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

               *---=== ST REPORT WEEKLY ONLINE MAGAZINE ===---*

                      "The Original Online ST Magazine"
                       ------------------------------- 

November 28, 1988                  Monday                 Volumn II  No.63

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


                       ST Report Online Magazine Inc.
                       ------------------------------
                          Post Office Box   6672
                           Jacksonville, Florida
                               32236    6672
                                R.F. Mariano
                             Publisher - Editor
                 _________________________________________

                       Headquarters Bulletin Boards
                       ----------------------------
    North                                                        South
  201-343-1426                                              904-786-4176
                   Central                       West
                 216-784-0574                916-962-2566

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

                                 CONTENTS
                                 ========
  ~ From the Editor's Desk.............~ PageStream ...................
  ~ The Versatile ST...................~ XL/XE Xformer Support.........
  ~ Discovery Delivers.................~ Pro GEM Windows #14...........
  ~ Revolver Updates...................~ ST REPORT CONFIDENTIAL........

 ========================================================================
 AVAILABLE ON:     COMP-U-SERVE  ~  DELPHI  ~  GENIE  ~  THE SOURCE
 ========================================================================





From the Editor's Desk:
-----------------------

      Now that many of us are counting the days 'till Christmas I wonder
how many dealers will be overjoyed at being able to fill their orders and
"backorders" in time for Christmas.  It is a sobering thought to look at
the SIZE of the USA, and find that the company which makes our computer
places more machines in "EUROPA" than here for the holidays.  Often I find
myself wondering why.  There is either sheer genius or quite the opposite
behind this "marketing scheme", hopefully, one day we will understand just
what the reasoning is.  The way we see it, Atari had better pull out all
the stops and make SURE there are PLENTY of machines available in the USA
for Christmas 1988....The BELLS are ringing and they ain't Jingle Bells!
Amiga is, at this time rolling over the ST Atari like a steam roller on 
hot tar.  The conversion rate is quite high and the "new user" numbers are
simply numbing.  

      On another more humorous note, a rather young and impetuous
"spokesman" for Atari has stated publicly that Atari is not, by it's
lackluster performance and meager sales in the USA, partly responsible for
the SOFTWARE THEFT RATE (%) in the USA.  How utterly incredible!  After
it has been stated time and time again that the number of machines in use,
ie; USERS, is directly proportional to the % of software theft and the
damage it does to the Developers of same.  For Example John, Why is it
many of the developers for the ST are moving to IBM, MAC or Amiga? 
Numbers, sheer numbers mandate these moves!  Atari admits to 225,000 STs
in use in the USA...how many IBMs, MACs or Amigas?

      Comes now, Mr. Software Developer with a new program for release.  
Which market, John, do you think he would stand to EARN MORE DOLLARS in at
initial release and which market would have more of a release impact?  
Atari?  NEVER!  (Not unless they placed three times the amount of machines
in use in the USA overnight!)...Software theft is a great deal more
pronounced in the other computer marketplaces but, because there are so
few ST machines in the US market in comparison, each stolen copy hurts!  
Can you now understand why it is so important that Atari GET MOVING on 
increasing the number of machines in use.  Before there are no USA
developers left.  How many "European" developers were at Comdex? hmmmmm

      We see ads on TV for Apple, Commodore, MacIntosh and most of the
clone computers and EVEN the "toy computers" .....WHAT do we see for
Atari???  The perpetuation of the 2600 PACMAN game machine image.  I still
say Atari is suffering from a severe case of the CHEAPS!   Come on
Sunnyvale, this is the "END" of 1989, remember your promises at the end of
1988??  This year sounds like an instant replay.  EVEN COMDEX.  IT IS
TIME ATARI GOT SHED OF THE "MINOR LEAGUE" THINKING and played the game
like a major.  I hate to think this, but if they do not make a wholesome
effort at making ST SALES this Christmas Time a BIG success they may not 
have another chance at it.  The majority of the people are disgusted with
Atari and it's EMPTY promises and YAMS (Yet Another Machine).
         For cripe's sake, get competitive and PROMOTE THE ST... please?
                               -----------     --------------

                                       "Ah still got mah sox!"

                                               Ralph.....





*************************************************************************





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-----------------
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Join--- DELPHI
--------------
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Massachusetts.




**************************************************************************





                    PAGESTREAM, SWEET DREAM or NIGHTMARE?
                    =====================================

by R.F.Mariano

      "A highly ambitious programming effort".....I hear this everytime I
open the box and smugly admire this program.  There is not a time that
when I boot PageStream that there is not another pleasant surprise for me
in finding marvelous "little" features that simply are NOT present in any
other DTP package available in the ST marketplace.

      The power available to the user via PageStream is just short of
awesome, acoordingly, the user must be cautioned that with power comes
responsibility.  This program will attempt to follow every command you ask
of it.  This is why, (in my opinion), there are some reports of the 
program stopping cold in it's tracks.  Look at it this way, if you were a
Top Sarge and told a 'cruit to march to the left and do forty pushups at 
the same time, there are bound to be problems.  Therefore please read the
docs thoroughly and use them as you move along in any project.

      When using PageStream, I prefer using my monochrome monitor.  I did
however, produce two newsletters using the medium rez monitor and although
there is a difference, (naturally), the results were equally superb.

      For even the neophyte, PageStream and it's documentation are put
together to be understood and utilized.  The tutorals are excellent and
should take the newcomer along rather nicely.  PageStream has all the
earmarks to become a fantastic Desk Top Publishing program for the ST. 
This program is definately worthwhile in many ways, the company's support
is nothing short of superb and these are young men with a strong desire to
succeed and have the skill and ability as PageStream easily reflects.  

      For more information about PageStream, check the message strings on
the major online services  ATARIVEN (CIS)  SOFTLOGIK (GENIE) or... 

            call:      
            ----       Soft-Logic Publishing Corporation
                               P.O. Box  290071
                             St. Louis, MO. 63129
                             * 314 - 894 - 0431 *




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




                      The Versatile Atari ST Computer
                      ===============================


by Myles S. Goddard

      I'm sure that you are familiar with the phrase " Power without
the Price ", but let's think a little further along those lines.  I have
had the Magic Sac for some months now and I have learned much about the
operating system of the Macintosh.  It isn't as easy to grasp as the
friendly GEM interface of the ST but it does have a lot of nice features
that aren't found on the ST or IBM environment. As a matter of fact, I 
was even thinking about buying a MAC system, that is, until I saw what
the 1040ST can do in emulation.

      For those folks who like to dabble into other computer systems but
don't want to spend thousands in new hardware, then the Magic Sac is the
way to go. It will emulate a Macintosh 512KE with precision, although for
many, many applications it will do a beautiful job with just about any
program that requires the 64K ROMS in the older Macs.

     To be quite honest, my first experience with the Magic Sac was with
the cracked disk based version, 5.9.  Although I knew there were some
limitations by having the Mac OS in RAM, I did manage to see some of
the neat programs for the Mac World.  By using the "Bootleg" copy, I was
thoroughly impressed enough to buy the Magic Sac cartridge.  The docs for
the Magic Sac are very well presented and evenn gives a short history of
the Macintosh and its operation.   Perhaps it is my imagination, but the
cart seems to be more stable than the disk version and besides allows
almost 200+K for more RAM for some of the larger Mac programs. I tested
out some of the powerhouse applications like Excel, which by the way,
is supposed to be THE BEST spreadsheet anywhere for ANY computer,
although I'm sure 1-2-3 users will balk at that statement.  I particularly
like MacWrite myself as it is super user friendly and does the job for me.
Anyway, to get back to my train of thought, I am sure that there are those
who want to extend their computer horizons beyond just " playing around "
and get to some serious Mac usage.  Don't get me wrong, the Magic Sac is
a super product and with the newest version 6.1 software, the disk access
and screen output are phenomenal over the previous versions and still
outperforms the speed of a Mac 512 and has a bigger screen to boot!
A monochrome monitor is highly recommended and if you know what you are
doing you can enlarge the screen by simply adjusting from inside the cover
of the SM124.

      The Spectre 128 is the next step in ST Mac emulation and uses the
newer 128K ROMs found in the newer Macintosh's.  From what I've seen,
the screen display is outstanding with the screen refreshing itself with
lightning speed.  Now you ask yourself, " Why should I go any higher than
the Magic Sac? ".  Good question, here's my answer. The newer Mac systems
have a little application called HYPERCARD which is a giant step in making
programming a sinch.  The Spectre 128 allows Hypercard to run as well as
HyperDA and a wealth of new software that is designed to run on the new
Macs.  At present, sound is not fully supported but will be in the near
future.  There is a bit of compatibility problem with regards to graphic
games and such. I believe the reason for this is the original Mac programs
use extensive calls to screen graphics buffers, which of course the 128
doesn't yet support.  But think of it this way, if you want great graphics
then you can use the ST's power to blow your socks off.  The Macintosh is
good but it's only a monochrome display.  By having the ST, you can have
the best of both worlds.  But wait, there is another way to get a
 "Macintosh". Read on......

