£4.00 Issue 17, Winter 2003/4 8.00Euro Also in this Issue Features Timber Tower Reviews PhotoFolio 2.4 StarAm Plan ArakAttack AmigaArena CD Tutorials Mac: Reloaded Image Enhancement tag">C Programming

AmigaOS 4: Hands On We get to try a development version of the OS everyone’s been waiting for! Plus: News of an OS 4 pre-release for AmigaOne owners. Contents News

Issue 17 Editorial OS 4.0 to be Welcome to another issue of page). As I write this Mick has Spring 2004 Total Amiga. It’s been a while just received a test version of since we’ve been this late with the CD which is very an edition so my apologies for impressive, especially the Contents keeping you waiting. Several simple installation procedure, other tasks were competing for so hopefully many more people Pre-released my time during the production will be enjoying OS 4 soon. As you’ll have read in this documentation. Take a look at be booted from the OS4 CD- posted we will include an News of this issue which meant I just It’s been a quiet few months for magazine and elsewhere, Mick Sutton’s OS 4 Hands on ROM which leads you through update sheet. Editorial...... 2 couldn’t spare the amount of their on-line shop (see the software releases so we’ve AmigaOS 4 on the AmigaOne Feature in this issue to get a a guided installation process News Items...... 3 time each week I normally do. news section for details). For more information on taken the opportunity to catch is progressing well and has feel for what the OS 4 pre- including partitioning your hard AmigaOS 4 On Tour & UK These included pressures at AmigaOS 4 visit the Amiga up with a few existing To complete this issue we’ve now been in active use by release will be like, however disk with the new Media Show Reports...... 10 work and also completing work website: programs that have never been got a solid set of tutorials for developers and testers for bear in mind that the version Toolbox utility if required. for an English A-Level I’m http://os.amiga.com reviewed in Total Amiga. you to get your teeth into. Dave several months. As this news that is supplied with have many Features taking at evening classes. The pre-release CD distribution Sometimes programs really Pitcher is back with the second spread, and OS 4 was enhancements in reliability, The official announcement is currently being tested and is Fleecy Moss Column...... 9 The other reason for the delay surprise you and that was part of his “C” programming demonstrated in many parts of speed and features over the from Hyperion is available on: expected to be available soon, Buzz Word...... 9 was that before Christmas, definitely the case with StarAm tutorial and Michael Carrillo the world lots of AmigaOne version Mick looked at. The http://www.hyperion- perhaps even by the time you AmigaOS 4: Hands On... 12 Mick Sutton, several other Plan which I review on page has some suggestions for owners posted to mailing lists pre-release will also include entertainment.com read this. If we hear that the Timber Tower...... 16 SEAL members and myself 26. At first it seemed rather software to run on your Mac and web forums saying they development material such as CD is ready before this issue is attended several OS 4 simple and quirky. However as . In my Image would like to try a version on , an initial version Reviews demonstrations with Mick’s I used it more I found it processing tutorial you can their machines even if it wasn’t of the OS 4 SDK (software PhotoFolio 2.4...... 19 AmigaOne running OS 4. We surprisingly powerful... find out learn how to re-touch images the final release. developer kit) and native were in the happy position of what it can do in my review. using the “” tool and a bit compilers to allow Arak Attack...... 22 At the end of November, in an giving the first ever such demo Another excellent product we about image sharpening. with an StarAmPlan...... 26 interview with AmigaWorld.net, in the UK on the 9th of hadn’t covered is PhotoFolio, a AmigaOne to start developing Amiga Arena Games Before I go, I’m sure you’ll Alan Redhouse revealed that a November. You can find some powerful picture cataloguer. If for the new OS. pre-release version of OS 4 will Edition...... 30 short reports and pictures from you got a digital camera for notice that Eyetech’s normal be made available to early bird We understand that OS 4 pre- PD Paradise...... 