Subject: Shareware FAQ in development 
From: Steve Franklin <franklin@ug.cs.dal.ca>
Date: Thu, 18 Nov 1993 18:50:53 -0400 

   The following file discusses my proposal for the development of a
Shareware_faq for the internet Macintosh community. The FAQ is not intended
to be a pointer to the LATEST versions of software, nor is it geared to the
well-weathered or experienced Macintosh user. Rather, it is a starting point
to the new-users that are introduced to Internet, that might be somewhat
intimidated by the volume and size of sumex-aim or mac.archive. Finding
files on internet is no problem, but sometimes finding 'good' or popular
files is more challenging.

    Please read the following article carefully, and do not hesitate to put 
forward any recommendations or suggestions pertinent to this file's 
development. I apologize if you feel this mail is unwarranted, and if 
you are offended I recommend that you delete the mail and send me a nasty
note in response. Thank you in advance for your time, and I look forward
to any response you might have.

    Steve Franklin
    franklin@ug.cs.dal.ca





###############################################################################
###############################################################################


This is a call to all software/shareware/freeware/public-domain users and
programmers, requesting that you enter your recommendations for net-available
software under any categories including :

				science
				games
				utilities
				system extensions
				communications
				education
				UNIX/VMS utilities pertinent to Macintosh
				...

This list has already been included in various published documents, and has
been retrieved by thousands of mac users over the four months. Considering
this, I feel it is my responsibility to revise it to a more polished and
well rounded form. The key requirements of the list are (1) that it not be
too cumbersome and large, (2) that it reflect the mac community (not just my
opinions), (3) that it become a service to the community - especially for
somewhat new users. Note, it is not a FAQ for retrieving these files, but
more so a FAQ for what is available. New users coming to the net don't have
time to sift through all of the indexes available, or try each program out.
This file is intended to be a pointer to the valuable software available on
the net, sparing some the time of sifting through everything.

WHY SHOULD I CONTRIBUTE TO THIS LIST?

Well, if you're a happy user of a piece of software on the net, you're doing
the author a favor. Considering the use of this list already (even in it's
crude state), more publicity for the author translates into more support
(financial, communicative, or whatever - depends on the nature of the
software).
Also, it gives you the opportunity to put something back into the net which
has given you so much. Realizing that this positive-feedback of the Internet
is what keeps it running, this is certainly an opportunity for the Mac
community to improve something which requires change.

HOW WOULD I CONTRIBUTE TO THIS LIST?

Certainly, I will appreciate any and all ideas/lists/suggestions that are
mailed to me at 
							franklin@ug.cs.dal.ca

As well, when contributing ideas for software available on the net, you
should tell a few things about the software:

~title: Stuffit Lite
version: 1.03b
Descrip: Decompresses a large number of formats (cpt,sit,etc) and *.hqx
Cat: Shareware (20$ fee)
Location: mac.archive/sumex
       (Not 100% sure that those facts are correct).
Requires: color? 020 chip? 4 megs ram? anything wierd should be here

WHAT IS FRANKLIN GOING TO PUT BACK IN RETURN? 

Well, I plan on having an archive on my ug.cs.dal.ca site that will
mirror ALL software that makes this list - that's right. Any newbie who
is looking for the stuff on this list will be able to ftp to my site to 
get the software. I have already checked with my system administrator, and
ug.cs.dal.ca will become a site for mac-notables if enough support warrants
it. It's already been tried out, so if people want this - it WILL happen.


Now... I'll show you the format of the list so far - as you can see, there
IS room for improvement, and I am wiling to put the time into this. Please
circulate this form to as many of your buddies as possible, because this can
either be a GREAT service, or useless - you and I determine which result
happens. 

   Thanks in advance for lending me your ear, and I hope I can rely on your
support. Please circulate this to bbs's, local university channels, and more
to help it grow.

Steve Franklin

franklin@ug.cs.dal.ca



-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
-                     Software Available on Internet                          -
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
-                                   Steve Franklin (August 5, 1993)           -
-                                   franklin@ug.cs.dal.ca                     -
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------



    All filenames that are listed as (filename.hqx) are found
    at mac.archive.umich.edu in the appropriate directory.

    All files that are list as [filename.hqx] are found
    at ftp.apple.com. Users should read the licensing agreement
    in /dts/README.FIRST for explicit instructions as to the status
    of some of the _Commercial_ Software referred to (e.g. ResEdit).



                      ----------------------------------
                      -Required software for new users:-
                      ----------------------------------

Software title       filename (found at mac.archive.umich.edu)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Stuffit Expander     /mac/util/compression/stuffitexpander3.03.sea.hqx
Zterm                /mac/util/comm/zterm0.9.cpt.hqx
Binhqx               /mac/00help/binhex4.0.bin (binary mode)
Disinfectant         /mac/util/virus/disinfectant3.2.sea.hqx





-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                       Popular shareware as of August, 1993
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
COMMUNICATION:

1stBBS                    Modem client to hook up to 1st BBS's
                          (/mac/util/comm/1stbbsremote1.17b1.sit.hqx)

Comet                     Really customizable (slip-able?) modem prog
                          (/mac/util/comm/comet2.14.sit.hqx)

Eudora                    Great pop-mail client for reading unix mail
                          (/mac/util/comm/eudora1.31.sit.hqx)

Eudora accessories        Required for running Eudora 
                          (/mac/util/comm/eudora1.31accessories.sit.hqx)

Fetch                     Fantastic TCP-based file retriever
                          (/mac/util/comm/fetch2.1.sit.hqx)

Ftp-d                     Ftp server for Macintosh (TCP)
                          (/mac/util/comm/ftpd2.10.sit.hqx)

Homer-serial              Serial irc client for Mac - Nice! Needs unix
                          (/mac/util/comm/homer0.90vserial.sit.hqx)

Homer-TCP                 TCP equivalent - needs no unix.
                          (/mac/util/comm/homer0.90vtcp.sit.hqx)

Ircle                     Another TCP-based irc client... Good   
                          (/mac/util/comm/ircle1.35.sit.hqx)

Kermit                    Standard kermit interface 
                          (/mac/util/comm/mackermit0.99188.cpt.hqx)

Maclayers                 ULTIMATE multi-windowing for Mac
                          (/mac/util/comm/maclayers1.30.sit.hqx)

Mac-news                  Great serial  news reader - faster than rn
                          (/mac/util/comm/macnews1.1.cpt.hqx)

Termulator                Zmodem capable term program - mucho scripts
                          (/mac/util/comm/termulator2.03.cpt.hqx)

Toad-news                 Used with uucp to batch download news
                          (/mac/util/comm/toadnews1.0.cpt.hqx)

UUPC                      For reading uucp as a leaf
                          (/mac/util/comm/uupc3.0.cpt.hqx)

Z-term                    Standard Zmodem program - popular
                          (/mac/util/comm/zterm0.9.cpt.hqx)

COMPRESSION:

Compact pro               For *.cpt,definitely preferred over STUFFIT
                          (/mac/util/compression/compactpro1.33.sea.hqx)

DD Expand                 For expanding "Disk Doubled" software
                          (/mac/util/compression/ddexpand3.77.sea.hqx)

gzip                      For expanding *.z or *.gzip files 

Stuffit-expander          Expands *.sit, *.cpt, *.hqx and more - FREE
                          (/mac/util/compression/stuffitexpander3.03.sea.hqx)

StuffIt lite              For *.sit,*.cpt,more - really nice features
                          (/mac/util/compression/stuffitlite3.06.sea.hqx)

Sun-tar                   For reading and writing *.tar files on mac

Zip it                    For expanding *.zip files - well done
                          (/mac/util/compression/zipit1.11.cpt.hqx)

EDITORS:

BBEdit-lite               Way fancy text editor with lots of bells
                          (/mac/util/text/bbeditlite2.3.cpt.hqx)

Edit II                   Nice simple editor - easy to use/learn
                          (/mac/util/text/edittwo2.14.cpt.hqx)


GAMES:

Card shell vol 1          Lots of card games - good package
                          (/mac/game/card/cardshellsolitaire1.0.cpt.hqx)

Columns ][                Tetris-ish with nice graphics
                          (/mac/game/card/cardshellsolitaire1.0.cpt.hqx)

Diamond                   Diamonds! One of my favorites (color)       
                          (/mac/game/arcade/diamonds1.6.cpt.hqx)

Eliza                     Computer AI simulator
                          (/mac/misc/compsci/eliza2.5.cpt.hqx)

Empire master demo        demo for a fun conquer-all game
                          (/mac/game/demo/empiremaster2.6.cpt.hqx)

Frac                      3-dimensional tetris (interesting)          
                          (/mac/game/arcade/frac1.0.cpt.hqx)

Klondike                  Solitaire!
                          (/mac/game/card/klondike5.1.cpt.hqx)

LemmingsDemo              Demo for a great Lemmings game - Nice color
                          (/mac/game/demo/lemmingsdemo.cpt.hqx)

MacNH311                  NET HACK! Great game - D&D role playing
                          (/mac/game/adventure/nethack3.13.cpt.hqx)

Maelstrom                 Author of Solarian's vers. of Asteroids
                          (/mac/game/space/maelstrom1.2.cpt.hqx)

Net trek                  Necessity for those with appletalk
                          (/mac/game/space/nettrek2.0.cpt.hqx)

Risk                      Nice color risk game
                          (/mac/game/board/risk.sit.hqx)

Solarian                  Fantastic Galaxian-ish color game (13" mon.)
                          (/mac/game/space/solariantwo1.04.cpt.hqx)

Starroids                 Nice b/w asteroids game
                          (/mac/game/space/solariantwo1.04.cpt.hqx)

Tetris max                Nice two player tetris game - color & b/w
                          (/mac/game/arcade/tetrismax2.0.sit.hqx)


GRAPHICS

Brad_Clip_Art             Hypercard clip art

Gif-converter             Necessary Gif/jpeg/etc viewer - REALLY nice
                          (/mac/graphics/graphicsutil/gifconverter2.32.cpt.hqx)

Giffer                    Fast Gif viewer
                          (/mac/graphics/graphicsutil/giffer1.12.cpt.hqx)

Jpegview                  View jpegs at a reasonable speed
                          (/mac/graphics/graphicsutil/jpegview2.0.cpt.hqx)

Popcorn                   Quicktime viewer
                          (/mac/graphics/quicktime/popcorn1.01.sit.hqx)

QuickTime                 MOOV format animation for Macs


MATH:

Matlab-demo               Powerful demo of MatLab - hardly stripped
                          (/mac/misc/demo/matlab1.2b.cpt.hqx)

Number-crunch             Fantastic calculator/grapher and more
                          (/mac/system.extensions/da/numbercrunch1.41.cpt.hqx)


BINARY files (for UNIX)

Macunpack                 Opens *.cpt *.sit and more - really nice
                          (/mac/util/unix/macutil2.0b1.shar)

Mcread                    Reads MacWrite files on unix
                          (/mac/util/unix/mcread1.01.tar.Z.uu)

Mcvert                    Convert *.hqx files - quite stable
                          (/mac/util/unix/mcvert2.12.shar)

Sit                       Create stuffit archives
                          (/mac/util/unix/sit.shar)

Sun2snd                   Convert *.au to a mac sound file

Unsea                     Get rid of *.sea and turn into *.cpt
                          (/mac/util/unix/unsea1.0.shar)

Unsit                     Expand OLD *.sit files
                          (/mac/util/unix/unsit1.5.shar)

MISC:

Macsbug                   Program switch interface - NICE debugger
                          [/dts/mac/tools/macsbug/* (bunch of stuff)]

Pspice                    PSpice for the Mac
                          (/mac/misc/compsci/pspice5.3.sit.hqx)

Windows3.0                Little windows gimmick for color macs
                          (/mac/graphics/graphicsutil/windows3.0.cpt.hqx)



