Date: Fri, 21 Aug 92 18:31 BST 
From: bcek1@cus.cam.ac.uk (B.C.E. Khoo)
Subject: [*] Collected PowerBook tips 

Once again the PowerBook tip sheet!
This version
  - corrects some errors
  - adds comments about some PowerBook-specific utilities.
  - includes a discussion on the so-called 'memory effect'

Please replace /info-mac/report/powerbook-tips.txt.

Thanks are due to:
   John Livesey (livesey@radonc.washington.edu)
   Murph Sewall (SEWALL@uconnvm.uconn.edu)
   David Tillinghast (David.M.Tillinghast@dartmouth.edu)
   Shannon Spires (SVSPIRE@sandia.gov)
   Thomas Rothenfluh (rothen@cis.ohio-state.edu)
   Alan Hewat (hewat@frill.bitnet)
   Norton Chia (norton@au.oz.su.ucc.extro)
   Dave Platt (dplatt@ntg.com)
   

Bernard Khoo
University of Cambridge Medical School, UK.
BCEK1@phx.cam.ac.uk or @cus.cam.ac.uk (World order, reverse for UK order)

=============================

PowerBook Tips v.2.50 (21 August 1992)          copyright Bernard Khoo (c) 1992

Notes
-----

1.  Many of these tips are common to all the PowerBook range. I have noted
differences where I know of any.

2.  Many of these tips are referred to in the manual. I cannot emphasize how
important it is that you read the manual thoroughly and carefully. In my 7
years of Mac ownership I've managed to escape reading many manuals, but not this
time!

3.  Thanks are due to the following:
     * John Livesey (livesey@radonc.washington.edu)
     * Murph Sewall (SEWALL@uconnvm.uconn.edu)
     * David Tillinghast (David.M.Tillinghast@dartmouth.edu)
     * Shannon Spires (SVSPIRE@sandia.gov)
     * Thomas Rothenfluh (rothen@cis.ohio-state.edu)
     * Alan Hewat (hewat@frill.bitnet)
     * Norton Chia (norton@au.oz.su.ucc.extro)
     * Dave Platt (dplatt@ntg.com)

4.  A similar document in SUMEX-AIM, /info-mac/report/powerbook-faq.txt, has
some additional tips and technical data that you may find interesting.

DISCLAIMERS and WARNING:
    I have not tested all of these tips yet. Whilst I have taken care to make
sure that they are correct, I disclaim responsibility for any mishaps/
accidents/disasters that may ensue from the use of these tips. Please be
careful when using them.
    I have no affiliation with any company producing any commercial products
mentioned below, except as a user of their product.
    This document solely expresses my personal opinions.


Things to buy/download
----------------------

1.  Buy more RAM.
    The PBs contain 2MB installed on the motherboard and an expansion slot. Add
a 2MB card to get 4MB total, a 4MB card to get 6MB, and a 6MB card to get 8MB.
PBs with 4MB come with a 2MB card already installed, so a 4MB -> 8MB upgrade,
for example, means that you have to buy a 6MB card and pull out the 2MB card.
    4MB will allow you to run System 7 and one or two fair-sized applications.
However, you will probably run up against the wall at one time or the other, so
it's probably best to grit your teeth and save for an upgrade to 6 or even 8MB.
    It's important to buy pseudo-static RAM rather than the cheaper dynamic RAM
-- dynamic RAM will drain battery power faster. Don't forget to ask for a
rebate on the 2MB card, if available -- the 2MB RAM card is just about as
saleable as a 256K SIMM, i.e. not very!

2.  Download the PB Sleep FKEY (freeware).
    On SUMEX-AIM this is at /info-mac/fkey/powerbook-sleep-10.hqx. This is an
extremely useful and small FKEY which switches off AppleTalk then puts the PB
to sleep, bypassing the annoying dialog which pops up when you use the Finder
Sleep command with AppleTalk on.

3.  Get AutoDoubler/SpaceSaver/SuperDisk.
    These save you hard drive space by compressing files on the disk and
decompressing them on the fly. I have AutoDoubler installed: at most times
there is an acceptably small performance hit, files are compressed to about 1/2
size, and I have yet to experience any major problems with the program.
However, I have only gained about 16MB of virtual space -- due to the large
size of my System Folder, which is kept uncompressed.

4.  Download SuperClock! 3.9.1 (freeware).
    On SUMEX-AIM, this is at /info-mac/cp/superclock-391.hqx. The battery gauge
that appears on the menu bar is incredibly useful, more so than the Battery DA.
However, the battery icon only indicates half-full on PB170s (and probably on
PB140s as well) when your battery is actually almost completely discharged --
this is a property of NiCad batteries, whose voltage declines with discharge in
a non-linear fashion. The icon works properly on a PB100, whose lead-acid
batteries discharge more predictably.
    Trivial hint: control-clicking on SuperClock puts the machine to sleep.
Unfortunately this does not switch off AppleTalk and brings up the annoying
Sleep dialog. You'd probably be well advised to use PB Sleep (see above). 

5.  Buy a multimodule application.
    e.g. ClarisWorks, MS Works, BeagleWorks, GreatWorks etc.
    These are OK for most use on the field, take up little drive space and
memory, and can be installed in a RAMdisk (see below).

6.  Download InUse 2.0 (freeware).
    On SUMEX-AIM as /info-mac/cp/in-use-20.hqx. This flashes an icon on the
menu bar every time the drive is accessed, and is slightly more practical than
listening carefully to the computer to determine whether the hard drive is
being used.

7.  Download PB Tools 1.2 (freeware).
    On SUMEX-AIM as /info-mac/util/power-book-tools-12.hqx. This package by Bill
Steinberg includes SpinD FKEY, another small FKEY which spins down the hard
drive, and SafeSleep, a simple INIT which asks for a password before waking the
computer from Sleep.

8.  SCSI operation with the HDI-30 SCSI Disk Adaptor cable (PB100).
    If you have a desktop Mac and a PB100 this cable allows you to operate the
PB100 as a SCSI drive from the desktop Mac. This is especially convenient for
installing systems and copying files between the two. Unfortunately this works
only with the PB100 and not with the other models.
    For instructions, read the manual. Please note that the SCSI Disk Adaptor
cable used here is different from the SCSI System cable used to connect all the
PB models to SCSI devices, although they look similar.


Getting the most from your hard disk
------------------------------------

1.  Use the space you never knew you had.
    If you received the computer with System 7 pre-installed, chances are that
the drive was formatted using a standard Macintosh volume partition to 40MB.
[Trivial fact: according to MacUser this was because the Apple Tape Drive could
only take 40MB of data.] There is usually another 1.6MB free space on the
drive. To exploit this:
a)  Backup your hard disk completely.
b)  Boot up with the Disk Tools floppy (from the System Disks package).
c)  Fire up HD SC Setup.
d)  Initialize your hard disk.
e)  Select Partition. You should see a rectangle representing your hard drive,
    subdivided into: (from the top) Mac Driver, <your hard disk volume> and a
    grey area (the free space).
f)  Select your 40MB hard drive partition and click Remove, then OK to confirm.
g)  Click in the now-larger grey area.
h)  Select 'Macintosh Volume' in the dialog that pops up and type in the
    maximum size of the partition (the dialog will tell you what the maximum
    size is -- usually 41600).
i)  Click OK and quit HD SC Setup.
j)  Restore your hard disk from the backup.

2.  Get AutoDoubler etc. (see above)

3.  Consider an upgrade to a larger hard disk.
    There is an official Apple upgrade, although there are also cheaper
third-party upgrades (up to 120MB at the time of writing). However, these
upgrades may be noisier and consume more power than the 40MB Conner.

4.  As always, take a long hard look at the files on your drive.
    Are all those extensions and control panels really necessary? Removing them
will save you drive and memory space, and can only decrease your chances of an
INIT conflict.
    Do you really need all the help files that came with your application?
(Claris Help Files are especially large!) Or even the tutorial files?
    Fonts (outline and _especially_ bitmapped) should be cut down to the minimum
-- if you're doing DTP, you've probably got the wrong machine! Alternatively,
MasterJuggler and Suitcase II both come with font compression utilities.
    Rationalise the files stored on your hard disk: include only those files
and programs which you will use most often on the road, and archive less-used
items on floppies or an external hard disk. You can leave aliases, which only
take 1K each, to these files in the appropriate places on the hard disk.
Double-clicking these aliases will bring up a prompt for the appropriate floppy
to be inserted.
    A screen saver is unnecessary on a PB. Actually it seems to me that they
are generally unnecessary anyway! 8-) It is true that a sort of 'burn-in'
effect can occur if the screen is left on for prolonged periods, but you can
always put the computer to Sleep. (If you are a victim of this effect it can be
reversed by simply switching off the screen for a few hours.)


Power issues -- or how to save, save, save
------------

1.  Creating a RAMdisk to use as a startup disk.
    Requires 8MB to be practicable with System 7. Steps i) to iv) to be done
once only, a) to d) when you are preparing to go out.

i)   Create a 4+MB RAMdisk using the control in the Memory control panel.
     Restart. The computer will ask you if you want to initialize the RAMdisk
     -- answer yes.
ii)  Install a System Folder (SF) on the RAMdisk using the System disks that
     came with the computer. Install any applications, control panels,
     extensions, fonts and ancillary files on the RAMdisk. Compress a copy of
     the RAMdisk onto your hard drive using Stuffit, DiskDoubler, Compact Pro
     etc.
iii) Set the RAMdisk to be the startup disk and restart. The computer should
     now run faster and use less power in this configuration.
iv)  Copy the compressed copy of the RAMdisk to floppies and take this with you
     in case of emergencies.

a)   Set up the RAMdisk using the Memory control panel.
b)   Decompress the compressed archive onto the RAMdisk. To convince the PB
     that this is actually a viable SF, drag the System from inside the
     RAMdisk's SF to the open SF icon.
c)   Using the Startup DIsk control panel, set the RAMdisk to be the startup
     disk.
d)   Restart. The PB should boot from the RAMdisk.

Note that Shut Down erases the RAMdisk on PB140s and 170s, so use Sleep to
switch off the computer when it is not being used.
    On the PB100 it is possible to create a 1MB RAMdisk containing a very
minimal System 6.0.8, ClarisWorks (only the application is needed) and some
small documents. This means that it is possible to run ClarisWorks on a PB100
off a RAMdisk with only 2MB!
    Incidentally, the RAMdisk on the PB100 is more robust than the one on the
PB140/170: it survives Shut Downs.

2.  Hard drive discipline.
    Apple has implemented this by allowing you to set a delay time after which
the drive will stop spinning (find this in the Portable control panel). I'm
afraid only trial and error will allow you to find a suitable setting to your
liking. Also, Bill Steinberg's SpinD FKEY (see above) allows you to stop the
hard disk electively.
    If you require access to the drive, once the drive is still, the PB will do
a very good imitation of a system freeze whilst the hard drive spins up.
Frequent stopping/starting wastes power and also annoys. It only takes a little
foresight and discipline to minimize this:
    a) Open up any DAs, control panels, or applications which you are likely to
need in a work session beforehand.
    b) If you have any font or style selections to make, try to leave them till
the end, just before you save. More often than not, the PB will load a font
from the drive when you make a change. Learn to spell as you go, instead of
using a disk-intensive spellchecker!
    c) Try to go for long stretches before saving. In this case, auto-savers
may be a waste of power. Of course, you have to balance this with the need to
save often to protect against crashes!
    d) Choose your work applications and DAs carefully. Many of the mainstream
packages are very disk-intensive -- the worst culprits being DTP programs. I
personally find that ClarisWorks is quite well behaved in this respect.
Consider loading MS Word (v4.0) completely into memory.
    e) Load your work applications into a RAMdisk. This saves having to start
up the disk every time the application wants to redraw a window, load a dialog
box etc. A good program for this purpose I have seen is AppDisk 1.5 by Mark
Adams ($15 shareware). This program uses application memory as a RAMdisk, which
gets over the inconvenience of having to restart time and time again to reclaim
memory back from the RAMdisk -- the built-in RAMdisk sequesters memory in the
System Heap and requires rebooting before its size can be changed. AppDisk does
not survive restarts (again, unlike the built-in RAMdisk), but can be set to
auto-save its contents onto hard disk. You can create multiple copies of
AppDisk: one containing (say) MacWrite II, another containing FileMaker Pro and
so on. Launching one of these sets up a RAMdisk containing that application.
Find this program on SUMEX-AIM at /info-mac/util/app-disk-15.hqx.
     f) An alternative to loading applications into a RAMdisk is to set up a
large disk cache of about 2MB (the control for this is in the Memory control
panel). Launch your set of work applications: this will load them into the
cache. Then switch off the hard disk with the Sleep command or the SpinD FKEY.
Any disk accesses made by the applications should be obtained from the cache,
and the disk should now not be spun up by the PB. [This tip from the
documentation to SpinD FKEY.]

3.  Backlighting.
    The backlight consumes a lot of power (some 40% of the power consumption).
Most times, 50% or less intensity is fine, and saves some power. Alternatively,
find a bright place to work and switch off the backlight. (Not so easy in the
midst of a British winter!)
    Backlight Control, a fine control panel by Ricardo Batista, allows you to
set a period of inactivity after which the backlight is switched off. (Apply to
me for copies.)