      I sent off for some information about a reconditioned Macintosh and
got my reply today.  The name of the company is SUN Remarketing, Inc.
They are located at P.O. Box 4059, Logan, Utah 84321.  They specialize in
the reconditioning of out of production units.  The ad that caught my eye
was for a Apple Lisa, a computer that preceded the Macintosh and cost
just slightly under $10,000 when new.  It had a megabyte of RAM, a 400K
floppy drive and a 5 meg hard drive.  It was in a world of its own and
obviously stayed there. It wasn't a product that went over big so it was 
withdrawn and was replaced with the Macintosh.  Anyway, they have a Lisa
setup that will get you up and running Mac software.  Its called MacWorks
and does enable the Lisa to emulate the Mac, however the ad states that
it isn't completely compatable with some of the newer programs but if you
buy the newer Mac Works Plus for $200 it will let you run more of them.

  What's this? The circles on the screen are ellipses, now what?
Yep, buy the Screen Modification Kit for $79. Whew, now I would like the
System files to be over 400K....Oh no! Right again, lets upgrade the 400K
drive to an 800K drive, another $200. Great, now let's add this together
and see what we come up with.

                        Lisa Professional    ........ $  995.00
                        800K Floppy Upgrade  ........ $  200.00
                        Screen Mod Kit       ........ $   79.00
                        Mac Works Plus       ........ $  200.00
                                             ------------------
                                                      $ 1474.00

      That's $ 1474.00 for a 1 meg machine with 5 meg hard drive.  If you
want to get a 20 megabyte hard drive after you have purchased the outfit
it will cost you an additional $ 1095.00.  Ok, we have purchased a Lisa
computer system for a total of $ 2569.00, and it still won't emulate the
sound of a macintosh. And remember, this is a RECONDITIONED unit.

                 Yep, now this is where the ST really shines.

      Buy a 1040ST monochrome system for about $ 800.00, add Spectre 128,
about $ 179.00, some 128K Mac ROMS, $ 99.00, 20 Meg ABCO Hard drive,
$ 519.00.  Total cost- $ 1597.00.  This is for a NEW system and some of
the best software in the world will run on both systems.  Now for some
frosting on the cake... PC-Ditto, about $ 59.00 ( Mail Order ). What do we
have now.....?

      Here's what we have. ONE machine that will run ST, IBM and Macintosh
software.  That's right, you can run Excel if you like, Lotus 123, or VIP.
In fact, not only do you get hundreds of great software choices, you get 
THOUSANDS.  The ST system has some of the best graphics capabilities around
and when coupled with the RGB color monitor you have a setup that can't be
beat, unless you want to put off buying that car for a MAC II.


      Now I know where that catchy phrase came from......

                         "Power Without The Price"


                          " ATARI COMPUTERS "

                                                         Myles S. Goddard




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




                            XL/XE ST Xformer Support
                            ========================


                             ST Xformer BBS Support 
                             ----------------------

by Darek Mihocka  11/15/88

For the last 4 months, ST Xformer II (versions 2.0 thru 2.3) has been
available for download on Compuserve, Delphi, and Genie. This has
proved to be an effective distribution method, allowing me to put up
new versions once a month, and also provide online support to Xformer
users. This online support benefits the users, and has also benefited
me, allowing me to hear of bugs and suggestions. I compared my latest
development version of Xformer 2.4 to the version 2.1 which is up on
the online services, and can see quite an improvement in compatibility.
Several major titles, including some popular video games, which do not
run under 2.1 do run under 2.4, and I still plan to spend about a month
on 2.4 before releasing it.

As nice as this may seem, this online support costs me and you money.
My monthly bill for Compuserve, Genie, and Delphi is about $250, which
is barely offset by the registration fees of those users who have been
honest enough to send in the $20. And from the user's point of view,
paying $10/hour or more to use these services becomes prohibitive if
you try to download every Xformer update and the megabytes of 8-bit
software that I have uploaded for use with Xformer, not to mention
the many more megabytes of 8-bit software regularly available. Although
Genie is cheap at $5/hr, I have to call it long distance and only get
1200 baud access, and although Compuserve and Delphi have local numbers,
their 2400 baud file transfer speed is much slower.

Since September I have been planning to set up Xformer BBSs, which would
provide a cheaper method of support, both for me and the users. After
getting nothing but bombs from STadel 3 BBS software, and after not
getting some badly needed phone support from QMI for the BBS I half
finished in ST Talk Pro, I started looking around for existing BBSs which
could give me space for Xformer support. I have several BBSs ready to
provide the support, but for now, I'm only going to give out one number,
and see how things go.

The L.U.ST BBS in London, Ontario is a 300/1200/2400 baud 24 hour BBS
which is giving me 20 meg of space for Xformer files. I already have over
30 meg of p/d 8-bit software, so there will be no lack of Xformer-ready
.SD and .DD files. It is in the heart of southern Ontario, so it is a
cheap long-distance call from anywhere in the Great Lakes states, like
Michigan, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and New York State. At 2400 baud, an ARCed
.SD file only takes about 5 minutes to download, which is quicker and
cheaper than calling Genie at 1200 baud.

By the way, L.U.ST (London Users of STs) produces of one the highest
quality newsletters around. If you belong to a user group, consider
exchanging newsletters with L.U.ST.

This BBS will start the Xformer support this weekend (Nov. 19). Since it
is in my area, I will call frequently to provide support. Registered users
of Xformer will also have access to other downloads, such as Xformer
2.4 and later, version 2.5 (the 130XE emulator). Xformer 2.4 will
_NOT_ be uploaded to the pay services but will be available to new
registered users and as a free update to current registered users.

Of course I am not dropping support of the pay services, just limiting it
slightly. If you do subscribe to Compuserve, all the latest available
Xformer related files can be found in the ST XFORMER download library in
the Atari ST Productivity SIG. To enter it, type "GO ATARIPRO".
If you subscribe to Genie, type "M 476" to enter the Atari ST download
section, select category 14 (Product Support) and do a file list back
until about July. Look for files uploaded by me (DAREKM). On Delphi,
enter the ST Log databases, and scan through the Recent Arrivals section
for the latest files, and the other sections for older files. Type
"SEA XFORMER" to do the search. I did at first provide support on BIX, but
stopped after I calculated my billing rate to be about $30 or $40/hr.

If you are a registered user who has contributed $20 or more in shareware
fees, you can get the latest Xformer files from me by either calling
the L.U.ST BBS or simply mailing in your Xformer disk and I will mail
it back to you with the new files. The current latest files are:
ST Xformer version 2.21 and 2.31, FXP 1.1, QTU 1.1, and there is a new
boot disk effective Nov. 6th. Version 2.21 should only be used for the
Apple and C64 emulation, since version 2.31 has some nice improvements:
    - smaller size, uses less memory
    - faster text and graphics scrolling
    - marginal overall speed increase (trust me, you won't notice it)
    - support for 1200XL function keys and the Help key
    - faster 800XL ROM/RAM swapping
    - elimination of virtual joysticks 3 and 4 to match XL/XE design
    - now runs the G.O.E. demo and some more versions of SpartaDOS
    - more accurate serial port emulation (requires the disk drive cable)
      which allows you to connect any self-powered 8-bit peripheral,
      e.g. the 850 interface and the various Atari printers and plotters.

ST Xformer source code is available on the pay services and on the BBS,
and is described fully in the latest ST LOG #26. It is helpful to check
ST LOG #17 and #18 as well, since they contain my first docs of the
original Xformer 1.1 source code.


           L.U.ST BBS - (519)-432-5144  300/1200/2400 baud  24hrs.
                            U.S. BBSs coming soon.

      Compuserve - ST XFORMER library in ATARIPRO   I am 73657,2714
      Delphi - ST databases in the ST Log SIG       I am DAREKM
      Genie - ST download library 14                I am DAREKM

       Xformer support (voice): (519)-747-0386, 24hrs, me or a machine.


I now have a permanent answering machine set up, so if anyone has any
questions or things they'd like to talk about, give me a call, and if I'm
not home, leave a message and I'll most like phone you back within a day.
Leave your name, area code and phone number, city or time zone, and a
convenient time when you can be reached. If you have questions, leave them
on the tape too so that I can answer them when I phone you back. The
number is listed above, and I can usually be reached in the late afternoon
(eastern time), or around midnight.