DOCS: (if you've looked on mac.archive.umich.edu and can't find these
                           then feel free to ask me for any of these)



IBM1002-powerpc-processors.txt
IBM1002-technology-alliance.txt
Patent_Info        
afterdarkfaq0.3.txt
apple-mode32.txt
bestgames
cheats
interleavedmemory.txt
mac.rom
macfacts3.0a.txt
macfactstwo.txt
macibmcomparisons1.4.txt
mactcpinfo1.1.txt
mactricks
mactypes6.0a.txt
patches
pr0113-quicktime-apps.txt
what-is-apda.txt
Mac-faq
compsysmaccommfaq.txt
compsysmacgeneralfaq2.11.txt
compsysmacmiscfaq2.11.txt
compsysmacsystemfaq2.11.txt
csmprogrammerfaqlist.txt
hellcatsfaqtips1.0.txt
iisi25mhzupgradefaq.txt
powerbookfaq.txt
startupscreendeskpictfaq.txt


SOUNDPLAYERS: 

SampleEditor              Great interface to manipulate mac sounds
                          (/mac/graphics/graphicsutil/windows3.0.cpt.hqx)


SYSTEM:

AliasMenu                 Nice alias tricks   
                          (/mac/system.extensions/cdev/aliasmenu1.1.cpt.hqx)

Apollo                    Nice file launcher (expires quickly)
                          (/mac/system.extensions/init/apollo1.0.cpt.hqx)

AppMenu                   Lists currently running applications (sys7) 
                          (/mac/system.extensions/cdev/appmenu4.0.sit.hqx)

MODE32                    Run 32 bit clean on older machines (se30)   
                          [/dts/mac/mode32/apple-mode32.hqx]

Applicon                  Icons of currently running applications
                          (/mac/util/multifinder/applicon2.2.sit.hqx)

AutoMenus                 Auto-drop menus   
                          (/mac/system.extensions/cdev/automenusii1.02.cpt.hqx)

Bongo_Bob                 Fortune for your mac - random quotes
                          (/mac/system.extensions/init/bongobob3.02.sit.hqx)

Carpetbag                 Like Suitcase II but less fancy and cheaper
                          (/mac/system.extensions/cdev/carpetbag1.39.sit.hqx)

Dragging Windows          Drag windows, not their outlines - neat
                          (/mac/system.extensions/init/dragwindowii2.3.cpt.hqx)

DarkSide                  NICE NICE screensaver - nice price too
                          (/mac/util/screensaver/darkside4.0.sit.hqx)

Desk_Pattern              Great for 8,16,24 bit desktop patterns!
                          (/mac/system.extensions/cdev/deskpattern1.01.cpt.hqx)

Escapade                  Nice escape functions for sys7
                          (/mac/system.extensions/cdev/escapade1.32.sit.hqx)

FIM                       Folder Icon Maker 
                          (/mac/util/organization/foldericonmaker1.1.sit.hqx)

Gregs_buttons             Nice 'n fancy buttons for your mac (color)  
                          (/mac/system.extensions/cdev/gregsbuttons3.1.sit.hqx)

LogIn                     LogIn accounts for your Macintosh
                          (/mac/util/security/login2.1.cpt.hqx)

MenuDropper               Drop aliases and stuff onto your menu (AMI) 
                         (/mac/system.extensions/init/menudropper7.1b6.cpt.hqx)

Menuette                  Icons for your menu instead of heinous ascii
                          (/mac/system.extensions/cdev/menuette1.12.sit.hqx)

New_Fish                  FISH! backdrop for mac
                          (/mac/system.extensions/cdev/fish2.0.sit.hqx)

OtherMenu                 Excellent sys 7 addition - lots of features
                          (/mac/system.extensions/init/othermenu1.2.sit.hqx)

Peewee                    Get a YELL when you type the "magic" word
                          (/mac/system.extensions/init/peewee1.01.cpt.hqx)

Popchar                   Display all ASCII possibilities for a font
                          (/mac/system.extensions/cdev/popchar2.52.cpt.hqx)

Power-clicks              Extra features for mouse (?)
                          (/mac/system.extensions/cdev/powerclicks1.02.sit.hqx)

Resume-To-finder          Lets you always return to finder after crash
                        (/mac/system.extensions/cdev/resumetofinder2.0.sit.hqx)

SecureInit                Major security for mac - no floppy boots
                          (/mac/util/security/secureinit1.8.sit.hqx)

SpeedyFinder7             Tune finder for EXCELLENT features
                    (/mac/system.extensions/cdev/speedyfinderseven1.54.sit.hqx)

SwitchApp                 Switch applications with keyboard
                          (/mac/system.extensions/cdev/switchapp1.1.sit.hqx)

System7pack               Tweak finder settings - like speedyfinder
                          (/mac/util/organization/system7pack3.41.cpt.hqx)

System_Picker             "bless" a specific system folder for boot
                          (/mac/util/organization/systempicker1.0b11.sit.hqx)

TearOFFs                  TEAR OFF MENUS - cool - rip 'em off
                          (/mac/system.extensions/cdev/tearoffs1.0b4.cpt.hqx)

TrashMan                  Ultra-deluxe trash utility
                          (/mac/util/trashcan/trashman4.03.cpt.hqx)

Wild_Magic                Used with QUickTime for more features
                          (/mac/system.extensions/cdev/wildmagic2.0.sit.hqx)

WindowPicker              Kinda like Windowlist - Great also
                         (/mac/system.extensions/init/windowpicker1.02.sit.hqx)


UTILITIES:

About                     REALLY nice replacement for Finders "About macintosh"
                          (/mac/util/developer/about1.0.sit.hqx)

Auto assassin             Find repetitive/redundant aliases
                         (/mac/system.extensions/init/windowpicker1.02.sit.hqx)

Basic black               Effective no-nonsense screen-saver - cpu friendly
                          (/mac/util/screensaver/basicblack1.1.cpt.hqx)

Disinfectant              FREE virus fighter - a MUST
                          (/mac/util/virus/disinfectant3.2.sea.hqx)

Diskcopy                  Used with Image format files
                          [/dts/utils/diskcopy-4-2.hqx]

Extensions manager        Nice utility for choosing extensions/cps/SI
                          [/dts/mac/hacks/extensions-manager-2-0-1.hqx]

MICN16                    Icons for your Menu - cool stuff
                          (/mac/system.extensions/cdev/micn1.9.sit.hqx)

Prefs-cleaner             Get rid of out-dated pref files
                          (/mac/util/diskfile/prefscleaner1.1.cpt.hqx)

Resedit                   Used for editing mac apps - see RSRC's
                          [/dts/mac/tools/resedit…

Showing first 20,000 characters of 20,159 total. Open the full document →

Date: Mon, 21 Mar 94 08:50:53 MEZ
From: "Dr. Stefan P. Mueller"
Subject: MEDLINE on CD-ROM [Summary]

On Wednesday, 23 Feb 94 I asked for advice on MEDLINE systems on CD-ROM:
>
> We want to buy MEDLINE on a CD-Rom (medical reference database). I am
> aware of "SilverPlatter" (we are using it on a PC in the campus library)
> and "Knowledge Finder".
>
> 1.  Which other MEDLINE systems are available?
> 2.  Are there comparative reviews?
> 3.  Please send your personal experiences!
>

I want to thank tan@aeolus.vmsmail.ethz.ch (Song Tan), WJST%GSF.DE (Matthias
Wyst), jerry_di_salvo@merck.com (Jerry Di Salvo), deutsch@sfu.ca (Maurice
Deutsch), gormanp@ohsu.EDU (Paul Gorman), ACAPUTO@ACS.SAULTC.ON.CA (Aldo J
Caputo), and sridar@nil.mni.mcgill.ca (Sridar Narayanan) for their comments.

Thefollowing systems are available:

    - Silver Platter
    - Knowledge Finder
    - Ovid Medline by CDPLUS
    - Stat-Ref
    - Peruse (used by McGill's McIntyre Medical library)
    - Macintosh Medline by Telnet (call 800-638-8480)

Paul Gorman sent the following brief reviews which also reflect the opinions
found in other responses:

-  KNOWLEDGE FINDER: Mac and Win versions have same interface; scalable to
networks of varying sizes, available in magnetic (much faster) as well as
CD-ROM formats; offers natural language query entry, MESH mapping, subheadings,
relevance ranking; especially attractive to novices who find it "intuitive."

-  CD-PLUS (OVID): Win, DOS, and terminal versions have same interface and
functions (Mac said to be in planned); scalable to networks of varying sizes,
(Novell or Unix) available in magnetic and cd-rom formats; MESH mapping, scope
notes, subheadings;  easy to use for novices, appeals to experienced searchers
because it offers most full MEDLINE functionality, etc.  Can add other
databases, such as CINAHL, etc.

-  STAT-REF:  Mac and Win versions have same interface and functions; no
network version of which I am aware;  combines clinical subset (eg primary
care, cardiology, etc.) of recent MEDLINE with separately licensed full-text of
textbooks on same disk;  natural language queries without MESH or full MEDLINE
functions.  Intended more for physicians in practice.

-  full text of various high-profile journals are available if you're needs are
narrow and clinical.

-  don't forget NLM Grateful Med access over internet.  (contact NLM).


-  Silver Platter:  Paul has no experience with Silver Platter. Silver Platter
is in use at our campus library and has been satisfactory for me and others,
however, I haven't had a chance to compare it to other systems. It uses plain
English as well as MESH heading searches with a Boolean search logic.


Song Tan sent the following comparison of Silver Platter and Knowledge Finder:

"...  By some strange coincidence, I posted almost exactly that same question
on bionet.software about one or two weeks ago.  I've gotten a few replies, but
nothing hugely illuminating.  A couple of people said they were using Silver
Platter and were satisfied. One person was strongly against Knowledge Finder
because he felt that the search engine wasn't very good.
    I've played with a demo disk of Knowledge Finder, and I have access to
Silver Platter, so I have some idea of these two different front ends.
Knowledge Finder makes a big deal that one can use plain sentences or phrases
to search, instead of using Boolean type logic. I don't really see any
advantage to Knowledge Finder's scheme since our lab is perfectly happy to use
Boolean searches (AND, OR, NOT). Silver Platter's search engine seems fine
(Boolean search logic). The major difference between the Silver Platter and
Knowledge Finder seems to be that SP comes with one year's of Medline on one
CD-ROM, where KF has 2-3 years of Medline per CD-ROM.  Prices are about the
same for SP and KF, so we are leaning towards KF.  At the present time, SP does
not support multiple year searches (i.e., even you have several CD-ROM drives,
so that all the disks you want to search are accessible, SP will not perform an
uninterrupted multiple year search.  You will have to tell the program to check
each year individually, although you don't have to actually type in the search
words again.  KF doesn't support multiple year searches either, but at least
you have less CD-ROMs to cover.
    I'm going to try and ask our local distributor for a trial version of KF so
that I can really test whether KF's search engine is faulty. The person who
wrote and said that he didn't like KF said that KF seemed to miss items that SP
picked out.  Bit worrying, that. If not for this, KF would be our choice."

I followed up on the missed search items with Knowledge Finder and got a reply
from Matthias Wyst in German. He had the opportunity to evaluate both systems
over extended periods of time in daily work. His comparison of Knowledge Finder
and Silver Platter led to the conclusion that the coverage of Knowledge Finder
is clearly inferior to Silver Platter. He asserts that this is also reflected
in the smaller number of CD's the system is stored on.