4.  Power-saver mode (only in the PB170).
    The power-saver mode in the Battery DA (accessed by clicking on the toggle
switch to the right of the gauge) slows the processor down to 16MHz to save
power. This is acceptable for most use, and makes a large difference to power
consumption, adding an extra 30 minutes (Apple estimate).

5.  Rest mode.
    This mode cuts the speed of the computer to 1/20 when it detects no
activity on the keyboard or trackball for a set period, to save power. Rest
mode may interfere with some programs which are processor-dependent. If Rest
mode interferes with the operation of your program, open the Portable control
panel and option-click the 'Minutes until automatic sleep' text. A dialog box
will pop up allowing you to choose between Rest/Don't Rest modes.
    An alternative is to download the Powerbook OK to Rest and Powerbook Don't
Rest utilities (SUMEX-AIM: /info-mac/util/powerbook-rest-norest.hqx). These are
small applications written by Insignia Software which set the PB to the
appropriate mode. For ease of access, leave aliases to these programs in the
Apple Menu Items folder.
    The effect of Rest mode is most noticeable with the text cursor: after a few
seconds of inactivity the cursor will suddenly flash much more slowly. This is
a feature, not a bug (as they say) -- some posters to comp.sys.mac have been
surprised by this phenomenon!

6.  Batteries.
    The manual advises you to discharge the NiCad batteries in the PB140/170
fully every 90 days, to maximize its life. This procedure involves using the
computer until it goes into Sleep mode automatically after the third low-power
warning dialog: "No battery reserve power remains.  The Macintosh will go to
sleep within 10 seconds to preserve the contents of memory.  Good Night."
    There are battery charger/conditioners (sold commercially) which supposedly
discharge the battery even more and maximise its life. However, from a recent
post to INFO-MAC, the following advice was given:

> Date: Fri, 7 Aug 92 13:40:36 PDT
> From: dplatt@ntg.com (Dave Platt)
> Subject: battery cyclers for PowerBook
>
> The "memory effect" is almost never observed in NiCd batteries used in
> consumer applications.  It occurs only when a NiCd battery is repeatedly
> discharged to _exactly_ the same level and then recharged, many times in
> a row.  This can happen in some very specialised applications, but won't
> occur in a typical consumer application such as in a PowerBook.  The
> "virtually random cycling and use" that you are giving your batteries is
> exactly the sort of use which ensures that the memory effect won't occur.
>
> There is an effect in NiCd batteries known as "voltage depression",
> which occurs if you overcharge the battery (if you leave it cooking in a
> high-rate charger for too long).  This effect lowers the output voltage
> slightly, and it can make the battery _appear_ to lose capacity (because
> its voltage drops to the 1.1-volt threshold sooner than it would
> otherwise).  Voltage depression can be reversed by completely
> discharging each cell in the battery, and then recharging it.
> 
> It's safe to discharge individual NiCd cells (1.2 volts each) all the
> way to zero.  It is NOT safe to discharge a NiCd battery all the way to
> zero - the first cell to be exhausted will be damaged by the continuing
> flow of current through it.  So... don't try to discharge your PowerBook
> battery by hooking it to a flashlight bulb or a resistor.
>
> The PowerBook has a low-voltage detector, which detects the fact that
> the battery voltage has dropped to near-exhaustion (usually 1.1 volts
> per cell) and shuts down the machine.  It's a bad idea to try to use any
> NiCd battery beyond this point -- you risk damage to the battery, and
> there's only about 1% of the useable power left anyhow.
>
> So... the best way to exercise your PowerBook battery (to eliminate the
> effects of voltage depression) is to use it until the PowerBook warns
> you that low-power shutdown is about to occur... then, sleep the
> machine, take out the battery, and recharge it for the recommended
> length of time (but not for longer than that). This should bring the
> battery back up to full charge, without overcharging it.
>
> Dave Platt                                             VOICE: (415) 813-8917
> Domain: dplatt@ntg.com                          UUCP: ...netcomsv!ntg!dplatt
> USMAIL: New Technologies Group Inc. 2468 Embarcardero Way, Palo Alto 
>         CA 94303

    For the PB100, an IMPORTANT NOTE: the PB100's lead-acid batteries are
easily DAMAGED by total discharge, as can happen if the computer is left in
storage for more than about two weeks without disconnecting the battery using
the storage switch on the back (p.225, manual). The manual also advises not
using the PB100 until the third low-power warning dialog -- occasional use to
this point is OK, but repeated discharge may damage the battery. There is
_no_need_ to discharge them before recharging.
    For tech-heads -- Volt (/info-mac/util/pb-battery-voltage.hqx at SUMEX-AIM)
gives you a reading of the voltage being supplied by your battery.
    Consider buying a spare or two for trips, in which case a battery charger
is also useful for charging two packs at a time -- both of these are Apple
accessories.
    Apple has announced that the terminals of PB140/170 batteries are
vulnerable to shorting, a situation that can be dangerous. They supply battery
cases for free to protect the terminals.
    Remember -- once the batteries are dead, send them back to your nearest
Apple authorised dealer for recycling.

7.  Sleep.
    If you have the Powerbook Sleep FKEY (see above) there should be no excuse
not to s…

Showing first 20,000 characters of 31,205 total. Open the full document →

Date: Wed, 22 Apr 92 07:59:18 +0200 
From: Christian Steffen Ove Franz <cfranz@iiic.ethz.ch>
Subject: Appletalk Substitute for $2 

Dear Moderators,

  enclosed please find an article I found on the usenet some time ago. It
describes how you can build your own appletalk compatible network connector
using only two or three condensers. Very easy, very cheap and works like a 
charm.



-------------------------- CUT HERE -----------------------------------

Here is the info on CapNet
  
By Nate Hawthorn  (Mr. 6502)      7/20/90
  
Updated 8/21/90
  
Please upload this to other systems! It's under 15K, and
takes less than a minute to upload at 2400 baud.
INCLUDE THIS TEXT when uploading & describing the file:
If you have a Mac, you have AppleTalk ! (it's built in)
  
You can set up a VERY good and low cost network without
buying much. (You know, the kind IBM'ers pay big bucks for).
  
This is a text file containing instructions and a schematic
(yes in a text file) on how to make this low cost
AppleTalk connector.
  
CapNet costs about $1 a node! You can build two in about
1/2 hour.
  
Apple sells their's for $80 ea., even with the cheaper Phone
Net connectors, it will still cost you $40 to set up two nodes.
  
Please upload this to other systems, it's under 15K
  
If you are on AOL, see "News ideas and resources" section of
"Communications & Networks" section for more usefull information.
  
Originals are kept on the Space Sciences BBS and America
On Line, SSci BBS's number is (805) 259-6407
(end upload description text)
   
The challenge here was to make a schematic that anyone could
read without needing any drawing programs to read it. Also
to keep it within the 65 character limit some systems have
and include spaces for blank lines (this could be a first).
  
The schematic is included in this text!
  
CapNet is a simple low cost network for AppleTalk.
  
CapNet was designed because network connectors are too
simple to cost so much. You can spend $20 to $70 for each
connector, and you need at least two. That's min $40! You
could have a nice couple of nights out for that!
  
CapNet was designed for small local networks of up to 10
nodes (further testing may up that number). I have tested
it to about 400 ft ! (and it still looks good on the scope)
  
CapNet costs about $1 in parts (depending on what you may
have on hand and what swap meet you go to). Two connectors
can be assembled in about a 1/2 hour.
  
It's so simple and cheap that you'll never see it retailed.
  
CapNet has a few limitations;
  
You must use CapNet only where the GROUNDS of all the
computers are the same (within reason). Like a single
office, building or home. It is not designed to connect to
the other office across the street, or your neighbor's house.
(it doesn't actually use the ground, and is isolated)
  
There is built in protection that can isolate you from
possible damage.
  
WARNING: YOU WILL ONLY BE TOLD THIS ONCE... DO NOT USE THIS
IF YOU ARE RUNNING IT TO OTHER BUILDINGS THAT USE A
DIFFERENT GROUND. CHECK WITH A QUALIFIED ELECTRICIAN IF
YOU ARE NOT SURE, THEY WILL PROBABLY NOT CHARGE FOR THIS.
READJALL THE TEXT HERE.
  
Disclaimer: USE OF THIS DEVICE IS STRICTLY UP TO YOU, IT IS
FOR EXPERIMENTAL PURPOSES ONLY. BY IT'S USE YOU AGREE NOT
TO HOLD ANYONE LIABLE FOR ANY DAMAGE FROM THE USE OF THIS
DEVICE.
  
You may also notice RF interference on your portable phone
or radio. Use shielded cable wherever possible and make
sure you are using TWISTED PAIR wires, some phone wire is
not twisted inside. If you get interference on your phone
line, use a separate twisted pair cable.
  
However, you can read the reports of people who have used
this to their delightJ!
  
  >> TESTING CapNet
  
Once you have built two units (and I don't have to tell
you how) set your ohm meter to about 20K and measure
across J2, it should show nothing. Measure across RCV(-)
and RCV(+), it should show about 2K. Measure across TX(-)
and TX(+), it should show about 2K. Measure between any
pin and GND, it shouldn't show any less than 1K. If any
of these tests fail, simply look for shorts.
  
To test, connect up two Macs (go borrow one) via a short
two wire cable. AppleTalk uses the "Printer" port.
Install the "Public Folder" program into the system
folder, it should be available on this BBS (I try to
upload it wherever possible, it's free to Claris users).
Make a new folder in the main directory called "Public"
and put some files in it. Restart both Macs and select
"Chooser" in the Apple menu. Turn on AppleTalk and select
the Public Icon.
  
You should then be able to copy files from one computer
to the other. You can even do it while the other computer
is downloading a file from a BBS !
  
If it doesn't work go back and check for shorts (above).
The polarity of the two wire connection doesn't mater.
  
  >> QUICK HOW IT WORKS
  
The original AppleTalk connector uses a transformer for
isolation and has some RFI circuits built in. This is
great for networks to other buildings.
  
CapNet uses capacitors (hence the name "Cap") to isolate
small surges and isolate the cable.
  
AppleTalk turns off it's IC drivers when it's not sending,
this allows data to come into the receivers.
  
The problem with just hooking the ports up straight is that
two computers can "collide" and transmit at the same time.
Since the burst time is short (3 to 4 uS) and since several
feet of wire has resistance, this would really not be a
problem. However, CapNet includes resistors just incase the
real world sneaks up on it. The resistors to ground keep
static from building up on the twisted pair cable.
  
Pretty simple huh ?
  
  >> CREDITS
  
You can build as many as you want, as long as you don't sell
them retail (you can charge your friends a small fee).
  
This text can be distributed far and wide, and as with all
things like this, give credit where credit is due (include
my name). KEEP ALL PARTS OF THIS TEXT TOGETHER
  
Please take a little bit of time and tell me how you used
CapNet and what you connected it to. I would like to know
how many people I helped. I can be reached on America On
Line or the Space Sciences BBS Calif.
  
  >> STUFF
  
Also, can anyone take the nice idea that Claris came up
with ("Public Folder") and make it act more like "Tops".
So that you don't have go to chooser to access another
computers folder ? If that was put in the public domain,
networking would be very reasonable indeed !
  
Can you imagine all Mac owners having a network for near
nothing, and all the IBM'ers having to pay $200 for some
board (they always say the Mac is too expensive).
  
Nuf sed, here's the details;
  
YOU WILL NEED A MONO SPACED FONT TO VIEW THIS, LIKE
MONACO 9.
  
  
A "O" means a connection
  
PIN NUMBERS ARE FOR MAC DB-9.
NUMBERS IN () ARE FOR MINI DIN 8 (MAC PLUS)
  
          CapNet Connector  (last update 8/21/90)
  
 J1                                                  J2
       9 (5)                               C1 .1 uF
RCV(-) ----------------------------O----------][------O
                                   !
       8 (8)                       !       C2 .1 uF
RCV(+) --------------------------------O------][------O
                                   !   !            ^
                                   !   !           TO
       5 (3)                10 ohm !   !         "PHONE"
TX(-)  -----------O-----------R3----   !          LINES
                  !                    !
       4 (6)      !         10 ohm     !
TX(+)  -----------------O-----R4--------
                  !     !
             1K   R     R  1K
                  1     2
                  !     !
       3 (4)      !     !
GND    -----------O------
  
  
PARTS LIST:
  
QTY    DES      ITEM
2    R1,2      1K 1/8W RESISTORS
2    R3,4      10 OHM 1/8W RESISTORS
2    C1,2      .1 uF THREE LAYER CERAMIC CAPS
1    J1        DB-9 MALE OR MINI DIN 8 CONNECTOR
1    J2        2 PIN BERG OR RJ-11 PHONE CONNECTOR
5    WIRE      (NOT SHOWN) 22 GAUGE STRANDED WIRE 6"
  
  
NOTES:
  
C1,2 can be disk type but ceramic is more stable.
The entire unit can be mounted on a 1" X 1" .100 ctr
bread board or smaller. No printed circuit is needed.
Connect all componets lead to lead and connect cable
wires to leads on bottom of board.
Use heat shrink tubing over entire board as a cover
or dip in RTV sealer or put in a old 35MM film case.
  