32 the various events on the Christmas this is the review to advertising is missing this customers before the final release will be supplied to each SEAL website: read first! issue. There is nothing sinister release. This was confirmed by AmigaOne early bird owner on Support http://www.seal-amiga.co.uk. about this, they are just so Mac: Reloaded, part 2.... 36 I think many Amithlon owners busy that they could not Hyperion in an announcement CD. Installation will require an Image Enhancement Having a development version will be pleased to read about prepare a new advert in time to posted to their website on update to the AmigaOne’s U- of OS 4 on his AmigaOne has ArakAttack (reviewed on page Christmas day! Since the Boot BIOS, which, on most Tutorial, part 2...... 38 meet even our delayed allowed Mick to write a very 22), this strangely named deadline and, unfortunately, announcement we have heard boards, is achieved by booting C Programming Tutorial, interesting feature on the new driver enables you to use the the existing adverts were too that the OS 4 development from a CD and issuing a simple part 2...... 42 OS which you can find on page USB ports on your PC within out of date to run again. team is working hard in getting command. A few very early 12 of this issue. Also of interest the emulation. Another piece of the OS ready for the pre- AmigaOnes have their BIOS I hope you enjoy the issue and Next Issue...... 46 to current and potential Amiga good news is that the Poseidon release. This includes flash-ROM locked and will we’ll try to make the one One owners is the news that a USB stack (used by completing developments, need to be sent to a dealer for more timely! Colour screen-shots etc.. 48 pre-release CD version of the ArakAttack) can now be fixing bugs and working on a reprogramming. With the BIOS Early Bird AmigaOne owners will soon have the pleasure of new OS will soon be available registered again and IOSpirit Robert Williams slick installation procedure and updated the machine can then (see the news item over the have a good value bundle in booting Amiga OS 4.0 on their systems for the first time! [email protected] About Total Amiga Legalese Total Amiga is published quarterly Contact Us Only Photogenics 5 by Paul Nolan Fonts The views expressed in this If you wish to contact a contributor by South Essex Amiga Link. Final Writer 5 by Softwood magazine are those of the author send your message to one of the If you have any queries Made it Possible The body text of Total Amiga is set Ghostscript 8.00 from artofcode of each piece, they do not addresses in this section. Editor: Robert Williams suggestions or want to contact us in Triumvirate Normal as supplied Total Amiga is designed and laid LLC ported to AmigaOS by necessarily reflect the views of Design: Robert Williams for any reason please use one of with PageStream, the heading Amiga is a registered trademark out using: Whoosh777. the editor, other contributors or the following: typeface is Forgotten Futurist by and the Amiga logo, the “Boing Contributors: Fleecy Moss Hardware: SEAL. There are also some essential Ray Larabie. Take a look at Ray’s Ball” device, AmigaDOS, Amiga David Pitcher EMail: [email protected] Home built x86 PC utilities we couldn’t live without: huge range of fonts at Please Note: Total Amiga is , Amiga Workbench, Michael Carrillo WWW: http://www.totalamiga.org/ AMD Athlon XP 2500+ Advertisers 5, SGrab, MCP, http://www.larabiefonts.com and produced by the editor and Autoconfig, Bridgeboard, and Mick Sutton nVidia gForce 2 MX400 Amiga...... 11 Post: Total Amiga, Turbo Print 7, MakeCD. his commercial foundry at contributors in their spare time. Powered by Amiga are Nick Elliott 512Mb RAM, 40Gb HDD. 26 Wincoat Drive, Our thanks to the creators of this http://www.typodermic.com. While we always strive to produce trademarks of AMIGA Inc. Amigaworld.net...... 35 Proofreading: Mick Sutton BENFLEET, Software: and all the other great Amiga the magazine on time and include “Amigan” is copyright by Bob AmiGBG show (Sweden) 25 Sharon Sutton Essex, SS7 5AH, Amithlon by Bernie Meyer et. al. software out there. all the advertised contents this is Scharp and used with his Audio Evolution...... 24 Cover Design:Robert Williams UK. not always possible due to other Amiga OS 3.9 by Amiga Total Amiga is entirely created permission. commitments. The price you pay Fore-matt Home Computing Telephone: +44 (0) 1268 569937 PageStream 4.1 by Softlogik using Amiga software, no other All other trademarks mentioned for Total Amiga covers our costs ...... 37 (19:00 - 22:00 ImageFX 4.5 by Nova Design platforms are used at any stage of are the property of their and nothing more, we don’t make Kicksoft...... 