Maurice Deutsch recommended SilverPlatter "... but if you can afford it, take a
look at Medline on CDPLUS's Ovid. It'll run on either a dos or, better yet, a
unix platform. It's fast, has a very fast search engine, lots of built in help,
intelligent searching--will normally look for something typed in in Mesh; if
that fails it will search titles and abstracts--you can search Medline in
groups of years, 4 groups from 1966 to the present. At Simon Fraser University,
I have access to a unix version running at the University of British Columbia.
It has lots of smart features built in; cdplus really did it homework. The
version at UBC also has Nursing and Allied Health, and Health Planning and
Admin. I was really stuck by the speed of doing complex exploded searche ..."
Maurice also suggested a recent article: Ovid/Medline, A gourmet choice. Pter
Jacso, DATABASE, Feb, 1994, 31-38.

Network based systems were suggested by Aldo J Caputo who read about the
possibility of connecting to Macintosh Medline by Telnet (call 800-638-8480).
Paul Gorman suggested the NLM Grateful Med access over internet (how does this
work?) and Sridar Narayanan mentioned the Peruse system at McGill's McIntyre
Medical library: "... Basically they have a server at the library with a huge
disk array containing the database, which I believe is updated weekly.  Your
perform the search using the Peruse client on a workstation or networked PC or
Mac, which connects to the server via the net.  It's actually faster than using
the CD-ROMs locally, and can be conveniently used at your desk."

Unfortunately, nobody gave addresses and phone/FAX numbers of the publishers
(preferably not just 1-800 numbers which are not accessible from Europe). I
wouldn't mind if this sparked some controversy (e.g. about the relative merrits
of the search engines) and I am also perfectly willing to compile a second
short summary with addresses and phone numbers of the publishers of MEDLINE
products.

Thank you again for your responses.

Stefan

Date: Fri, 10 Jun 1994 16:45:53 -0500
From: Fokke de Boer <Fokke.de.Boer@rivm.nl>
Subject: F A Q   on S-COM

================= F A Q   on S-COM follows ==========================

Symbolic Composer FAQ - version 1.1

Last updated: Jun 2, 1994

Hi! I'm Fokke de Boer and running the Lodge, a non-profit network of
algorithmic composers using S-COM. A lot of people have
been asking me what Symbolic Composer is. So, I made up a sort of FAQ.

What is Symbolic Composer?

Symbolic Composer is a lisp-based modular music language for scoring
music of any style and complexity. It enables you to write music in a
very high-level language, and use this composition model to produce
MIDI files. There are no limitations concerning music style and
complexity, but it requires a certain design thinking approach.

On what platform does it run?

S-COM runs only in the Macintosh and requires at least 4 MB RAM.
It requires that you already are familiar with sequencers or
scorewriters. In fact, you will need one on your machine.
The language was initially developed on the Atari, but that version is
not available anymore. The current 3.1 version runs only on the Mac.

How does it operate?

First, you write the composition using the Modular Music Language.
Then you compile the file. The compiler produces a MIDI file, which
you play back with your sequencer.

What sort of language is it?

The language consists of 250 operations categorized in several
classes: generators, processors, neurons, definers, libraries,
transformers, tonalizers and analyzers. Operations like
transpose, retrograde, invert, mix, ornament, filter, shift,
scroll, morph etc. are applicable to melodies, chords, rhythms,
durations, velocities, channels & program changes, controllers,
tempos and composition structures. Operations can be daisy-chained
and nested. Grammars are used to define score time structures
and instruments.

Who is it for?

It is not for beginners. You already must have a couple of years
experience on MIDI systems. Some experience with programming will
be helpful too. It is not an easy language! The system focuses on
non-interactive composing and don't allow interactive MIDI generation.
But if you are interested in exploring what fractals and chaos can
offer for music, then S-COM is one of the best systems around. Also, if
you are scoring music for real orchestras or doing special
film scores, then S-COM is the perfect tool. But, as said, it's
a designer's tool and not suitable for the average MIDI user.

Has anyone used S-COM to compose a song on the charts?

The Shamen in UK have been using S-COM to score music. The Who
guitarist Pete Townsend has also S-COM. In UK, where the system
come out from the virtual reality user group in the beginning of
1990, there are many illegal copies of the Atari version around,
mainly in London. Copies have also been encountered in IRCAM, CCRMA
and STEIM. Several scores for real orchestras have been produced
with S-COM.

Is anyone using S-COM with Max?

There is at least one composer who has used Max to fire S-COM
generated MIDI files in an art exhibition. This way you can
take advance of the powerful interactivity of MAX and can get
over with its limitations in composing.

Can S-COM run on a Sun workstation for more speed?

The compilation speed is almost instant on Quadras so you don't
need a Sun. The environment is full graphical with floating
pallettes, where you can pick up commands. To get docs you can
double click commands. There's also the graffiti screen which
ables you to draft S-COM components for further processing with
fourier resynthesis, filtering, interpolating and quantizing.

Is it public domain?

No. It is a commercial product.

Is there a demo version somewhere?

Yes, there is one, but from what I have seen myself it is no more
than a quite unstable set of screens. There are not many examples to load,
you cannot compile MIDI files, although it LOOKS as if you can. The demo
will crash if you try (I think. Or was it that a message popped up?).
The commercial version is quite stable though.
If you want to have a try, you can ftp it from wagner.musicnet.ua.edu
in pub/music. There you can also find some soundsamples of music created
with S-COM. Both are also available at the Mail Server (info below).

You cannot do anything serious with the demo. That is because S-COM is a
modular music language. Giving only few commands to play around would
not favour the language. This is the same reason why you have not seen
a cut out demo Basic with 10 commands. You really cannot program anything
in a limited language. Comments from Peter Stone on the demo:
  " The demo is a bit unstable because I had to use dirty programming tricks
        to defunctionalize it. You should also give 4-6 MB memory for it to
        breath, not the 2 MB which is mentioned as a minimum in the get
        information screen." (Peter Stone)

How are you communicating?

Via email. The Lodge Network is a list of email addresses of people
working with S-COM. You can contact these people if you feel like
it. Maybe, when the Network develops further, it may grow into a
mailing list. Or we could add (a) field(s) reporting the things
you are "good" at. So, for instance, you could ask questions about
L-systems to me (NO NO, I am NOT an expert yet!)
Then there is the Mail Server. You can reach it by sending me email
with Subject: line reading "retrieve directory". You will receive
a listing of available files and instructions how to get them.
If you have anything to contribute, please email me for details.
The server contains/will contain algorithms, element libraries,
strategies for scoring, song grammars, scores and composition models.
If you want a quick and short example of what the code looks like, send
me email with Subject: "retrieve example.txt from SymbComp". Again, the
BODY of the message is discarded! ONLY the header is processed by the Mail
Server.

If you have more questions, feel free to send them to me! I'll try to
answer them and keep the FAQ updated regularly.

Fokke
--
Fokke de Boer    ---  0         ___|\__    Hobbies: Human Powered Vehicles
                 -- _|\_/\_     ___|_\_             Music (making/composing)
____________________(_)__()_______O_________________________
EMAIL  Fokke.de.Boer@rivm.nl    _______
SNAIL  RIVM, dep. MTV, PO Box 1, 3720 BA Bilthoven, The Netherlands
PHONE  (..31) 30 743530                      FAX  (..31) 30 250740

Date: Tue, 16 Nov 93 10:01:03 +0100
From: Karl.Pottie@uz.kuleuven.ac.be (Karl Pottie)
Subject: Server Tools Press Release

SERVER TOOLS(TM) SHIPS

Contact:
Philip Zarboulas

Santorini
2147 Union Street
Upper Level
San Francisco, CA   94123

Voice: (415) 563-7157
Fax: (415) 563-0332
AppleLink: SANTORINI
Internet: SANTORINI@AppleLink.Apple.com


SAN FRANCISCO, CA-- 15 NOV 93

Santorini Consulting & Design, Inc. today shipped Server Tools(TM), a
comprehensive collection of applications which allows network
administrators to more effectively and efficiently manage their servers,
including AppleShare servers, mail servers and database servers, amongst
others.  With Server Tools, administrators can detect and avert problems,
improve security, manage disk space, account for disk usage, and perform
audit trails, on their servers.

Server Tools consists of the following nine applications:

** Disk Audit(TM) **
Monitors changes to server disks by keeping an audit trail of new folders
or files, deleted folders or files, changed files, or even renamed or moved
folders and files.  Also allows administrators to determine which folders
and files are responsible for increases and decreases in their servers'
disk space.

** Disk Cleaner(TM) **
Organizes server disks, reduces clutter, and eliminates problems by
searching for duplicate applications, duplicate documents, orphaned
aliases, files with bad dates, empty folders or files, and other similar
situations.  Disk Cleaner also builds lists of files which haven't been
modified for a given period of time, or conversely, builds lists of files
which have been modified since a given period of time.

** Disk Accountant(TM) **
Builds sortable disk usage reports of AppleShare servers by user and by
group, and optionally, bills these users and groups based on the amount of
disk usage.  Disk Accountant also builds reports of disk usage based on
document type and creator.  All reports can be exported to tab-delimited
text files for subsequent analysis by spreadsheet or other applications.

** Space Probe(TM) **
Continuously monitors servers for low disk space situations, and notifies
administrators accordingly through e-mail or pager.  Requires QuickMail for
mail support, and Notify! for paging support.  Future mail support will
include PowerTalk (AOCE).

** Crash Guard(TM) **
Keeps servers up-and-running, even if administrators aren't present.
CrashGuard automatically reboots Macs when they have experienced a System
Error, or when they have 'frozen', thus guaranteeing uninterrupted access
to servers.  Logs of all CrashGuard activities are maintained on the server
for subsequent analysis.

** ViewPoint(TM) **
Builds reports on which users can see which folders/volumes on an
AppleShare file server, or which folders/volumes can be seen by which
users, and the reason why.  ViewPoint helps administrators understand the
privileges they have set for their AppleShare servers, detects security
breaches, and averts calls from users who can't access the data they need
to.

** LoopHole(TM) **
Improves network security by allowing administrators to instantly see which
AppleShare servers (including Macs with file-sharing) have guest access
enabled, from the comfort of their own desk.

** Cache Register(TM) **
Allows administrators to monitor and tweak the cache performance of their
AppleShare Pro servers (WorkGroup Server 95s), ensuring they get the most
out of their investment.

** Remote Reboot **
Allows administrators to restart or shut down any Mac server, from the
comfort of their own desk.  Now, administrators can remotely install
startup software on any server, and restart it for the software to take
effect.   Or, they can shut down all of their servers at once from their
own desk before going home at the end of the day.


Server Tools is available now at an introductory price of $195.  Individual
server tools can be purchased for $95.  The price includes one year of free
technical support and upgrades.

...........................................................................

Santorini is a California corporation founded in 1990.   Santorini is the
developer of network management software that includes Technology Works'
GraceLAN Server Manager, Dayna Communication's Network Vital Signs (1993
Eddy Award Finalist), Dayna Communication's NetScope Console, and Farallon
Computing, Inc.'s TrafficWatch II.

Santorini also developed the prototype and concept of Symantec's
best-selling AutoDoubler utility, and co-developed the concept behind Bit
Juggler's recently released UnderWare.

...........................................................................

Server Tools, Disk Audit, Disk Accountant, Disk Cleaner, Space Probe,
ViewPoint, LoopHole, CrashGuard, and Cache Register are trademarks of
Santorini Consulting & Design, Inc.   All other names are trademarks of
their respective companies.



--
Karl Pottie                           e-mail: karl@uz.kuleuven.ac.be
Mac Support                  University Hospitals of Leuven, Belgium

Date: Fri, 1 Jan 93 19:55:32 -0800 
From: bskendig@netcom.com (Brian Kendig)
Subject: The Macintosh Secret Trick List 

Here is my New and Improved Macintosh Secret Tricks List.
Enjoy, and I'll see you at MacWorld in San Francisco!