  >> CONNECTORS
  
DB-9 (female, looking at the rear of the Mac)
  
       5   4   3   2   1
      --------------------
      \O   O   O   O   O/
       \ O   O   O   O /
         -------------
         9   8   7   6
  
  
MINI DIN - 8 (female looking at the rear of the Mac)
  
            -------   INSIDE NOTCH ("N")
          (    N    )
        (  O   O   O  )
       (   8   7   6   )
       (  O     O   O  )
        ( 5     4   3 )
      2  (   O   O   )  1
            --------
               N      OUTSIDE NOTCH
  
  
----------------------
UPDATE
  
Glad you are interested in CapNet... Here's some more info/ideas 8/6/90
  
I wouldn't worry too much about people SMOKING their Mac. The connector's
resistors would burn first in most cases. The Mac drivers are made to
handle power surges, the 26LS30 is spec'ed to handle 150 MA shorts and the
26LS30 handles +/- 25V inputs.
  
Besides, most people use networks within one building.
  
I Changed the resistor specs to 1/8 W instead of 1/4 W. That will make them
blow faster if something is wrong.
  
Maybe I could come up with a way to "link" CapNet through a isolation
transformer so you could isolate when you had to.
  
I purchased an OLD "LocalTalk" (AppleTalk) connector for $5 at a local swap
meet and some other "LocalTalk" type connectors. I am going to test it with
CapNet and see if it's compatable.
  
I have a few friends that are going to be getting together with me in a
temporary "network" across a living room and try about 4 Mac's and a
Laserwriter. We will try both CapNet and "LocalTalk" connectors to see how
compatable they are. The scope will be there also, and a spool of wire. I
wouldn't want dirty signals flying around a network !
  
I bet some universities would be interested, they have large networks and
like to save money. Besides, a small electronics class could build 'em in a
short time.
  
Another advantage of the connector is that it doesn't need terminating
resistors like standard "LocalTalk". On "LocalTalk" connectors, there is a
small switch that connects a terminating resistor when no other cable is
plugged in.
  
Some people say AppleTalk is too slow, AppleTalk transmits at about 200K
per second. With system overhead (disk access, system stuff) you can
transfer at about 8.5 K per second (Mac Plus). You think WHAT?, but it's
true. When you do a normal copy of a file from your hard disk to another
folder on the same hard disk, it's about the same speed! You can move about
100K in 12 seconds through AppleTalk, that's not too bad.
  
AppleTalk gets slow when you put too many users on it. It's that simple.
That's why this connector is perfect for a "local" net. AppleTalk performs
great. And it beats "sneaker net".
  
We still need someone to write a public domain program like TOPS that
allows easy access to folders (not public folder 1.0).
  
I shouldn't be that hard, it's only a driver....
  
Nuf sed.... ENJOY !   Mr. 6502  Nate...
  
8/2/90
  
GOOD NEWS !
  
CapNet works with AppleTalk connectors !
  
I tested it with a laser writer and it worked OK. However, I didn't have
access to my scope at the time and the cable run was about 6 ft.
  
Other tests will be run when I get a chance.
  
TRY IT OUT !, and leave a message....
  
People are asking where I can be reached:
America On Line, NateA
Space Sciences BBS, Mr. 6502
Please, no US Mail ! (electronic is so much better!)
  
--- CUT HERE --- 
  


-- 
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Christian S. O. Franz                 |                   cfranz@iiic.ethz.ch
ETH Zuerich, Swizerland               |                     vismgr@rz.ethz.ch

Date: Mon, 23 May 1994 07:21:06 PDT
From: Bruce_Rubin.Wbst845@xerox.com
Subject: [!]CompUSA 10% restocking return policy for Apple products found on

Hi,

The evening of May 22nd, while beta testing (i.e. playing) Apple's eWorld, I
drilled down through Computer Center:News & Industry Information:MacWEEK
Online:MacWEEK Round Table:Tips to Mac the Knife and found a "conversation"
regarding how CompUSA has a 10% restocking policy for Apple products! I posted
this note on a Rochester, NY FC BBS (Mac's Last Stand 716-247-9056) and the one
reply todate (last note of this message) makes it seem that this new policy
might be more Apple's than CompUSA's fault. I haven't heard of this new policy
of Apple's affecting other stores. While it is not uncommon for manufacturers
to get very very tough on their suppliers, this is the first time that I have
heard of a sales outlet getting beat up!

Bruce

===========

Subj:  COMP USA's new Apple policy           94-05-11 21:31:58 PDT
From:  NormR

If you aren't aware, COMP USA as of 5/1/94 instituted a new policy against only
APPLE equipment, They now charge a 10% restocking fee if you return any Apple
product within 30 days. I for one, will not buy another item from them with
that type of discriminatory policy and will write about it in my newsletter
telling everyone else not to shop there either.

Subj:  CompUSA big mistake                   94-05-12 20:41:29 PDT
From:  Todd 4ta

I always dreaded shopping at CompUSA, especially when having to deal with a
return ('talk to him, go over there, sign this, wait here, ...'). This new
restocking fee policy is the final mistake they will make for me. I just bought
a PowerPC Upgrade Card before May 1, and I might just return it for the heck of
it! There are so many other options in most cases, but Apple seems to like
CompUSA and gives them preferential product stocking treatment. I have met only
one person at CompUSA that knew anything about Macs (@ San Bruno, CA).


Subj:  BOYCOTT COMP USA                      94-05-12 20:45:05 PDT
From:  NormR

Lets get the message out to everyone, even user groups,

BOYCOTT COMP USA


Subj:  CompUSA. . .                          94-05-13 16:23:06 PDT
From:  IDIVISEeW

I don't think a boycott is necessary. The level of service, technical knowledge
and product stocking will eventually lead to their adjusting or getting
smaller.

As I live in the vacinity of a CompUSA, I often visit the store(always against
my better judgement, but with a hope the trip will provide what I need). I
cannot find the items (hardware or software) more then 75% of the time. When I
do, the price(s) are nowhere to be found. The salespeople are usually too busy
giving the wrong information to 'windoze' people to be of any help. I've had to
demonstrate how to reboot their PowerBooks, etc. while they fumbled around. . .

In the many trips I've made, I've actually purchased only one thing. . . a CPU
vertical stand. Both my company and I have decided not spend anymore time and
money there. We've found a better resource (although it is twenty miles away)
and shall do business elsewhere.

Thanks for the soapbox. . .

Subj:  COMP USA return policy                94-05-14 23:17:53 PDT
From:  DanJF

It's readily apparent that COMP USA's return policy is most likely formulated
by upper management who have little if  any  experiance as frontline employees.
If they were "in the trenches" so to speak, they would cringe at the average
customers negative response to this return policy.  But then, how often does
upper management listen to frontline employees, let alone empower them to make
decisions pertaining to strategy????  Its also sad to witness Apple letting
Comp UsA get away with this, now does that say something about Apples'
notorious haughty attitude or what??

Dan,
 Customer Service Consultant


Subj:  COMP USA--Customer Service??????      94-05-14 23:33:01 PDT
From:  DanJF

It's interesting to see that other Mac shoppers have experianced similar
situations in the larger, supposedly "sophisticated" supper stores.  Last June
when I was hunting for the best price and availability of my Mac Powerbook 160,
the assistant manager of the Redmond Wa store insisted he would call me (after
I had to suggest it to him!)first thing the next day  after checking with the
Southcenter store for availability.    Knowing  the chances  of the assist
manager calling were as dependable as software being released on time,  I
called Ballard Computer and found the Powerbook with the desired configuration,
and cheaper to boot!!

To confirm my suspisions, he did not call me the next day or ever.  I bought
the Powerbook at Ballard Computer.

 These larger stores will soon discover that Price, Inventory levels,  and
Technology can always be matched and become comodities.  When they do, the only
competitive Advantage left is Customer Service.  For that, I think the mail
order catologs warehouses are superior for tech support, delivery, and
professionalism not to mention super selection.  Keep it up COMP USA.

Dan


Subj:  CompUSA horror stories                94-05-15 10:52:37 PDT
From:  JBKline

The only time to buy a computer at CompUSA is when they sell returned products
on their "Manager's Special" table at a good price.  Over the past few months,
family and friends have gotten some good deals.  I wonder if that will change
with the new restocking fee.

Most of the sales people dont't know too much, but there are a few fustrated
one who must deal with a stupid and indifferent management.

One week ago, my brother and I went in a few minutes before closing to check
the "return" pile in the corner of the store.  The items were not yet priced.
The assistant manager refused to give us a price on anything and told us the
merchandise was not for sale.  Later, someone told us the items were going to
be auctioned off at 11:00 the next day (Saturday).  We returned the next day to
find that the manager wasn't in and no one had heard of the auction, except
another customer who was told it was at 10:00 and had been waiting an hour.  At
12:30, the assistant manger told us all to come back for an auction at 2:30.
The auction started at 3:00.  They started the bidding at 10% below dealer cost
so there were no "great" deals.

The best thing about the CompUSA Woodland Hills store is that it is close by...

Subj:  Pricing in NYC for MACs               94-05-18 06:43:46 PDT
From:  LAMBDA RPh

I recently poked my head into the new CompUSA store in Manhattan (on posh 5th
Ave no less). They did not have much in the way of MAC equipment on display.
All the MAC hardware and software was located on one side of the store. The
selection was a tad frugal. Their prices are not that competitive (at least in
NYC) for the MAC hardware. There were only 2-3 salespeople to help about 20
customers in the area. While it was nice to see how the store was set up, I was
not amused by the paltry amount of MAC stuff. I'd rather go to J&R Computer
World. They have a better selection of MAC software and hardware, and at good
prices too. The staff is knowledgeable, but you need to ask people who used to
work in Mac Emporium before they merged. The people who used to work at this
store are the most knowledgeable about MAC equipment.

So, for the money, I'd go to J&R any day (at least in Manhattan).

LAMBDA RPh

(From Mac's Last Stand 716-247-9056)

Yes, it's true, I called CompUSA and they confirmed the new policy. Victor, no
last name, said that his manager told him it was in response to a change in
Apples treatment of CompUSA and a change in Apples return policy. He(Victor)
thought that because of somthing Apple did or changed, CompUSA must now sell
returned, undamaged/working, Apple products, at reduced price, instead of
getting a full credit from Apple on products that were returned for reasons
other than a bad product,ie.; factory QC failures (unless the packaging has not
been opened).

From: jbthoo@ucdavis.edu ( John Thoo )
Date: Tue, 4 Feb 92 21:23:59 PST 
Subject: SE/30 and color monitor: report 


I recently posted the following questions on IMD:
>I have an SE/30, and was considering buying a full-page or two-page
>monochrome monitor. Recently, however, I've been more interested in
>getting an 8-bit color or grey-scale monitor. Am I being stupid?
>What I mean is, will hooking up an 8-bit color or grey-scale
>monitor to my SE/30 make it sooooo sssllllooooowwwwwww that I'd be,
>well, STUPID for doing so? Should I consider only 1-bit monitors?
>
>Are there any accelerator/8-bit combo cards for an SE/30 out there?
>Or will I have to choose between speeding up my Mac or looking at
>a color screen?
 
 
I received quite a few responses to my queries (a couple of people
actually responded *twice*), and I'd like to thank each and everyone who
responded, especially:
alex judkins <JUDKINSA@uno.cc.geneseo.edu>; 
David Herren <@mitvma.mit.edu:HERREN@MIDD.BITNET>;
Greg Alton <grega@550sherb.lan.mcgill.ca>;
Derek Fong <thewho@leland.Stanford.EDU>;
Andy Francke <AFRANCKE@HMCVAX.CLAREMONT.EDU>;
Wade Williams <wadew@ducvax.auburn.edu>;
unsigned <@BUACCA.BU.EDU:ccmlh@buacca.BITNET>.
 
(I hope I didn't mix up anyone's name and e-mail address  :-)
 
 
SUMMARY OF RESPONSES:
Quite simply, almost everyone who responded to my query said that
using a color monitor DOES NOT slow down an SE/30; everyone said
to "go for the color"! The RasterOps board was recommended most
often, each time with the caveat that it is quite expensive; no
particular monitor was recommended a notable number of times.
Unfortunately, no one had any specific info re the availability of an
accelerator/8-bit combo card for the SE/30, but in light of the fact
that using a color monitor doesn't slow down the SE/30 appreciably, I
guess that not learning about such a card doesn't really matter.
 
 
The following is a compilation of all the responses I received, sans their
e-mail headers. I suspect that the info-mac moderators will snip off this
section and archive it in /info-mac/report.
 
Again, thanks to all who took the time to respond to my query.
I hope that this summary will prove useful to someone.
 
--John.
 
 
===============================cut here==================================
I saw your question on info-mac.  I'll tell you about my particular 
experience, with the standard disclaimers.
 
I have an SE/30 with a RasterOps 264 (24bit color) board and the Apple
13" monitor.  The RO board is not accelerated.  Regarding speed: I find
that the SE/30 with color is noticebly faster than a IIcx or IIsi,
depending on the particular memory config. on the latter machine.
 
I believe it is so fast because the external display boards are designed
for the SE/30's PDS slot, which I understand is significantly faster than
the NuBus.  
 