18 & 47 UK time only please) Perfect Paint 2.93 the design or layout process. respective owners. by Georges Halvadjian a profit from it. 2 TOTAL AMIGA Spring 2004 3 News News Bytes... II Touches Down AmigaBytes... PoV The first batch of Pegasos II Amiga Point of View is a new Can That SPAM! motherboards were shipped to magazine concentrating on AntiSPAM is a spam users just before Christmas. classic Amiga games, it is Shinier (unsolicited commercial e-mail, This new version of Genesi’s available as a free download often characterised by adverts PowerPC motherboard is in PDF format. It includes for pornography and Viagra) based on the Marvell game reviews, articles on GoldEd blocking tool which uses a Discovery II system controller aspects of Amiga gaming, central on an walk-throughs, hints and tips, Dietmar Eilert has released a which endows it with support server to collect mails that and many other features. The slew of updates for his for faster DDR-266MHz have been marked as SPAM first issue was released just comprehensive text editor memory and an additional by all its users. The program buggy before Christmas and looks package, GoldEd Studio AIX. 1Gb/s port (not runs in the background and is firmware excellent with a really nice MorphOS is now fully currently supported under which would design and lots of interesting supported, this means that supplied with a number of MorphOS). Apart from those scripts to integrate it with the prevent the articles including: GoldEd runs properly on the changes the Pegasos II is very The Pegasos II popular e-mailer, YAM. At start- machine from platform and the MorphOS similar to the Pegasos I with mother board has a • 9 reviews including Sensible up a fresh SPAM database is booting if any developer material has been features including: similar design and the Golf, Eye of the Beholder downloaded and any mail setting were changed. integrated into the C/C++ same neat form factor as and Balance of Power. received is checked against it, • Processor card slot with Very quickly after their module. The C/C++ module its predecessor. • A feature on Team 17. was then further upgraded to if a message is identified as AntiSpam’s remote utility can detect and delete SPAM either a 600MHz G3 or release a fix was made • How comics inspired Amiga fix bugs in the gcc/ndk SPAM it is removed from the messages before you download them. 1000MHz G4 PowerPC available, but this should be Native PPC MorphOS games. processor installation. GoldEd’s incoming folder. If any SPAM be downloaded from your ISP’s SPAMs in one go before you applied before any firmware programs are also available. • Help on completing Quest • Micro ATX form factor for Glory, Zak McKracken WebWorld HTML publishing messages get through you can POP3 server and identify any have to download them. settings are made, if you buy a For more details please take a module has been enhanced (236mm x 172mm) and Switchblade. select them and run the SPAMs. All the mails that have Pegasos II be sure to check look at Sam Byford’s reviews to include the latest version of AntiSPAM is freeware and can • 1 AGP slot “AddSpammer.” script from been identified as SPAM are the following web page for of the Pegasos I and MorphOS Tidy which checks your HTML be downloaded from its • 3 PCI Slots This magazine looks excellent a menu item to add this mail to listed and marked for deletion. details: in issues 15 and 16. code for errors and good website which also has more • 3 USB 1.1 ports to me and if you are the database that will assist all You can then check through http://www.bplan- style. These updates are information and detailed • 2 Firewire ports The recommended price for a interested in classic games of AnitSPAM’s users. the mails and choose to keep gmbh.de/update_e. available free for registered installation instructions: • 10/100Mb/s Ethernet port (in Pegasos II board with a it’s well worth the 19.5Mb any that have been incorrectly Each Pegasos II is supplied owners, the complete GoldEd Also included in the package is http://benderirc.de/ addition to the Gb port 1000MHz G4 processor is download from: identified. When you’re happy with a copy of MorphOS 1.4 http://apov.abime.net/ Studio package costs AntiSPAM Remote, this tool antispam.html mentioned above) 499Euro (about £400 including 69.90Euro (about £50). AntiSPAM will delete the which has had the necessary will scan the e-mails waiting to • AC97 built-in sound with VAT) and the 600MHz G3 changes made to run on