how he borrows partially explains his popu- larity as a gamemaker. Those who frequent the computer ar- cades in the Sacramento area—where Nasir’s publisher, Sirius Software, is lo- cated—know his face by now, for this is the territory he roams, looking for the games that pique his graphical and pro- gramming interest as well as the in- volvement of the hordes of kids who teem the arcade halls every night of the week. Arcade fans can spot the schemes and touches Nasir has adapted from the games that met his high standards—and caused long lines of youthful players waiting to plug in their quarters and test their skill. You only have to shell out once for a single Nasir game, making it even more attractive than its inspiration. But the star programmer wants to give the user even more: instead of a single game, he’s in the process of combining two separate games on one disk that, unlike his earlier Both Barrels, carry the player’s score forward from one game to the next, al- lowing complete freedom of choice in skill level. Even better, one can say good-bye to BY ROBERT KOEHLER those arcade crowds, cashier stands, and noise machines. Like all crafted entertainments, though, Nasir’s concoctions are the prod- ucts of thoughtful planning and consider- ation. He does not write copious notes while programming. Rather, he claims, “Ninety percent of the work involved in realizing the game on screen is in my head. Virtually all my ideas are worked out before I commit the work to disk.” Which isn't to say that Nasir con- structs an unmalleable master plan that programming at the Apple doesn’t change. There’s an evidently playful spirit behind worlds inhabited by such things as bouncing fuzz balls, and it’s there when those worlds are being cre- ated. He likes to fiddle with ideas, try variations on them, see if—the ghost of impossible perfection rears its head— they can be improved. “I'm never satisfied with what I pro- duce. Never completely satisfied, that is. Of course, the pleasure and accompany- ing satisfaction that comes from seeing how my game excites and involves oth- ers is undeniable. But I know that I can always do better."’ He says this with the insistence of the creative artist unwilling to rest on his or her laurels. When a project is in full throttle, Na- sir spends nearly as much time drawing as writing code. Drawing, he feels, keeps his mind open to new possibilities that may enhance the game beyond its planned framework. Thus, his work hab- its prevent his settling into a predeter- mined manner of executing a game, he believes. They also help in his develop- ing current interests, such as animation. “Only when I see the images on screen,’’ he explains, ‘‘can I be sure that my ideas are workable. I might have been sure that this creature or that ship was exactly as I desired—but they were on paper, not on screen. That's the real testing ground. And as I fiddle with them, they might change into something that I wouldn't have thought of in the rough draft stages.” This element of surprise has shad- owed Nasir all along, from the first day he sat down with an Apple. He came to it out of near desperation, caused by an un- interrupted series of disappointing en- counters with other micros. They simply wouldn't let him do what he wanted to do: input machine language code and see immediate results. 5 The surprise he felt when the Apple did what, for it, is a very simple task paralleled the surprise of seeing his very first program run without a hitch. The Apple’s instant results spurred on his plans to devote time to assembly lan- guage programming; the results since have done nothing to alter his original opinion of the machine. He bought one only a year ago—a testimony to his pro- lific nature. His facilities and skill have trans- ferred the sensation of surprise from the programmer to the user. Space Eggs, especially in advanced stages, echoes the shell game, the classic game of hazard and chance. No accident this, since Na- sir’s original conception was of a cosmic shell match. Those floating globules were still shells until Jerry Jewell, president of Sirius Software and coauthor with Na- sir of the H-Z Draw graphics package, looked at them. Then, yet another surprise: Jewell, in- dulging in nonpresidential word antics, saw eggs, then spiders, lips, and—the one that turned Nasir’s head around—fuzz balls. ‘‘It had gone,"’ he recalls, ‘from weird, to weirder, to weirdest. Yet it's the only game I've written that I continue to play, because it’s so unpredictable. That MASTERTYPE AGame That Teaches Typing Now you can leam to type while playing a game on your APPLE II. In MASTERTYPE, enemy words are at- tacking your base. You must type the words in order to repel and destroy the attackers. You get to see what you type in the center box, but if you take: the time to look at your fingers you will probably be destroyed. Learning to type used to be incredibly dull and boring. MASTERTYPE makes it fun. The MASTERTYPE diskette comes complete with 17 lessons taking you from simple letters through punctu- ation marks, plus a program for mak- ing your own lessons. To order your copy, send $34.95 to: MASTERTYPE 10761 Burbank Bivd., #6 North Hollywood, Ca 91601 Specify 13 or 16 sector (16 is default). Requires Applesoft (not the cassette version) Gnd at least 32K. APRIL _ 19814 6 ® YOFTALK is probably one reason why people are so titude at a fairly young age is remark- compulsive with it. I was both pleased able. My knowledge of the Apple has its and a bit scared when I witnessed the limits, and if I had had the kind of in- sight of my old roommate shooting at struction kids are and will be receiving, those shells—I mean eggs—for six hours I’d be far ahead of where I am now.” straight.” With a new game, better than its pred- Not all Nasir's imaginative energy is ecessor, to conquer every couple of devoted to games. Like many graphics months, Nasirenes sifting through their devotees committed to the Apple, he growing mountains of disks and trying to would like to see the quality of on-screen resolution significantly increased. Un- like others, however, he has some specif- ic notions in this regard. He is convinced that the key to higher quality rests with the capability of flipping the two pages of graphics at a sufficient speed to double normal resolution and eliminate the flick- er and flashing one now encounters on the Apple. Some experimenting with this—you can be sure that Nasir and Sir- ius are keeping their eyes on its prog- ress—is ensuing. Results aren't here yet, but Nasir and friends are confident that, soon, the resolution problems will be in- deed resolved. This same feeling carries over to Na-= sir’s view of the future. ‘Virtually every: one,” he speculates, ‘‘will have a com- 3 mmm: = tronics and computers; anything like the boggled by their favorite gamemaker's Apple that personalizes use breaks down self-criticism. It is the stuff that makes that sense of distrust. But teaching kids up the mind-set of a master craftsman. with computers in school is going to real- “Do you know what I'd really like to ly turn it around. The school of the future do?" Nasir asks. might be a central computer bank with “I'm amused and a little upset by students at home plugging into it via mo- computerists who say, when their proj- dem. I see kids now whose computer ap- ect has hit a seeming dead end, that it puter. People generally don’t trust elec- decide which one to run next must be INTRODUCING can't be done. They aren't thinking and aren’t pushing themselves enough, I'd like to be a troubleshooter on those fol- lies—or what they think are follies. The same kind of creative intelligence that developed the idea of laser disks, mak- ing for a veritable library of graphic slides that might eventually allow you to make a small movie on your Apple, can Nosir ond Phil Knopp, generol monoger of Sirius Softwore, wotch os Jerry Jewell, Sirius's president, tries 0 module of Pulsor 2. combat problems that others have given up on.”” Even charting drone strikes and fan- tasy schemes in outer space would offer no higher challenge to the programmer. And even if Nasir does bid farewell to space eventually, you can be sure that the Dog Star is smiling down at him to- night. a] Now, you can put all your Apple components into o1 top package. Everything is right at your finger tips. SI racked and packed in the new Apple-Crate. For mo ciency. For more elbow-room. The Apple-Crate is built by the same company that ufactures top-line stereo speaker cabinets: -soilts scratch and stain resistant, and looks like an expensive piece of furniture but costs only $49.95. Don't settle for any flimsy imitation. Ask for it by name. “The Apple-Crate.” Exclusively distributed by SCAISEL 4079 Glencoe Ave., Marina del Rey, CA 90291 < (806) 421-0980 In CA (213) 822-8933 See it at computer stores across the country. Apple" is a trademark of Appie Computer, ine Digitized by the Internet Archive in 2015 https://archive.org/details/softalkv1n08apr1981 # Business & Professional Software, Inc. introduces apple& raphi RATINGS, PROJECTED MARKET SHARES 1981 COMPARATIVE SALES 1979/1980 mr>row o- Noe eared JANE TONY LYNN FRED MARY TWO OPINIONS OF: MONTH for use with Apple* Computer Systems apple raph is a high-quality microcomputer software package for general purpose plotting of data in a variety of formats for use by the business, pro- fessional, and research decision maker. appleZ raph yields high-resolution, multicolor graphice sold hardcopy output. Featured are pie charts se7~ e a graphs, area plots, points, and sal? hat ee dition™ nation of overlays. no ealer pleased? a Computes wr Apple We’ ee ph to bed ilable a - wno ai ation will in the e future uuvance for automatic presen- io -.piete with mathematical manipulation, aid on statistics. - entered directly or supplied from other programs. appleraph’s many applications include: e a forecasting tool for business and professional decision makers e a teaching aid for educators e a data analysis tool for researchers e a visual aid for presentations ‘el Business & Professional Software 238 Main Street, Cambridge, MA.02142 (617) 491-3740 Dealer and OEM inquiries invited. *Apple is a trademark of Apple Computer, inc. 8 Oy i | Supercomputer Softalk is a great idea. Keep us all to- gether. Buying an Apple is like finding a baby on your doorstep and then two weeks later discovering that his name is Clark Kent. I'm doing things on mine that I used to do on an IBM 360. H. Speer, Sea Cliff, NY Distribution Does Not a Publisher Make Your ‘Exec On-Line Systems” article zeroed in perfectly on Ken and Roberta Williams and many of the reasons for their success. I've been exposed to Ken's technical talents since working with him at Informatics and he unquestionably ranks with Bill