Take home message: Definitely buy the external video card for the SE/30.
There are several on the market and you wont be disappointed.  The machine
will be quite fast, and having the 9" BW internal screen is an added 
advantage.  Also, if you find yourself doing some boring application that
doesn't require color and needs to run really fast, you can just switch
down to 1bit depth on the external display and the whole system is just as
fast as the normal SE/30.
 
p.s. the SE/30 is, in my opinion, the best machine in the Mac line that
apple will ever make.  After adding color last year I think I am set for
the next few years.
*******
 
>I have an SE/30, and was considering buying a full-page or two-page
>monochrome monitor. Recently, however, I've been more interested in
>getting an 8-bit color or grey-scale monitor. Am I being stupid?
>What I mean is, will hooking up an 8-bit color or grey-scale
>monitor to my SE/30 make it sooooo sssllllooooowwwwwww that I'd be,
>well, STUPID for doing so? Should I consider only 1-bit monitors?
 
I use the Apple 13" color monitor with a Micron card in my SE/30 and
love it. Most applications don't suffer, speedwise, and on those rare
occasions when there is a significant speed impact (like when I'm using
Word with a 256 point TrueType font, which slows down scrolling
considerably) I just use "PixelFlipper" to drop down to 1-bit color.
 
>Are there any accelerator/8-bit combo cards for an SE/30 out there?
>Or will I have to choose between speeding up my Mac or looking at
>a color screen?
 
This I don't know, but I know that some types of cards do provide a slot
so that you aren't left without one.
*******
 
I am using the RasterOps 264 card for the SE/30 which is a 24 bit card. I also
use a RasterOps MediaTime card on my IIx, also a 24bit color card. while the
SE/30 and the IIx are basically the same box, the SE/30-RasterOps card is still
faster when running in 256 colors or in millions of colors since there is no
slow nubus. I would say go for any color card for the SE/30 and the RasterOps
is nice, though pricey.
*******
 
I think the most relevant question is "how slow is your se/30 now?"  I've
found with an LC that only programs that run real slow or use graphics
tons are that much slower at 8-bit.  Using a depth-switcher (I think depth
gauge is the best, unless it's depth charge) makes this process easy and
it speeds things up.  Games are the only things that have been real
significant for me, with sound also being a factor.
 
I'd suggest you go for the colour - the difference is amazing.  Cost is a
factor, but going for something with at least the option for later is a
real good idea.
 
Just an opinion.
*******
 
To quickly answer your question: NO, having colro does not slow down your SE/30
cpu performance.  I don't know where this myth came from, but they are certainly
untrue from my experience.
 
In any case, let me attach a summary I made up of my experiences in choosing
a color setup last November.  Hopefully, this will give you another option
in the color setup for the SE/30.
 
Let me know if you have any further questions.
 
(this is going to be long, but hopefully informative)
 
Fellow netters!
 
Many people have posted inquiries about color solutions on the 
SE/30, and I have sent many individual responses to people.  I 
have decided that it would be in the best interest of the net for 
me to post a summary of what I decided on:
 
The Sony 1304 and the Lapis Colorserver PDS30-17.
 
Before I begin, I would like to thank all of the people who helped 
me make my decision last November, especially Meric Ozcan who 
introduced me to the Lapis card.  Also, all of these opinions are 
wholly my own; Stanford doesn't pay me enough to have rights to my 
opinions.  In the same spirit, I have no association with Sony and 
Lapis except being a satisfied customer.
 
PRICE:
This is what I paid, your mileage may vary:
$579 Sony 1304 monitor
$400 Lapis Colorserver PDS30-17 with an academic discount
(if I goof and say 14 instead of 17 later in this posting, please 
excuse me.  I mean the same thing.  Lapis recently changed the 
name of the card since it now supports the  16"/17" 
monitors...more on that later)
 
Currently, I have seen the Sony for as low as $568 (Fry's 
Electronics in the SF Bay area) and the Lapis for $379 at MacLand 
(They advertise in MacWorld, but I don't know how reputable they 
are...)
 
THE SONY 1304 
I think there has been a lot said about this monitor so I will 
keep my comments to the minimum.  I think the Sony has a good 
picture and is a very nice combination with the Lapis card since 
it can be used at three different resolutions.  I would have 
to agree that the blacks aren't as "sharp" as those on the Apple 
RGB , but I think this  is due to the built-in anti-glare filter 
which I think is a nice feature.  The dot pitch is .25 mm like the 
Apple RGB, and has the Trinitron tube.  For me, I chose it over 
the Apple because of: price, multi-synching ability of the Sony, 
1" greater diagonal image, built-in tilt and swivel stand.)  I 
think the picture is very close the quality of the Apple's and 
this again, is probably due to the anti-glare filter.
 
THE LAPIS COLORSERVER PDS30/17
I chose this card over the Micron Xceed 30 at the very last moment 
after talking to Meric and seeing his setup (also with a Sony 
1304).  The advantages of this card over the Micron is that it can 
run in different modes (resolutions) and was available for 
purchase immediately (the Micron was backorder about 8 weeks when 
I was ordering in November...does anyone know what it is now?).  I 
think the advantages of the Micron are its price ($279 from many 
mail order houses) and it ranks about 7% faster than the Lapis 
according to the Speedometer 3.05 program...whether this is 
a good indication of video performance, I will let you 
judge...oh,the overall score for the Lapis was 1.45 running System 
7 on my SE/30 versus the 1.55 stated for an SE/30 with the Micron 
Xceed card.
 
I think the major motivation for buying the Lapis card is its 
versatility.  Not only can it be used with a wide variety of 
monitors, but also with in a number of modes, as is the case with 
my Sony.
 
The setup works in that the Lapis card has a programmable ROMwhich 
gets written too each time the machine is restarted.  (another 
small drawback: because the ROM must be written to by a INIT, the 
external monitor cannot serve as the "startup screen" (ie, Welcome 
to Macintosh, smiley mac, and color startup screen).  The way 
one changes modes is that they go the monitors cdev which is 
"piggybacked" by the Colorserver INIT/control panel.
 
When one clicks on the options button, they can choose from the 
following:
 
Apple RGB (640x480)
Apple Portrait (640x872)
VGA (640x480) at 60,68,77, and 86 hz
SVGA (800x600) at 56,62,70 hz
16/17" monitor (832x624)
 
I have found that all VGA and SVGA modes work on my monitor, so I 
just choose  the highest refresh rates.  These modes allow the 
card to work with a number of monitors from the IBM world.
One thing I would like to point out is that there is 
no 72 hz SVGA mode.  If I understand correctly, VESA (some video 
standard group) has agreed that Super VGA (800x600) is supposed to 
be at 72 hz.  Why Lapis does not give this as an option, I don't 
know.  I have written them to check into this, so there might be a 
future software update to allow this refresh rate as an option.  
The reasonI mention this is that, some SVGA monitors only synch at 
72 hz, and therefore, won't work with the Lapis card at this time.
 
In any case, the Sony 1304 does just fine with these rates sinceit 
can vertically synch from 50 hz up to 87 hz.
 
Also, after getting a new EPROM from them (sent absolutely 
free),my Sony also can be fooled into thinking that it is a 
16"/17" monitor (like the E Machine monitors and the New Apple 
monitor); hence, I can also run in 832x624 mode.  I don't know 
what the synch rate on this one is, but on the Sony, it works, and 
there is not flicker whatsoever.
 
Some of you might be wondering what kind of dot density is 
achieved at these modes, so here they are from my experience with 
the Sony 1304:
 
640x480 at 64 dpi
800x600 at 78 dpi
832x624 at 85 dpi
 
None of these are WYSIWYG resolutions, but 72 dpi can be achieved 
by playing with the potentiometers on the side of the Sony (change 
vertical and horizontal image size and position) to achieve this 
in 640x480 mode.
 
SETTING IT UP:
	Lapis does a nice job at making connection with different 
monitors easy.  The card comes with two "pin-out cables" (ie, 
cables that connect to the card and are passed out the back of the 
SE/30): one for the Apple type connector, and one for VGA type 
connectors.  So, I chose the VGA one, and it hooks directly to the 
Cable that came with the 1304...no adaptors necessary!  
Installation was simple, and the set-up in the manual was very 
clear.  It doesn't require any removal of the mother 
board or anything.  Just plug it in, connect the cable, bunch out 
the plastic on the back of your SE/30, secure the card with the 
provided plastic rivets, and your are 
done within 15 minutes.
 
TECHNICAL SUPPORT:
	This is a smaller company than SuperMac or Rasterops, but the 
guy I have dealt with, Jeff Marks, is a wonderful help.  The first 
card they sent me didn't seem to work in 2-bit (4 color mode).  I 
called him, and he sent me a new card.  Yes, I didn't have to 
return the "almost-working" card until I had received the new one.  
Nice service.  The new one worked fine.
	As mentioned above, I also got a new EPROM from him.  I had 
heard that the card was capable of supporting 16/17" monitors. and 
thought that I might be able to drive the Sony in the 832x624 
mode.  Well, I called him, and he said that he would 
send me the latest software, and that my EPROM might need 
replacing.  Well, he was right, and sent me the EPROM, free of 
charge.
 
SYSTEM 7 COMPATIBLE
	The card is fully system 7 compatible and the latest driver 
is 32-bit clean (version 3.0: again, Jeff Marks gladly sent me 
this for free).  I have run it with many applications and it has 
worked flawlessly.  As I mentioned before, the only bummer 
is not making the external the "startup screen," but that is worth 
the abilities of the programmable ROM.
 
I think the only complain I had with Lapis is that it took them a 
few days to ship my card out once my order was filled.  I think 
this is due to them being a small company with a not very 
sophisticated shipping department.  Then again, if you order from 
MacLand, you might encounter something different.
 
Okay, I guess that is about it.  I know this was long, but 
hopefully it will be of use to some of you.  I think the Lapis 
card and Sony 1304 make a very nice color setup on 
an SE/30 and recommend it highly.
 
If something is unclear in my discussion, or there are any 
individual questions, feel free to send me email.
 
----Derek Fong
fong@cive.stanford.edu
thewho@leland.stanford.edu
*******
 
I helped my roommate upgrade his SE/30 with a Micron XCEED 8-bit color card
last semester, and he was worried about the same thing: speed. The color card
is generally somewhat faster in displaying black and white than the stock
SE/30, and is much faster than a IIsi at displaying color. I'd rank its color
performance about neck and neck with a IIci, in fact. In some special cases,
it's faster than 1-bit, because the Mac doesn't have to dither color images to
black and white. In short: this card is terrific, and I won't hesitate in
recommending it to anyone, if they have the money to spend on color. We bought
the card for about 300, and a Mirror/Goldstar monitor for 420 or so. The Mirror
isn't as bright as the Apple 13" or equivalent Trinitron types, but it still
looks great.
*******
 
Glad to be of help.  Good luck with your search for color.  All I can say is
that when it comes to the very end when you end up getting it, you are going
to LOVE it.
 
Oh, one more note on speed of things having the monitor attached:
Speedometer says cpu performance is same with and without screen.  1 bit
mode on the external monitor is 2+ times faster than it is on the internal.
(1.46 accordin to Speedometer)...I think as it works out, the speed on the 
internal monitor is about the same in drawing as 4-bit mode on my Lapis
card (like scrolling through a document)...
 
Again, good luck...let me know what you end up deciding on.
*******
 
>I have an SE/30, and was considering buying a full-page or two-page
>monochrome monitor. Recently, however, I've been more interested in
>getting an 8-bit color or grey-scale monitor. Am I being stupid?
>What I mean is, will hooking up an 8-bit color or grey-scale
>monitor to my SE/30 make it sooooo sssllllooooowwwwwww that I'd be,
>well, STUPID for doing so? Should I consider only 1-bit monitors?
 
 
Color works quite well on an SE/30.  I recommend the RasterOps Colorboard
264.  The Apple monitor is the best available, but the most expensive.
*******
 
>Thanks very much for taking the time to respond to my query. And I'll
>remember not to use 256 point TT fonts too often ;)
 
Glad to help. By the way, my color SE/30 system performs wonderfully
with stuff like 256-color arcade games, After Dark modules, etc.
 
One thing you might want to consider, but this is just a general
consideration for anyone thinking of getting a color monitor:
if you're mainly going to be using it for B&W applications like
word processing or whatever, you might want to consider getting
either a monochrome or grey-scale monitor. B&W stuff looks a bit
better on a non-color tube.
*******
THE END
*******

Date: Wed, 24 Aug 1994 00:07:16 -0700
From: jonpugh@netcom.com (Jon Pugh)
Subject: [*] English is Tough Stuff



--========================_15140876==_
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"

Here's a text file which is perfect for those of you wishing to give
Macintalk a workout.  I recommend trying to read it out loud first.  You
may find that Macintalk has an easier time of it than you do.

I got this from a friend at work.  We have many people from international
destinations, including Holland, England, Croatia, France, China and more.
This is a prime example of how difficult English was for them to learn.

Open it in SimpleText on a machine with the latest Macintalk installed (for
those of you with Developer CDs, 1.2.1 is on the August CD) and have it
speak this in various voices.  There are a handful of words it
mispronounces, but on the whole it does a lot better than most people
around my work.  ;)

A sample is:

Billet does not rhyme with ballet,
Bouquet, wallet, mallet, chalet.
Blood and flood are not like food,
Nor is mould like should and would.

It's vicious stuff.

Jon



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--========================_15140876==_--

From: MarkMilem@aol.com
Date: Sun, 28 May 1995 09:13:38 -0400
Subject: Mac Medical Modifications, etc. (S) (long)

-----BEGIN PGP SIGNED MESSAGE-----

I have been remiss about my promise to summarize to the list.