I will _NOT_ answer questions regarding pirated software or release dates
of Xformer 2.4, 2.5, or 3.0. Announcements will be made on the support
BBSs and online services when they are available. I trust that if you
are using "cracked" files of disks and cartridges that you do own the
originals. If you have an 8-bit disk drive and are using it with Xformer,
there is no need to crack most software. The serial cable to connect the
8-bit drive to the ST is available from me for $23 US.

Hope to see everyone calling the BBS this weekend. Leave a message to the
sysop and let him know you are an Xformer user. If you don't yet have
the Xformer files, you will be able to download them, but not all the
files that the registered users have access to. When you register you will
receive the printed manual and latest software on an 800K disk. Add $2
if you'd rather have 2 400K disks, i.e. you only have a single sided
disk drive. Having at least a megabyte of memory is almost a must.
The 8-bit disk drive cable is only available to people who register.

Xformer is quickly reaching the level of Atari XL/XE support that emulators
like the Magic Sac and PC Ditto provide of their respective machines, but
like those other emulators, it has taken a lot of time and effort. Since 
this program is shareware, my income from it relies solely on the shareware
registrations of users. At $20, it's cheap, and you will get the free
updates and support through 1988 and 1989. Some time in 1989 I expect the
program to be at an advanced enough stage to not require any more updates.
But don't wait until then to enjoy it!

-                             Darek Mihocka
                           Box 2624, Station B
                       Kitchener, Ontario  N2H 6N2
                                 CANADA




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




                            DISCOVERY CART DELIVERS!
                            ========================


ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS

QUESTION - Does the Discovery Cartridge allow my ST to run IBM PC 
           programs?

ANSWER   - No, but the DISCOVERY CARTRIDGE can help you do this. There are
           products on the market that can permit your ST to run some IBM 
           PC programs.  

Without any additional hardware, your ST computer can directly read and 
write some disks from the IBM PC.  All IBM PC floppy disks are written 
using the MFM coding scheme.  Your Atari ST can operate on those disks 
that are written at the 250K "double density" data rate.  You may want to
add a 5.25 inch drive mechanism to your ST.  The DISCOVERY CARTRIDGE can 
ease the problem of connecting a standard (non Atari) drive mechanism.  
See that section below.  

A special "high density" 5.25 and/or 3.5 inch drive mechanism can be added
to your ST to access "high density" IBM PC disks which use data rates up 
to 500K.  The DISCOVERY CARTRIDGE could be used to access these "high 
density" drives while your standard ST cannot.  The ability to access 
"high density" drives with the DISCOVERY CARTRIDGE will not be included
in our first software release.


QUESTION - Can the DISCOVERY CARTRIDGE ease the problem of connecting a 
           standard 5.25 inch drive mechanism to my ST?

ANSWER   - Yes, but read on.  As part of our "USER CONFIGURABLEOPTIONS" a
           3rd and 4th drive can be connected to your ST.  In this 
           circuitry for the third and fourth drives, the disk drive
           signals are buffered to be compatible with a standard IBM PC
           type drive.  Also, our software package allows handling drives
           with step rates slower than 6 milliseconds.  

However, unless you are a technician familiar with disk drive interfacing,
you are better off purchasing a drive already set up to be compatible with
your ST. Even though it costs more, there will be fewer problems in the 
long run.  Your dealer may be able to help you utilize the DISCOVERY 
CARTRIDGE's drive interface in connecting a standard disk drive. The only
assistance HAPPY COMPUTERS can provide is through the documentation that 
comes with the DISCOVERY CARTRIDGE.  We will not approve or deny approval
of any particular after-market disk drive product for use with our 
DISCOVERY CARTRIDGE. 


QUESTION - Since my hard disk is already drive C and D, and my RAM DISK is
           drive E, what drive letters can be used for the 3rd and 4th 
           drive option? 

ANSWER   - Our software includes an installer program that lets you decide
           which drive letters are to correspond to the 3rd and 4th drive.
           Any currently unused letter in the range C-P may be used.


QUESTION - Will all programs on my ST be able to use the 3rd and 4th 
           drives connected to that option on the DISCOVERY CARTRIDGE?

ANSWER   - No, only software that calls the standard disk drive I/O 
           software in the ST computer's BIOS will work.  Also, our
           software driver must be installed to allow programs to access
           these extra drives.  This allows having up to four drives 
           connected and accessed at one time.  The installation of our 
           software driver is similar to that required for a RAM DISK.  

Software programs that directly access the disk drive hardware through the
hardware registers in the ST will not be able to access the 3rd and 4th 
drive option.  Our DISCOVERY CARTRIDGE adds new hardware registers that 
permit the 3rd and 4th drive selection.  These registers are not a part 
of the standard ST hardware description, but are documented in the 
DISCOVERY CARTRIDGE's manual.  A special case of a program that does not 
function with the 3rd and 4th drive option is the disk format utility 
built into the ST's desk top software. The format program will not allow 
you to format any drive letter higher than drive B.  There are various 
solutions around this problem.  

Even though a particular program may not work with the 3rd and 4th drive 
option, this option may still be of use.  Suppose you had a 5.25 inch 
drive connected as the third drive.  By flipping the "DRIVE 3 SWAP" switch
on the DISCOVERY CARTRIDGE (optional), this 5.25 inch drive would then 
become drive A or B, which should then work with more programs.  The 
limiting factor in this case would be that the 3rd drive connected must 
be capable of the 6 millisecond stepping rate, since our software which 
allows the slower stepping rate would not be active.  


QUESTION - Does the DISCOVERY CARTRIDGE make my ST COMPUTER read and write
           disks faster?

ANSWER   - No.  Unlike the 8 bit Atari COMPUTER, the ST COMPUTER's disk 
           hardware is a full parallel interface.  No hardware speed
           improvement device is needed.  Software improvements such as
           RAMDISKS, track buffering and format interleave are available
           on the market.  

QUESTION - What are the physical characteristics of the DISCOVERY
           CARTRIDGE?

ANSWER   - With the DISCOVERY CARTRIDGE plugged into your ST or MEGA 
           COMPUTER, the cartridge enclosure extends about 4.5 inches
           to the left of the computer housing.  This allows room for 3
           disk drive connectors on the back of the DISCOVERY CARTRIDGE,
           and also provides clearance for MIDI cables, as some ST 
           computers have the MIDI connections next to the cartridge port.
           The DISCOVERY CARTRIDGE's enclosure extends about 2 inches 
           forward from the front edge of the cartridge electrical socket.
           Since the DISCOVERY CARTRIDGE already extends quite far 
           (4.5 inches) to the left, HAPPY COMPUTERS decided to put the 
           optional 2nd cartridge expansion socket on the DISCOVERY 
           CARTRIDGE facing toward the front of the computer.  The drive 
           3 swap and ROM bank select switches also face toward the front.


QUESTION - Do disk copies made by the DISCOVERY CARTRIDGE require that
           the CARTRIDGE be installed to run the copy, like some copies
           made by the 8 bit HAPPY?

ANSWER   - No, The DISCOVERY CARTRIDGE does not have to be present to run 
           the copies.  Refer to the section in our original literature
           which compares the DISCOVERY CARTRIDGE to the 8 bit HAPPY for
           further information.  


QUESTION - Are software upgrades required? ANSWER - Like all other 
           computer programs, improvement is always possible.  Please
           do not expect our first software release to contain every 
           possible feature.  The DISCOVERY CARTRIDGE hardware device 
           contains no software on ROM or EPROM, so no hardware upgrade 
           should ever be needed or required.  All improvements will be by
           virtue of disk based software.  From time to time, we will 
           offer new software upgrades which will include n ew features 
           and further use of the power of the DISCOVERY CARTRIDGE's 
           hardware.  Software upgrades are not free.  We notify our 
           customers when they are available, and how to order them.  
           The charge is usually nominal.


QUESTION - Does the DISCOVERY CARTRIDGE and all of its features work with
           all drives and all ST computers?  

ANSWER   - We have designed the DISCOVERY CARTRIDGE to work with all 
           standard 520ST, 1040ST and MEGA series computers made by Atari
           to date.  Computers that have special modifications that
           affect the processor speed, performance, interrupt system, or
           disk drive interface may not operate with the DISCOVERY 
           CARTRIDGE.


The DISCOVERY CARTRIDGE works perfectly with the internal drive in those 
computers that have them. No internal wiring or modification is needed, 
as all signals needed are present on the disk drive connector at the back
of the computer.  The DISCOVERY CARTRIDGE always plugs into this connector
with a cable that is included, even if there are no external drives.  