Budge, Bob Bishop, Na- sir, and just a very few others as one of the software greats of our industry. In general, the article was very accu- rate; however, there was an oversight that needs to be clarified. The Versa- Writer that Ken used for Mystery House is a product of Versa Computing Inc., not Peripherals Plus as you indicated. Our company, Softsel (formerly Robwin Computing Corp.), is a distributor of VersaWriter as is Peripherals Plus. In fact, Versa Computing is just now re- leasing a new software product called the VersaWriter Expansion Pac-I, which will & SOETALTK APRIL _ 19814 Delo Sey greatly enhance the VersaWritér’s capa- bilities. Thanks for the opportunity to clarify the situation. Softsel wishes Softalk continued suc- cess. You're off to a great start. Bob Leff, President, Softsel, Marina Del Rey, CA More on the Remarkable Williamses I very much enjoyed the profile of Ken and Roberta Williams in the February '81 Softalk. Ihave the Paddle Graphics pro- gram from On-Line Systems. It took sev- eral telephone calls to Coarsegold to order the software. Either Ken Williams or I seemed to be out of our respective of- fices. (No reflection on Coarsegold or Santa Barbara.) The phone conversa- tion closed with Ken Williams's advice, “If you have trouble with the program, call me. You're doing something wrong."" That's confidence in your software! I've had no reason to call for help—three a.m. or otherwise. I enjoy your publication and have or- dered several products from your adver- tisers. Keep up the fine work. John A. Reyburn, Jr., M.D., Goleta, CA Lemon Joins Apples for Softalk Best reading for the Apple II owner. As NEW! as on the Verbatim Datalife series. OVERNIGHT DELIVERY* nl il [an Le 7 data-shielding improvements. Greater durability. Verbatim ... aname that makes a promise FULL LINE... ALWAYS IN STOCK * if order phoned in belore | pm. same day shipment. 6901 Canby Avenue, Reseda, CA 91335 Los Angeles Phone (213) 705-4202 2680 Bayshore Frontage Road, Suite 1030 Mountain View, CA 94043 (415) 962-9275 LARGEST MASTER DISTRIBUTOR FOR VERBATIM REMOVABLE MAGNETIC STORAGE MEDIA Longer data life. APPLE-LOVERS. Specify “apple”, for Verbatim’s new Flexible disks with reinforcing hub rings. No slippage, minimized wear in the // hub area, re- duced errors. and keeps it! Ask for new literature 5‘ $ 1 Ome founder of Apple Corps of San Diego, I suggest every owner should read Sof- talk. Philip A. Lemon, San Diego, CA Poet’s Great, but Softalk’s Late. Ah, Such Is Fate! There's a magazine called Softalky Whose deliv’ry is a bit balky, So I'm not delirious, Just downright Sirius, For I might have won in a walky! Unfair to East Coast!!! There is no way we can compose a sensible entry to a con- test with a February 2nd deadline when the magazine only arrives on January 31, and this is not the first time this has hap- pened. The stores have them here a week before I do, but it does not seem fair to read theirs when I am not going to buy one. Help! George S. Forde, Philadelphia, PA Thanks for a delightful limerick! In- deed it was too late, and we apologize for the mail. However, a large number of the semifinalist limericks are from readers in eastern states—New Jersey, New York, Virginia, Massachusetts, for ex- ample. We are trying very hard to straighten out the mailing problems. Many people on the East Coast get Softalk in a timely fashion and a few people even in Califor- nia still receive their copies very late. Ever Kept House for a Family? I thought that R. L. Coleman's projec- tion of the use of the microcomputer for housekeeping tasks was little short of - ridiculous. I can't think of a more trivial use of a microchip than to open a garage door, when all one has to do now is press the button on a small transmitter to ac- complish the same task. And comput- erized menus? What for? Suppose I don’t want what the computer dished up for me—maybe my stomach is off, and I pre- fer scrambled eggs tonight. And how about my wife, who happens to like dreaming up fabulous new meals? And two sixth graders working on problems in “advanced computer programming,” what problems could a sixth grader give to a computer? Finite element analysis of stress in a bridge girder? List process- ing applied to artificial intelligence? It's more likely a new version of NIM. Big deal! I think the home computer can be a fine learning tool. I can see its use as a “talking book."’ It might considerably re- duce the cost of a home encyclopedia, and permit learning tools better adapted to the particuiar interest of the child (pro- vided the software is available). It could provide home drill in school subjects. I can see it as a useful device for making electronic mail a reality. And certainly The business information you need at the turn of a key. Datadex is a new interactive business management system designed for the Apple personal computer. It’s from TUS, the people who brought you EasyWriter™ and who are bringing you new products for office automation, education, and development systems. Datadex is short for data index. It lets you put all your business data into your Apple y you like to see it and manipulate it ‘ou want. It adapts to your way of doing business. Want to generate a sales report? Just press four keys and fill in the blanks. That puts your sales data into the computer. Now, your report: Datadex designs it for you, based on what you've entered. Nothing to it. That’s power! You can do the same with phone lists, _ mailing lists, dealer names or inventories. PUT OATAOEX’ IN YOUR Datades is a trademark of Sonoma Softworks EasyWiriter is a trademark of Cap'n Software. Apple is a trademark of Apple Computer Inc, VisiCalc is a trademark of Personal Sofiware, Inc. They all enter Datadex and form your own personal data base. Want to find a company but don’t know how to spell its name? ‘Try something that sounds close, and our Soundex routine will find it. It is very forgiving on typos and extra spaces. GROSS # 923.778 anOUNT +_923.77 moe eaten conmenas Soundex helped us find Mr. Zukrzawski when we were balancing our checkbook. We weren't sure how to spell Al's name, so searched for AIZ and found him. Instantly. The check register and several other applica- tions are free with Datadex. Want a specific piece of information, like sales for January 14-21? Inquire Datadex and the answer comes up on the screen right now. And right. Want a report of all sales in ZIP code areas starting with 9? Sure. Just ask it to print a report. : But seeing is the only way to believe. Get a demonstration of Datadex at your local Apple dealer. See the personal computing power it can bring to your office and home. If you’ve looked at a VisiCalc-type program, see Datadex before you buy. By the way, about IUS. We're the Apple of software. We got there by giving you great products and super support. We provide customer service over the phone. Professionally written documentation. And products that are never outdated, only updated. Information Unlimited Software, Incorporated, 281 Arlington Ave., Berkeley, CA 94707. (415) 525-9452. Does your other software have auto system configuration and auto report generation? Datadex does. You don’t have to be a computer expert to get results! Wet 5% WAS ciate sw we PATTI rasTeTELD Pana PRODISK Up to5 million bytes of on-line storage with € floppies. And, without stealing power from your Apple a! Your business is more complicated than anyone realizes. Or, you're growing faster than expected. Does that mean you have to trade in your feliable Apple Il for a bigger, more costly system? Or, is there a simple, reasonable solution? » You bet there is, now that Programma Intemational has introduced the Teeter Electranics PRODISK contral- ler card. PRODISK is like having the storage capability of ten Apples! Because with just four8” floppy disk drives, its ‘on-line storage capacity goes to a business-slze § million bytes. Plus it delivers high-speed transfer of a half million bits per second. With storage and speed like that you can really get a handle on your entire business. And, It won't interfere with your Apple’s operation. You see, the new PRODISK card is powered from the drives, notthe Apple. Since there's no significant power drain, other cards can be used with no problem. 2908 No. Naomi Street Burbank, CA 91504 (213) 954-0240 Technically inclined? The card operates under Apple DOS. 3.1 or 3.2, with 48K Apple Il, Ithas full compatablity with minl-disks, Handles from one to four 8” floppy drives. Single or double density disks use DMA transfer techniques . . . with high speed transfer of half million bits per second. Priced Right The amazing PRODISK controller card is priced at $645.00, And it’s a tax deductible business expense. Its low price works out to be even lower! Same for the special Programma_8” floppy dlsk drives (800 or 850 Shugart equivalent). Example: two single sided drives, priced at $1549.00. Get big business storage capacity for your small business right now . . . with PRODISK, avallable at your better computer stores, of direct from Programma Inter- national. Big power for small business /Programma International inc. it and Apple DOS are trademarks of Apple Compuler, inc. APRIL 1981 SOFTALIKS children can learn the elements of pro- gramming just as they learn the ele- ments of arithmetic. I can also under- stand that, in learning to program a com- puter, a child could grasp more easily the requirements of logical thought. This is the direction in which home computer ap- plications should be focussed. John Figueras, Victor, NY The children in Coleman’s imaginary family were using the computer to tackle a@ problem—how to program the compu- ter. And, if those kids were developing a new version of NIM—what an achieve- ment that would be for many of us. An ex- ercise, perhaps, but a perfectly legiti- mate learning tool. The neat letter indicates that you may be in the minority. I'm writing to say thanks. After seeing the articles on the computer-run home and the shopping Apple and hearing about the response of people from across the coun- try, the dean of my college issued an “‘or- der’’ to me to get to work on the [Louisi- ana Tech] microcomputer laboratory ar- ticle I promised you. The response to the article on Menu Planner is unbelievable. As of yester- day, I have received letters wanting more information about the program from twenty-six different states ranging literally from Maine to California and from Florida to Oregon. Incredible! Thanks again for everything. Dr. Rick Coleman, Ruston, LA World Travel for Right Programmer It's about time someone began trying to tie together all the loose Apple projects bubbling out all over the United States and present some type of a periodical that would be of interest to Apple owners worldwide. T own an Apple Europlus