Back on 17 Feb, I said:

>A friend of mine has a relative who suffers from ALS and he is interested in
>any support groups/information that might be available here/on the net.
>
>He is also interested in adapting technology to help when various bodily
>systems start to fail.  Is there any information on use of Macs for
>quadriplegics and the like?

I have chosen some of the replies as representative and edited those for
length.  Any errors should be considered mine.

First about online ALS support groups.  Bob Broedel <bro@huey.met.fsu.edu>
runs a mailing list whose header follows:

>===============================================================
>==                                                           ==
>==        ----------- ALS Interest Group -----------         ==
>==            ALS Digest (#175, 17 February 1995)            ==
>==                                                           ==
>==  ------ Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)               ==
>==       ------ Motor Neurone Disease (MND)                  ==
>==            ------ Lou Gehrig's disease                    == 
>==                 ------ Charcot's Disease                  ==
>==                                                           ==
>==  This e-mail list has been set up to serve the world-wide == 
>==  ALS community. That is, ALS patients, ALS researchers,   ==
>==  ALS support/discussion groups, ALS clinics, etc. Others  ==
>==  are welcome (and invited) to join. The ALS Digest is     ==
>==  published (approximately) weekly. Currently there are    ==
>==  490+ subscribers.                                        ==
>==                                                           ==
>==  To subscribe, to unsubscribe, to contribute notes,       ==
>==  etc. to ALS Digest, please send  e-mail to:              ==
>==  bro@huey.met.fsu.edu  (Bob Broedel)                      ==
>==  Sorry, but this is *not* a LISTSERV setup.               ==
>==                                                           ==
>==  Bob Broedel; P.O. Box 20049; Tallahassee, FL 32316 USA   ==
>===============================================================

- From Tim Nolan <timnoln@mcmail.cis.mcmaster.ca>:

>There is an organization in Minneapolis called "Closing the Gap". They 
>have more technology resources info than imaginable. They also put out a 
>regular newsletter. Unfortunately I don't have a contact address, but I 
>don know they are in Minneapolis.
>
>Also, a great list group is available through St. John's U. in NY 
>called project EASI. EASI can be contacted at easi@sjuvm.bitnet. The EASI 
>list is full of great information and contacts.

Finally, on the topic of Mac related hardware modifications, the following
from ann gutting (?) <agutting@indiana.edu>  or  <skripka@aol.com>:

>I found some information which may be of help. The Apple ftp site:
>ftp://ftp.apple.com/apple/disability-solutions/
>has several _very_ informative files.
>
>1. The  Q&A from Apple includes product names and contact information.
>
>2.  The FilemakerPro database,  MDR (Macintosh Disabilities Resources), is
>excellent.
>
>To contact them directly:
>
>Apple Computer, Inc.
>    Worldwide Disability Solutions Group
>    One Infinite Loop,  MS 38-DS
>    Cupertino, CA  95014
>
>   (800) 776-2333 - voice
>   (800) 833-6223 - TTY

Thanks to all who responded.  I hope this helps someone else.

- -Mark Milem
markmilem@aol.com
72254.3244@compuserve.com
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Date: Wed, 12 Aug 1992 08:55:19 +0000 
From: Graham Allsopp <gg1jga@sunc.sheffield.ac.uk>
Subject: Databases 

In response to Bill Sawrey's dismay at FileMaker Pro, I post the replies I
received last week. I requested some information on databases for storing
information concerning the maps, diagrams & drawings we produce. Thanks for
all the replies folks - they don't reach any real conclusion though. From
the replies, and talking to a few fellow cartographers over here, FileMaker
Pro seems favorite, but sometimes I almost feel that it was easier in the
days of drafting film & pens ... 

Apologies in advance for the length of this posting, 

Graham

Message from Stuart Greenfield <sjg@edu.tenet>
>I'd highly recommend FileMaker Pro. It's easy to setup and modify. You can >even include graphic images as a field. It also is easy to modify on the >fly, e.g., you decide additional information (fields) need to be added at >some later date. Setting up reports is also excellent. 


Message from Steve Waechter (swaechter@utmem2.utmem.edu)
>I heartily recommend FileMaker Pro for any database uses. I have used it for >several databases, from a fairly simple one to track journal articles, to an >extremely complicated one to track clerkship students and their preceptors. It >has relational capabilities, which sound like they would be helpful for your >purposes. FileMaker Pro is VERY user-friendly; practically anyone could set up >a new database in this program. I don't think you would ever regret getting >this software; I surely haven't. But bear in mind--this is only IMHO! 


Message from Andy Kesling <KESLING@edu.tcu.is.gamma>
>I've had good luck with FileMaker Pro from Claris. I have used it daily for >more than a year and have experienced fewer than a half dozen crashes. The data >base structure is rock-solid as well. Despite losing file service and power >outages, I've never completely trashed a data base. FileMaker has alway be able >to put the data base back into a usable form. >FileMaker is fairly simple to use. What you are describing would take less than >20 minutes to put together -- fewer if you were familiar with the program. >It has a feature that will generate a sequence of numbers, and it even allows >you to store pictures in the data base. I'm not sure about what formats are >available. I think it will store EPS images. >The price runs about $200 mail order. Claris will be releasing an upgrade of >FileMaker this fall. I will run with a Windows-based version and allow both DOS >and Mac users to share the same data base without going through conversion. >FileMaker also has a built-in multiuser capability, which allows



 two or more >people to use the same data base at the same time. A file server is not >required for this feature.
>The technical support that Claris provides for FileMaker is excellent as well. >I've had some unusual situations and needs, and the tech support people have >always been helpful.


Message from Wade Williams (wadew@EDU.AUBURN.DUCVAX)
>Don't try to get by cheaply. Get an Oracle server. 


Message from Dave Valentine (dwv@edu.ucsb.geol.magic)
>I'd reccomend Double Helix, based on its stability, and ease of programming. By >stability, I mean that double helix 1.0 still runs under system 7. I'm still >using the release 3.0 from nearly three years back. It's extreamly easy to >program. It uses icons to represent fields of the database, and other >calculations. It's programming is nearly object-oriented, and very easy to >use. IF you want to add a field, just do drag an icon, and its done. You can >create custom forms and menus easily. And you can even create different menus >and layouts(forms) for differnt users. Although I'd reccomend you really think >about fields you need before you start, it's always nice to know that it is >really easy to add a field. Fields can be 32k long, and it has always supported >Picts in the database. I was reading in MacWeek, that the new version will >support BLOBS, or binary large objects. This will allow you to store the >graphic files in the database.
>
>DH is also multiuser, and has the ability to post enteries, which I'm told is >used for creating accounting databases. All information is stored in one >file. And you can recover the database after system bombs, or power outages. >
>But don't forget to back up. It's also relational, so you could have a record >for each customer, which could be related to each job, and a separate record >for each drawing. Let the database tell you how many drawings there are. 


Message from "mr. bill" <7506P@EARN.NAVPGS>
>re your request for database advice ... i have built and maintain two large >(3 mb) database files with in excess of 9000 records each, one of which >is still growing. after watching the magazines for months, i recently saw >a review of db's (macuser??) naming claris filemaker pro as the top flatfile >db for the mac. so i bought it. what a disappointment !!! unlike the little >integrated program db (greatworks) i'd been using, filemaker pro has an archane > >search routine with very little flexibility. any of the upper row shift charact >ers (|@#$%~&*() etc) are not valid search parameters!! although i like fp's >looks, and it appears to handle data rapidly, the lack of a 'decent' search >capability and its wierd search hierarchy has turned me off completely!! i >called claris, expressed my displeasure and asked if the next version ( i have > >1.3, v 2(?) due out shortly) will correct these shortcomings - answer is no! i >wish you luck, and would appreciate it if you let me know if you find a >better soluti



on.

Date: Fri, 4 Dec 1992 20:10:31 -0800 
From: Justin D. Bukowski <jdb@ocf.Berkeley.EDU>
Subject: [*] Fax modem answers 

I received several responses to my questions about Fax modems
for the Macintosh. I've compiled them in the following report,
and I've included another report written by Mark Scrivener, a
poster on comp.dcom.modems, about a poll he took between the Supra
V.32bis and the ZyXEL U-1496 (also V.32bis). Mark, in turn, included
a report from Paul E. Platt on a modem "shootout" between the Supra,
ZyXEL, Gateway Telepath, and Zoom. Also discussed in Paul's report are
the Practical Peripherals, Courier HST Dual, AT&T and Motorola modems,
though he didn't test them. Thanks to Yoshio Turner for sending me
Mark's report.

My original post to the digest follows:

>Date: Sun, 15 Nov 1992 23:45:53 -0800
>From: Justin D. Bukowski <jdb@ocf.Berkeley.EDU>
>Subject: Fax modem info/reviews wanted
>
>I've become interested in purchasing a modem with at least
>send fax capability. Receiving might be nice, too. I'd like a
>source of information and/or reviews on what's available. I've
>looked in the archives and found some recommendations but I'd like
>to know more. Some specific questions:
>
>How are fax modems different from normal modems? Software only or
>do they have special hardware? (ROMs, etc?)
>Are they reliable for transmission? What about receiving?
>How does speed compare to a stand-alone fax machine?
>What software is available? Recommendations?
>Can a modem be set up to pick up on incoming calls, scan for a fax
>transmission signal, and if none, let the call through to an
>answering machine? If so, what software and hardware is required?
>
>Please reply through e-mail or to the digest. Pointers to discussions
>on the net or in the Mac magazines would be appreciated. If I get
>a decent amount of information I'll compile a report for the archives.
>
>Thanks.
>Justin Bukowski   jdb@ocf.berkeley.edu

I was really looking for answers to my questions and not recommendations
on what to buy, since there are already some reports in the archives
on just that (/info-mac/report/fax-modems.txt, /info-mac/report/
inexpensive-modems.txt, also a nice report on modems in general is
/info-mac/report/modem-guide-10.txt) but it seems that the offerings
change rapidly so I'm grateful to those who included their opinions.

First, the six responses to my post:

(begin replies)
********************

>From: i6bk@odin.cc.pdx.edu (Brian Korver)

> How are fax modems different from normal modems? Software only or
> do they have special hardware? (ROMs, etc?)

Both.  That is, you need the firmware to communicate in the FAX modem format.
Plus you need the software to print/receive faxes.

> Are they reliable for transmission? What about receiving?

Some people have no trouble, some people have lots of trouble.  Whatever, you
can get a FAX modem now as cheap as non-FAX modems so it doesn't make much
sense to not buy one.  The computer modem part of them should be just as
reliable.

> How does speed compare to a stand-alone fax machine?

Slower, as fast, or faster, depending on the modem you get.  The SupraFAX
V32.bis goes at 14,400 (or whatever it is), which is much, much faster than
most current stand-along FAX machines.

> What software is available? Recommendations?

A couple.  I've only read bad reviews.  I have FAXstf and I wouldn't recommend
it except that it came with my modem (SupraFAX V32) and it was reviewed more
favorably than others (lousy, as opposed to really, really bad).

> Can a modem be set up to pick up on incoming calls, scan for a fax
> transmission signal, and if none, let the call through to an
> answering machine? If so, what software and hardware is required?

Yes.  In fact, Supra's next ROM upgrade will give you the ability to digitize
_voice_ via phone so that you could drive one of those obnoxous "automated
answering" things ("For the president, type 1... For the Vice President ....").
Okay, I realize this is totally in the bells & whistles category, but it shoes
that Supra is on the ball at least.  BTW, these ROM upgrades are free from
Supra.

**********

>From: Rick Gore <GORER@carleton.edu>

I have been using a Zoom 2400 baud modem with 9600 baud send/receive FAX since
this past summer.

To answer your questions -  yes, a FAX modem is a combination of special
hardware and special software.  My fax modem came with FAX stf software.  (I
had to upgrade the software for about $8 so that I could do manual sends)
Since then I have been quite pleased with it.

If you create most of the documents that you would be faxing on your Mac, then
a fax modem is very useful.  One really nice feature of fax modems is that they
eliminate the scanning portion of the fax -- so that the faxes come out on
maximum resolution on the receiving end and look really nice.

Sending FAXes is pretty simple with my system -- you switch drivers, as if you
were switching from a StyleWriter to a LaserWriter, and then your menus
magically change from "Print..." to "Fax...".  When you select that, you get a
fairly complex dialog box that allows you to add to a phone list of where you
want to FAX to.  You can change from fine to regular resolutions, and select
from a variety of cover pages.  You can then immediately transmit the fax, or
you can have it create a FAX file that you can manually send later.  If you
tell it to immediately transmit, the FAX modem does everything -- picks up the
phone, dials the number, establishes the connection, sends the FAX, confirms
that the other machine got the FAX, and then hangs up the phone again.
(I need to send international FAXes charged to an AT&T credit number from an
on-campus phone line, so I usually end up sending my faxes manually -- First I
create the FAX file, then I do my dialing shenanigans by hand to get the
receiving faxes tone, then I tell the computer to connect and start sending my
fax.  Works very well)

Receiving Faxes is somewhat more complex, especially if you don't have a
dedicated phone line.  However, my software allows you to manually receive a
fax as well, so if you get a phone call and instead of a human you hear a
bunch of beeps, if the computer is up and running and the fax modem turned on,
you can select the FAX DA and tell it to "manually receive."  That means it
will pick up the line and make the appropriate connection noises.  Voila.
Received fax.