----------------

                                                          .__________.
  .__________________________________________________.    | Contents |
  |                                                  |    |================|
  |  The Macintosh Secret Trick List                 | .  | Hardware       |
  |  compiled by Brian Kendig (bskendig@netcom.com)  | .  | System         |
  |                                          ____    | .  | Other software |
  |  All-new for 1993!  January edition.    | OK |   | .  | Useful tips .  |
  |                                         `----'   | .  `-------------|\-'
  `--------------------------------------------------' .                |_\
      .................................................    (c)1993 bsk    \


Welcome to the Macintosh Secret Trick List!  A "trick", also known as
a "cookie" or an "easter egg", is something amusing or otherwise
nonproductive (like a poem, a picture, or a song) hidden in a program.
It won't appear unless you do some action you wouldn't normally do, so
you can't find it unless you know what you're looking for.

Some really clever About boxes are mentioned in this list too, and
I've also included a few interesting, useful, and little-known tips
further down that are really handy to know.

Please report corrections to me, no matter how insignificant!  
New info about tricks will be attributed and very much appreciated.

You may (of course!) distribute information about these tricks freely,
but please keep my name on this list if you pass it around whole.
It's okay to distribute this list in electronic format (on disks or
CD-ROMs, over Usenet or BBS's, &c.), but if you'd like to use this
material in a book or newsletter, please contact me first for
permission, and you'll get it.  :-)  It would also be nice to let me
know if you're including this list in a users' group collection, or on
a CD-ROM, or so forth.  So far, this list has been printed in the BMUG
newsletter, translated into Japanese and printed in the Japanese
users' group "MuON" newsletter, used in the upcoming book "Maximizing
your Mac", and distributed on Nautilus and Pacific Hitech CD-ROMs.

Thanks to the people who have written similar lists, from which I've
gotten plenty of ideas: J. D. Sterling Babcock and Mike Kimura, among
others.  For corrections to stuff I had wrong here, thanks go to Paul
Franklin and Seth Pettie.

The list has grown to such a size that I can't personally verify every
trick here, so if you just can't get something to work, please tell me!


  -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-

The information below tells what to do to make a trick happen, then
gives away what the trick really is.  If you don't want the trick
spoiled (that is, you don't want to know what it does until you try it
yourself), you can display only the instructions for making it happen
(the lines that begin with an equals sign) with the Unix command

        grep '^=' tricks

where "tricks" is the name of this file.  (Or, have your favorite Mac
text editor remove all lines that don't begin with an equals sign.)

If you want to skip forward to the "Useful Tips" section, have your
software search for three asterisks ('***') now.


= -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
=
=                              Hardware
=
= Macintosh Plus
= From the debugger, enter "G 40E118" (that's a zero, not an oh).
= (To get into the debugger, press the button on the left side of your
= machine closer to the back.  If you're running System 7, just Shut
= Down your machine, then while the "you may turn off your Macintosh
= safely" dialog is displayed, press the button.)
=
  This gives you a tiny "Stolen from Apple Computer" message in the
  upper left-hand corner of your screen.

----------------
= Macintosh SE
= From the debugger, enter "G 41D89A".
= (See the trick above for info on how to get into the debugger.)

  Four bitmap pictures of the Macintosh development team appear as a
  slideshow.  Reboot (hit the button on the left side of the machine
  closer to the front, with the triangle on it) to get out of the
  endless cycle.

= Also, try entering "G 4188A4" into the debugger.
=
  This gives you a tiny "Stolen from Apple Computer" message in the
  upper left-hand corner of your screen.
  (Contributed by J. D. Sterling Babcock)  

----------------
= Macintosh Classic
= Hold down Command-Option-x-o right after you turn on or reboot the
= machine.
=
  The Classic starts up from a minimal ROM-disk which contains
  System 6.0.3, Finder 6.1x, and AppleShare.  (This version of the
  System is not recommended for use with the Classic, so you probably
  shouldn't boot off it to do any important work.)  If you look at
  the ROM-disk with a program able to see invisible files (like ResEdit
  or MacTools), you'll find a folder named "Brought to you by" hidden
  there, containing more hidden folders bearing the names of the Classic
  designers.  (The keys `X' and `O' were chosen because the development
  name of the Classic was the "Mac XO", or was it OX?)  Also, there's
  an invisible application in the System Folder named "Launch" and set
  as the startup application; anybody know what it does?
  (Thanks to Charles Gousha for more info.)

----------------
= Macintosh SE/30 (with MacsBug loaded)
= Press the interrupt switch to dump yourself into the system debugger.
= Use the command "dm 4082E853 20" to display a few bytes of memory from
= location 4082E853 onwards.
=
  The bytes there spell out, in ascii, "WHAT ARE YOU STARING AT?"
  (Contributed by Esa Ristila)

----------------
= Macintosh IIci
= Set the system date to 9/20/89 (the release date of the IIci), and set
= your monitor to 8-bit color.  Restart while holding Command-Option-c-i.
=
  You'll see a color picture of the IIci design team.  Click the mouse
  to continue.  (Other color settings might also work...)

----------------
= Macintosh IIfx
= Set the system date to 3/19/90 (the release date of the IIfx), and
= restart while holding down Command-Option-f-x.
=
  You'll see a color picture of the IIfx design team.  Click the mouse
  to continue.

----------------
= Macintosh ROMs (any of them)
= With a debugger, look at the last few locations on the ROM of your machine.
=
  Developers put their initials there, as well as the date that the ROM
  was linked.  For example, the 128k ROM (Mac Plus) contains, at $41FFC0-
  $41FFFF:
      ALR ELR BA BMB EHB JTC SC DLD PWD KWK LAK SEL BWed, Nov 6, 1985
  which are the initials of ?, Erich Ringewald, Bill Atkinson, Bill Bruffey,
  Ernie Beernik (sp?), Jerome Coonan, Steve Capps, Donn Denmann, Pat Dirks,
  ?, Larry Kenyon, and ?.
  (Contributed by Scott Lindhurst and Ed Tecot)

----------------
= Apple Fax Modem
= While holding down the button on the front panel, turn on the modem.
= The modem will beep three times.  After the three beeps, press the
= button again three times, timed exactly in "rhythm" with the beeps.
=
  If your timing is correct, the modem will speak the digitally-recorded
  voices of the three developers saying their names ("Peter, Alan, Neal").
  (Contributed by Neal Johnson and Alex Rosenberg)


= -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
=
=                               System
=	  ("7.0" means 7.0.0 or 7.0.1 and probably 7.1 also)
=
= Multifinder 1.0 (distributed with System Software prior to 6.0)
= Hold down Command and Option while selecting "About Multifinder"
= from the bottom of the Apple menu.
=
  A scrolling list of credits appears.
  (Contributed by Seth Theriault)

----------------
= Multifinder 6.0
= Select "About Multifinder" and leave the dialog up for about an
= hour or more.  (Yes, this means you can't use your machine meanwhile.)
=
  A message will appear:
    "I want my"
    "I want my"
    "I want my l--k and f--l"
  You can also see this message if you snoop around in the 'STR#'
  resources of Multifinder for a while with ResEdit.
  (Contributed by Tony Cooper and James Boswell)

----------------
= System 6.0.7, 6.0.8, or 7.0
= Take a look through the data fork of the System File (with MacSnoop
= or MacTools, or open it with MS Word).  (It's short.)
=
  The string "Help! Help! We're being held prisoner in a system
  software factory!" is in the data fork, with a list of the names
  of the Blue Meanies (the System 7 developers).
  (Contributed by Kevin Bolduan and Seth Theriault)

----------------
= System 6.0.7J (Kanjitalk)
= Set the clock to January 1, 1992, and restart.
=
  The startup screen says "Happy new year" in Japanese.
  (Contributed by Junio Hamano)

----------------
= System 7.0
= With ResEdit, take a look at STR# resource -16415 in the System file.

  The first string in the resource reads "May you code in
  interesting times."
  (Posted to Usenet by Nigel Stanger)

= Also, while running System 7, try renaming a disk to "Like Wow Man.
= HFS For 7.0!" (where the space after 'Man.' is actually an option-space;
= you'll have to type this somewhere else like the Notepad then cut/paste
= it into the disk name).  Then eject the disk with Command-E, and double-
= click on the greyed-out disk icon.
=
  The Mac will ask you to please re-insert "HFS for 7.0 by dns and ksct".
  (The intials are of David N. Feldman and Kenny S. C. Tung, who wrote
  the HFS extensions for System 7.)  Other disk names work, due to the
  way the name is checked; try "KMEG JJ KS" or "Hello world JS N A DTP".
  (Found by Francois Grieu and mentioned in TidBITS #143)

----------------
= Finder 7.0
= Hold down Option while choosing "About This Macintosh".
=
  (The menu option changes to "About the Finder", and if balloon help is
  turned on, the balloon now reads "Displays a dialog with the original
  Finder picture.")  The original picture of the mountains from "About
  the Finder" in System 1.0 appears.  If the creation date of the
  invisible "Desktop Folder" is May 13, 1991 (System 7's release date)
  or later, the names of all the Finder developers through Mac and Lisa
  history also scroll by.  Hold down Command-Option while choosing
  "About" to get a goofy-face cursor.

----------------
= Caches 7.0.1 (on a Quadra)
= Turn on balloon help and point to the version number.
= Also, try option-clicking on the version number.
=
  The balloon reads "Wink, wink".  Option-clicking makes the "040"
  icon whoosh to the side, revealing the name of the programmer.
  (Contribued by Kemi Jona)

----------------
= Caps Lock 7.0.1 (on a PowerBook 100, 140, 145, or 170)
= Turn on balloon help and point to the Caps Lock file icon.
=
  The balloon help reads: "This file allows your Macintosh TIM or
  Derringer to display an icon..."  (These were the working names of the
  first PowerBooks; Apple forgot to change the extension before System
  7.0.1 was released!  Whoops.)
  (Contributed by Seth Theriault and Fabian Hahn)

----------------
= Color Control Panel 7.0
= Click on the Sample Text a few times.
=
  The strings "by Dean Yu" "& Vincent Lo" alternate.

----------------
= Labels Control Panel 7.0
= Delete all the label names in the Labels control panel, and reboot.
=
  The labels are now "None," "a", "l", "a", "n", "j", "e", "f".

----------------
= Map Control Panel
= Type MID as the city name, and click Find.  Also try: clicking on the
= version number, option-clicking on Find, opening the control panel
= while you hold down shift and/or option, clicking somewhere in the Map
= and dragging off the edge of it, or copying the map from the Scrapbook
= and pasting it while the Map control panel is open.
=
  The stored point MID is actually "Middle of Nowhere", an insignificant
    location in the middle of the South Atlantic.  (This one was added
    in version 7.0.)
  Clicking on the "7.0" puts "v7.0, by Mark Davis" into the city name
    field until you release the mouse button.
  Option-clicking on Find repeatedly will take you alphabetically to
      every city the Map knows.
  Opening the control panel while you hold down the shift key will
    display a magnified map (the resolution is the same, so it's very jagged).
    Opening it with option held down magnifies it more, and shift-option
    magnifies it even more to the point of being really blocky.
  Dragging off the edge of the map will scroll around the world.
  You can paste a new picture into the control panel; the Scrapbook that
    comes with System 7 includes a particularly good color map.
  (Contributed by Takeshi Miyazaki and Doc O'Leary)

----------------
= Memory Control Panel 7.0 (on a machine capable of virtual memory)
= Turn on virtual memory and hold down Option while clicking on the
= pop-up menu used to choose a hard drive for your swapfile.
=
  This brings up a hierarchical pop-up menu with the names of the
  programmers; each name points to a submenu with a few comments.
  (Contributed by Povl Hessellund Pedersen)

----------------
= Monitors Control Panel 7.0
= Click the version number (7.0) in the control panel window.  While you
= hold down the mouse button, tap Option several times.
=
  When you click, a box pops up with the names of the people who wrote
  Monitors.  Pressing Option makes the smiley face stick out its tongue.
  After tapping Option several times, the names begin to get rearranged
  and some first and last names get replaced with "Blue" or "Meanies".