II, two disk drives, an American (Toshiba) color TV being used as a video, and a Centronics 703 printer. I’ve connected my Apple to the TV with a SUP‘R'MOD II interface unit manufactured by M&R Enterprises, Sunnyvale, CA, but still have no color graphics. Can someone tell me the solu- tion to this problem? I own an H&R Block franchise over here in Germany (actually two of them— one in Frankfurt and one in Schwein- furt) and have created a new corpora- tion in the United States. We also sell au- tomobile insurance to the Americans sta- tioned in Europe with the armed forces and provide for them a variety of other services such as pet shipping and auto- mobile shipping. I have purchased a tax package from a company in Milwaukee and will soon be doing all my tax returns over here via Apple and probably inde- pendently at that. In this regard, I employed a pro- grammer in the USA to assist me with a project, but getting any response from him is very difficult. What it is about mo- tivation and Americans I’ll never figure out, but I'd like to ask your help and as- sistance with the project. My program- mer has begun adapting my insurance program and methods of transacting business to diskette but he has still been unable to finish the project and furnish me with something that will function properly. So, here’s my offer. I’ll buy the ride (round-trip air fare for one Delta Air Lines from the United States to Frank- furt, Germany) this summer (late Au- gust, early September) or later if de- sired to the person who can automate the bookkeeping process I have to contend with through my employer and who can finalize and complete the insurance sales package I'm trying to market. You fig- ure out how to promote it and it’s yours. T'll supply written copies of what I have now and what I need in generalized form and you tell me what else I need to do. Michael Screeton, Frankfurt, West Ger- many. Send your qualifications, tips, or re- quests for more information to Michael Screeton, Am Dornbusch 88, D6000 Frankfurt, West Germany. Toward More Challenging Games We would like to make one suggestion to the producers of games. That is, they supply the purchasers with written in- structions on how to make variances to the game after it becomes repetitious. I refer primarily to Apple Invaders. We have no difficulty in obtaining the maxi- mum score of ten thousand per game. Therefore, we would like to increase the maximum to make the game more chal- lenging. We have been playing a game called Sink the Sub. This is a time- elapsed game but now we feel it runs too slowly to be interesting and, therefore, would like to increase the speed of the game. Also, is there a source that one may contact for assistance in altering exist- ing business programs? We purchased the Apple II primarily to handle our business accounts. We have examined several business programs and find the one most suitable to our needs is the File Cabinet but with a few necessary alterations. For example, we wish to utilize the File Cabinet program for inventory purposes but to select the inventory from any combination of from one to ten columns, and, instead of hori- zontal totals, we require products [multi- plication]. If such a programming aid source is available, please advise. We would cer- tainly be willing to pay for such a ser- vice. Of course, we have been continually studying the reference manuals that we received with the Apple II so that at a later date we may be able to make our own program adjustments but, until such GOTO 70 11 \Nhai do you want your computer and video player to do that they can’t do now ? DIA. Display videotape segments then automatically switch to computer text. OB. Display multiple-choice options at each stage of the presenta- tion, then, depending on the choice made, replay any portion of text and/or video, or move on to new material. (AC. Show any portion of the com- puter text and/or videotape (randomly accessed) depend- ing on the pace and/or choices of the user. (OD. ALL OF THE ABOVE ... and do it all on one screen. If you checked D, contact us for more information on Cavri Interactive Video. We offer a reasonably priced, sophisti- cated system that links an Apple* or an RS-232 interfacing computer with a Sony or Panasonic VCR and TV screen — with no modification. In- cluded are simple, straightforward in- structions for writing your programs. Plus frame-accurate stops and switches with no accumulated error. Write or call today and join the many companies, large and small, that are improving their audiovisual training and testing with. the new technology pioneered by Cavri. Training, of course, is only one appli- cation. Now you can catalogue any- thing — for example, a museum can videotape its paintings, sculptures, and artifacts, then show them by artist, ‘subject, date, or any other grouping, regardless of the sequence in which they were recorded on the videotape. Tell us your application, and we can help by supplying the system and guidance on programming and video- tape or videodisc production. Cavii interactive Video 26 Trumbull Street, New Haven, CT 06511 (203) 562-4979 “TM— Apple Computer Co. SYNERGISTIC SOFT WARE freserls GREAT ~-APVENTURES Great adventure games utilizing the Apple’s graphic capabilities. "DUNGEON CAMPAIGN Explore the intricate complexities of a dungeon whose four levels are interconnected by stairways and pits. The dungeon is populated by numerous dragons, spec- tres, serpents, necromancers, dwarfs, elves, and an in- credible variety of monsters. The inhabitant’s varying powers and methods of attack will keep you guessing as your party searches the labyrinth for treasure and an assortment of useful magical devices. Try to col- lect your fortune and escape the dungeon before your party is destroyed. Requires 32K APPLE and a color display. version is $15.00; Disk version is $17.50. or Applesoft. Cassette Integer WILDERNESS CAMPAIGN A surface apventure of even greater variety in which you move across the HIRES map of Draconia explor- ing ancient ruins, tombs, temples, and castles. Equip- ment and weapons can be purchased in village markets. Proper equipment will enable you to survive the num- erous obstacles and hazards such as crevasses, quick- sand, volcanos, avalanches, and hostile inhabitants. As you progress, you will gather enough men, weapons, and magical assistance to challenge the Great Necro- mancer's fortress itself. Requires 48K. Cassette version is $17.50; Disk version is $20.00. Integer or Applesoft. Get both Apventures on 1 disk for $32.50. ODYSSEY: THE COMPLEAT APVENTURE Odyssey is the ultimate adventure game for the Apple. Explore desolate islands of the dread Sargalo Sea. Learn how to enter the deserted castles, tombs, ruins, and other buildings in search of their treasures. Use your gold to buy weapons and supplies you need for your quest. With enough gold, you can buy a ship and set sail. Face pirates, monsters, storms, demon haun- ted dungeons, bandits, warlocks, sea serpents, and hundreds of other hazards before you try for the ultimate prize, the High One's vacant throne. Odyssey utilizes the full capabilities of the Apple with its 3 interlocking programs; detailed and colorful high-res maps, sound effects, and varied animation effects. Requires 48K and disk. Integer_only, $30.00 DOOM CAVERN Doom Cavern is a high-resolution graphics version of the classic “Dungeon and Dragons’’ type games. Set up the persona (strength, intelligence, charisma, etc.) of your players with dice rolls, then venture forth into the dungeons of Hammardoom Castle. With perserverance, some luck, and reasoning, you can win treasures and survive to explore the dungeon. SORCERER'S CHALLENGE A high-res duel for supremacy between two mighty sorcerers using all their devastating spells. Strategic and tactical plan- ning are required to outwit and defeat your opponent. Requires 48K, Integer only, Both games available on 1 disk. $20.00. The high-resolution graphics and text for these games were done usini our graphics utili- ties, HIGHER z x GRAPHICS II ls tware and HIGHER . TEXT. Add PRESENTS high-resolution © effects to your own programs. Each program available on disk in Integer and Applesoft. Each program $35.00. Spnergistic 1. BUXGEOH CAMPAIGH 2, WILDERNESS CANPAIGH CHOOSE ONE. Available at your local dealer or send check or inquiry to SYNERGISTIC SOFTWARE, 5221 - 120th Ave. S.E. Bellevue, WA 98006, (206) 641-1917 WA residents add 5.4% sales tax. Apple II is a registered trademark of Apple Computer, Inc. APRIL 1981 SOFTALIK SE | Super Invader Readers’ Choice The biggest surprise about the results of Softalk’s Most Popular Program Ever poll was that there were no surprises. Of the top ten programs, as chosen by ballot by the readers of Softalk, only one, Apple Writer, has not made the top ten in Softalk’s bestseller list at least once. Super Invader, the Japanese import written by M. Hata and sold here by Creative Computing and Califor- nia Pacific, was the choice—by a narrow margin over Microsoft's Adventure and Personal's VisiCalc. Others in the top ten, in order, were Sargon, by Dan and Kathe Spracklen, Hayden; Asteroids in Space, by Bruce Wallace, Quality Software; Flight Simulator, by Bruce Artwick, SubLogic; Hi-Res Adventure #2: The Wizard and the Princess, by Ken and Roberta Williams, On-Line Systems; Odyssey, by Robert Clardy, Synergis- tic Software; DOS 3.3, Apple Computer Inc., and Apple Writer. Tabulations were made on the basis of ten points for a first-place vote, nine points for second, and so forth down to one point for a tenth-place vote. Tightness of the balloting in the first three positions is indicated by a margin of only one point for Super In- vader over Adventure and only six points for Adventure over VisiCalc. Invader was listed on many more ballots than any other program, but it actually received fewer first-place ballots than many of the programs in the top ten. Adventure, by Software Associates/Gordon Letwin, missed the top spot by the narrowest of margins, gather- ing more first-place ballots but slightly weaker overall support. In contrast, VisiCalc, Personal Software’s product from Software Arts/Dan Bricklin and Robert Frank- ston, received the most first-place ballots of any pro- gram, but was listed on far fewer ballots than any other program among the top ten. It's a real tribute to the rev- olutionary nature of VisiCalc that it could compete on equal terms with game programs in a popularity poll when its essence is serious business applications. No individual author placed more than one program in the top ten and only Apple Computer Inc. published more than one of the top ten programs. Second to VisiCalc in first-place votes were Hi-Res Adventure #2: Wizard and Princess and Sargon II. Fourth in first-place votes was Dogfight, but it did not get the breadth of support necessary to make the top ten. Diversity of interests of Apple owners is indicated by the fact that one hundred seventy-eight different pieces of software were cited on the ballots. Softalk Awan Narrowly missing the top ten—in fact tied for eleventh only one point behind Apple Writer—were Bill Budge’s Space Album, by Bill Budge, California Pacific, and Temple of Apshai from Automated Simulations. In thirteenth was Hi-Res Adventure #1: Mystery House, by Roberta and Ken Williams, On-Line Systems, followed by Cyber Strike, Nasir, Sirius Software, and Easy Writer, by John Draper, Information Unlimited. Dogfight, by Bill Basham, Micro Lab, tied with Easy Writer for fifteenth. 