Our information indicates that Atari has shipped a variety of drives, with
various internal differences.  A particular drive may work perfectly in 
all respects with the DISCOVERY CARTRIDGE.  Then again, even though a 
drive may seem to function properly for all normal DOS and file
operations, it may have some problems performing some of the extended 
functions that the DISCOVERY CARTRIDGE provides.  For example, some drives
may not be able to position the read/write head past the 80th track; and 
this may be required to copy a particular disk.  It is conceivable that a
particular drive may have trouble reading or writing in the MACINTOSH 
format.  The MACINTOSH format uses a data bandwidth on the outer tracks 
that is higher than normal MFM 250K.  

The DISCOVERY CARTRIDGE has no control over the quality of disk reading 
and writing, head positioning, or other restrictions that a particular 
drive mechanism may cause.  To assist the user, our software package 
includes diagnostics that will test a disk drive, and measure its 
performance in these respects.  Our test should allow the user to 
determine if a particular drive functions well enough to do the job 
required.  If there are problems, the user may need to substitute a 
different drive.  It may be possible to substitute a better drive 
mechanism that plugs right in, taking the place of the one originally 
provided by Atari.  Your computer dealer may be able to help you in doing
this.  Our diagnostic cannot determine if a drive is out of alignment.  
Only a qualified technician can test and adjust all aspects of your disk
drive.


QUESTION - Does the DISCOVERY CARTRIDGE allow my Atari ST computer to run
           programs from the MACINTOSH computer? 

ANSWER   - No, but the DISCOVERY CARTRIDGE can help you do this by adding 
           the ability to translate disks from MACINTOSH format to the 
           MAGIC format used by the MAGIC SAC, without the need to have a
           MACINTOSH computer connected to your ST computer.  There are 
           products on the market that can permit your ST to run some
           MACINTOSH programs.  One of these is the MAGIC SAC from DATA
           PACIFIC. 
 

The MAGIC SAC product is a combination of hardware and software.  The 
hardware portion of the MAGIC SAC is a CARTRIDGE that holds the MACINTOSH
ROMS and a battery backed up clock circuit.  Our DISCOVERY CARTRIDGE has 
the option to operate with the MAGIC SAC software, either by installing 
the ROMS and clock circuit in the space provided on the DISCOVERY 
CARTRIDGE board, or by plugging the MAGIC SAC cartridge into the optional
cartridge jack on the DISCOVERY CARTRIDGE.  See the section on FACTORY
and USER CONFIGURABLE options in this literature for further information.

HAPPY COMPUTERS does not offer any opinion or information concerning
the ability of the MAGIC SAC to run MACINTOSH programs.  For the purpose 
of this discussion, we assume that the MAGIC SAC does this function.  
HAPPY COMPUTERS does not offer any warranty concerning the performance of
products made by other companies.


IMPORTANT:  The option to install ROMS or EPROMS such as MACINTOSH ROMS 
directly on the DISCOVERY CARTRIDGE, to facilitate running the MAGIC SAC 
software without the need to plug in the MAGIC SAC hardware, is a new 
option.  It was not described in our previous literature.  

QUESTION - How does the DISCOVERY CARTRIDGE compare with the TRANSLATOR 
           from Data Pacific?  

ANSWER   - Compared to the DISCOVERY CARTRIDGE, the TRANSLATOR is a bad 
           design.  


TRANSLATOR vs DISCOVERY CARTRIDGE
=================================

Without a hardware upgrade, your ST computer cannot read or write the 
variable speed GCR data on MACINTOSH formatted disks.  Your ST can only 
read and write MFM data at the 250K rate.  The TRANSLATOR was designed 
specifically to allow your ST to read and write MACINTOSH disks.  That is
the only thing the TRANSLATOR can do.  The DISCOVERY CARTRIDGE, which was
designed to read and write virtually any disk format, can read and write 
MACINTOSH disks as just one of its full range of features.  

Both the DISCOVERY CARTRIDGE and the TRANSLATOR plug in-line with the disk
drive cables, allowing both of them to access any internal and external 
floppy drives that are accessible by your ST computer.  

The data pathway between the TRANSLATOR and the ST COMPUTER is through
the midi port.  The DISCOVERY CARTRIDGE plugs into the ST computer's 
cartridge port.  The DISCOVERY CARTRIDGE can move large amounts of disk 
data and programs through its cartridge port connection at the top speed
of the 68000 microprocessor in your ST.  Unlike the midi interface, the 
cartridge port does not suffer from a data bottleneck of serial to 
parallel conversion.  The TRANSLATOR transfers disk data at the midi port
speed which is (painfully) much slower.  Use of the midi port as the 
transfer interface causes some disk operations with the TRANSLATOR to take
almost 15 minutes.  The DISCOVERY CARTRIDGE, with its full parallel 
cartridge interface can do the same job in about 3 minutes.  Using the 
slow midi ports to transfer disk data with the TRANSLATOR is a bad design.

The TRANSLATOR requires its own power supply. Since the DISCOVERY 
CARTRIDGE's modern design uses small amounts of electricity, no separate 
power supply is needed.  

The software that supports the TRANSLATOR is an integral part of the 
MAGIC SAC software.  This allows ST computers equipped with both the 
TRANSLATOR and MAGIC SAC to directly run MACINTOSH programs from MACINTOSH
formatted disks.  It may even be possible to directly run some purchased 
MACINTOSH programs that are copy protected.  Only those copy protected 
programs that do not try to access MACINTOSH hardware registers will 
function.  There may be other reasons why you can't execute a particular 
copy protected MACINTOSH program with the TRANSLATOR. Neither the 
TRANSLATOR nor the DISCOVERY CARTRIDGE can precisely duplicate the timing
and hardware environment of the MACINTOSH disk system.


The software that supports the DISCOVERY CARTRIDGE could also be an 
integral part of the MAGIC SAC software.  It would be easiest to 
accomplish this if HAPPY COMPUTERS and DATA PACIFIC reached an appropriate
agreement.  This hasn't happened yet.  As of this writing, the DISCOVERY
CARTRIDGE cannot be used directly with MACINTOSH FORMATTED disks while the
MAGIC SAC is running a MACINTOSH program.  

Although the TRANSLATOR can allow your MAGIC SAC equipped ST to directly 
operate with MACINTOSH formatted disks, it is extremely slow in doing 
this.  The user will have much faster operation if the MACINTOSH disk is 
first converted into the MAGIC FORMAT.  A MAGIC FORMAT disk can be 
directly read by your ST COMPUTER's drive, with no TRANSLATOR or 
DISCOVERY CARTRIDGE connected.  The floppy disk controller in your 
standard ST is very efficient at reading and writing MAGIC FORMAT disks 
since they are in the MFM format which a standard ST directly handles.

Both the DISCOVERY CARTRIDGE and the TRANSLATOR can be used to convert 
MACINTOSH formatted disks to and from the more efficient MAGIC FORMAT.  
The DISCOVERY CARTRIDGE is much faster than the TRANSLATOR at doing this.
The slow speed of the TRANSLATOR may really bog you down.  Computers were
not invented to keep people waiting! 

Since the DISCOVERY CARTRIDGE is only needed to do format conversion, and
since this is the most efficient way of using the MAGIC SAC, it is not 
important to have the DISCOVERY CARTRIDGE operate online within the MAGIC
SAC software.  

DATA PACIFIC's literature that documents the problems with their 
TRANSLATOR attests to a problem formatting disks in MACINTOSH format 
using the TRANSLATOR.  They claim that this is due to an RPM problem in 
some Atari drives.  This requires that the disk be formatted on a
MACINTOSH, even if you want to write data with your ST, or else a 
MACINTOSH may not be able to read the disk.  The DISCOVERY CARTRIDGE can
compensate for both large and small speed variations in your Atari drive,
and does not require formatting on the MACINTOSH.  The lack of 
compensation for drive speed in the TRANSLATOR is a bad design.  

The bottom line is that the DISCOVERY CARTRIDGE does much more than the 
TRANSLATOR, converts disks to and from MACINTOSH format more accurately 
and faster than the TRANSLATOR, and the DISCOVERY CARTRIDGE costs less 
than the TRANSLATOR.  

QUESTION - Will the Discovery Cartridge convert MACINTOSH formatted disk 
files into Atari files? ANSWER - It could, but our first software release
will not contain this feature.  Instead, you could convert a MACINTOSH 
formatted disk into the MAGIC format, and then use the MAGIC SAC to 
convert this into an Atari file.  The same holds true for the opposite 
direction.