Be advised that received faxes are graphic documents -- if you want to be able
to manipulate them like a word processing document, then you will have to run
them through OCR software.  They print out legibly enough though, even on an
ImageWriter I, (which I used over the summer) but much better on a StyleWriter
or LaserWriter.

Considering that a FAX modem doesn't cost very much more than a regular modem,
I would say go for it.  If you only have one phone line, and don't anticipate
receiving faxes, you might want to look into one of the send-only FAX modems
out there.

**********

>From: hallofjustice!bursik@uunet.UU.NET (Dave Bursik)

My recommendation is to buy a Supra.  I have bought 3 of them and
have been very satisfied.  To get the complete setup, you'd want
to order the "Mac pack" that includes the hardware-handshake modem
cable, FAX software, and terminal emulator (Microphone 1.x).  The
Microphone software is nearly worthless as far as I'm concerned[*]
but the FAX software (FAXstf) is pretty good (even though it lacks
one or two features I would like to have [**]).

The FAX/data modems have different hardware from a data-only modem,
but most of the ones on the market use a common chipset from Rockwell.
Supra has been doing some programming enhancements to the basic
Rockwell software, and is apparently selling/giving their improve-
ments back to Rockwell.  The Supra modems are very small, have a
"normal" (rectangular) shape, sturdy metal cases (dissipate heat),
and have been highly rated.  They are also much less expensive
than comparable data modems from Hayes, Telebit, and UDS (Motorola),
but are somewhat more expensive than the "cheapie" FAX/data modems
(Zoom, Quicktel).  I currently use my 2 V.32bis Supra's to dial up
my Sun (office) from my Mac (home) at 38400 bps.

My first FAX/data modem was a "cheese wedge" Quicktel, and I ended
up returning it.  The software didn't work right with my Mac (they
have since changed to the same package Supra sells) and the modem
itself didn't work right (problems setting registers, etc.).  Also,
the general construction of the Quicktel's is poor (all plastic)
and I found the cute little icon indicators on the front panel far
less useful than the letter abbreviations/dynamic matrix display
on the Supras.  Whatever you decide to do, I would _not_ recommend
buying a Quicktel (full name: Logicode Quicktel Xeba) modem.

As for speed, FAX modems are at least as fast as stand-alone FAX
machines since there is no mechanical paper scanning involved (if
you are FAXing from an application).  Also, since the incoming
FAXes are saved to disk, you can print as many copies as you
want (without resorting to a photocopier).  If you want to be
able to FAX hardcopy documents, however, you will need some sort
of scanner.

[*] I bought the (discounted) Microphone II upgrade and didn't like
it, either.  Both versions of MP are very slow (i.e., unresponsive)
when compared to VersaTerm.

[**] It doesn't have a way to "bundle" multiple documents into a
single file for transmission (but there is a workaround for this)
and it doesn't have a way to convert existing documents to FAX
format -- you have to print from an application.

**********

>From: ekeller@ul9000.unil.ch (Eric Keller)

For a year, I used an Interfax modem. I was reasonably happy with its send
fax capacity. The only problem was faxing printed material which occured
more often than was originally foreseen.

I was *not* happy with its receive capacity. Originally I had reserved an
old MacPlus for this, but it turned out to be too slow and it missed many
incoming faxes. When I put the modem on the IIcx, things improved, but
there were still too many missed faxes for my taste. I also tried different
phone lines and different exchanges around town (this was in Montreal), but
I still had communication difficulties with a fairly large number of fax
machines.

I then got a standalone fax machine: what a relief! It meant I could turn
off the computer again at nights, which was much better on the ears. It was
surprising how much one got to dislike the continuous hum of the
ventilator. Also, the communication difficulties were distinctly fewer. Of
course, sending printed material is much easier.

Recently I got a PowerBook fax modem. I like this addition to the
standalone. It lets you send with better quality print, and you don't have
to print something out if you don't want to. I don't like the address book
facility that comes with it, though. It won't let you distinguish between
frequently used and rarely used numbers and it gives you a teeny selection
box.

In general I've found that a lot of people found the incoming capacities of
fax modems very much lacking, no matter what manufacturer you use or which
type of computer it runs on (Mac, IBM-compatible).

**********

>From: kkirksey@world.std.com (Ken B Kirksey)

JB> I've become interested in purchasing a modem with at least send fax
JB> capability. Receiving might be nice, too. I'd like a source of
JB> information and/or reviews on what's available. I've looked in the
JB> archives and found some recommendations but I'd like to know more.

Well, I'll try to give you more. :)  My experiences are with the old
AppleFax modem and the new Supra v.32bis/Fax  modem.

JB> Some specific questions:
JB>
JB> How are fax modems different from normal modems? Software only or
JB> do they have special hardware? (ROMs, etc?)

All the Fax is handled in hardware.  A number of new modems, including
the Supras, use the Rockewell ASYNC144 modem chipset which handles
all modem modulation, compression, error correction, and fax functions.

JB> Are they reliable for
JB> transmission?

My supra v.32bis Fax has proven reliable in both transmission and recieving.

JB> What about receiving? How does speed compare to a
JB> stand-alone fax machine?

Well, on the sending side, if you're just sending a memo or letter you
typed in your word processor for instance, it's faster.  Most fax software
will let you "print" the document to your fax modem just as you would
send it to the printer.

On the recieveing side it can be a little slower, especially if you have a
slow machine.  The software must convert from the Fax format to a format
that can be displayed or printed.  On a slower machine, this can take a while.
The speed is quite acceptable on my SE/30 however.

JB> What software is available?
JB> Recommendations?

I don't know if BackFax is still available, but if it is, don't get it!
FaxSTF come bundled with the Supra modems, and is the best fax software
I've seen.  My recommendation would be to get the Supra v.32bis Fax with
software and cable.  I've seen it advertised for as low as $350.

JB> Can a modem be set up to pick up on incoming
JB> calls, scan for a fax transmission signal, and if none, let the
JB> call through to an answering machine? If so, what software and
JB> hardware is required?

Supra just sent out a ROM upgrade for their modems that addresses this issue.
The modem answers if it detects fax carrier tones, but doesn't pick up
if it doesn't, passing the call to your answering machine.

JB> Please reply through e-mail or to the digest. Pointers to
JB> discussions on the net or in the Mac magazines would be
JB> appreciated. If I get a decent amount of information I'll compile a
JB> report for the archives.

A recent MacUser (october or november I beleive) had a roundup of High Speed
fax modems.  You might want to check it out.

Again, my recommendation is going with the Supra.  According to MacUser, it's
the best modem value for the buck.  I've owned Supras for over 3 years now,
and have yet to have any problems with them.  All my friends that own supras
have had similar experiences.  Hope that helps.

**********

From: morgio@loop.ausom.oz.au (Moreno Giovannoni)

Netcomm in Australia make a nice Fax Modem, the Auto FaxModem 24. Comes
bundled with Microphone and FaxSTF software. Both very good and work
excellently in Australia. Fax side is excellent for sending. If you intend
to receive a lot of faxes consider a machine. Printing the fax is a pain and
slow and holds up the Mac.

*******************
(end replies)

I posted a quick summary of the first five replies, saying that the
Supra seemed to be favored (although the sample size is small).
I received a letter from yoshio@CS.UCLA.EDU (Yoshio Turner)
who wanted to know why I hadn't considered the ZyXEL U-1496E
and the honest answer is that I hadn't ever heard of it.

It seems that comp.dcom.modems has seen tons of traffic on modem
comparisons and Yoshio forwarded the results of a poll conducted
by Mark Scrivener on the Supra V.32bis and the ZyXEL U-1496 (also V.32bis).
Mark's article follows, including the results of a modem "shootout"
between the Supra, ZyXEL, Gateway Telepath, and Zoom conducted by
Paul E. Platt.

The long and short of it is that the ZyXEL is great but somewhat more
expensive than the Supra. One of these two should fit your budget, but
go with the ZyXEL if you can afford it. Many people on comp.dcom.modems
complain that the Supra has trouble making and keeping connections on
noisy lines where the ZyXEL has no problems. This is especially true
for those using the modem to receive calls (running a BBS and so forth)
so the Supra may be OK if you're only dialing out.

(begin Mark's article)
********************

From: scriv@angmar.llnl.gov (Mark Scrivener)
Newsgroups: comp.dcom.modems
Subject: RE: Straw Poll of Supra and ZyXEL
Keywords: Straw Poll, Supra, ZyXEL
Message-ID: <140718@lll-winken.LLNL.GOV>
Date: 5 Nov 92 19:30:18 GMT
Sender: usenet@lll-winken.LLNL.GOV
Organization: UC LLNL
Lines: 349
Nntp-Posting-Host: angmar.llnl.gov


Well the results are in! I'd like to thank everyone who took time to
respond. In my initial post, I asked people to rate the Supra and the
ZyXEL modems on a scale of -10 (worst) to +10 (best). Here are the results:

        Total responses: 40
        Total Supra:     27
        Total ZyXEL:     13     (Note: some people scored both modems,
                                       for purposes of the total I counted
                                       this as 2 responses.)

        Supra average:   +5.8
        Supra SDev        4.1

        ZyXEL average:   +8.2
        ZyXEL SDev        1.2

A histogram of responses follows:

        Score           Supra (#)       ZyXEL (#)
        -----           --------        --------
        -10             0               0
        -9              0               0
        -8              0               0
        -7              0               0
        -6              1               0
        -5              0               0
        -4              1               0
        -3              0               0
        -2              1               0
        -1              0               0
         0              0               0
         1              1               0
         2              0               0
         3              0               0
         4              1               0
         5              3               1
         6              3               0
         7              5               1
         8              5               4
         9              3               7
        10              3               0

Those persons who scored both modems ALWAYS scored the Supra LOWER than
the ZyXEL (the lowest ZyXEL score was a +5, and this person gave the
Supra a +1).

It seems that the Supra is a good modem for the money, but it has some
flaws (gets hot, latches up, sometimes has problems with connections,etc).
If you have good phone lines, don't plan on unattended operation, need
special protocalls, and are willing to tollerate the ocasional glitch,
then the Supra might be a good deal for you.

The ZyXEL, however, appears almost bullet proof. If you want the next
best thing to perfection and don't want to pay out the nose for it,
buy a ZyXEL (or so say our survey respondants). Other benifits of the
ZyXEL included better customer support, instant free ROM upgrades via
down-loadable ROM images (provided you can burn your own ROMs), and a
68000 with 2 DSP chips (providing a much more flexable engine than the
Rockwell ASICs in the Supra).

I've included a response I got that gave a nice comparision of several
modems, including the Supra and the ZyXEL. The respondant (sorry, don't
know his name) tested each modem and then ranked it on the -10 to +10
scale. His results agree with the survey.

					-Mark
P.S. I've decided to buy a ZyXEL (E+ model).



>From pep@cypress.com Tue Nov  3 23:34:54 1992
To: Scrivener%llnl.gov@meson.cypress.com
~Subject: modems
Cc: pep@cypress.com


I did a one on one comparison of Gateway, Zoom, Supra, and ZyXEL. Here is
rough cut at data. I called several hard to connect to systems both local
and long distance. Modems were rotated and the calling sequence cycled
through approximately 5 times.  As an example of the variance, Gateway
never connected to ZyXEL BBS. Rarely to R&E. Rarely (once? - don't have
my notes with me) to work. ZyXEL connected to Supra, ZyXEL, USR Dual, PPI
reliably. Gateway never got 14400 connect to PPI. Only ZyXEL, and PPI
(seperate test on PPI - not one on one) connected all of the time.
PPI droped carrier or had UUCP problem depending on PROMs used. PPI wasn't
tested under as adverse conditions as the others were.

>  Anyone interested in a comparison test against other
>  modem brands? I have the ZyXEL, can borrow a Zoom.
>  The Supra MAY be able to be borrowed again.
>

RESULTS OF THE FIRST Paul E. Platt …

Showing first 20,000 characters of 32,842 total. Open the full document →

From: Dominique Petitpierre <petitp@divsun.unige.ch>
Subject: Mac won't boot from second disk. Why?

Here is the summary of the answers I got for the question I asked on
December 18th in Info-Mac Volume 13 Issue 176:

|I have just added a second internal disk drive in my Macintosh, and would
|like to make it the boot disk while keeping the old disk still bootable in
|case of problems. Infortunately, whatever I do, the Mac insists to boot
|from the old disk.
|- Why? What can I do?

The short answer:
=================

What worked for my purpose was to exchange the SCSI ids of the disks,
putting the new disk at target 0, and the old target 0 disk at target 1.
Now I can use Startup Disk to choose whichever of these two disks as boot
disk, and at the next restart the mac boots from the chosen disk.  The
reason it works has to do with the fact that the Mac tries longer to boot
from SCSI target 0.  Many thanks to Julian Daniel, North Star Computer Ltd.
<norstar@bconnex.net> who suggested this.

If my purpose is fullfilled, the real problem is not solved:  How can you
force the Mac to wait long enough for disks not at SCSI target 0.  For
example I have another old external disk, that I use only briefly for
backups because it is too noisy.  The same symptom occurs:  even if it is
bootable when it is the only disk on the SCSI bus, the Mac won't boot from
it if the internal disk is available, whatever I do.