----------------
= Finder 7.0 and MacsBug
= Turn on Balloon Help and point to the MacsBug file.
=
  The balloon reads: "This file provides programmers with information
  proving that it really was a hardware problem..."

----------------
= QuickTime
= Turn on Balloon Help and point to the QuickTime file.

  The balloon reads: "time n. A nonspatial continuum in which events
  occur in apparently irreversible succession from the past to the
  present to the future."
  (Contributed by Kristopher Nasadowski)


= -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
=
=                           Other Software
=
= Adobe Photoshop
= Hold down the Option key and select "About Photoshop".
=
  A dialog crediting "Knoll Software" as the original designers appears.
  (Contributed by Karl-Koenig Koenigsson)

----------------
= Blackjack (the shareware version by Ed Trice)
= Even though the docs say this won't run on anything older than an SE<
= try running it on a Mac Plus.
=
  The dialog reads "This program requires at least a Macintosh SE.
  Please call Smithsonian to donate your antique."
  (Contributed by Mark Nagata)

----------------
= Claris CAD
= Hold down the Option key and select "About Claris CAD".
=
  A system configuration summary appears.
  (Contributed by Karl-Koenig Koenigsson)

----------------
= ColorSnap (comes with the Computer Friends ColorSnap 32+ card)
= Select "About ColorSnap", and click on each of the two programmers' faces.
=
  Clicking on the right face puts him in Freddie Krueger garb and adds the
  caption "Hacking the Freddie Krueger way".  Clicking on the left face
  replaces it with a can of Mountain Dew with the caption "Mountain Dew,
  the programmer's beverage of choice".
  (Contributed by King Rhoton)

----------------
= CompuServe Information Manager 2.0.2
= Option-click on the spinning earth in the About box, and hold the
= mouse button down.
=
  The earth spins in the other direction.  Eventually, other windows will
  appear, giving credit to the authors.
  (Contributed by Rene Ros)

----------------
= Dark Castle
= Try playing the game on December 25 (or set your system's clock to
= that date, and play the game).
=
  A Christmas tree appears in the foyer.
  (Contributed by Philip Craig)

----------------
= DART (Apple's Disk Archiving and Retrieval)
= Select "About DART", and click on the picture of the dartboard.
=
  A credits animation will play; clicking on the text area while the
  credits are displaying will make them go by faster.
  (Contributed by Oliver Breidenbach)

----------------
= Disinfectant
= Select "About Disinfectant", and hold a menu down to pause the
= advancing virus names while the music plays (to prevent the foot
= from arriving too soon and stopping the music).
=
  John Norstad appears in one half of the dialog, while in the other
  half an animated sequence of virus names march out as the Monty Python
  theme song plays, until they get stomped by a huge foot.  Holding down
  a menu pauses the viruses but not the music, and if you hold the menu
  down long enough, the entire theme song (John Philip Sousa's "Liberty
  Bell March") will play!  (You may have to release the mouse button
  every now and then if the music does stop.)
  (Contributed by Dave Claytor and Mitchell Marmel)

----------------
= FaxMaker (the fax utility that comes with the PowerBook 170)
= Click on the icon in the about box.
=
  The arrow pointer changes into a mouse, and a scrolling list of
  the developers appears.
  (Contributed by Fabian Hahn)

----------------
= Finale 2.x
= Select "About Finale" and wait for a few seconds.
=
  The conductor walks away.
  (Contributed by Arthur Rishi)

----------------
= FlashWrite II
= Hold down Option as you select "About FlashWrite II" under the "star" logo.
=
  A Mr. Mojo Risin' quotation appears.
  (Contributed by Dave Claytor)

----------------
= FrameMaker
= Put the word "Interleaf" into a document, and spell-check it.
=
  FrameMaker will substitute "FrameMaker" wherever it finds "Interleaf".
  (Interleaf is FrameMaker's competition.)
  (Contributed by Erik Ableson)

----------------
= HyperCard 2.x
= Hold down Option as you select "About Hypercard...".
=
  In 2.1, you get a dialog describing your system setup.  In either 2.0
  or 2.1, the chooser name, if you've entered one, appears in the
  "HyperCard by" title.  (That is, if you entered "Joe Cool" as your
  name in the Chooser (6.0) or Sharing Setup (7.0), the top of the
  window will read "HyperCard by Joe Cool".  If you have no Chooser
  name, one of the names of the many developers is put there.)
  Also, on any recent Mac (ones that require System 7.0.1 or 7.1),
  you will be told your system is a "Macintosh Macintosh".
  (Thanks to Seth Theriault for more info.)

----------------
= Installer
= On version 3.0.1 (the one that comes with System 6.0.7 and 6.0.8),
= after dismissing the initial welcome dialog, type "ski".

  A humorous list of the developers will appear, and you will be able
  to choose from five wait-cursors: the hand with the moving fingers
  (standard), a spinning globe, the familiar spinning disc, the even
  more familiar wristwatch, and dots that move.
  (Contributed by John DeRosa and John Hawkinson)

= Here's another: On version 3.2 (the one that comes with System 7),
= hold down command and option while the Easy Install screen is up.
=
  The Help button becomes "About", and clicking on it brings up a few
  screens of credits.
  (Contributed by Matthew Russotto)

----------------
= Jam Session
= Choose "About Jam Session".
=
  The credits are displayed on the label of a record, and you can hear
  it click (as an old record does after it's played to the end).  When
  you click the mouse to dismiss the dialog, you hear the scratching
  noise of the needle being lifted off the record.
  (Contributed by Joe Campbell)

----------------
= KiwiEnvelopes! 3.1
= Choose "About KiwiEnvelopes!".
=
  A letter is deposited into a mail truck which then rolls off the screen.
  After it leaves, a marquee shows the names of the development team.
  (Contributed by Dave Claytor)

----------------
= MacDraw Pro
= Hold down Option while selecting "About MacDraw Pro".
=
  The dialog shows your system setup.
  (Contributed by Dave Claytor)

----------------
= MacPaint 2.0 (only the first few copies, …

Showing first 20,000 characters of 36,661 total. Open the full document →

From: DaBexCo@aol.com
Date: Wed, 25 Jan 1995 02:41:30 -0500
Subject: double clicking on Netware

Hi,

I saw your problem (on Info-Mac) about double clicking files and not being
able to launch application on the server.

We have had that problem on some of our macs.  Not all of them though.  I
recently got the latest NetWare client files for the Mac.  On the disk is a
file called Extension Mapper.  I read the ReadMe file on the disk.  Here is
what it says:

( I appologize, this is long.  But I thought all of it would be of interest
to you).


Extension Mapper 1.0 Read Me 

NOTE: The Extension Mapper application works only with NetWare servers
running NetWare for Macintosh 4.0. 
 

== About Extension Mapping ==

Extension mapping associates Macintoshr application information with filename
extensions. The Extension Mapper utility on the Macintosh allows a user to
create and configure his or her own lists of mappings. The same file can be
associated with different icons; users can therefore double-click an icon for
the same file and launch different applications. For example, one Macintosh
user can view a file created with WordPerfectr on a DOS PC as a Microsoft
Wordr file, while another can view it as a MacWriter file.

When using the Extension Mapper, keep these points in mind:

* Extension mapping does not alter the contents or formatting of a file. The
application associated with the file must understand the format of the file
being launched.
  
* Both DOS and Macintosh files are mapped. In the case of a Macintosh file,
the existing Type and Creator is overridden in the Finder TO THE TYPE AND
CREATOR OF THE MAPPING.
 
* Extension mapping does not alter DOS files in any way. However, extension
mapping may cause Macintosh files to have their Type and Creator permanently
changed by the Finderx, or by writing the file.

* The Extension Mapper application provides predefined default extension
mappings. These defaults are listed in the section "Default Extension
Mappings," below. If you double-click a file and the default application
associated with the file is unavailable, the Finder informs you that the
application that created the file cannot be found.

* For the Extension Mapper to work with files stored on server volumes, you
must enable extension mapping at the server with the AFPCON utility. If you
start the utility before extension mapping is turned on at the server, you
must exit the application and restart it in order to see the mappings.
 
* A file named MY.DOCUMENT in the Macintosh name space will have the name
MY.DOC in the DOS name space. As a result, the Extension Mapper interprets
the filename extension as .DOC and maps the filename to the application
associated with the .DOC filename extension. So, you should keep in mind that
a file renamed for the DOS name space may have unexpected mappings.


== Default Extension Mappings ==

These are the default applications and file types associated with each
filename extension:

.APP: Omnis 7r application 
.CSV: Comma-separated values (DOS),  Microsoft Excelr 3.0 (Macintosh)
.DBF: Database file 
.DIF: Visicalcx file (DOS), Microsoft Excel 3.0 (Macintosh)
.DF1: Omnis 7 data file
.DOC: Microsoft Wordr document 
.EPS: Encapsulated Postcriptr file for Adobe Illustrator r'88
.FM: FileMaker Pror file
.GIF: GIF graphic file
.GLY: Microsoft Word glossary
.MPP: Microsoft Projectr 1.x
.MPX: Microsoft Project 1.x Exchange Format
.MPC: Microsoft Project 1.x Calendar
.MPV: Microsoft Project 1.x View
.MPW: Microsoft Project 1.x Workspace
.PM3: PageMakerr 3.0 publication
.PM4: PageMaker 4.0 template
.PT3: PageMaker 3.0 template
.PUB: PageMaker 2.0 publication
.QXD: QuarkXPressr file
.RDY: Symantec Readyx (DOS), Symantec MOREx (Macintosh) 
.RTF: Microsoft Word Rich Text
.SLK: Microsoft Multiplanr (DOS), Microsoft Excel (Macintosh)
.STY: Microsoft Word style sheet
.TEM: PageMaker 3.0 template
.TIF: PageMaker Tiff file
.TPL: PageMaker 3.0 template
.TXT: Text for TeachText
.WKS: Lotus 1-2-3r version 1.x 
.WK: Lotus 1-2-3 
.WK1: Lotus 1-2-3 version 2.x 
.WK3: Lotus 1-2-3 version 3.x 
.WRD: Microsoft Word text document
.XLA: Microsoft Excel 3.0 Workspace
.XLC: Microsoft Excel 3.0 Chart
.XLM: Microsoft Excel 3.0 Macro Sheet
.XLS: Microsoft Excel 3.0 Spreadsheet
.XLT: Microsoft Excel 3.0 Template file
.XLW: Microsoft Excel 3.0 Template file


== Using Different Versions of the Same Application ==

Different versions of the same application may support different file types.
For example, older versions of TeachText do not support the PICT file type,
but newer versions do. If different versions of the same application exist on
any mounted volume, including a hard drive, SCSI volume, NetWare volume, or
AppleSharer volume, the Extension Mapper looks for the file type associated
with the first version of the application it finds. This situation may cause
confusion if the user creates a mapping to a file type not supported by that
version of the application. For example, if the user creates a mapping
between TeachText and the file type PICT, and the version of TeachText found
does not support this file type, the utility informs the user that no file
type PICT exists. 

To solve this problem, try not to keep different versions of the same
application on your system. Or, you can keep the correct version on a volume
that the Finder searches first. The Finder searches the startup volume first,
and then searches the mounted volumes in the order in which you mounted them.
For example, suppose Excel 3.0 exists on a SCSI drive, and that filename
extension .XYZ is mapped to Excel 4.0, located on the startup volume. When a
user double-clicks a file with the .XYZ extension, Excel 4.0 is launched. 


== Changing Extension Mappings ==

If you change an existing extension mapping, you may need to refresh the
Finder before the change becomes active. For example, if the extension .XYZ
is mapped to Microsoft Word and you want to map the extension to WordPerfect
instead, you may need to refresh the Finder and possibly wait a few minutes
before the proper icon appears. To refresh the Finder, either log out of the
NetWare 4.0 server, or quit the Finder. To quit the Finder under System 7.x,
press Control+Option+Command and then press Esc. Be aware, however, that if
you quit the Finder you will disconnect from other services you may be using.