QUESTION - Can I purchase the DISCOVERY CARTRIDGE together with the MAGIC
           SAC?

ANSWER   - No, not at the present time from HAPPY COMPUTERS.  However, 
           you can purchase an option with your DISCOVERY CARTRIDGE that
           allows plugging in the MACINTOSH ROMS and includes a battery
           backed up clock.  This may permit the MAGIC SAC software to 
           operate without the need to plug in the MAGIC SAC cartridge.  
           HAPPY COMPUTERS cannot supply the MACINTOSH ROMS at this time.
           Your dealer may be able to put together the best package that 
           meets your needs.

                                   MORE OPTIONS
                                   ============
Our original literature describes the features available as USER 
CONFIGURABLE OPTIONS to the standard DISCOVERY CARTRIDGE.  In addition, 
there is one additional feature available.  There are positions to mount 
two 28 pin EPROMs or ROMs. Usually these will be 27C256, 27C512, or 
MACINTOSH ROMS.  If you place MACINTOSH ROMS in these sockets, and also 
install the optional battery backed up clock, you should be able to use 
the MAGIC SAC software, without the need to plug in the MAGIC SAC 
hardware cartridge. We have tested this.  However, we cannot guarantee 
the performance or compatibility of another company's product.  

There is also a position for one additional switch. With 512K EPROMS, 
this switch selects one of two banks for access by your ST computer.  
This would allow two 256K programs to be resident inside the cartridge, 
and permit access to one or the other according to the position of the 
switch.  

FACTORY INSTALLED OPTIONS
-------------------------
We will offer factory installation of options on new DISCOVERY
CARTRIDGES before shipment.  Once a unit is shipped, option installation
will not be available at the prices shown here.  Our first option package
includes the option for the third and fourth drive, including the switch
to select the third drive into the drive A position.  Note: with 
computers that have an internal drive A, this switch selects the third 
drive into the drive B position rather than the drive A position.  It is 
possible to rewire the internal drive to be drive B, and this would allow
the 3rd drive to be switched to drive A.  HAPPY COMPUTERS cannot provide 
details on this.  

Also included are the 28 pin sockets for ROM or EPROM.  Note that the 
ROM / EPROM sockets are empty.  HAPPY COMPUTERS does not supply the 
ROMS / EPROMS that the user may wish to plug in.  All of the software 
needed to operate the DISCOVERY CARTRIDGE is disk based.  

The battery backed up clock is also included.  We have noticed that some 
of the other battery backed up clock options for the ST suffer from poor 
accuracy.  Our circuit has been designed to allow us to trim each unit to
reasonable accuracy.  

The only options possible that are not included in our first options 
package are the optional jack for a second cartridge, and the switch that
would allow selecting the high and low banks of a 512K EPROM.  

The switch that allows the user to select the low or high banks of 512K 
EPROMS may be added on to the first option package.  If 512K EPROMs are 
used, this switch is required, or else only 256K would be addressable.  

If 256K EPROMs or MACINTOSH ROMS are used, the switch could be used.  If 
the switch is not installed, a wire jumper must be installed in its place.
This wire is required to determine whether pin 1 of the ROMs / EPROMs is 
high or low.  MACINTOSH ROMS (from Apple) require that pin 1 be set low, 
while 256K EPROMs may require that pin 1 be set high.  A wire may be 
soldered in, or it may be pushed into the socket pins when the ROMs / 
EPROMs are plugged in.  As long as it makes good firm contact, it doesn't
matter whether the wire is soldered in or pushed into the socket.  

CARTRIDGE JACK OPTION 
----------------------
There is a position on the DISCOVERY CARTRIDGE board for mounting a 40 
pin female jack for plugging in a 2nd cartridge.  Due to the already wide
area that the DISCOVERY CARTRIDGE occupies (4.5 inches to the left of the
computer), HAPPY COMPUTERS determined that desk space would be best 
utilized if the jack for the 2nd cartridge faced forward.  With the 
DISCOVERY CARTRIDGE, a second cartridge will plug in from the front.  
This precludes the use of some L shaped cartridges as a 2nd cartridge 
with the DISCOVERY CARTRIDGE.  

HAPPY COMPUTERS cannot guarantee any cartridge for use as a 2nd cartridge. 
With no changes other than the installation of the 2nd jack, we have 
determined that the MAGIC SAC and the DESK CART seem to work properly 
when used as a second CARTRIDGE with the DISCOVERY CARTRIDGE, but we 
cannot guarantee that this applies to all existing and future MAGIC SAC 
and DESK CART cartridges.


If the 2nd cartridge jack is used with a MAGIC SAC or a DESK CART, the 
options on the DISCOVERY CARTRIDGE board for the battery backed up clock,
and EPROMS / ROMS cannot be used, as they would interfere with the ROMS 
and clock on the MAGIC SAC and DESK CART.  The DISCOVERY CARTRIDGE's 
option for the third and fourth drive may still be used with a MAGIC SAC 
or DESK CART plugged in as a second cartridge.  

The jack used to implement the 2nd cartridge may not always be available 
to HAPPY COMPUTERS. We reserve the right to cancel orders for the second 
cartridge jack option if the jack is not available.  

The second cartridge jack may be ordered by itself or in conjunction with
the option for the third and fourth drive.  It cannot be ordered with the
ROM sockets or battery backed up clock option.


There are a limited number of address and select signals at the ST 
CARTRIDGE jack.  With some modification, it may be possible to adapt the 
DISCOVERY CARTRIDGE to be used as a 2nd cartridge, or to allow various 
other cartridges to be used as a 2nd cartridge.  The DISCOVERY CARTRIDGE 
board has been designed to simplify this type of modification.  Other 
than the documentation that comes with the DISCOVERY CARTRIDGE, HAPPY 
COMPUTERS cannot provide assistance concerning this type of modification.

NON-FACTORY INSTALLED OPTIONS 
------------------------------
Any of the options allowed by the DISCOVERY CARTRIDGE's design may be 
installed by a qualified technician.  Soldering is required.  No wiring 
is needed in most cases, except for the ROM / EPROM pin 1 jumper as was 
discussed above.  The components are simply soldered into the holes 
provided on the DISCOVERY CARTRIDGE board. Most of the components are 
readily available from electronics components suppliers.  

Complete schematics, parts lists, and component placement diagrams of the
DISCOVERY CARTRIDGE board and options are included with the DISCOVERY 
CARTRIDGE documentation.  No documentation is available concerning HAPPY 
COMPUTERS' custom HART chip in the DISCOVERY CARTRIDGE.  

IMPORTANT -  HAPPY COMPUTERS warranty on the DISCOVERY CARTRIDGE is
rendered null and void by any modification made to the DISCOVERY CARTRIDGE
once it leaves our factory.  All options that are installed by HAPPY 
COMPUTERS will be covered by HAPPY COMPUTERS' warranty.  You void your 
entire warranty if options are installed by anyone other than HAPPY 
COMPUTERS.

                          ORDERS AND OPTIONS SHIPMENT
                          ---------------------------
Call       (408) 778-5984 for up to date delivery information or, 
           (408) 779-3830 to order your Discovery Cartridge today.

Ed. Note: Happy Computers is shipping Discovery Carts now and they are in
full production.





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




                           ANTIC PUBLISHING INC.
                              COPYRIGHT 1988
                          REPRINTED BY PERMISSION.



      PROFESSIONAL GEM  by Tim Oren
      Column #14 - User Interfaces, part 2


           This  issue of ST PRO GEM (#14) continues the  discussion  of
      user  interface  design which began in episode eight.   It  begins
      where  we left off,  with a further treatment of the mode problem,
      and  proceeds  into  topics such as visual  grammar  and  layered
      interfaces.

           Note  that  there  is  no  download  for  this  column.   The
      downloads  will return with the next issue,  a discussion of using
      the  GEM DOS file system within a GEM application.   Specifically,
      it  will include sample code for using the file selector,  the GEM
      form_error  alerts,  and some utilities for manipulating file  and
      path names.  There will also be a feedback section.  The following
      two columns will be devoted to "graphics potpourri",  a collection
      of  small  but useful GEM utilities such as  popup  menus,  string
      editing, and source code for drag and rubber box operations.

           MODES AGAIN.   If a program is modeless, it acts predictably,
      which turns out to be very important.   On the other hand,  a good
      definition  for  "modes"  is hard to find.   In  column  eight,  I
      suggested  that  a  mode exists when you cannot  use  all  of  the
      capabilities  of the program without performing some  intermediate
      step.   If  this  is  less  than clear,  here  are  two  alternate
      definitions offering different views of the problem.