Thanks to all the people who helped with suggestions:
Julian Daniel <norstar@bconnex.net>
Jim Carr <Jim.Carr@latimes.com>
Christian F.  Buser <cbuser@access.ch>
Gregory Johnson <gregj@desktopdesign.com>
Glenn Schaffer <Gschaffe@michp7.redstone.army.mil>
Thomas Ytterberg <thomas.ytterberg@mailbox.swipnet.se>
Dr. Francisco-J. Renero-C. <paco@xochitl.inaoep.mx>
Art Treiber <artt@mail.erols.com>

The long answer:
================

For the curious, here is a summary of other suggestions I received with
comments and of a few things I discovered while trying to solve this.

First here are the informations I provided with my original question:
|Here are some facts and things I tried:
|
|My setup:
|Computer: MacIIx with System 7.0.1 and Tune Up 1.1.1 (on the old disk).
|Old disk is a Quantum 170S at SCSI target 0 with driver FWB HDT (I never
|touched this, and would prefer not to).
|New disk is an IBM DPES 31080 at SCSI target 3 with Silverlining 5.4.2/16
|(also tried 5.6.3/25)
|The new disk has a bare fresh system 7.0.1, installed from the Apple System
|7.0.1 diskettes.
|The "Startup Disk" control panel shows the new disk selected as startup disk.
|
|Tests and observations:
|- The System Folder on the new disk is blessed (shows the icon).
|- After boot on the old disk, the new disk mounts fine (appears on
|  the desktop).
|- If the old disk is disabled (physically disconnected), the new disk boots
|  fine (so it IS bootable).
|- At boot time, I hear that the new disk is probed twice:  once before boot
|  starts on the old disk and once after.  With Silverlining 5.6.3/25 this is
|  confirmed by the caption that Silverlining displays twice on the
|  screen. It seems also that in the first round, the new disk (SCSI 3)
|  is probed before the new disk (SCSI 0), which is what I expect.
|
|Things I suspect:
|-  Answer from the second disk is too slow for the impatient MacIIx
|  (But shouldn't disk of recent make be faster than old ones?)
|- Incompatibility between disk drivers (FWB and Silverlining).

- The most common suggestion was to check SCSI termination.  In fact,
during my trials, I had once a clear case of bad termination due to a bad
connection:  the old disk would eventually boot after waiting ages at each
stage of the boot, but the new disk would not even mount.  MtEverything
reported bad termination.  So my problem might have been a lighter case of
bad termination:  timeout for boot, but not preventing mount.

I was very careful with that when I installed the new IBM 1080 disk:  I
made it the last device on the chain inside the Mac and enabled its active
termination (jumper).  On the Quantum 170S, I took care to remove the three
resistor packs next to the SCSI connector to disable termination.

I was pretty sure that there was nothing wrong with termination because I
was able to connect and use without other problems seven devices on the
SCSI chain (two internal disks, two external disks, a tape drive, a CD ROM
drive and a scanner), I doubled checked it by shortening the chain to just
the two internal disks and terminating the open ended side of the chain
with a pass through terminator on the SCSI plug of the Mac's back panel.
It made no difference.

My next move would have been to measure the termination resistance with a
multimeter (see how to below).


- The second most common suggestion was to check the batteries:  Mac II,
IIx and IIfx have two internal lithium batteries, for power up and for
keeping the PRAM settings and the time.  When I checked with a multimeter,
both batteries provided the expected 3.6 volts.  Because of the old age of
my MacIIx, I decided to buy a spare pair of new batteries, to have handy
when things go bad, and tried them as well:  it made no difference.  Good
thing I saved my PRAM settings during another test (see below), because I
had overlooked the fact that I would loose them when taking off the
battery.


- Another suggestion was to zap the PRAM (not forgetting to save the
settings before with a tool like Tech Tool 1.0.9).  It did not make any
difference.


- Some suggested to make the old disk not bootable either by moving the
System and Finder in separate folders, or by specifying with Silverlining
or HDT that it should not be mounted at startup.  Not very practical; that
would have been my last resort:  In the second case you need a mounting
utility to force mount after startup.  And in case of trouble with the new
disk, a floppy is necessary to make the old disk bootable again.


- Some people suggested to use HDT on the second disk as well:  it did not
work (with an old HDT version 1.0).  Worse it put my Mac in a very strange
state where it froze in the middle of the boot with a blank screen.  The
only way to force it to boot from an emergency floppy was to use the magic
key combination command-option-shift-delete, you know, where you have one
hand on command-option-shift on the keyboard, the other hand behind the
computer case to press the restart button, and the nose on the delete key
:-)...  Worse, my first level safety net failed:  Silverlining on the
emergency floppy would cause a bomb immediately (I checked it afterwards it
was just fine, so HDT must have really messed things up...).
I had to resort to a system 6.0.8 floppy disk and another Silverlining
floppy and play disk jockey to alternate between the two floppies.
Moralite': have alternate rescue solutions....


- I was too chicken to replace the HDT driver on the first disk with
Silverlining.  (Yes I have backups...  150 MB worth of compressed archives
on floppies and tapes, not a nice perspective to reinstall :-(.)  Once I
move the old disk data on the new one, and make a new backup, I might
dare change the driver on the old disk.


- Jim Carr suggested:
>HDT Utils (Part of Hard Disk Toolkit) has an option
>to set startup delay on internal drive.  This would allow extra time for
>your prefered drive to spinup.

Not an option for Siverlining controlled drive, and I was not really keen
on retrying for a third time the HDT driver (see previous point).
Today I bought HDT 1.7 Personal Edition, and will see if I can do something
for the slow external disks.  (I am fed up of taking apart the internal
ones to fiddle with jumpers :-), now they work as I want and I won't touch
them for a while).


- Glenn Schaffer suggested:
>Try to swap the order the drives are plugged in to the motherboard.
Haven't tried it, because my SCSI ribbon does not let me to.


- and also
>spin-up time needs to be accommodated.
>I recall a few applications which can do that (saved
>in PRAM, if I remember right), but don't have any of them or recall their
>exact names.  Something like "Startup Delay" ???  I don't think the 
>startup delay is your problem unless you've got a lot of cards in you Mac
>which pull a lot of power (the IIx has a pretty hefty power supply)."

The only tool with a similar name I found was "Delayed Startup Items"
which addresses a different problem. According to Jim Carr, HDT Utils
should allow this.


- I also double checked the jumper settings on the disks; In particular on
the IBM DPES 31080, jumper 7 disables "target initiated synchronous
negotiation".  It did not change anything, on or off.  I did not dare to
put on jumper 4 to disable auto spin.  Would it bootor mount if autospin is
disabled?



Diagnostic tools and informations
=================================
various things I found useful (or could have) in my search for a solution
(program file pathnames are given for Info-Mac archives mirrors).

- Mt.Everything 1.0.3, disk/mt-everything-103-cdev.hqx
Complains explicitely in case of bad termination.

- SCSI Probe 3.5, disk/scsi-probe-35.hqx
Suggested by Glenn Schaffer for detecting bad termination.
Cannot selectively mount disks like Mt.Everything-103.

- Tech Tool 1.0.9, cfg/tech-tool-109.hqx
Suggested by Jim Carr to save and zap the PRAM.

- TattleTech 2.2.0, cfg/tattle-tech-22.hqx
Useful to check the existence of boot blocks and system files on disks.
Provides a nice concise description for each feature it reports.  Can
also give you the list of all your applications with their version and
creator type.  On the new disk I want to do a complete re-installation of
my system and applications from original distributions, and such a list
will enable me to check that I get the right versions and that I apply all
the upgrades!

- Set Startup 1.3, cfg/set-startup-13.hqx
A replacement for Startup Disk that let you specify the startup disk by
SCSI id, even if the corresponding disk is not mounted.  I haven't used it.

- System 6.0.8 and System 7.0.1
(ftp://ftptoo.support.apple.com/pub/apple_sw_updates/US/mac/system_sw/
in system_6_0_8_1.4m and system_7.0.1.)
1.4 MB disk images of Systems, practical if, like me you are not sure to
be able to read 800k floppies anymore. Also System 6.0.8 is small enough
to let you put easily other things on the floppy: Silverlining, SCSIProbe
etc.

- Larry Pina's book "Macintosh II Repair and Upgrade Secrets", published by
Hayden Books, helped me for the battery checking.

- The Web page of Quantum Corp., where I found documentation on disk jumper
settings (http://www.quantum.com/support/jmprmenu.htm).  Infortunately my
Quantum 170S was not described there, but I could work from analogy with
for example the "Empire 540", which shares some jumper two letter labels.

- The Web page of LaCie, where I found an updater for older Silverlining
software (http://www.lacie.com/updates.html), information on SCSI
termination (http://www.lacie.com/jumpers.html), a very well made
"Encyclopedia of Hard Drive Terms and Concepts"
(http://www.lacie.com/data.html) explaining SCSI issues and hard drive
formatting, a summary of keyboard command tricks
(http://www.lacie.com/tip.html), and a page on troubleshooting
(http://www.lacie.com/shoot.html).

- The SCSI Frequently Asked Questions for the comp.periphs.scsi newsgroup,
(ftp://rtfm.mit.edu/pub/usenet-by-group/comp.periphs.scsi/*)

The following message I collected long time ago about checking passive
termination with a multi-meter:

>Date: Wed, 21 Jul 93 15:03:24 GMT
>From: wyman@esfm01.SINet.SLB.COM
>Subject: (R) SCSI device termination - how to check for it with a multi-meter
>
>.....
>
>2. Even without connecting the device and without opening it, a simple test
>with a cheap multi-meter (or an expensive one, if that's all you have!)
>will reveal whether your device is internally terminated:
>
>With the device power off, measure between pins 26 & 50 of the 50-contact
>SCSI connector, "the narrow side" of the D-shaped ribbon-contact connector.
>The measured value for an un-terminated SCSI device will be 10,000 ohms
>or more, effectively an open circuit.
>
>A device with standard passive resistor packs installed will measure
>about 260 ohms plus or minus 15 ohms.  A doubly-terminated device
>(internal resistor packs + external terminator on the other connector)
>will measure about 130 ohms (half of the normal value).  Of course, in
>this latter case you MUST remove one of the terminators to be correctly
>configured.  I make a practise of checking ALL in-coming SCSI hardware
>and removing the internal SCSI packs if found.  Other posters have
>exhaustively explained the correct configuration for a SCSI bus. I won't
>repeat that discussion here.
>
>
>       25                                               1
>    ________________________________________________________
>   (    o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o    )
>    \ ---------------------------------------------------   /
>     \ --------------------------------------------------  /
>      \ o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o /
>       --------------------------------------------------
>       50                                               26
>
>        ^                                               ^
>        |__________________ 260 ohms ___________________|
>
>Note that you can use the procedure to examine a chain of SCSI devices
>for correct termination:  Disconnect the System SCSI cable at the first
>device and make the measurement.  You should only "see" one terminator
>in the chain, at the far end.  If you then remove it from the last
>device, you should see an open or nearly-open circuit as above.
>
>I use the same procedure for checking SCSI device chains on SUN and
>VAX workstations.
>
>Doug.Wyman
>Schlumberger - GeoQuest
>Montrouge, France


Conclusion:
===========

I hope these informations will be useful to people that have boot problems.

And in case you were wondering, I paid $290 for the brand new IBM 1080 MB
disk, without cable etc.; worth it, even on an aging Mac IIx :-)

Dominique
--
Mr. Dominique Petitpierre | petitp@divsun.unige.ch  | Tel: +41 (22) 705 7117
ISSCO, University of Geneva/54 route des Acacias/CH-1227 GENEVA (Switzerland)

Date: Fri, 20 Aug 1993 14:45:38 -0500
From: baim@harpo.aaec.com
Subject: Adobe Acrobat Report

attached is a report/blurb from Adobe regarding Acrobat and its place in
the Grand Scheme.  FYI.

Paul Baim

-- cut here --
From: santoro@mv.us.adobe.com
Subject:      Re: Acrobat
To: Multiple recipients of list GUTNBERG
<GUTNBERG%UIUCVMD.bitnet@vm42.cso.uiuc.edu>

Overview

In the last decade, personal computer users have come to depend on their
machines for a variety of tasks, nearly all of which culminate in the creation
of documents. These can range from one-page spreadsheets or simple letters to
more complex creations, such as newsletters or reports, that com- bine text,
charts, graphs, illustrations and photographic images. The computer has
traditionally been a tool for building or authoring these documents, then
printing them onto paper for distribution to their intended audiences. Despite
many technological advances, computers have not been able to effectively
communicate the digital documents they create. Much of the difficulty for
computer users in sharing computer-originated documents stems from the mix of
computing platforms, configurations and applications found in most of today's
oYces. Incompatible hardware platforms, operating systems and application
software have prevented shaing all but the most rudimentary documents. When it
can be shared across these barriers, text must be exchanged only in character-
based ASCII (American Standard Code for Information Exchange) format, which
changes the nature of  all documents, robbing them of any distinctive typefaces
or page design and precluding the use of any color or graphic elements. Adobe
Systems Incorporated, developer of software technology for creating, displaying
and printing digital documents, is overcoming these barriers with a new
approach to document communication. The Adobe Acrobat product family allows
users to send documents created on their computer to other computers
electronically, regardless of hardware platform, operating system, application
or font software used to create the original. The document can be read,
annotated, printed and stored by the receiving computer. Adobe Acrobat products
preserve the document's essential look and feel, and provide tools to aid the
receiver in  navigating through its pages on-screen. Adobe Acrobat products
will eliminate the need to distribute many documents in paper form and make
possible, for the first time, effective universal electronic document
communication, storage and retrieval. Computer users can distribute fully
formatted documents containing distinctive typefaces, color, graphics and
photographs in electronic form, and protect current investments in hardware and
software. Documents can be communicated in one of two ways: as part of simple
document distribution, in which recipients navigate, view and print documents;
or document exchange, in which recipients navigate, view, print and annotate
documents from others, and originate documents for transmission. This capacity
for instantaneous communication of documents between computer users will be
applicable to a broad range of business and consumer uses. Adobe Acrobat
Products Adobe Acrobat software is a family of products that work together to
enable document communica- tion. The key individual products include: Acrobat
Reader- a software application that addresses the needs of information
distributors and consumers. It enables users to view, navigate, and print
documents represented in a special  cross-platform file format, the Portable
Document Format (PDF). Acrobat Reader software will  be available for
Macintosh, Windows t , DOS and UNIX platforms.