If the server is using the Finder Accelerator Cache, you may need to wait for
the cache entry for your particular folder to age and be refreshed. The time
this operation takes can vary according to usage of the system and the
percentage of free memory allocated to the cache, but it will usually be
negligible. You can also disable the cache at the server by using AFPCON.   

Tip: Closing and reopening the folder window is usually sufficient to refresh
both the Finder and the Finder Accelerator Cache.

=============================
You may be able to find the new client files at Novell's FTP site.  If not, I
can send you the Extension Mapper in BinHex format via e-mail.

Hope all this helps.

Thanks,

Dave Thompson
Chemeketa Community College
e-mail BigWave.Dave@chemek.cc.or.us

From: support@connectix.com (Tech Support)
Subject: Speed Doubler 1.1 Updater FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

IMPORTANT: We are in the process of updating all our Speed Doubler
customers to version 1.1. We have discovered a problem in the Speed Access
extension of Speed Doubler 1.0.x, that can in certain, uncommon
circumstances, damage disk directory information. Although the problem is
unlikely to occur, we recommend all Speed Doubler users update to version
1.1, which does not have this problem. This improved version incorporates a
number of performance and compatibility enhancements including a solution
to the directory information issue. If you are a Speed Doubler registered
user, a 1.1 floppy is being mailed to you. If you have access to an online
service the 1.1 updater is currently posted.

Q/ How do I get Speed Doubler 1.1?
A/ If you are a Speed Doubler registered user, a 1.1 floppy is being mailed
to you. If you have access to an online service you can download the 1.1
updater immediately from the following online locations:

World Wide Web - http://www.connectix.com
America Online - keyword = Connectix: Software Library
CompuServe - GO MACAVEN, Section 8 Library
eWorld - shortcut = Connectix: Software Library
AppleLink - Third Parties: A-C: Connectix: Software Library

If you are currently using Speed Access 1.0.x, we request that you disable
it and update to version 1.1. Any user with questions or concerns can reach
Connectix at a special 800 number: 800-395-2043.

Q/ What problem is fixed by Speed Access 1.1?
A/ Speed Access 1.1 fixes a problem that could result in a specific types
of BTree catalog error. The way the problem occurs is rather complex: It
only exists during an unlikely combination of certain file system calls
that cannot be generated on demand. Furthermore, the problem results in a
specific type of catalog BTree error; a disk utility (such as Symantec
Norton Disk Doctor) cannot distinguish the type of error generated by Speed
Access from any other type of catalog BTree error.

Q/ What is the 'catalog BTree'?
A/ The catalog BTree is part of the disk directory. It is the structure
that has an entry for every file and folder on the disk. It is responsible
for assuring that the location and size of the files are known. The nature
of the Speed Access 1.0.x bug is that file location information becomes out
of order - individual file contents are not altered.

Q/ How do I know if I'm having a problem with my catalog BTree?
A/ Run a disk utility such as Disk First Aid, Symantec Norton Disk Doctor,
or Symantec Mac Tools Pro. In general, Catalog BTree errors are a common
type of disk directory error and are recognized by every major disk
utility. In nearly all cases, a disk utility can repair a catalog BTree
error. However, the disk utility cannot determine if a catalog BTree error
is related to Speed Access 1.0.x or to any other problem.

Date: Thu, 2 Feb 95 19:10:53 GMT
From: tjfs@tadpole.co.uk (Tim Steele)
Subject: STF Download - 3.1 Modem List

A list of all modems supported by FaxSTF 3.1

--

Aceex   
        9624v   
Adtech Comm-Panion
        14,400 v.32bis  
AIWA    
        PV-AFV144
        PV-PFV144
        PV-AF144V5
        World Comm PV-PF144     
        PV-AF24V5
Anam    
        AFM 24/96RE     
Apple
        Express Fax 14400 for
                PowerBook DuoUs
                (software v1.5.2+)      
        Express Fax for the
                GeoPort Telecom Adapter 
Archtek         
        SmartLink 9614AV v.32bis
Askey   
        1414VQP
Aware   
        514 DBX
        PowerFax 1
        PowerFax 2
Bausch  
        Pocket Modem
Bay Connection  
        Spectra Com FM1414e                             Spectra Com PowerBook                   Spectra Com P1496MX*                    Spectra Com P1414MX/DX*
        Spectra Com FM9642e
        Spectra Com FM9624e
Best Data
        SmartOne Traveler 9624FP        
        SmartOne        
Black Box       
        32 BFX
        24 FX   
Boca    
        14.4 Kbps v.32bis 
                (ROM v1.41E)    
        14.4 Kbps v.32bis               
C & P   
        Mac Tower 144FX         
ComLight        
        Comstar Modem for Macintosh     
        Comstar Highspeed Modem 
Computer Peripherals 
        ViVa 2442ef
CPV 
        v.32bis
CXR 
        WINfast FAX/Data Modem  
Digicom
        Scout Plus
DoveFax
        Pro
        Desktop 
        +
        LE
        PB
Dtronix         
        PowerAccess PB Modem
DynaLink
        9648AM
        1414VE
        9624VAM V.42bis 
        9624AM  
EDISSI
        Porta Fax 9624  
Ericsson
        Semafor 2314C   
E-Tech
        UFOmate P1414MX/DX*
        UFOmate P1496MX*        
Everex
        EMAC
FOCUS   
        14.4 Kbps       
        PowerBook 14.4 Kbps                             24/96   
Global Village
        TelePort Bronze II              
        PowerPort Bronze                
        TelePort Gold
        TelePort Silver 
        TelePort Bronze 
        PowerPort Gold  
        PowerPort Mercury 
                for the PB 100 series           
        PowerPort Mercury 
                for the PB 500 series
        PowerPort Mercury for the PB DUO
GVC     
        144 FM-144VBIS/R1(ROM v2.04)
        SM-144 VBIS (ROM v1.7)* 
        F-1114V/R2 (ROM V3.0)                   9624Vbis        
        Pocket  
        9648    
Hayes
        ACCURA 144+FAX144
                (5100 model series)
        OPTIMA 144+FAX144
        ACCURA 96+FAX96 
        OPTIMA 96+FAX96         
        ACCURA 24+FAX96
        OPTIMA 24+FAX96 
IBISLINK        
        MF 1414
Insung
        FM9624E 
Integran
        MP1414F 
Intel
        SatisFAXtion Modem/400e
Kortex
        KX-Pocket       
LCE     
        126P Datafax Modem              
LightSpeed LightFax 
        9624P   
Logicode
        Quicktel Xeba 14.4
        Quicktel Xeba 9624 v.42bis
MacProducts
        Magic VFX V.32bis (ROM v1.4+)*
        Magic PBK 144*
        Magic VFDX*
        Magic FXM9624   
        Magic FXV9624   
        Magic AFX*
        Magic PKT*      
Macronix
        MaxFax 9696PB
        MaxLite 96
MacWarehouse
        PowerUser 144 FM-144VBIS/R1
                (ROM v2.04)     
        PowerUser F-1114V/R2 (ROM V3.0) 
        PowerUser SM-144 VBIS (ROM v1.7)*       
        PowerUser Pocket
        PowerUser 24/96 
Maestro
        9600XR  
Magnum
        28.8
        14.4
Martignoni Electronics 
        Bullet P1496MX*
        Bullet P1414MX/DX       
MASS Microsystems 
        fmv144
        fmv24/96        
MegaHertz
        PowerBook 144
Micro Electronic
        Pocket  
Midori-Hayes
        OPTIMA 28.8 V.FC+FAX (ROM v3.8) 
        OPTIMA 14400 FAX 144                    OPTIMA 14.4+FAX PKT
Motorola UDS
        FasTalk FAX32
MultiTech
        MT1932 ZDX
        MT1932 BL       
        MT1432 BA
        MT1432 MU
        MT932 BA        
        MT224 BAF (ROM V1.09A)
NetComm
        In Fax PowerBook        
        AutoModem E7F   
        Pocket PA
        AutoModem 24
        Pocket FaxModem 24
        SmartModem E7F  
Nextro
        1414 VQE        
NFX 
        Nova Fax 14400
Nuvo
        Pegasus 14400efx        
        Pegasus 96424efx        
Omron
        MD96XL 10v
        ME1414B
        MD144XT 10v
        Impala 14.4k Pkt
        Impala 24/96
        Intelligent
Outbound
        PocketPort  Fax
Panasonic
        TO-705B Intelligent Fax+Data    
        T0-703B Intelligent Fax+Data    
        TO-702H Intelligent Fax+Data
        T0-700B Intelligent Fax+Data
Piiceon
        PowerBook Dispatcher
Power 
        PK-1440P
Practical Peripherals
        MC288MT II V.FC
        PM14400 FXSA v.32bis
        PM14400 FXMT
        v.32bis Pocket
Pragmatic
        P1414L
Prodem
        Hidem 2442P/FAX
        Hidem 14400P/FAX 
                (Dark Gray Case)
        Hidem 2442/FAX
PSI
        PowerModem IV 96/48
        COMStation Five
        COMStation One
        PowerModem I
SmartLine
        144-MVF
Solectek
        Pocket Fax Modem
Sony
        SMD-280W
SupraFAXModem
        v.32bis (SN 14E 165501+)*
        V.32bis +voice  *
        V.32bis*
        288*
        144 LC*
        V.32*
        Plus
        Powerbook
SVA     
        9624AM
Telebit         
        World Blazer
        T3000
TwinCom
        144 DF
        Commuter 24/96
        Voyager*
Unique Hardware
        FAXsenger II
US Robotics
        Sportster 14400
        Mac+Fax 14400 Sportster v.42bis         HST Dual Standard Terbo
        Courier HST/ASL 16.8
        Sportster 9600
        Sportster 2400 v.42bis
Zoom    
        14.4V*
        28.8
        PKT 144*
        14.4 EX*
        VFX v.32bis (ROM v1.4+)*        
        VFX 24k
        PBK 144*        
        VFDX*   
        VFX v.32*       
        FX9624V
        FXM9624
        AFX*
        PKT*
        PBK*
ZyXEL
        U1496e* 
        U1496*
*       These modems support Line Manager
The majority of the modems listed above support Nova Term  Client Software.

If your modem is not listed Please Call! The list of supported modems is constantly changing as new modems are introduced and available models are tested for compatibility. Support for your modem may have been added after this list was published.

STF Technologies  fax software products support modems which adhere to the following Telecommunications Industry Association standards 
for facsimile communication:
ANSI/TIA-578 Class 1 modems
Class 1 Powerbook & Portable internal modems
Class 1 for Rockwell RC9624AC based modems
Class 1 for Rockwell RC9624ATF based modems
Class 1 for Rockwell RC144AC based modems
Class 1 for AT&T based modems
ANSI/TIA-PN2388 Class 2 modems
PN2388b for Rockwell RC144AC based modems
PN2388b for Rockwell RC9624AC based modems
PN2388b for EXAR based modems
PN2388b for Sierra based modems

STF Technologies, INC.
PO BOX 81
JCT. I-70 & 23 HWY.
CONCORDIA, MO 64020
PHONE: 816-463-2021
FAX: 816-463-7958
BBS: 816-463-1131
To log on, use one of the following:
SITcomm, Microphone or Nova Term

STF Technologies introduces the latest version of our faxing software P FaxSTF v3.1. This full-featured single-user fax software features Grayscale, QuickNote , a new user interface with multiple phonebooks, combine and include, FaxPrint hot key and more! Plus P FaxSTF v3.1 now includes:
STF AutoOCR 
Optical Character Recognition (OCR) technology converts faxes into editable text. Includes German & French OCR libraries.
STF AutoPrint 
Automatically print received faxes to any accessible printer immediately, at a scheduled time, or on command. Also, 
drag-and-drop printing with System 7.
Background Imaging
For faster return to application control. This utility increases productivity by converting standard Macintosh documents to fax format in the background.
CommD
A simple data terminal application which provides basic data communication capability including support for Apple, Hayes and Hayes compatible modems, as well as direct connect serial links. 
Nova Term  Client Software Version 3.1 
A simple data communications package that allows the user to have a graphical interface to our BBS. Downloading updates, new information and technical support questions is one easy step away!