           THE   "TWO  USER  TEST".    Consider  the  following  thought
      experiment:   Imagine  that  your ST (and GEM) had two  mice,  two
      cursors,  and  two  users.   Could  they both effectively use  the
      program at the same time?  If so, the application is modeless.  If
      there are points where one user can be "locked out" by the actions
      of  the other,  then a mode exists at that point.  Let's  consider
      some examples of this test.

           In any program which uses the GEM menu system, one user could
      stop  the  other by touching a menu hotspot and dropping  a  menu.
      This constitutes an inherent mode in the GEM architecture.

           On  the  GEM Desktop,  two users could open windows and  view
      files without interference.   However, as soon as one person tries
      to delete a file (assuming the verify option is on),  the other is
      brought  to  a halt as a dialog appears.   Thus,  we have found  a
      modal dialog.

           In  many "Paint-type" programs,  such as MacPaint,  PC Paint,
      and  GEM Paint,  two artists could co-exist quite well,  utilizing
      the  on-screen  palette  and tool  selection.   Of  course,  these
      programs  also contain modal dialogs for such operations  as  file
      and  brush  shape  selection.   In contrast,  consider  the  paint
      program  DEGAS  for  the ST.   Here,  two artists could only  work
      together as long as neither wanted to change tool or color.   Then
      the  display  would have to be flipped to  the  selection  screen,
      stopping the other user.  This is a mode in the DEGAS interface.

           (By the way, this test is not just academic.  The grand-daddy
      of all mouse based systems, NLS, demonstrated by Doug Englebart in
      1968,  had  two  mice  and two users,  one of whom was  physically
      remote.   Cooperative  techniques  such as this are still  largely
      unexplored and unexploited.)

           ONE  LINER.   Here's  a  terse definition by  Jef  Raskin:  A
      program is modeless if a given action has one and only one result.
      Again, let's run a few examples.

           The  menu  dropdowns are clearly modal  by  this  definition.
      Before  the  menu was activated,  window control points  could  be
      activated with a click.   However, when the dropdown is visible, a
      click action is interpreted as a menu selection or a dismissal  of
      the dropdown.   Similarly, dialogs are modal because the action of
      moving  the mouse into the menu bar no longer causes the  dropdown
      to appear.

           I am typing this using the First Word editor program.  It has
      a  nice desktop level box full of characters where I can click  to
      get  symbols which the ST keyboard won't produce.   However,  if I
      invoke  the  find or replace string dialog,  the  click-in-the-box
      action  doesn't  work anymore.   This is a mode in the First  Word
      interface.

           Finally, consider an "old style" menu program, the kind where
      you  type in the number of the desired action from a list.   Since
      the  number  "2" might mean "Insert the record" in one  menu,  and
      "Purge  the file" in another,  such a program is clearly modal  by
      Raskin's definition.

           These  three definitions say almost the same thing,  but from
      different  viewpoints.   Depending  on the situation,  one or  the
      other  may  be more intuitive for you.   The goal of this type  of
      analysis  is to root out unnecessary modes,  and to make sure that
      those  which remain only appear when requested by the user,  offer
      some visual cue such as a rubber line or standard dialog box,  and
      are used consistently throughout the application.

           PREDICTABILITY  FOREVER  AND  EVER  AND  EVER.   As  Raskin's
      definition  makes  clear,  when the modes go away,  the  interface
      becomes  predictable.   Predictability  leads to the formation  of
      habits   of   use.     Habits  reduce  "think  time"  and   become
      progressively faster due to the Power Law of Practice discussed in
      column eight.  This is exactly what we want!

           There is another benefit of predictability.   A habit learned
      in  one  part  of a program with a  consistent  interface  can  be
      transferred  and  used elsewhere in the application.   If  several
      programs share the same style of interface, the same habits can be
      used across a complete set of products.  Learning time for the new
      functions becomes shorter,  and the user is more likely to use the
      new feature.

           IS  A  BOGEYMAN!   Most  casual  users are  scared  silly  of
      computers  and programs.   (If you have any doubt,  eavesdrop on a
      secretary with a new word processor,  or the doctor's receptionist
      coping with an insurance data entry program.)  In most cases, they
      have  a  right to be frightened.   Even  experienced  programmers,
      prone  to  toss  the manuals and hack  away,  know  that  moderate
      paranoia  is  the best way to deal with an unknown  program.   How
      must this feel to someone whose ability to perform (or lose) their
      job depends on an unpredictable (aha!) black box.

           So here's another way in which predictability works.   But to
      produce  a truly fearless user,  we need other qualities as  well.
      One  is robustness,  meaning that the program will not crash given
      normal or even bizarre actions by the user.   Another is feedback,
      which shuts off invalid options,  reinforces correct actions,  and
      gives  reassurance  that  an  operation  is  proceeding  normally.
      Finally, we need forgiveness, in the form of inverse operations or
      Undo options, when the inevitable mistake is made.

           The  ultimate  goal is make the program  discoverable.   This
      means  the user should be able to safely "wing it" after  a  short
      session  with  the application and its interface.   This  practice
      ought to be considered the norm anyway, since the manual is always
      across  the office or missing when an esoteric and  half-forgotten
      feature  is  needed.   If it is possible to muddle through such  a
      situation  by  trial  and  error,   without  causing  damage,  the
      immediate  problem  will  be  solved,   and  the  user  will  gain
      confidence.

           GOOD GRAMMAR OR...  So exactly what are these habits that are
      supposed  to be so helpful?   One of the most useful patterns is a
      consistent  command  grammar  for the  program.   This  may  sound
      strange,   since   we  have  supposedly  abandoned  command   line
      interfaces  in the graphics world,  but in fact,  the same type of
      rules apply.   For instance, in the world of A> we might issue the
      command:

           copy a:foobar.txt b:

      By  analogy  to  English grammar,  this command contains  a  verb,
      "copy",  a  file  as  subject:  "a:foobar.txt",  and a location as
      an object: "b:".  The equivalent GEM Desktop operation is:

           - Move mouse to foobar.txt icon in a: window
           - Press mouse button
           - Move mouse to b: icon
           - Release mouse button

      The  operation  can be described as a  select-drag-drop  sequence,
      with  the select designating the subject file,  the drag  denoting
      the  operation  (copy),  and the location of the drop showing  the
      object.   A  grammar still exists,  but its "terminal symbols" are
      composed  of  mouse  actions interpreted in  the  context  of  the
      current screen display, rather than typed characters.

           One  useful way to analyze simple grammars,  including  those
      used  as  command  languages,  is to separate  them  into  prefix,
      postfix,  and infix forms.   In a prefix grammer, the operation to
      be  performed precedes its operands,  that is,  its subject(s) and
      object(s).   The  DOS copy command given above is an example of  a
      prefix  command.   LISP  is  an example of a language  which  uses
      prefix specification for its commands.

           Postfix grammars specify the action after all of the operands
      have been given.   This command pattern is familiar to many as the
      way  in  which  Hewlett-Packard calculators  work.   FORTH  is  an
      example of a language which uses a postfix grammar.

           Infix  notation  places the verb,  or operator,  between  its
      subject and object.   Conventional algebraic notation is infix, as
      are most computer languages such as C or PASCAL.   The example GEM
      command  given  above  is also infix,  since the  selection  of  a
      subject  file  preceded  the action,  which was  followed  by  the
      designation of an object.

           The  "standard" GEM command grammar,  as used in the products
      produced  by Digital Research,  is in fact infix.   This is not to
      say that GEM enforces such a convention,  or that it is rigorously
      followed.  However, when there is no pressing reason for a change,
      adoption  of an infix command grammar will make  your  application
      feel most like others which users may have seen.

           The general problem of specifying a graphic command  language
      can be difficult, but much of the problem has already been handled
      on the ST.   Part of the solution is by constraint:  the input and
      output hardware of the ST are predefined,  so most developers will
      not  need  to  worry about choosing a pointing  device  or  screen
      resolution.   The  other part of the standard solution is the  GEM
      convention for mouse usage.  I am going to review these rules, and
      then describe of the situations in which they have been bent,  and
      finally  some alternate approaches which may prove useful to  some
      developers.

           SPECIFYING  A SUBJECT.   There are really two sets of methods
      for  designating what is to be affected by an operation.   One set
      is  used when distinct objects are to be affected.   Examples  are
      file and disk icons in the Desktop and trees in the RCS.   Another
      set of designation methods is used when continuous material,  such
      as text or bit images, is being handled.