2 Readers with a programming bent selected DOS Tool Kit from Apple Computer Inc. as their favorite pro- gramming tool with Apple-Doc, by Roger Wagner, South- western Data Systems, a clear second. In the category of business software, Apple Plot from Apple Computer ran next behind Hasy Writer with CCA Data Management System, Creative Computer Applica- tions/Ben Herman, Personal Software, as the leading data base. Among graphic utilities, Bill Budge’s 3-D Graphics System, by Bill Budge, California Pacific, led by a single point over Apple World, by Paul Lutus, United Software of America. Lutus, incidentally, authored the original version of Apple Writer. M. Hata, as author of the most popular program, will receive a trophy symbolic of the approval of Apple own- ers. The award is being presented at the West Coast Computer Faire early this month. Next year’s contest will be restricted to programs that were released between November 1980 and Novem- ber 1981, resulting not in a most popular program ever decision, but in a most popular program of 1981, as chos- en by Softalk’s readers. _ 14 & SOETALK Where Does the Money Go? BY CRAIG STINSON If you've ever accidentally buried your checkbook under a pile of computer magazines and then agonized for days about how much money you didn't have and which checks should be reported lost, you’ve probably realized that one of the most practical things you can get for your Apple is a home finance package. You may have discovered also that choosing the right pack- age is not a simple matter, because there is a great variety of such programs available, at a great range in cost. Which pro- gram is best for you will depend not only on the complexity of your needs and the amount you're willing to spend, but also on what particular things you want it to do for you. Almost all these programs have some unique feature or features of spe- cial importance to someone. Other factors that may affect your decision are the extent of your equipment—whether you have one or two disk drives, for example—and the degree of your computer sophistication. Certain programs will prompt you every step of the way; oth- An apple a day... could be very costly, and so could poorly selected software. Prescription PEELINGS ITI fe review source for Apple Il owners. Peel: scion of short impressions. Instead. this ical reviews of a wide varety of Apple Il ough to allow am inteligent purchase decision ubscription to Peelings Il costs Iess than 99¢> of Apple i 0 programs per year peeled betore your very eyes Thal s 12 Cents each to lind out the story! Be informed, be smart, and keep your Apple I healthy Ada $2 for Bil me! S15 year 61s $25 2 years Foreign orders ada S15 yr for Air Mal i P.S. Please mention thal you saw this ad in Softalk Take six a year and stay healthy @% PEELINGS It: Gat P.O. Box 188-S Las Cruces, NM 88004 505-526-8364 ers require at least enough understanding of Basic to custom- ize certain lines in the program. Double Article on Single-Entry Systems. This is the first of two articles surveying the plethora of home finance software. The packages discussed here should not be construed as supe- rior or inferior to the ones to be covered next issue, nor are they in any other way logically antecedent to them. They sim- ply were available sooner for review. ‘The spread in terms of capability between the least and most sophisticated of these finance programs makes cate- gorization difficult. At the upper end of the range, it’s a bit hard to draw the line between a home finance program and a small business controller. Our common denominator, however, is that all programs considered here will be single-entry ac- counting systems. Some of the more fancy of them could in- deed be applied to small business requirements as well as to managing the family exchequer. Checkbook from Programma. Steven Welch's Checkbook, published by Programma International (Burbank, CA), re- quires 12K RAM and a disk drive and sells for $34.95. Its docu- mentation boasts a program so compactly written that the user can keep large amounts of data—probably a year’s worth—on the same disk as the software. That's a nice feature if your needs are modest, because it saves you the trouble of switching data and program disks while you work. Presum- ably you will want to copy your data onto separate disks for backup and archive, but that doesn't need to slow you down during the data-entry process. Programma’s main menu displays the register number— you can run several accounts on the same disk, if you like— the number df transactions recorded to date on that register, and the current balance. It offers options of posting checks and deposits; listing the account to the tube, printer, or both; searching for particular items; quitting; and reconciling your accounts against a statement. The data base offers five fields: transaction number, date, payee, memorandum, and amount. The payee and memo fields hold up to twenty characters apiece, and the memos can be used later for sorting checks into budget categories, al- though there is no specific module in the package for estab- lishing budget levels and comparing actual to projected amounts. The system distinguishes checks from deposits by looking at the payee line. If the first character there is a number sign, the entry will be construed as a deposit and the amount will be credited to your account. All other entries are debits. A useful feature is that the transaction number need not be strictly numeric. So, for example, if you get money out of your account through an automatic teller window, without writing a check, that withdrawal can be coded with a W or some other character. Likewise, a telephone transfer or automatic month- ly payment can be recorded with some specific code—as well as a number. When you finish inputting the data for a particular item, the program writes it off to the disk; you do not have the opportu- nity to correct it at that point. Later, you can edit entries by way of the listing option on the main menu. APRIL 1981 TOFETALKS: 15 Don’t Bury the Disk, Too! Three modes of listing are avail- able: all entries, date to date, and transaction number to trans- action number. Unlike most of the other systems, the Pro- gramma Checkbook does not organize data into monthly files or even yearly ones. It simply keeps a check register, much like the one you buried under those computer mags. So the all- entry listing does indeed give you the whole thing, a full screen at a time. You can stop the output at the end of any screen, however, and if you spot an item that needs fixing, it can be called up via a system-generated index number and amended. The list can be sent to the printer a page at a time, as well. When you ask for a listing, by whichever mode, the entries appear in the order of ascending index number; in other words, in the order you entered them. If you post your checks out of order, they will remain that way. The search module offers seven options: outstanding checks and deposits, specific date, payee, memorandum, item number, amount, and index number. If you use the memoran- dum line for budget categories, the search feature will display and total all entries for a given budget category for a specified time period. This is at least half of what most people want out of a budget program. Of course, then you can’t use the memo as a true check memo; you probably wouldn't want to record necktie when the check belongs to the category clothing. HLP AT TX TM. A nice feature of the search routine is that you can specify the beginning characters of a payee or memo- randum line alone and use them as a template. So you could prefix any tax-deductible budget category with a TX and ac- complish a search and summation of all deductible transac- tions as well as a separation into individual budget categories. The reconcile program displays each outstanding item in- dividually and asks you if it appears on your bank statement. Once you answer affirmatively, that item appears in subse- quent listings with an asterisk and does not appear in subse- quent reconcile queries. After you finish this procedure for all outstanding items, a separate spot on the main menu asks you for the balance on your statement, checks to make sure you've entered all service charges, scans your file for outstanding credits or debits, and tells you how far off you are from the bank. Documentation for the Programma Checkbook is lean but adequate. What isn’t obvious from the four pages of printed de- scription is usually made clear through prompts in the pro- gram itself. Spectrum’s Budgeting Checkbook. Check Register and Budget from Spectrum Software, programmed by Andrew Thompson, offers roughly the same degree of data capture as the Programma Checkbook, with the addition of a specific cost/budget analysis routine, some enhanced search and sort capabilities, and a simplified data entry method using prede- fined purpose and recipient categories. The program requires Applesoft, 32K RAM, and a disk drive. By itself it sells for $39.95; a complete Home Finance Pak I, comprised of this and noninterfacing companion programs for tracking savings ac- counts and credit cards, goes for an additional ten dollars. When you initialize your Spectrum checkbook, you first spe- cify the current calendar year, then you're asked to list up to thirty-two twenty-character standard check purposes and check recipients. Actually, the first two of these in each col- umn are reserved for deposits and miscellaneous checks re- spectively, so you really have thirty standard categories at your disposal. That’s enough to cover the vast majority of most people’s transactions; and, when you do need to post an item into the miscellaneous category, you get to spell out the par- ticular purpose and/or recipient for that item in twenty char- acters or less. So there is really no constraint on the number of categories or recipients available; the system simply allows you to post recurrent transactions with single numbers instead of having you type out the whole data field each time. There