Date: Sun, 17 Jul 1994 07:36:27 +0700
From: eharold@sunspot.noao.edu (Elliotte Harold)
Subject: New version of the application faq

Newsgroups: comp.sys.mac.apps,comp.answers,news.answers
From: elharo@shock.njit.edu (Elliotte Rusty Harold)
Reply-To: elharo@shock.njit.edu (Elliotte Harold)
Organization: Department of Mathematics, NJIT
Summary: This document answers a number of the most frequently asked 
	questions about Macintosh application software on Usenet.  To avoid 
	wasting bandwidth and as a matter of politeness please familiarize 
	yourself with this document BEFORE posting.
Subject: Macintosh application software frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Keywords: FAQ, Macintosh, Mac, macintosh, mac, apps, applications
Followup-To: comp.sys.mac.apps
Approved: news-answers-request@mit.edu


Archive-name: macintosh/apps-faq
Version: 2.3.0
Last-modified: July 11, 1994
Maintainer: elharo@shock.njit.edu

Frequently Asked Questions about Macintosh Application Software
===============================================================


               comp.sys.mac.faq, part 4: 
               comp.sys.mac.apps
 
               Copyright 1993,1994 by Elliotte Harold
               Please see section 5.8 of the general FAQ if you wish to 
               redistribute, revise or republish this document in any way.

               Archive-name: macintosh/apps-faq
               Version: 2.3.0
               Last-modified: July 11, 1994
               Address comments to elharo@shock.njit.edu


What's new in version 2.3.0:
----------------------------

     This FAQ list now features URL's for a lot of software.  See
     the general FAQ list for details.

     1.6: What's the best spreadsheet?

     Now that Lotus has abandoned 1-2-3 the only full-powered Mac 
     spreadsheet is Excel.

     1.7: What's the best JPEG Viewer?

     I've removed mentions of some of the less effective tools for
     viewing JPEG's.

     1.9: What's the best drawing application?

     The release of Illustrator 5.5 and the proposed Aldus/Adobe
     merger is making Illustrator a clearer choice.

     1.11: What's the best OCR software?

     Xerox TextBridge does a better job of recognition than I had
     previously indicated.


                         Table of Contents                        
==================================================================


I. What's the Best...
    1. Text editor
    2. Word processor
    3. Genealogy software
    4. TeX/LaTeX
    5. Integrated application
    6. Spreadsheet
    7. JPEG Viewer
    8. Electronic publishing software
    9. Drawing application
   10. Typing tutor?
   11. OCR software?
II. Microsoft Word
    1. How can I assign styles to characters?
    2. How can I automatically generate cross-references?  
    3. How can I change a Word document to TeX?  and vice-versa?
    4. How can I depersonalize Word?
    5. Where can I get more information?
III.  TeachText
    1. How can I change the font in TeachText?
    2. How do I place a picture in a TeachText file?
    3. How do I make a TeachText document read-only?


RETRIEVING THE ENTIRE FAQ
=========================

       This is the FOURTH part of this FAQ.  The first part is also 
  posted to this newsgroup under the subject heading  "Introductory 
  Macintosh frequently asked questions (FAQ)" and includes a complete 
  table of contents for the entire document as well as information on
  where to post, ftp, file decompression, trouble-shooting, preventive
  maintenance and conditions for reproduction, posting and use of this
  document outside of Usenet.  The second, third, fifth and sixth parts
  are posted every two weeks in comp.sys.mac.system, comp.sys.mac.misc,  
  comp.sys.mac.wanted and comp.sys.mac.hardware respectively.  Please
  familiarize yourself with all six sections of this document before
  posting. All pieces are available for anonymous ftp from 

  ftp://rtfm.mit.edu/pub/usenet/news.answers/macintosh/

  Except for the introductory FAQ which appears in multiple
  newsgroups and is stored as general-faq, the name of each 
  file has the format of the last part of the group name followed 
  by "-faq", e.g the FAQ for comp.sys.mac.system is stored as
  system-faq.  You can also have these files mailed to you
  by sending an E-mail message to mail-server@rtfm.mit.edu
  with the line:  

  send pub/usenet/news.answers/macintosh/name 

  in the body text where "name" is the name of the file you want as 
  specified above (e.g. general-faq).  You can also send this server 
  a message with the subject "help" for more detailed instructions.  
  For access via Mosaic use 

  http://www.cis.ohio-state.edu/hypertext/faq/usenet/macintosh/top.html



=========================
WHAT'S THE BEST...  (1.0)
=========================

TEXT EDITOR?  (1.1)
-------------------

  	   Available shareware and freeware text editors that can
  handle more than 32K of text include McSink, BBEdit Lite, Edit II 
  (with grep style searching), Alpha (particularly nice for working 
  with TeX files), Stevie (for fans of vi), and microEmacs.  The 
  feature sets of these editors overlap somewhat but are not identical.  
  Since all are available via anonymous FTP, there's no reason not 
  to try them all and find the one you like best.  See

  ftp://rever.nmsu.edu//pub/macfaq/BBEditLite.sit.bin
  ftp://rever.nmsu.edu//pub/macfaq/Alpha.sit.bin
  ftp://rever.nmsu.edu//pub/macfaq/EditII.sit.bin
  ftp://rever.nmsu.edu//pub/macfaq/Stevie.sit.bin
  ftp://rever.nmsu.edu//pub/macfaq/microEmacs.sit.bin
  ftp://rever.nmsu.edu//pub/macfaq/McSink.sit.bin
  
       I use Rich Siegel's BBEdit Lite for the FAQ because it can word 
  wrap to a specific number of characters and indent lines with spaces.  
  (You didn't think I did all this nice formatting by hand, did you?) 
  It's also a very nice programmer's editor.  BBEdit has an extensive
  interface for adding custom externals written in Think C so if you
  need a feature that's not built-in you can add it.  For me the only
  thing that's missing is automatic word-wrap, but that's available
  from the Text Editor Patches 1.3.1 by James W. Walker.  Some others
  may also miss a macro language that's easier to use than writing 
  code externals in C which brings us to my second choice.
  
       Alpha ($25 shareware) is a text editor that includes a full
  featured implementation of the tcl scripting language and extensive
  search and replace capabilities.  Emacs users will feel at home
  with this powerful program.  Unfortunately it's System 7 dependent. 
  Shareware authors take note: About 40% of all installed Macs are 
  still running System 6.  If you actually intend to make some 
  money, then you shouldn't cut out half your market at a swipe.  
  
       Stevie is vi-workalike for the Mac, but since Stevie isn't 
  an interface to an ex-style editor as is vi, it's not as powerful 
  as its UNIX inspiration.  microEmacs is likewise NOT a full featured
  implementation of Emacs.  If you want to do Emacs style Lisp
  programming and keybinding (and I can't imagine why else anyone 
  would ever want to use Emacs on a Mac) you'll probably be happier 
  with Alpha.


WORD PROCESSOR?  (1.2)
----------------------

       I have seen the future, and its name is WordPerfect. 
  WordPerfect has almost every feature of competing word processors
  including not only basic and advanced word processing tools (style
  sheets, spelling checker, thesaurus, grammar checker, outliner,
  equation editor, on-line help, multiple import and export formats,
  etc. etc. etc.), but many features more commonly associated with
  desktop publishing software (text and picture boxes, tables,
  multiple column layouts, indexing, EPS and uncompressed TIFF
  importing, etc. etc. etc.) as well.  Furthermore it has two
  abilities that have been glaringly absent from Microsoft Word for
  years, automatic cross-referencing and a built-in macro language. 
  While most of these features are available in third party products
  for other word processors, by the time you've bought the other word
  processor and one or two add-ons you've already spent more than on
  WordPerfect alone.  Finally there's a native PowerPC version.  No 
  other word processor company has one yet.  You can get a demo from

  ftp://rever.nmsu.edu/pub/macfaq/WordPerfect_3.0_Demo.sit

       As I said WordPerfect 3.0 is the future of Macintosh word
  processing.  Unfortunately I'm not sure it's the present.  Not all
  of these capabilities actually work.  Many of those that do are
  incomplete in their current incarnations.  Finally WordPerfect 
  needs about 1800K of RAM and seven megabytes of hard disk space for 
  full functionality, and still manages to make Word look like a speed
  demon.  Screen redraw is abysmally slow.  And there are non-trivial 
  bugs in file import and export, macros, and WorldScript.  To finalize
  matters street prices for WordPerfect have gone up, and Wordperfect 
  Corp. no longer offers lifetime toll-free technical support.  As 
  thrilled as I was to see a real competitor for Microsoft Word, I'm 
  afraid the initial glow has worn off.  I cannot recommend WordPerfect 
  at this time. 

       This brings us to the longtime champion of Macintosh word
  processors, Microsoft Word 5.1.  Word is still the market leader
  and still fulfills ALMOST every conceivable word processing need. 
  Word is virtually guaranteed to have at least one feature you can't
  live without which just isn't available in any other word processor.
  (Well, it's probably available in WordPerfect, but the difference
  is that in in Word it works.)  For me that feature is outlining.
  For you it may be styles or mail merge or cross-platform support.  
  Whatever you need chances are that Microsoft Word can provide it.
 
       Finally since Word is the market leader, there's a greater
  chance that it will be upgraded and supported in the future, both
  by Microsoft and by third parties.  Many people have been burned 
  by committing to word processors that were subsequently abandoned, 
  leaving them with files they could neither exchange with others 
  nor convert into better supported formats.  It's also nice that you 
  can be virtually certain that anyone you send a Word file to will 
  be able to read it, and that any program which needs to import 
  word processing documents will import a Word file.  And if there 
  is some feature you need that Word doesn't have, like auto-numbering 
  of equations, there's a very good chance a third party tool exists 
  to provide it.  

       Users with limited disk space, 68000 CPUs, or less than four
  megabytes of memory may want to consider WriteNow 4.0, a word
  processor noted for its speed, small memory appetite, minimal 
  disk footprint, and small price, about sixty dollars.  Unlike the other
  products discussed here, WriteNow really is designed first and last
  to be a word processor, not a document formatter.  It doesn't have
  an equation editor, text boxes, an outliner or other features more
  associated with desktop publishing than with writing.  If all you
  want to do is write, WriteNow may be the choice for you.  Users
  behind the power curve and even those out in front of it may also
  want to consider ClarisWorks whose word processing functions are
  more than sufficient for basic writing.  While more expensive than
  WriteNow, ClarisWorks also provides many other well-integrated
  features in a small and speedy package.
  
       Almost everyone who buys a computer immediately either buys or
  borrows a word processor.  Certainly they get one before they get
  a modem and net access.  Consequently the market for freeware and 
  shareware word processors is miniscule.  Nonetheless there is one.
  Datapak's Word Solution Engine Demo 2.2 is a full-featured free 
  word processor.  Don't let the word "Demo" fool you.  What Datapak
  is demoing is the capabilities of the word processing engine they
  license to software developers, not the word processor itself which
  is fully functional and free.  WSED supports editing files larger 
  than memory, WorldScript, simple styles and all the standard 
  features you'd expect in a Macintosh word processor.  There's no 
  manual or technical support, but what do you expect for free?  
  In any case the program is simple and intuitive enough that 
  neither should be necessary.  See

  ftp://rever.nmsu.edu/pub/macfaq/WordSolutionEngineDemo.sit.bin

       Among writers of technical documents that include many 
  numbered equations, tables, and figures, FrameMaker is particularly
  popular.  Unlike Word it has the cross-referencing, auto-numbering
  and sectioning capability to match its tables, drawing package, 
  and equation editor.  However FrameMaker really is more of a desktop 
  publishing package than a word processor, and it's priced like 
  one.  The educational discount price for FrameMaker is close to 
  the non-educational, street price of Word 5.1 or WordPerfect; and 
  competitive upgrades are not available.  When creating a Framemaker 
  document you need to give a lot more initial thought to the layout 
  of the page than you would with most word processors.  It's much 
  harder to just launch FrameMaker and begin writing than it is in 
  any of the other word processors.  FrameMaker is not well suited 
  to general use. 