           When dealing with objects, a single mouse click (down and up)
      over the object selects it.   The application should show that the
      selection  has occurred by changing the appearance of the  object.
      The  most  common  methods are inverting the  object,  or  drawing
      "handles" around it.

           Many   operations   allow  "plural",   or  multiple   object,
      selections.  The GEM convention is that a click on an object while
      the  shift key is held down extends the selection by  adding  that
      object.   If the shift-clicked object was already selected,  it is
      deleted from the selection list.

           Another  way to select multiple objects is to use  a  "rubber
      box"  to enclose them.   This operation begins with drag on a part
      of  the  view where no object is present.   The  application  then
      animates a rubber box on the screen as long as the mouse button is
      held  down.   When the button is released,  all objects within the
      current extent of the box are selected.   A shift-drag combination
      could be used to add the objects to an existing selection list.

           Selecting  part of a text or bit plane display is  also  done
      with a rubber box.   Since there are no "objects" in the view, any
      mouse  drag  is  interpreted  as  the  beginning  of  a  selection
      operation.   In  the  simplest  case,  a bit plane,  the rectangle
      within the box when the button is released is the selected extent.

           When  the  underlying data has structure,  such as words  and
      lines  of  text,  the display should reflect this fact during  the
      selection  operation.   Typically,  text selection is indicated by
      inversion  of  the  characters  rather than  a  rubber  box.   The
      selection  extends  along the starting line so long as  the  mouse
      stays  within the line.   If the mouse move off the starting  text
      line, the implied selection is all characters between the starting
      character  and the character currently under the mouse,  which  is
      not necessarily a rectangular area.

           An  extended  "plural"  selection may be  supported  in  text
      editing.   The  use of the shift key is also conventional in  this
      application.

           ACTION.  With the subject designated, the user can now choose
      an operation.   In many cases,  this will be picked from the menu,
      in  which  case  the  entire  command  is  complete.    Some  menu
      selections will lead to dialogs,  in which the interaction methods
      are  regulated  by  the GEM form manager.   When  the  command  is
      completed,  it  is  often  helpful if the application  leaves  the
      objects  (or areas) selected and ready for another  operation.   A
      single click away from any object is interpreted as cancelling the
      selections.

           Many  operations  are indicated by gestures  on  the  screen.
      Usually,   this  is  some  variant  of  a  drag  operation.    The
      interpretation of the gesture may depend on the type and  location
      of the selected subject,  which part of it is under the mouse, and
      in what location the drag terminates.

           "Handles"  are small boxes or dot displayed around an  object
      when it is selected.   A drag beginning with the mouse on a handle
      is  usually  interpreted  as  a resizing  operation,  if  this  is
      appropriate.   The  pointing  finger  mouse form is  displayed  to
      indicate  the operation in progress,  and a rubber version of  the
      object  is animated on the screen to show the user the  result  if
      the  button  were released.   In some cases,  where an  underlying
      "snap"  grid  exists,  the  animated  object may  change  size  in
      discrete steps.

           Dragging  a non-handle area of a selected object  is  usually
      interpreted  as  the  beginning  of  a  move  function.   In  most
      applications,  a  move  of a single object may be started  without
      pre-selection.   Simply  beginning the drag on the object is taken
      to imply selection.  The spread hand, or "grabber", mouse form  is
      typically displayed during a drag operation.

           Dragging  may  denote copying or movement,  or  more  complex
      functions such as instantiation or generalization.   The operation
      implied by movement on the screen will differ among  applications,
      and  often  within  the  same  application,  depending  on  target
      location.   This  target is the recipient of the command's action,
      or its object, in an English grammar sense.

           For  example,  a  drag from window to window in  the  Desktop
      denotes a copy.   On the other hand, dragging the same icon to the
      trashcan  deletes it completely.   Dragging an object from the RCS
      partbox  to the editing view creates a new copy of that  prototype
      object.   Dragging  the  same object within the edit  view  simply
      changes its placement.

           There   are  some  mouse  actions  which   are   conventional
      "abbreviations".   A  double click on an object is interpreted  as
      both a selection and an action.   Usually, the double click action
      is the same as the Open entry in the "File" menu.

           When  the  usual interpretation of a drag is  movement,  then
      shift-drag  may be used as an enhanced varient  implying  copying.
      For  instance,  shift-dragging  an object within the  RCS  editing
      window  makes  a  copy of the object and places it  in  the  final
      location.

           To return to the beginning of this discussion, the reason for
      adopting  these conventional usages is to build an interface  that
      promotes  habits.   Particularly,  a  standard grammar for  giving
      commands helps answer the question "What comes next?".   It breaks
      the user's actions into logical phrases,  or chunks,  which may be
      thought of a whole, rather than one action at a time.

           DIFFERENT  FOLKS,   DIFFERENT  STROKES.    There  are  always
      exceptions to a rule,  or so it seems.   In this case, consistency
      of   the  interface  grammar  is  sometimes  traded  off   against
      consistency of metaphor,  preservation of screen space,  and "fast
      path" methods for experts.

           One example is the use of "tools" in Paint and Draw programs.
      In  such  programs,  an  initial  click is made on  a  tool  icon,
      denoting the operation to be applied to all following  selections.
      This is an prefix style of grammar,  and stands in contrast to the
      usual  method  of selecting subject object(s) first.   Because  of
      this contrast,  it is sometimes called "moding the cursor".   (Try
      applying the tests above to be sure it really is a mode.)

           In  these  cases,  there  are two reasons for  accepting  the
      nonstandard  method.   The first is consistency of metaphor.   The
      "user model" portrayed in the programs is an artist's work  table,
      with  tools,  palette,  and  so  on.   The cursor moding action is
      equivalent  to  picking up a working tool.   The second reason  is
      speed.   In a Paint program,  the "canvas" is often modified,  and
      speed  in  creating or changing the bits is  important.   In  more
      object  oriented applications such as Desktop or RCS,  the objects
      are more persistent.   Speed is then more essential when adding or
      changing properties of the objects.

           When  command  styles  are mixed in this  fashion,  you  must
      design very carefully to avoid conflicts or apparent  side-effects
      in  the  command language.   For example,  in GEM Draw picking  an
      action from the Edit menu cancels the current cursor mode  without
      warning.   Confusion  from  such side-effects may cancel  out  the
      benefits of the mixed grammar.

           The  subject  of command speed  deserves  further  attention.
      While  the  novice approaching a program needs  full  feedback,  a
      person who uses it day in and day out will learn the program,  and
      want  faster  ways  to get the job done,  even if  they  are  more
      arcane.  The gives rise to a "layered" style of interface.

           A layered interface is designed so that the visual grammar is
      obvious,  as  we  have discussed.   However, there are one or more
      sets of "accelerators" built into the program, which may be harder
      to find but faster to use.  One example is condensed mouse actions
      such  as the double-click.   For instance,  attempting to select a
      block  of text which extends beyond a window is  impossible  using
      the  basic metaphor.   The novice will simply do the operation  in
      pieces.   A  layered interface might put a less obvious Mark Begin
      and  Mark End option in the menus.   Another way is to take a drag
      which  extends outside the window as a request to begin  scrolling
      in that direction, while extending the current selection.

           One  of  the most common and useful  accelerator  methods  is
      function  keys.   Using  this approach,  single key equivalents to
      actions are listed in the menu.   Striking this key when an object
      is  selected  will cause the action to occur.   Note that this  is
      most  useful if some keyboard driven method of  object  selection,
      such as tabbing, is also available.  Otherwise, the time switching
      from  the  mouse,  used to select the object,  to the keyboard for
      command input, may well cancel any advantage.

           Finally,  radical  departures  from the GEM metaphor  may  be
      useful when attempting to replicate the look of another system, or
      trying  to  meet severe constraints,  such as display space.   One
      example  would  be discarding the standard GEM menus in  favor  of
      "popup"  menus which appear next to the current mouse position  in
      response  to  a click on the second button.   This method has  the
      advantage  of preserving the menu space at the top of the  screen,
      and  is potentially faster because the menu appears right next  to
      the  current mouse position.   The drawbacks are lack of a  visual
      cue for naive users trying to find the commands,  and the need for
      custom coding to build the popups.

           MORE  TO COME.   We have reached the end of the second sermon
      on  user  interface.   In a future column,  I will look at "higher
      level"  topics  relating to the design of the  application's  user
      metaphor.   These  include  issues of object  orientation,  direct
      manipulation,   and  the  construction  of  microworlds.   In  the
      meantime,  several  of  the  more practical columns  will  present
      implementions  of  techniques such as accelarator keys  and  popup
      menus which I have discussed this time.