are advan- tages to this method in terms of disk storage space and ease of data entry. Since purpose and recipient fields will later be used as search criteria, you don’t need to worry about keeping your SIRIUS SOFTWARE PRESENTS: Software For The Apple II* Cyber Strike nture Both Barrels you'll love th > root and thi 16 . ( SOFTALK APRIL 1981 spelling consistent or about whether you've been recording su- permarket purchases as food or as groceries. As you establish each item on your list of standard pur- poses, you are asked whether it is to receive a tax flag or not. This approach produces roughly the same level of eventual search and sort capability as Programma users can get by prefixing their memoranda with TX or some such code. It doesn't really amount to an independent data field, but youcan produce lists of all tax-coded items as well as of individual budget categories. If at any point during your use of the program you wish to add or alter standard purpose or recipient categories, a spe- cial item on the main menu allows you to do that. The Bad News Monthly. Like Programma's Checkbook, the Spectrum software is compact enough to allow data storage on the same disk with the program. Unlike Programma, how- ever, Spectrum keeps all files in monthly units, which offers distinct advantages for searching, listing, and establishing budget amounts. In the budget module, for example, you can enter occasional expenses like insurance premiums or vaca- tions into the appropriate monthly files, or you can specify a more constant kind of expense for any given month and ask the system to write it into all twelve files. When you dial the cost/budget report module from the main menu, the system first asks you to specify what month or range of months you wish to examine, then it brings up that predefined list of standard check purposes (including number one for deposits and number two for miscellany) in a tabular format that displays total expense (or income) per category, budgeted amount, and positive or negative balance. Should you wish at this time to bring your budget into better align- ment with the reality of your check register, simply strike A and the purpose category and key in the new amount. Or you can hit a P and send the whole thing off to your printer. So much for budgeting. Check and deposit posting is made neat and simple by the predefined category approach. There are a couple of disappointments here, however. First, the data entry module does not display your current balance, so you've got to goto a separate ‘‘Review the Check Register’ module to see whether you dare pay that last bill or not. Second, there is no provision in the system for transactions with your account that are neither checks nor deposits. Since automatic window withdrawals, telephone transfers, and interest-bearing check- ing accounts are becoming fairly commonplace, this seems a disconcerting limitation. You can enter such things, of course; you just have to mickeymouse the number—use a negative number or something clearly out of the range of your current register. Easy Search Is Hard To Reconcile. On the other hand, there are some nice touches in terms of search capability. Besides being able to search and list checks by check number, pur- pose, recipient, and the presence of a tax flag, you can also seek out all transactions occurring on a particular day of the month during any range of months you desire; and you can search for transactions that fall within a given amount range. Any check or deposit of more than five hundred dollars, for ex- ample, could be called up with a single search request. The reconcile routine is a trifle less automatic than that of the Programma system. Rather than being led through all your outstanding entries one by one, you have to scroll through the check register yourself and note anything not yet cleared by the bank, then enter those items into the separate reconcile module. The Check Register and Budget comes attractively pack- aged. Documentation is written in English—a fact not to be taken lightly—and the presentation of material through the program itself is such that one could comfortably recommend it to a novice computer user. The checkbook review option, for example, presents a display of one's check register that prob- ably comes as close as possible to looking like that old-fash- ioned thing you stick in your purse or back pocket. The optional companion programs in the Home Finance Pak I, Savings and Credit Card, are relatively simple items that post transactions and record balances for as many ac- LAND WAR: 4 unique computer war game. Similar to board war games, but the playing field is draw on the screen in hi-resolution color. The players must maneuver infantry and armored units over terrain that includes rivers, forests and cities. To win, a player must occupy his opponent's city, and destroy his opponent's armies. Two players can oppose each other, or one player fight a computer general. Requires Integer Basic, 24K RAM. $20.00 on cassette. Colorful Graphics Programs for Apple Il COLOR SOFTWARE, PO Box 24214, Indpls, IN 46224 Name: Programs desired: land War ($20) Street ™ Startrek ($15 Rs = dry well ($15 City: ~~ Baseball 123} —_ Disk ($2.50) State: Zip: Add one dollar for land War, Startrek, and Dry first class postage. Well are available on disk. Add $2.50 per order for disk Total versions. enclosed. 3-D STARTREK: Play the popular computer game in three dimensions instead of two, Hi-res~ olution display shows stars and Klingons scaled according to distance from the Enterprise. Discover new planets, destroy Klingons, and save the Federation. Requires Integer Basic, 32K RAM. $15.00 on cassette. DRY WELL: entertaining strategy game of oil exploration. Discover the pattern of the o11 deposits and maximize the profits of your oil~ drilling company. Fattern of deposits is differ- ent every game. Features animated hi-resolution view of ofl field. Requires ROM Applesoft, 24K RAM. $15.00 on cassette. MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL: Strategy game based on real Major League teams. You manage the 1980 teams and make all lineup, hitting, pitching, and running decisions. Includes all 26 teams with 25 players per team. Also includes utility programs to make and modify your own teams, Requires ROM Applesoft, 48K RAM, and one disk. $25.00 on disk. APRIL 1981 FOEFTALKS: 17 counts of each kind as you desire. They will generate printed reports, as will any of the options in the checkbook program, but they do not provide search and sort capabilities and they do not interact with the budget list generated in the checkbook program. ~ Continental’s Financial Sentry. The major step up in ac- counting capability offered by Continental software's Home Money Minder is that it does interface cash and credit card transactions with the overall budget plan. It also allows you to write checks or make cash payments to a credit card account and have the amounts posted automatically on the separate credit card file. The system, programmed by Bob Schoenburg, requires Applesoft, 48K RAM, and at least one disk drive. Two drives will make your life a good deal simpler, but the system will configure for one and will prompt you for all necessary disk changes. The price is $34.95. Besides being more powerful, the Home Money Minder is a bit more cumbersome to use, especially if you don't have that second disk drive or a 132-column printer. Again, as with the two systems described so far, you can certainly keep your rec- ords without the printer, but when Continental sends a list to the tube it sends out that same 132-column data in such a way that lines wrap around on your screen and get clumsy to read. So your first consideration, perhaps, should be how much accounting power you really want. If you want to track every- thing you spend and take in, including all your cash transac- tions, and you have the requisite hardware and patience to do it, then this is definitely an economical way to go. Here’s how it works. First stop after initialization is the budget menu, where you can establish as many as fifty categories, at a maximum of fifteen characters each, and specify either a common amount per month or separate amounts for each month of the year. Income categories are flagged to the system using an asterisk as a precedence code. Having created the budget, you can then print it, review it, cor- rect it, add to it, and print it again. You will want to return to this budget menu occasionally for additions or revisions or to get actual versus projected ex- pense and income reports. The reports are available through the printer (or screen if you don’t have a printer) or through a CRT graphing module that gives you a month-by-month bar graph display, showing actual amount in one color and pro- jected amount in another. The system will not generate a re- port or a graph for any given month, however, until that month is actually closed out. Fodo Will Feed You When Groceries Won’t. This brings up another important general point about the Home Money Minder. A number of features are built in to reduce the likeli- hood of erroneous data entry. For example, if you should try to post a check out of sequence, you'll get a beep and a polite in- quiry about whether you really mean to do what you're about to do. The system also discourages you from entering checks or deposits into the wrong month. Unlike the Spectrum register, HMM does require you to spell out your budget category with each entry. If you misspell a category or present it in a slightly variant form, it will honk and suggest the closest match it can find to the categories as you entered them in the budget routine. Type ‘‘fodo,"’ for ex- ample, and it will suggest ‘‘food.”’ But, if you hit ‘‘groceries”” when your budget is for food, you will most likely get a mes- sage saying the system can’t match that one, and do you want to retype. Back to the main menu. Having made your heading and filed your budget, your last option (besides exit) is income and expenses, and from here you branch into checking account, credit cards, or cash, depending on what sort of data you wish to enter. The data bases for all three kinds of transactions are in six fields. For checks you specify check number, date, payee, amount, budget category, and memo. If you specify credit card for the category and name the card in the memo, the sys- tem will update the appropriate card account. If you write a SIRIUS SOFTWARE PRESENTS: Software For The Apple II* Space Eggs nformation 20-1939 Sirius Software, Inc. 2011 Arden Way #225A, Sacramento, CA 95625 tered trademark of Apple Computer. ir use maxelt A major breakthrough in the learning process. system. People have been coming up with new ways to teach things to one another since the beginning of time. Various breakthroughs have occurred and we have progressed. We offer another break- through—“The Learning System” by Dr. Scot Kamins. This combination of programs is atruly interactive teaching vehicle that can positively teach any subject to anyone. The instructor has a teaching and testing tool and the user learns and expands his knowledge of the subject while receiving positive interaction with the computer. This system is important. It is mean- ingful because it allows any company, no matter how small, to prepare a train- ing device for its employees. No one need take time off his job for instructing anew person. Additional tutoring or re- finements to a routine can be taught and tested quickly. The educator can creatively teach his subject in an effec- tive way to give the learner that ““some- thing extra.” If you use the validity analysis data, that the system produces, you can key in to the areas that must be retaught. Effective, quick analysis of test results allows the instructor to operate more effectively. Let's face it, teaching today, whether in the school system or in the business environment is a tough assignment. Because of the fluent society, more and more people must learn quickly. If you could use “The Learning System” to teach people faster and more effectively, this will save you time and money. Set Up Set up your own text with instructions or information. Then key it to a test to check for learning comprehension. Use an instruction or a test mode. The in- struction mode will give hints and help BY SCOT KAMINS, PHD to the user, while the exam mode tests and stores score results. Choose a mul- tiple choice, fill-in, or column matching format. Write your questions and an- swers to correspond to portions of the composition so that in the instruction mode, a review of that section will occur. Or, set up a quiz independently without reference to the text on the computer. Using the instruction mode, The Learning System becomes a tutorial Program. The user has two or three chances to answer each question. There- after, he is told the answer and must rewrite it correctly. At the conclusion of each series of questions, the user must retake those questions that were answered incorrectly. Ample help is available if he has forgotten the correct answer. There are multiple levels of reinforcement. In the test mode, there are no second chances! One answer only is entered by the user. The testee is given the number and percentage of correct re- sponses and the number of times to get it. At the conclusion of the exam the learner can receive the score im- mediately. However, this score is re- tained on a records disk along with a name for later analysis by the instructor. Scoring Test results may be evaluated on many levels: for analysis of the user's strengths. or weaknesses; comparison to others. who have taken the same exam; as a device for the instructor to see how well he has taught the material, or to evaluate the validity of the questions used. Scores from other exams may be viewed, compared, averaged, or printed out if you have a printer. Comparing the results of many exams from an entire class, the instructor can see what must be retaught. He can check the percentage of users that answered each question correctly or incorrectly to establish whether it was. a fair one. The class curve can easily be computed. Grades can be given at marking time without spending days computing and averaging exam scores. Apple Compatible The Learning System is presently being offered for the Apple computer but will be available in other versions. You will need 48k, Applesoft in ROM. The sys- tem will operate using either one or two disk drives. Future versions will be available for home use and special applications. Backup Protection The Micro Lab Extended Warranty is again an option. Should any disk need renewing, it will be handled free of charge to all policy holders. The annual Extended Warranty is priced at $30. Updates offering additional features will be made and user feedback is al- ways solicited. When new versions are released, your Extended Warranty covers. them as well. Without this policy, there is a $10 per disk fee for renewals. AComplete System The system is sold as a package with one master disk plus two player disks. You supply the test and record disks as you need them. You will also receive a backup of the master disk. Extra player disks can be purchased. An easy to understand manual explaining all fea- tures is provided. See our demo at your local Apple dealer. The Learning System is priced at an introductory offer of $150. micro lab learning center systems that work 3218 Skokie Valley Road * Highland Park, IL 60035 + 312-433-7550 APRIL 1981 FOETALKS 19 check for cash and enter cash on the category line, the amount will be transferred to the corresponding monthly cash account file. If you don’t use the memo line in this fashion to effect an in- terface with another account, you can use it as a genuine check memorandum. Up to ten characters are available to remind you where your money went. For deposits, the fields are deposit code, date, source, amount, category, and memo. Transfers to your checking ac- count from a credit card account can be handled the same way as payments. The deposit code can be used either as a trans- action number or as a flag for tax reporting. Similarly, the last five fields for credit card and cash data are for date, recipient, amount, category, and memo. The first field in the credit card allows you to name the card; for cash the first field allows you to specify a code for whatever pur- pose you want. Stacked for Concentration. Whenever you post any data, the system displays the six fields stacked vertically, as op- posed to the columnar, check-register-like format employed by Programma and Spectrum. This has the disadvantage of al- lowing you to see only one entry at a time while posting data, but it does permit you to confirm the data before sending it off to disk. Type ‘‘0"’ if all is well or anumber from 1 to 6 to change a particular field. Your current balance is also displayed at all times, in flash mode if it's negative. The system will generate printouts of all activity in any ac- count for any given month. It will also sort and print all activi- ty for any particular data field item, and because of the inter- face between cash, credit cards, and checking, you can dis- play or print all expenditures of any kind for a given budget category for a given month. This is really handy if you're try- ing to keep track of how and whither all that small coinage in your pocket trickles away. A couple of other pluses and minuses: when searching for payee, deposit source, or memorandum, you can specify the first few characters only and the system will bring you every- thing beginning with that combination. Under credit cards you have the option of entering returns as well as purchases; it would be nice if you could enter voided checks in similar fash- ion. Unfortunately, the system still has no distinct provision for entering transactions such as automatic teller withdrawals or automatic payments. The Bookkeeper: Competent and Personable. What’s im- mediately striking about John Owens’s The Bookkeeper from Delta Software (Applesoft, 32K, disk drive, $89.95) is the ele- gance of its design. It has a few features that the programs considered thus far haven't, but it lacks some of the power. Yet what it does, it does with a finesse that will justify the extra ex- pense, at least for some. First, it is extraordinarily well documented, even outlining step-by-step how to Muffin the 3.2 master for your 3.3 system, if that happens to be what you have. And, while the system is running, it keeps you prompted with friendly first-person mes- sages like, ‘You have finished making entries; wait while I file them and we will continue. Please do not interrupt.’ The process of data entry, moreover, is made about as ef- fortless as possible by the use of standard, predefined ac- counts, much like the standard purpose approach of the Spec- trum Check Register, and by a system of default options. When you go into the data posting mode you are offered four choices: check, deposit, balance, or finished. Next to the query, ‘‘Which one?” is the letter C with the cursor flashing over it. If you want to enter a check—the most commonly se- lected option—all you do is hit return. Having done that, you see next the current transaction number (a system-generated index that identifies every entry for an entire fiscal year), the current month, your present balance, and the check number that the computer expects to see next. If that’s the check num- ber you're about to enter, again you merely hit return. Next you need to put in the day of the month and, unless this check is not the first of a given posting session, the computer will dis- play the date of your last entry, on the assumption that all SIRIUS SOFTWARE PRESENTS: Software For The Apple II* E-Z Draw 3.3 20 & VOETALE APRIL 1981 checks posted at a single session are probably going to have the same date. If this is not the case, you merely type in the correction and the computer updates its default value. Default to Negative Keeps You Out of Trouble. The ‘Pay to" line displays twenty-three dashes next to the question mark, so you know exactly how many characters you may use. After you type in the payee and the amount, you are asked for an account number. Here the cursor flashes over a letter 4, and if you hit return the transaction display disappears for the moment to be replaced by a list of standard accounts, or bud- get categories, that you've established during the initialization of your check register. When you find the appropriate account number, another return takes you back to the transaction dis- play; type in the number, and the name of the account ap- pears. At that point, you're asked to confirm or reject what you have done so far with a Y or an N. The default reply here is N, making it less probable that you will send off an erroneous en- try. If you do need to correct anything, hitting returns will take you step-by-step through the data you've entered, allowing you to fix whatever may need fixing. Finally, you're given the opportunity to add a note to the en- try. This amounts to a greatly expanded memorandum line— up to 159 characters—except that the note is written into a sep- arate text file on the disk, under the assumption that for most entries you won't need one. Those entries that have notes will appear in all subsequent printouts with an asterisk, and the note will show up underneath as a footnote, keyed to the index number of the transaction. So the system of default values, with the computer antici- Rating your most likely moves, has the dual benefit