       Many netters swear by (and at) Nisus from Nisus Software.  Nisus
  3.4 has has several features not found in any other Macintosh word
  processor including very powerful macros and multiple Undo's.  It's
  also missing many features included in other similarly priced
  packages like tables, useable styles, and support for most System 7
  features.  The fully WorldScript savvy edition is copy-protected by
  an ADB dongle; but if your writing is limited to Roman languages
  and Japanese, the non-copy protected limited flag edition will
  serve equally well.  Furthermore Nisus can actually handle all the 
  languages it claims to, unlike WordPerfect which keels over when 
  faced with anything more complicated than Cyrillic.  For writing 
  in non-Roman languages Nisus is the obvious choice.  However for 
  writing in English or another Latin langauge, you'd probably be 
  better served by one of the other cheaper, more feature rich 
  programs like Word, WordPerfect or WriteNow.
  
       MacWrite Pro 1.5 is a solid product but has nothing special 
  to recommend it beyond the name of the company that makes it.  
  If MacWrite was produced by Friendly Neighborhood Software (tm)
  instead of Claris, it would have been eliminated from the market
  long ago.


GENEALOGY SOFTWARE?  (1.3)
--------------------------

       Leister Productions' Reunion is the most powerful, flexible,
  graphical, and easy-to-use Macintosh software for producing family
  trees and doing genealogical research.  At $115 street it's also
  the most expensive.  Reunion is available from all the usual
  sources  of payware software.  If all you want to do is chart your
  own family tree back a few generations, you may want to consider
  the less powerful and less flexible, but considerably cheaper
  Personal Ancestry File (PAF for short) from the Church of Jesus
  Christ of Latter Day Saints (the Mormons for short).  It's designed
  primarily for easy downloading of data into the Mormons' central
  database so it's not as easy to use as Reunion and lacks some basic
  features.  For instance there's no provision for children of
  unmarried couples.  PAF is, however, only $35.  It must be ordered
  directly from the Mormons at
  
		Salt Lake Distribution Center 
		1999 West 1700 South
		Salt Lake City, UT  84104
		(800) 537-5950

  The product number is #30992 (Macintosh) and an IBM version is also
  available.  MasterCard and Visa are accepted for a $2 fee. However
  your card is charged for a cash advance rather than a purchase so
  interest will begin accruing immediately and your credit card 
  company will probably tack on about a 2.5% cash advance fee.
  
       Simple descendant and ancestor charts can be produced with the
  shareware HyperCard stack Our Family Tree 1.3 by Timmy G. Bremer.  See

  ftp://rever.nmsu.edu/pub/macfaq/OurFamilyTree.sit.bin
  
  However this stack is limited compared to PAF and the much more 
  powerful Reunion.  For instance, pedigree charts can only go back 
  five generations.  


TEX?  (1.4)
-----------

       Textures from Blue Sky Research is easily the superior
  implementation of TeX for the Mac.  It's the only TeX for the Mac
  that typesets and displays text and equations continuously as the
  TeX code describing them is typed, includes PostScript versions of
  the Computer Modern fonts, or allows simple copying and pasting of
  graphics and formatted pages between TeX and other Mac applications.
  If you work with TeX on a daily basis, Textures at $195 student price 
  is worth a look.  Blue Sky Research is famous on the net for technical 
  support that should be a model for the industry.  For more information 
  send E-mail to sales@bluesky.com.
   
       Andrew Trevorrow's OzTeX is not as sophisticated or as Maclike
  as Textures, but OzTeX files are somewhat more easily exported 
  to TeX systems on other platforms than are Textures files.  More
  importantly OzTeX is only $30 shareware and available from 

  ftp://midway.uchicago.edu/pub/OzTeX/

      OzTeX is the most integrated and Maclike of the shareware TeX's.  
  It's also the only shareware TeX with anything approaching complete 
  documentation.  It's slower than the other programs discussed here, 
  but does allow background compilation and printing.  If you only 
  need to print or preview an occasional TeX document, get OzTeX.
  
       Tom Kiffe recently released CMacTeX 2.1, a more modular TeX 
  for the Mac.  The different pieces of this full TeX package like
  dvipreview, TeX, and METAFONT are all available separately. CMacTeX
  is available in both freeware and commercial versions.  The
  freeware version is available for anonymous ftp at 

  ftp://ftp.shsu.edu/tex-archive/systems/mac/cmactex/

  The freeware package includes information on ordering the commercial 
  version which costs $25 and adds the "big" TeX and Metafont packages. 
  Both versions include METAFONT, dvips, and various other TeXie tools.
  However both versions require a PostScript printer.  Unlike the
  other TeX programs CMacTeX cannot print to a QuickDraw printer. 
  CMacTeX's documentation is somewhat lacking.

       Finally Wilfried Ricken maintains DirectTeX, shareware, 
  $100 for up to three copies, $20 for each additonal copy.  It 
  can be retrieved from 

  ftp://hadron.tp2.ruhr-uni-bochum.de/pub/directtex/ 
 
       DirectTeX sits on top of and requires the payware MPW.  This 
  provides it with exceptionally strong macro abilities but makes
  it by far the least Maclike of the four packages.  DirectTeX
  supports bidirectional typesetting as is needed for Hebrew and
  Arabic.  It includes most TeX utilities such as BibTeX, METAFONT,
  and various tools for working with .dvi files.  DirectTeX is the
  fastest shareware TeX and offers the most complete collection of
  TeX capabilities and tools.



INTEGRATED APPLICATION?  (1.5)
------------------------------

       Most software is driven by the needs of power users.  Features
  are added to sell into the power-user segment of the market since
  they're the hardest to please and spend the most dollars.  Triple
  Omega Paperware Corp. and its competitors need to design cocktail
  napkins in 16,000,000 lifelike, mouthwatering  colors so 
  Big Software Inc. has its programmers spend many hours adding
  photorealistic color capability to Bloated Draw 7.2.  Meanwhile
  Father O'Brian finds he needs all the hard disk space on his Color
  Classic and more money than he gets in the collection plate on 
  a good Sun…

Showing first 20,000 characters of 38,631 total. Open the full document →

Date: Mon, 15 Aug 1994 07:21:34 +0000
From: wlt@mercurio.uc.pt (Wagner Luiz Truppel)
Subject: A joke that Mac & ST:TNG fans will love

A friend of mine sent me this little piece. Enjoy.

>"Star Trek Lost Episodes" transcript.
>.
><Picard> "Mr. LaForge, have you had any success with your
>attempts at finding a weakness with the Borg?  And Mr. Data,
>have you been able to access their command pathways?"
>.
><Geordi> "Yes, Captain.  In fact, we found the answer by
>searching through our archives on late twentieth-century
>computing technology."
>.
><Geordi presses a key, and a logo appears on the computer
>screen.>
>.
><Riker looks puzzled.> "What the hell is 'Microsoft'?"
>.
><Data turns to answer.> "Allow me to explain.  We will send
>this program, for some reason called 'Windows,' through
>the Borg command pathways.  Once inside their root com-
>mand unit, it will begin consuming system resources at an
>unstoppable rate."
>.
><Picard> "But the Borg have the ability to adapt.  Won't
>they alter their processing systems to increase their storage
>capacity?"
>.
><Data> "Yes, Captain.  But when 'Windows' detects this, it
>will create a new version of itself called an 'upgrade.'  The
>use of resources increases exponentially with each iteration.
>The Borg will not be able to adapt quickly enough.
>Eventually all of their processing ability will be taken over
>and none will be available for their normal operational
>functions."
>.
><Picard> "Excellent work.  This is even better than that
>'unsolvable geometric shape' idea."
>.
><. . . 15 minutes later . . .>
>.
><Data> "Captain, we have successfully installed the
>'Windows' in the command unit and, as expected, it
>immediately consumed 85% of all resources.  We, however,
>have not received any confirmation of the expected
>'upgrade.'"
>.
><Geordi> "Our scanners have picked up an increase in Borg
>storage and CPU capacity to compensate, but we still have no
>indication of an 'upgrade' to compensate for their increase."
>.
><Picard> "Data, scan the history books again and determine
>if there is something we have missed."
>.
><Data> "Sir, I believe there is a reason for the failure in the
>'upgrade.'  Apparently the Borg have circumvented that part
>of the plan by not sending in their 'registration cards.'"
>.
><Riker>  "Captain, we have no choice.  Requesting
>permission to begin emergency escape sequence 3F . . ."
>.
><Geordi, excited>  "Wait, Captain, I just detected that their
>CPU capacity has suddenly dropped to 0%!"
>.
><Picard> "Data, what do your scanners show?"
>.
><Data> "Apparently the Borg have found the internal
>'Windows' module named 'solitaire' and it has used up all
>the CPU capacity."
>.
><Picard> "Let's wait and see how long this 'solitaire' can
>reduce their functionality."
>.
><. . . Two hours pass . . .>
>.
><Riker> "Geordi, what's the status of the Borg?"
>.
><Geordi> "As expected the Borg are attempting to re-
>engineer to compensate for increased CPU and storage
>demands, but each time they successfully increase resources
>I have set up our closest deep space monitor beacon to
>transmit more 'Windows' modules from something called
>the 'Microsoft fun-pack.'"
>.
><Picard> "How much time will that buy us?"
>.
><Data> "Current Borg solution rates allow me to predict an
>interest time span of 6 more hours."
>.
><Geordi> "Captain, another vessel has entered our sector."
>.
><Picard> "Identify."
>.
><Data> "It appears to have markings similar to the
>'Microsoft' logo."
>.
><Over the speakers> "THIS IS ADMIRAL BILL GATES
>OF THE MICROSOFT FLAGSHIP MONOPOLY.  WE
>HAVE POSITIVE CONFIRMATION OF UN-
>REGISTERED SOFTWARE IN THIS SECTOR.
>SURRENDER ALL ASSETS AND WE CAN AVOID ANY
>TROUBLE.  YOU HAVE TEN SECONDS."
>.
><Data> "The alien ship has just opened its forward hatches
>and released thousands of humanoid shaped objects."
>.
><Picard> "Magnify forward viewer on the alien craft."
>.
><Riker> "Good God Captain!  Those are humans floating
>straight toward the Borg ship with no life support suits!
>How can they survive the tortures of deep space?!"
>.
><Data> "I do not believe that those are humans sir; if you will
>look closer, I believe you will see that they are carrying
>something recognized in the twenty-first century as doe-skin
>leather briefcases, and wearing Armani suits."
>.
><Riker and Picard together horrified> "Lawyers!!"
>.
><Geordi> "It can't be.  All the lawyers were rounded up and
>sent hurtling into the sun in 2017 during the great awaken-
>ing."
>.
><Data> "True, but apparently some must have survived."
>.
><Riker> "They have surrounded the Borg ship and are
>covering it with all types of papers."
>.
><Data> "I believe that is known in ancient vernacular as 'red
>tape.'  It often proves fatal.
>.
><Riker> "They're tearing the Borg to pieces!"
>.
><Picard> "Turn off the monitors.  I can't stand to watch.  Not
>even the Borg deserve that."


Wagner Luiz Truppel
WLT@MERCURIO.UC.PT