           THANKS AND APOLOGIES to the following people whose public and
      published   remarks  have  formed  part  of  the  basis  of   this
      discussion:  Jef Raskin, Bill Buxton, Adele Goldberg, James Foley,
      and Ben Schneidermann.  As always, any errors are my own.




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




                   Release Notes for REVOLVER Version 1.1

                                   11/23/88


Questions and Answers:

                                    :TIME:
                                    ------
        The ST has a software clock and a hardware clock.  The hardware
clock is not changed during switching or rolling in programs but the
software clock will lose accuracy during switching and when rolling in
programs.  If you prefer to have the clock reflect accurate time you 
should add REVTIME.PRG to your AUTO folder.  This program will cause all 
accesses to the ST's clock to be made from the hardware.

        NOTE: The Set Time & Date function in REVOLVER set the hardware
clock.


                              :PARTITION COPY:
                              ----------------
        Partition copy is a new feature that copies the contents of one
partition to another one. To use it click "COPY" on the main menu, then
select the target partition.  An example of a good use for this feature
would be if you have partitions that are the same size, you only need
to boot one of them, and copy the others, making startup faster.


                          :SYSTEM CRASH MESSAGE:
                          ----------------------
        Revolver 1.0 intercepted system crashes 2 and 3 by displaying a
message in the upper left hand corner of the screen.  This display has
been removed in Version 1.1 so that a system crash is handled by the 
operating system in the normal manner.


                          :FLOPPY DRIVE MEDIA CHANGE:
                          ---------------------------
        Revolver 1.0 could be fooled into not making a media change when
switching between single and double sided floppy disks.  Version 1.1 forces
a media change to occur whenever a partition is switched to, thus fixing
the problem.


                              :FORTY FOLDER FIX:
                              ------------------
        Version 1.1 will not activate the Forty Folder Fix when used with
the Version 1.4 Operating System (since this problem is solved in 1.4).


                                  :PYROTECHNICS:
                                  --------------
        Version 1.1 allows the user to turn off REVOLVER's sounds and
visual slide in effect (selectable in the Configuration Menu).


                                 :FOLDER RENAME:
                                 ---------------
        A folder rename has been added the the Disk Commands Menu. 


                                 :FILE SELECTOR:
                                 ---------------
        The file selector will now show folders when using a wild card
pattern for the file name.


                             :EXIT USING RETURN KEY:
                             -----------------------
        REVOLVER dialogues may now be exited using either the left mouse
click on the EXIT button or by pressing the Return Key.


                               :MOUSE ACCELERATOR:
                               -------------------
        The Mouse Accelerator in version 1.0 conflicted with Word perfect
and several other programs that used their own mouse drivers.  This has
been fixed in version 1.1 thus allowing the use of such programs with
REVOLVER.  However if problems occur simply de-install the mouse driver
and reboot without it.


                          :PARTITION SIZE ALLOCATION:
                          ---------------------------
        The partition allocation block size has been decreased from 256K
to 128K thus allowing for a greater combination of partition sizes.  This
is of particular benefit to 1040 users.  Additionally, the allocation of
REVOLVER's overhead across partitions can be handled in two ways...
EVEN allocation will allocate the overhead equally across all partitions
(this was the way Version 1.0 did it), PERCENTAGE will allocate the 
overhead based on the percentage of memory in each partition.  PERCENTAGE
is recommended if you wish to allocate a minimum size partition (1 block).


                        :PARTITIONS TOO SMALL FOR GEM:
                        ------------------------------
        Version 1.1 will force partitions with less than 160K of memory 
to become TOS only partitions.  You may run only small TOS applications
in such a partition but REVOLVER will be accessible through them.  This
will allow you to use REVOLVER with minimal overhead should you desire
not to use the GEM switching functions.


                             :MOUSE COLOR CHANGE:
                             --------------------
        The mouse color has been changed so that it is easier to see on
monochrome systems.


                          :RIGHT MOUSE DOUBLE CLICK:
                          --------------------------
        The mouse driver has an added feature selectable in the Mouse
Configuration Dialogue that allows you to use the Right Mouse Button to
simulate a Left Mouse Double Click.


                               :BOOT MANAGER:
                               --------------
        A boot manager has been added and can be turned on in the 
Configure Dialogue.  It allows you to select auto programs and desk
accessories as each partition is booted.  Simply select ACC or AUTO
on the lower left of the dialogue then use the mouse to move your
selections to the USE column (if you want them) or the POOL column
(if you wish to boot without them).  Pressing Return or clicking on
Desktop will allow the boot process to continue normally, clicking on
the CLI will cause the booting partition to boot only to TOS.


                            :CALLING UP REVOLVER:
                            ---------------------
        Normally REVOLVER can easily be called up using the ALT-LEFT SHIFT
key combination and switching to the next partition can be quickly
accomplished by pressing the CONTROL-ALT-LEFT SHIFT combination.
Some programs will not respond to these combinations unless you depress
another key (such as the space bar) while waiting for REVOLVER to
acknowledge (the screen flash).  Some example programs that demonstrate
this are DCOPY, DBMAN and GULAM.


                            :PROBLEM PROGRAM TYPES:
                            -----------------------
       Most programs that do not successfully work with REVOLVER are those
that place the keyboard into Joystick Monitor and/or Fire Button Monitor
mode.  This includes many games.  You can often successfully rollout 
then rollin such games from their title screen or menu screens.  Rolling
them out from the action screen will cause them to be fully restored 
when rolled back in except that the Joystick Fire Button will not work. 

       Programs that boot directly from the master disk will not allow
REVOLVER to load (since REVOLVER is not on the master disk).  This 
category is also usually games.  

        Programs that make changes to the architecture of the operating
system (such as PCDITTO and MAGIC SAC) will remove REVOLVER and all
of its Partitions and should be run without REVOLVER loaded (Hold down
the ALT-LEFT SHIFT while booting to boot without REVOLVER).  


                               :REVOLVER ROUTINES:
                               -------------------
        REVOLVER has several functions that can be called through the 
trap 13 handler.  They were designed to aid in integration of REVOLVER 
with standard applications.  See REVBIND.C for examples.


To upgrade send in your original disk and $6.25.


                    TO:       Intersect Software
                           2828 Clark Road, Suite 10
                             Sarasota, FL.  34231
       800-826-0130                                      813-923-8774
        Toll Free                                          FLA. Only




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




ST REPORT CONFIDENTIAL
======================


San Francisco CA     Alan Page, author of Flash, has announced he is now
----------------     privately employed.  However, Page vows complete
                     support for Flash will continue.

Houston, TX          Atari customer crys FOUL!  Seems a dealer here has
-----------          offered to "help" him obtain a new sc1224 under
                     Atari's exchange program for a nominal fee......
                     165.00 +tax!!!!  Another ripoff artist is found out.

Sunnyvale, CA        "Leaks" at the top say, WHY? As soon as the DRAM
-------------        situation eases,we now are looking at hardware
                     headaches.  Wanna bet there is "retirement in the
                     cards" for a few at the TOP???

Allentown, PA        Commodore is expected to "own" the US home computer
-------------        market by the end of 1989, the sales of it's slow
                     starter, The Amiga, have soared in the last 6 mos.

Williamsport, PA     Amiga 2000 and Commodore PC Compatibles are sold
----------------     through MAIL ORDER.  Adhereing to sound marketing
                     techniques, Commodore allows it's computer lines to
                     flow through mail order to maximize market 
                     penetration.  (The more machines - the more
                     developers)

NYC, NY              The general opinion among seasoned marketing analysts
-------              is; "the showing by Atari at COMDEX was just short of
                     being a joke" one remark often heard was, "What the
                     he** are they trying to do? Blow another Xmas Sales
                     Season? "THEY HAD NOTHING NEW TO SHOW OR SHIP"....
                     "JUST MORE PROMISES"!

Columbus, OH         CompuServe, has announced a fax connection and that 
------------         it's users of Easy-Plex and Info-Plex can now send 
                     messages to FAX machines worldwide.




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




THIS WEEK'S QUOTABLE QUOTE
==========================


      Atari's "Rule of Thumb"
      -----------------------

              "No matter how large or varied the market place is,
                 Atari will find a way to redefine or fault it."




 ------------------------------------------------------------------------
 ST-REPORT Issue #63                                    November 28, 1988
                   ALL RIGHTS RESERVED (c)copyright STR Inc.
 ------------------------------------------------------------------------
     ALL reprints must include ST-Report and the author in the credits.
       Views Presented herein are not necessarily those of STR Inc.
         COMMERCIAL ONLINE SERVICES MUST HAVE WRITTEN PERMISSION 
       to offer ST REPORT for download and/or display in any form.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