of reduc- ing keystrokes and protecting you somewhat against mis- takes; the account number system reduces disk storage and ensures uniform spelling of budget categories; and the note method of appending memoranda allows you lots of space where you really need it while wasting none where you don't. dust in the N/CK of Time. There are a couple of other use- ful features to be found in the check/deposit entry module. If you strike N for check number, the system replies with “N/CK" and allows you to enter any sort of miscellaneous withdrawal-type transaction you wish, as always with the op- tion of adding an explanatory note at the bottom. Enter VOID on the payee line, and the system will void the check and allow you to note the circumstances. The other systems discussed so far will handle these kinds of transactions also, but not as directly. There is definitely something to be said for seeing ‘‘N/CK" on a summary print- out, rather than, say, ‘“—1." One thing that The Bookkeeper does that the others do not do at all is allow for a split-account check. If, for example, you write a check for $40 worth of groceries and $25 in cash, you can enter S for account number, and the system will prompt you through a maximum three-way split, updating each ac- count appropriately. Unfortunately, there is no similar provi- sion for multisource deposits. So much for easy input. There are a few disadvantages in terms of overall accounting capability relative to the other three programs considered here. You can search and display transactions by account number, but not by payee, memoran- dum, or transaction number. And there is neither a provision for tax coding nor a specific program module for bank recon- ciliation. In compensation for the lack of payee search capability, you get to define up to ninety check accounts and nine for de- posit sources. Hence, you could set the system up to cover practically everyone you write checks to in your normal course of affairs. The trouble is that then you would be trading budget convenience for search capability, because you would wind up having separate budget entries for every store you vis- it instead of for generic categories. Budget projections are created only on a month-by-month basis, instead of in the larger time chunks permitted by other systems. Yet you can display cumulative actual versus bud- get totals in any category for any period of time you like and— unlike the Home Money Minder—The Bookkeeper allows you to get a budget report for the current month before the month- ly file is closed. Wired for Emergency. Furthermore, the monthly sum- mary display not only reveals how much you are over or un- der your allowance, but also shows you what percentage of your actual total expenditures has been accounted to each in- dividual category. It also displays an overall cash-flow sum- mary at the bottom of the list to show you the direction of your fortunes for any month you choose. For those who require privacy, the program recognizes a password you designate for entrance to the data files. If you fail the test in three tries, the Apple makes like an anti-car- theft alarm and beeps continuously until you hit the power switch. And, just in case you forget and find yourself locked out of your own system, there is a procedure to get past the sen- try. An optional Check Writer program, for $39.95, will inter- face with The Bookkeeper. It will print your checks for you, on forms that you can order encoded with your bank account number, and will automatically enter them into the check reg- ister portion of The Bookkeeper. Stay tuned. There are several more home finance pro- grams to be discussed in the next issue. as Multimusic’— a genuine breakthrough in music software for the Apple Il !! Now you can hear the pleasant harmonies of a Bach chorale coming from your Apple II speaker or cassette port. These harmonies are made possible by our unique set of machine language subroutines which perform high-speed switching between the notes of any desired chord. A full 7, that’s right, 7 octave range provides you with great flexibility. Real-time graphics enables the composer to view the com- position as it is played. Multimusic also includes an easy to use text editor, a standard note-name compiler, instructions and examples. Requires Apple Il 32k, Floating Point Basic, Disk Il. “Trademarks of Apple Computer Inc AmACSs4rcg Sonora Computing 2300 candelariaRd.,N.E. Albuquerque, N.M. 87107 Lec a a 1 Order Form . Name } Diskette $25.00 Address | : : Cit Stat Zi ! New Mexico Residents y a e ! I ‘Add $1.00 Tax Check Enclosed Visa Mastercharge H ! avin Card No. | I Exp. Date Interbank I ' 3.3 Format (3.2 on request) Sianauie | I 1 APRIL 1981 YOETAINS: 21 VENTURES WITH —VIsICALe— BY FRANK MALONE Family Finance with VisiCalc For the family of means by no means who, nonetheless, has a couple of bank accounts—one for each provider—making checks balance can be a mind boggler. Keeping track of one checking account a month is bad enough, but two... . Unless you use VisiCalc. Right into your living room or study or office, VisiCale offers the basis for a checkbook pro- gram that requires little more than turning on your favorite computer and setting up a common-sense format for yourself. For example, if your accountant advises you to maintain records of all your income and expenses, VisiCalc does the hard part—the summing of items down columns and across rows—so that, at year’s end, you can print a neat package of information that not only has saved you much time (and ulti- mately money) but also provides accurate data for tax pur- poses. One Road to Keeping Records. There must be many ways to do it with VisiCalc. Here’s one of them. And the beauty of us- ing VisiCalc is that, with minimum effort on your part, you can set up and maintain your records as you see fit. Then, if you come up with better ideas as you progress, well, use them later, maybe next year. Begin by booting up your system with VisiCalc, of course. Then start your entries with your bank statements. It’s best to use checks for expenditures to work with as few sets of rec- ords as possible. But first, start setting up your format by typ- ing labels on your VisiCalc worksheet for income for a six- month period. Figure 1 shows this format. x2 [mirec @sumia7 sio@sumcr. cio @sumi @ jaa | maw 86-812 +ceeci2 +ESHEI2 © +FOHFIZ 14 | END BAL 1 | Tor ose +p1s—64 © =Cla_cra. taisecis sige ¢IS-FIA HE NSEFIS 16 | vio, tatse1 18 Fe 18 pa at) Figure 1. Income formot. The formots for income ond expenses simulote o VisiCalc worksheet, but, insteod of dollor omounts, the formulos for monipuloting the dollor ‘omounts ore entered, so thot you con see how they ore derived in their oppropriote rows ond columns. To ensure to-the-penny accuracy, enter exact amounts when you start putting in your checking account numbers. Then, if you desire easier viewing, you can use a global command to change to integers. Your origina] numbers will be preserved, and you can call them back at will. For example: the com- mand /GFI changes 48.98 to 49 or 1962.24 to 1962, and the com- mand /GF$ changes them back again. But perhaps this is jumping the gun. There are many com- mands that will facilitate your using, viewing, and printing your checkbook statement. Some of these will be listed here, but for an easy trip through command-land and for other val- uable tips (after you've read your VisiCalc manual carefully) consult the reference card that comes with your manual. Next, on your worksheet, type in expense labels down col- umn A, underneath your income format. Then type labels for the first six months’ detail. Figure 2 shows this format. E A ees a @ € ° e = @ ‘cursor FEBRUARY TANUARY erat G@ sumrze #22 muy u @sumicas. cao G@ suas. F40 @ sumicas C50 (@ Suma 50 @ sumicss. css SUMS. FS6 G SUMFS®. 69 (@ sume72. 678 (a SUM(F78F82 @SUMeS. £90 Ge sumesa 97 Ge Sum@100 F108 G@ sumicyos cre (a sumetos. 6116 Nis) 117 | Loans. EL @ suments..c173 (@ sumenis. £123, G@sumicrzs. C134 (@ sumen26, #134 4 135] RECREAT —@suM(CI37 Clas, (@ sumena7. Flas As 14g | TAKES @sumic\4s C159 (@SUMFI48..FIS3 G@ SUMS? F162 G@sumcis7 C162 =eomeeees: (a sUM(a2.8162 +816") TB16S +E 64 Figure 2. Expense formot. 22 : & SOF IE APRIL 1981 esun(e2) 10 nel cn 5S 33) Grae Gsumeaa. gas 2] keno. fume on 22 | Soeur Gsumps!. a) Sy 57| Persnt csumes7.as7 235 30) weoiea (Sumer amo SS = 36) Doctors Gsumers.are ZEg | 200 Gsumasaas EUS NS GSumepl ost ogo Se] CONTRIE (sumer. ave 2532 vos) soar fsUmeres Glos 5232 | 195] {Sane Gsumpny ait oes | 124] Sones Gsumoize @ize Q23E | 133] secweat sues. G35 2 30 Ie) tas ue Gsumsias giae ¢ 2% 155) OTHER Baao lea Tee i Figure 3. Six-Month Summary Format For use at the end of your six-month period, you can type the total and detail information as illustrated in Figure 3. Extend Your Trip to a Year. It is possible to enter an entire year’s transactions on your electronic worksheet. The exam- ples in Figure 3 cover six months to ensure plenty of storage room. Storage room of 25K may seem like a lot, but it’s sur- prising how much a person with a vivid imagination can con- sume. If your need is insatiable, however, you can always add a 16K memory card to your 48K Apple. The procedure fol- lowed in this example merely carries your six-month sum- mary over to a second half-year worksheet and allows you to sail merrily along through year’s end. Now you are ready to put in your formulas. You can apply formulas similar to the examples. A couple of preliminary measures should prove helpful as well. Set your vertical titles in Column A, so that when you scroll from month to month, the titles will always be visible and, thus, ensure that you are mak- set your horizontal titles for Income and Expense, since you'll be working first with one and then the other independently. Use the command /TYV to set columnar titles. The result of entering your formulas will make life forever a joy for you, although you may begrudge the task while you’re involved. Just keep reminding yourself that your efforts now will eliminate the continuing need to add endless rows and col- umns to get monthly, year-to-date, and grand totals, because VisiCalc will now do all this for you automatically. How It Works. Here’s how some of the functions most use- ful in this program are executed. Others you will find in your manual and on your reference card as you discover more ap- plications for other programs. For summing: ‘SUM(A1...A2 Split screen: /W Column width: /ge Print: /P You'll find all sorts of useful ways to use VisiCalc com- mands as you experiment with them. One tip for your check- book program: narrowing your screen to five characters per column using integers will enable you to print a quarter of a year at a time, including the title column. Whatever tricks you use, the end