Acrobat Exchange - a software application that addresses the needs of document
exchangers. It enables users to view, navigate, annotate and print PDF files.
The PDF Writer will be included in this product to enable the creation and
transmission of PDF files. Acrobat Exchange software will be available for
Macintosh, Windows, DOS and UNIX platforms. Acrobat PDF Writer - a platform-
speciWc printer driver that produces PDF files from applications, so that
documents can be sent across platforms. PDF Writers will be bundled with
Acrobat Exchange  versions for Macintosh and Windows, the environments where
such a driver will be the primary  means of producing PDF files.

Acrobat Distiller t -a software program that translates PostScript t  language
files into PDF files for information distributors. Acrobat Distiller software
will be available for Macintosh, Windows and UNIX platforms. Following is a
description of the technical components of Acrobat products and how they work
together to enable universal document communication.

The Technology Behind Adobe Acrobat : The Portable Document Format (PDF)

The key to the cross-platform functionality of Adobe Acrobat products is a
unique PostScript language- based file format called the Portable Document
Format. A PDF file can describe documents containing any combination of text,
graphics and images in a device- and resolution-independent format. These
documents can be one page or thousands of pages, very simple or extremely
complex, with rich use of fonts, graphics, color and images.

PDF, the specification for which Adobe will document and publish for use by
software developers as  an open standard, is designed to replicate the
appearance of pages with the same high fidelity as the PostScript language. A
PDF file uses the PostScript language to describe not only the visual
(printable) aspects of a document, but also additional document elements such
as annotations (notes), hypertext links, miniature "thumbnail" views of pages,
and bookmarks.  Like the PostScript language, PDF files are both device- and
resolution-independent. They appear on a computer display at the screen's
highest possible resolution, regardless of the hardware design or manu-
facturer. Because it is device-independent, PDF represents information about
page appearance in a manner that can be rendered by all major computers,
display screens or output devices - an essential capability in today's world of
multiplatform computing environments.

Creating PDF Files

Because the Portable Document Format is hardware platform, operating system and
application  neutral, virtually any document on any platform from any
application can be converted into a PDF file.  A PDF file can be created from
any application program that prints. The file may start as a word  processing
document, illustration from a drawing program, or a worksheet or graph from a
spreadsheet program. The conversion from the document produced by the
application into a PDF file is accom- plished in one of two ways - either by
using the specially designed printer driver, called the Acrobat PDF Writer, or
through the software translation program, called the Acrobat Distiller.

To produce a PDF file using the PDF Writer, the user simply creates a document
with a favorite appli- cation and proceeds as if to print the pages. In a
special print dialog, the option of creating a PDF file  is presented to the
user. The PDF Writer is designed to translate most files created on PCs running
Windows and on Macintosh computers. The PDF Writer essentially converts GDI
(for Windows)  or QuickDraw t (for Macintosh) document descriptions into PDF
descriptions and uses the standard  system-level printing interfaces to
communicate with applications. Acrobat Distiller software translates PostScript
language files into PDF files. It is designed to create  PDF files from
computing environments such as UNIX and DOS, where printer drivers do not
exist.  In addition, Acrobat Distiller helps users create PDF files from
documents that contain placed Encapsulated PostScript (EPS) language artwork or
images, as well as from documents created in applications that bypass system-
level printing facilities and generate their own PostScript language files for
printing.

Small, Portable Files

The PDF is 7-bit ASCII, which means that it is extremely portable between
diverse hardware and oper- ating system environments. By international
agreement, this standard is recognized  by all computer hardware and software
makers as a universal means of exchanging text information electronically.
While 7-bit ASCII formatting ensures the universality of PDF files, data
compresssion makes them compact for speedy transmission and low demand on
memory space. Compression algorithms such as LZWr, RLE, CCITT Group 3 and 4,
and JPEG are used to keep file sizes manageable. Compression of information
within a PDF file will occur in the PDF Writer or Acrobat Distiller software,
and decom- pression will take place on the fly within Acrobat Reader or Acrobat
Exchange software. With JPEG, color and grayscale images can be compressed by a
factor of 10:1 or more. The effective compression of  monochrome images is
highly dependent on the compression filter used and the prop- erties of the
image, but factors of 2:1 to 8:1 are common. LZW compression of text and
graphics  comprising the balance of the document results in compression ratios
of approximately 2:1.

For all but the most graphics-intensive documents, PDF files will be
significantly smaller than the CCITT Group 3-compressed counterparts used for
facsimile. A 200-dpi CCITT Group 3 file of 50 to 65K per page, for example,
would require only 5 to 10K per page as a PDF file, and would be capable of
printing at 300 dpi or any other required resolution. The reduction in file
size translates into shorter transmis- sion times across networks and phone
lines and less demand for memory space, saving time and money. In addition,
traditional document imaging systems that represent document pages as Group 4
images are restricted by fixed resolution, no color, no ability to search for
content, and limited portability. The universality of PDF and the eVectiveness
of its compression scheme allow PDF files to be commu- nicated by a variety of
means - over LAN networks, on CD-ROM or magnetic diskette, or over
telecommunications networks or other electronic highways.

Before Adobe's PDF, the only universal language available for this type of
cross-platform communication was ASCII text. PDF provides the first universal
alternative to ASCII, and the only reliable means of conveying formatted
information with graphics and photographs between platforms. With PDF, authors
or publishers can create documents in a single format, then send them to
computer users on many platforms. These documents can be viewed or printed by
any computer equipped with Acrobat Reader or Acrobat Exchange software. This
eliminates the need to publish documents in formats specific to each intended
reader's computer system.  Acrobat Exchange Software Acrobat Exchange software
lets users view, navigate, annotate and print incoming PDF documents. Its
graphical interface provides clear, intuitive access to all of its functions.

Acrobat Exchange includes navigational tools that can pan, scroll and zoom, and
allow the user to access different portions of a document using miniature
"thumbnail" representations of each page. The thumbnails appear in the margin
of the main window and are visible independently from the document open on-
screen. The user can leaf through the thumbnails as if they were bound in a
magazine, then jump from the page on-screen to a distant page by mouse-clicking
the thumbnail for the destination page. Acrobat Exchange also has a "live
links" feature that enables users to create cross-references within or across
PDF documents. For example, an organization chart could contain "deep"
information that would enable a reader to simply click on a name to reveal the
person's biography. Acrobat Exchange software even allows the reader to
annotate PDF files by affixing electronic "sticky" notes to them. These notes
are transmitted along with the main PDF file, and may be hidden or displayed at
the reader's discretion. Acrobat Exchange software includes the PDF Writer
printer driver to enable document creation and transmission.

Font Substitution

A key component of Adobe Acrobat software is a font substitution capability
that solves one of the fundamental barriers to document communication, "the
font problem." In current systems, if a  computer lacks a font in a document
received, the user may not be able to view or print the document, or the
computer may substitute a different font for the absent one, drastically
altering the document's appearance or making it completely illegible. Adobe
Acrobat products use Adobe's multiple master font technology to solve the font
problem in  document communication. Multiple master fonts were developed by
Adobe as an extension to its  Type 1 font format. They can allow users to
control weight, width, size and style of type across a broad adjustable range.
PDF files carry the metrics and other information about the fonts used in a
document, without actually including the font. The PDF file contains
information about the weight, width, size and style of the typefaces in the
document, as well as the names of the specific fonts. When the receiver of a
PDF file lacks a typeface in a document, Acrobat software reads the metrics and
simulates the absent fonts with a special Adobe multiple master typeface. The
appearance of the unavailable font is approximated so closely that, even if the
recipient has none of the fonts in the original document, the relative size,
bold- ness and style of type on the page is retained, preserving the look and
feel of text on the page.

Acrobat software uses two special multiple master fonts, a serif and sans serif
design, developed with a wide dynamic range to effectively simulate a vast
number and variety of text typefaces.

Acrobat Publisher's Tools

In the future, a set of tools for corporate and commercial publishers will
provide a means of creating new PDF documents with a variety of enhanced
functions. Publishers will use these tools to add value to PDF versions of
their publications, which could be distributed on-line or on CD-ROM with
versions of Acrobat Reader software. The Acrobat publisher's tools will enable
automatic "live-linked" indexes for documents, allowing the reader to locate
any passage instantly by clicking on its entry in the index. The tools also
will accommodate popular search-engine software, which will enable the user to
locate any word or entry in a document instantly, or even cross-reference
different subjects within a document or set of documents. Another possibility
is the creation of "deep" advertisements within electronic documents. An
interested reader could, for example, click on a photo of an advertised product
and gain access to more detailed information about it, such as performance
specifications or a list of local dealers. In addition, Adobe Acrobat products
will provide support for representing document structure,  such as that written
in the Standard Generalized Markup Language (SGML), and for file formats of
diVerent applications. Markets for Adobe Acrobat Products The ability to send
and receive fully formatted electronic documents immediately lends itself to
two uses: personal and mass communication. To fully realize its long-term
potential, any significant document communication strategy must fulfill the
requirements of both markets today.

Personal Communication

Communication is a primary area of immediate use for Adobe Acrobat products. In
this context,  communication may be defined as enabling a group of computer
users to create and send an electronic  document to other members of the group,
even if their computer system and applications are diVerent. Communication
roles for Adobe Acrobat products can be characterized as server-based or
telecommu- nications-based. Server-based applications involve the communication
of computer files in PDF across networks. The technology functions equally well
within local-area networks (LANs), like those that might link computers within
an oYce, and wide-area networks (WANs), like those that might connect co-
workers across a campus of several buildings or branch oYces across the
country. Telecommunications-based document communication enables electronic
documents to be sent across telephone lines by modem. This is useful for
communicating information between distant oYces and is also ideal for traveling
executives who use portable computers. For business users, documents in Adobe's
PDF can replace much of the paper correspondence that  litters oYce desktops.
The result will be greater convenience, increased productivity, significant
cost reductions and more eVective communication.

Adobe Acrobat products will cut expenses associated with printing and
photocopying documents, conveying them from sender to recipient, and filing and
tracking them for future use. It will also reduce expenses - of both money and
time - associated with moving paper documents from centralized corporate
publishing sites to their target readers. Adobe Acrobat products will allow
readers to print just the pages they need on their own oYce printers, any time
and in any quantity they desire.

Mass Communication

Electronic publishing, which may be defined as production and distribution of
documents from a  single source to many readers at remote sites, can itself be
divided into two segments: commercial and  corporate or business publishers.
Commercial publishers make their profits directly from the sale of information
and advertising in publications such as newspapers, magazines and books.
Business pub- lishers create and distribute documents in the course of business
activity. Such documents include  procedural manuals, technical documentation
or user manuals, annual reports and marketing studies. With the Adobe Acrobat
family of products, both ventures may take advantage of publishing media that
are more cost-eVective than paper, including on-line, or server-based,
transmission, CD-ROM, and any use of the existing electronic highways. On-line,
or server-based, electronic publishing involves direct transmission of
documents over computer networks or telecommunications channels. The  publisher
might send documents to the reader across these channels, or the reader might
access a  server and order desired documents.  CD-ROM electronic publishing
entails the use of read-only optical compact discs as a publishing medi- um.
The publisher distributes these discs to readers, who view them using a CD-ROM
drive. CD-ROM is rapidly gaining popularity as a publishing vehicle because it
offers impressive information storage capability and permits very quick access
to information stored anywhere on the disc. Adobe Acrobat software offers
advantages both to on-line and CD-ROM publishers by enabling  documents to be
published in a format that any computer user can read. For the first time,
networked computers on different platforms will be able to easily communicate
files that contain graphics, pho- tographs and complex layouts. Acrobat
software also eliminates the need to publish different CD- ROMs for every
target computing system.

The Emerging Document Communication Field

The field of document communication is in its infancy, and a number of products
and technologies have been announced that offer some capabilities of document
communication. Some of them will compete with Adobe Acrobat products, while
others will be complementary to them. Many of the emerging technologies are
more limited in scope than Adobe Acrobat products. Some are designed for
multiplatform publishing, but not communication; others allow two-way exchange
of documents, but are limited to specific platforms or applications. Adobe is
committed to developing Adobe Acrobat products for universal document
communication, offering full publishing and communication functionality on all
major platforms, operating systems and applications.  As it evolves, document
communication will mark a convergence of technical …

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