result will be less work for you in the long run, greater accuracy in your accounts, fewer headaches for you and your accountant, plus the ability to know where you stand at a glance regarding how you are earn- ing and spending your money. When tax time rolls around, instead of a thick book of hand- written figures, you can zip off a printout of your year’s trans- actions, hand it over to your tax person, and relax. If you have a VisiCalc application you'd like to share with Softalk’s readers, write to Softalk Ventures, 10432 Burbank ing entries in the correct spaces. You probably won’t want to |. Boulevard, North Hollywood, CA 91601. Don’t buy Apple Software | TrH= Book (Of Apple Computer Software qa1os1i epi ‘ORS JAMES SADLIER. JEFFREY STANTON: until you read this book. First check The Book—the one complete critical analysis of most Apple NAME _ —_—— Software available. Games, Educational, Business, Utility programs and Races more. Each comprehensively rated on 11 separate points. Each reviewed by an expertin its field. Just $19.95 ee sais cles Now you can compare and get more for your software dollar. Does the CARD NUMBER __ EXP. ~ program you need exist? How good is it? Which software vendors offer the best support? Find out all this and much more, MasterCard e Visa accepted. Fill out and mail today or call for shipment: 18720 HAWTHORNE BLVD., LAWNDALE, CA 90260, (213) 371-4012. re He TheBook company Le oe 8 ga a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a Turn your Apple into the world’s most versatile personal computer. The SoftCard™ Solution. SoftCard turns your Apple into two computers. AZ-80 and a 6502. By adding a Z-80 microprocessor and CP/M to your Apple, SoftCard turns your Apple into a CP/M based machine. That means you can access the single largest body of microcomputer software in exist- ence. Two computers in one. And, the advantages of both Plug and go. The SoftCard system starts with a Z-80 based circuit card Just plug it into any slot (except O) of your Apple. No modifications required. SoftCard supports most of your Apple peripherals, and, in 6502-mode, your Apple is still your Apple. CP/M for your Apple. You get CP/M on disk with the SoftCard package. It’s a powerful and simple-to-use operating system. It supports more software than any other microcomputer operat- ing system. And that's the key to the versatility of the SoftCard/Apple. BASIC included. A powerful tool, BASIC-80 is included in the SoftCard package. Running under CP/M, ANSI Standard BASIC-80 is the most powerful microcomputer BASIC available. It includes extensive disk I/O. statements, error trapping, integer variables, 16-digit precision, exten- sive EDIT commands and string func- tions, high and low-res Apple graphics, PRINT USING, CHAIN and COM- MON, plus many additional com- mands. And, it’s a BASIC you can compile with Microsoft's BASIC Compiler. More languages. With SoftCard and CP/M, you can add Microsoft's ANS! Standard COBOL, and FORTRAN, or Basic Compiler and Assembly Lan- guage Development System. All, more powerful tools for your Apple Seeing is believing. See the SoftCard in operation at your Microsoft or Apple dealer. We think you'll agree that the SoftCard turns your Apple into the world’s most versatile personal computer. Complete information? It’s at your dealer's now. Or, we'll send it to you and include a dealer list. Write us. Call us SoftCard is a trademark of Microsoft. Apple ll and Apple Il Plus are registered trademarks of Apple Computer. 2-80 is @ registered trademark of Zilog, Inc. CP/M is a registered trademark of Digital Research. Inc. p CONSUMER ' OF Microsoft Consumer Products, 400 108th Ave. N.E., Bellevue, WA 98004. (206) 454-1315 An Intelligent Alternative In the research you are doing before purchas- ing your computer printer, you are probably con- fused by the various claims, speeds, choices, shapes and prices. Well, we'd like to clear the air a bit and tell you about the most unusual comput- er-printer around — the TYPRINTER 221 You see, it’s unusual because it is totally compatible with every computer and word proces- sing program .. . from the largest to the smallest. It’s versatile to the point of incredibility... We'll discuss the broad advantages and explain the details. THE DAISY WHEEL The special daisy wheel supplied is of a unique design consisting of a 100 character carrying radii Each radii is formed of two distinct types of plastic — an “elastic plastic” for the stalk of the radii, and a comparatively “hard plastic” used to form the character area. This, combined with a very narrow character profile and a special posi- tioner on each of the 100 radii, guarantees a uniform character density. There is near perfect geometric positioning of the character with no character higher or lower than the others. And because of its unique dual material design, micro- vibrations have virtually been eliminated, leaving your final copy clean, clear and smudge free. The copy produced is comparable to that produced by metal daisy wheels and at a fraction of the cost. ARO SECTON eusnesecnon M7777, ‘ROEM, UW THE KEYBOARD The keyboard has been referred to as a triumph of human engineering - from the way the keys seem tohave been custom designed to fit your fingers, to the way the special feature switches have been grouped. A flip of a switch (or under computer control of course) and the printer becomes a foreign language machine. Push a button, and like magic the printer automatically locates and lines up columns of figures, perfectly balanced between the margins. This incredibly fast, extraordinarily quiet electronic keyboard puts more programming power at you fingertips then printers costing five to ten times as much TYPRINTER 221 THE DISPLAY The. TYPRINTER 221 presents a new dimension in operator/machine communications. In the manual (typewriter) mode, the printer controls and verifies all entries before printing, The display exhibits the last 15 characters of the text, word-by-word, until the end of the line. The operator may control what will be printed before the actual printing takes place. This new found flexibility enables you to make modifications along the entire line and in both directions. This 20 character plasma display has the ability to scroll backwards as well as forwards; will give the operator a visual indication as to which print mode is currently being selected as well as the number of characters remaining before the right margin is reached. The display will also indicate to the operator: The number of characters avaiable What characters will be inserted sn the avemory ‘no an exsting tex When the printer 1s i an ettor When the memory {or the previous condition line has been selected When 3 pre programmed foum lay out has been selecied Whea the printer 1s operating from the mtesnal memory, ‘A warning message thatthe end of the page 1s being approached, That ahyphenation decision must be ade PRINT MODE The TYPRINTER 221 will allow you to automatic- ally highlight individual characters, words or complete sentences. Whatever is entered from the keyboard or from the computer, even an existing text file, can be printed in one or more of the five different modes. traditional printing: underlined characters; true bold characters where the horizontal component of the character is increased without disturbing the vertical com- ponent: characters which are both bold and under- lined, and; a feature unique among computer printers- printing in reverse — white on black, sort of reverse video on paper. MULTILINGUAL CAPABILITY A unique and useful feature of the TYPRINTER 221 is tts capability of being able to print in several languages without changing the daisy wheel. In addition to English, every standard daisy wheel has the ability and the necessary characters to Print in French, Spanish, Italian and German. THE FEATURES Automatic justification of the right margin The electronics of the TYPRINTER 221 have made fight hand justification a simple, automatic operation. Phrase and format storage Phrases, dates, addresses, data, etc. that may be stored in your computer’s mem- ory may be sent over to the printer and stored in one of the “memory bins“ of the printer. This information may then be used by the operator in the manual mode. This can save you hours when trying to get a form “just right.” Automatic centering The TYPRINTER 221 will not only center any title between the pre-set margins, but will also center over one or more columns, or over any specific point and will even align copy with the right margin independent of the left margin. Automatic vertical lines ‘A command from the computer enables an auto- matic feature which prints vertical lines at any point on the paper. Automatic tab sequence recall With the TYPRINTER 221 you may store and recall the most frequently needed margin and tab sequences for applications such as daily corres- pondence, statistical reports, etc. This guarantees Consistent high quality appearance of each document, Paragraph indent ‘A computer command instantly sets a temporary margin in order to print one or more indented paragraphs with respect to the right margin Automatic decimal point location No matter how many figures to either the left or right of the decimal point, the TYPRINTER 221 will automatically line up the figures with the decimal point in any position you choose. Statistical printing has never been easier. Column layout This feature allows you to obtain automatic and perfect distribution of spaces between columns in respect to the margins. A perfect page balance is assured without the need to carry out calculations or additional operations. There is a wide variety of options that you can add to TYPRINTER 221. By now you are probably convinced that we are sold on our machine, and we hope you can understand why. In fact, why don’t you use these facts to measure against any and/or all the other computer printers on the market, When you do, you will realize the TYPRINTER 221 is an intelligent electronic typewriter, a text formatter — and a brilliant computer printer — available at a suggested list price of only $2850. TYPRINTER 221 is available at your local computer shop — or we'll tell you where you can see and try one if you call us at HOWARD iw - INDUSTRIES 2051 E. CERRITOS AVE., 8C ANAHEIM, CA 92806 714/778-3443 APRIL 1981 SOFTALIKS Hs Everyone’s Guide to Assembly Language Commands Covered So Far: JMP LDA LDX LDY TAX JSR STA STX STY TAY RTS INC INX INY TXA — DEC DEX DEY TYA — CMP CPX CPY — BEQ BNE BCC BCS — This month we'll look at the various addressing modes used in machine language programming. This is a rather funda- mental concept in programming and you may justifiably won- der why we have not covered it sooner. Well, as it happens, we have; I just didn’t call it by name at the