the If you don’t own GoldEd or microphone and line inputs, model costs 299Euro (about updated board. MorphOS is a IOUpdates have an older version two and line and S/PDIF outputs. £250 including VAT). For more new PowerPC operating new demo versions are • Standard ports including details on the Pegasos, Minor updates have been system that can run Amiga 68k available, a “small” trial (4Mb) mouse, keyboard, parallel MorphOS, a list of dealers and released for IOSpirit’s whole contains the editor and Amithlon Movin’ On programs under JIT emulation an on-line shop visit Genesi’s and serial. family of graphics products for and also supports WarpUp and extensions but lacks the full With all the legal wranglings, resolution and refresh-rate http://dialspace.dial.pipex.com/ The initial batch of Pegasos II Pegasos website: AmigaOS, MorphOS and PowerUp PPC programs. C/C++ mode. The “full” trial work on updates for Amithlon, control. town/pipexdsl/s/asbf72/ board were supplied with http://www.pegasosppc.com/ Amithlon. VHIStudio 6.01 now weighs in at 84Mb but the x86 Amiga emulator, from • Non-accelerated GeForce 4 amithlon/ supports MorphOS GUI skins includes all the C/C++ the original author stopped MX driver with full resolution and has a speed increase on functionality including some time ago. While Amithlon and refresh-rate support. AmithlonUpdate that platform. The update also compilers giving a complete itself works well one problem is • IDE DMA/UDMA now includes “support for new integrated development that PC hardware is moving all functions on recent VIA and If you have Amithlon and have Learn With eTeacher drivers” and bug fixes. fxScan environment. The demos are the time and it is getting nVidia nForce 2 chipsets. never managed to figure out eTeacher is a multimedia • More than 200 exercises. minimum requirements being 4.05 also works with MOS fully functional but limited to increasingly difficult to find how to install the updates training CD-ROM designed to • 3 Hours of audio. AmigaOS 2.0, a 68020 skins and now supports small documents, however loading and saving images in compatible components, in available for the system then help you learn a language, • 1000 Images. processor and 4Mb of RAM. Dietmar mentions that they Gary has also released new the PNG format, remembers particular motherboards and there is a treat in store for you! versions for English and • Context sensitive grammar may well be enough to handle drivers for various eTeacher is available from the file save format last used graphics cards. However Guido Mersmann (who wrote German are available. The assistance. web pages and the like. motherboard features which FunTimeWorld’s on-line shop, and has bug-fixes. In fxPaint Amithlon is based on an open the ArakAttack USB driver program features exercises Download from: update those found in the last the English and German 2.02 the fxAlbum utility has source Linux kernel and this is reviewed in this issue) has which are accompanied with Modern Amiga systems with http://golded.dietmar-eilert.de Amithlon updates package: versions are available been updated with improved the part that contains most of packaged all the updates images and recorded speech graphics cards and sound together with a neat installer separately at 29.89Euro (£20 performance, a more intuitive the hardware support. Gary • A wide range of AC-97 audio so you can learn how words cards are supported and, of delete function, support for script which will update a approx.) each or as a bundle Colville has been working for codecs including the and phrases should be course, a CD-ROM is required. wheel mice and the ability to system installed from the for 50Euro (£34): some time on Amithlon kernel ALC650, AD1890 and VIA pronounced. Several types of However eTeacher will also run ignore files. There are http://www.funtime-world.de/ updates and asked for VT1616. Amithlon CD to the latest exercise are included which on a more basic system, the also several general bug-fixes donations on the Amithlon • Audio support functions in the version. The only manual focus on vocabulary, grammar in this update. mailing list to enable him to ICH4, VIA 8235/8237 installation step is to copy the and sentence structure. The These three updates are free purchase examples of the type and nVidia MCP south bridge new kernel onto your boot level of difficulty can be to owners of the VHIStudio 6, of hardware users wanted to chips. drive. adjusted so the program will fxScan 4 and fxPaint 2 see supported. This work has • Broadcom 44xx 100MBit LAN grow with you as you learn. It respectively, if you have Amithlon Update can be found eTeacher has a lead to a new kernel version chips. has been designed to be registered your purchase you with new features and • NVidia nForce2 integrated on in: simple interface misc/emu/AmithlonUpdate. simple to use and is suitable can log-in and download your hardware support: LAN. for both children and adults. suitable for all update from the IOSpirit The updated kernel is available ages, the teacher • Hardware-accelerated website: as a free download from Gary’s Version 6.2 has just been sounds a bit strict GeForce 4 Ti driver with full http://www.iospirit.com website at: released and features: though! 4 TOTAL AMIGA Spring 2004 5 News News STFax Set Free Nova’s SimoneBytes... Tellini has released Gorky17 for OS4 DVD Writing Comes to Amiga STFax 4 as freeware. Hyperion have announced that game a Sci-Fi/horror theme STFax can send and they are working on porting with many sub quests to DVD writers have dropped standard audio file formats an NEC ND-1300A 4X drive with your choice of drive. receive faxes using a fax- Updates Gorky17 to AmigaOS 4 in perform and secret areas to dramatically in price over the including the popular WAV. and while dvdrecord wrote CD- modem and also has the Download the latest version of addition to a Linux version uncover. last few months with the Rs successfully attempting to facility to run an interactive Nova Design have made a new All these utilities are command the port from: which is already under way. cheapest units now available at write a DVD-R disc produced telephone system complete The first screen-shots of the release of their image line driven and therefore have http://kuddelone.gmxhome.de/ Interestingly the Amiga version around £50 so it’s great to see an error message. So if you with menus and voice mail. OS 4 version have been processor called ImageFX 4.5 to be run from a shell, some dvdrtools/dvdrtools-e.html is being developed by the that the first piece of DVD plan to give this a go be careful STFax is a powerful released and it has been Studio. This release includes non-amiga-specific Linux developers who have writing software has just been program and was highly demonstrated at some of the full MorphOS compatibility and documentation is available recently been “converted” to made available. This is a port rated when it was released. AmigaOS 4 On Tour events. A the PowerStation package along with some notes on the the Amiga and thus is not by “Schlonz” of the Linux release date has not been which was previously an ports website which should be Download taking development time from package dvdrtools which announced but it seems optional extra. PowerStation enough to get you going. If comm/misc/STFax4.lha AmigaOS 4 itself! consists of the following reasonable to expect it soon provides PPC native versions you’re not a shell person then from Aminet and then applications: Gorky 17 is described as after the full OS 4.0 is of many processor intensive you’ll be pleased to hear that a update to 4.1: having a mix of strategy and available. ImageFX effects (listed below), readcd - This utility reads data simple GUI front end for this biz/patch/STFax41Upd.lha. RPG game play. The player the modules are compatible from a CD or DVD sector by package has been written by Read the full announcement on commands a small team of with Amiga PPC accelerators sector into a track image file on Carsten Siegner and is also the Hyperion website at: NATO soldiers who are (they use the PowerUp your hard disk. available from the port’s Web Bytes... http://www.hyperion- investigating the appearance of system) and MorphOS: dvdrecord - The most website. entertainment.com/_amiga/ important part of the package, mutant creatures in a small • Liquid DVDRTools supports writing to news_031225.html this burns CDs and from Polish city. This story gives the • Fire CD-R, CD-RW, DVD-R and an existing track image file. • Clouds DVD-RW but does not support mkisofs - Creates image files • Bubble the DVD+ formats or DVD- for data CDs from files on your • JPEG loader and saver RAM. The author states that system, you would use this to • Gaussian Blur most MMC compliant DVD prepare a data disk to be www.amigaflame.com • Lightning drives should work which written with dvdrecord. Both • FXForge would include most modern AmigaFlame is one of the the ISO9660 format for CDs DVD writers, he has longest standing continuously and UDF for DVDs are successfully tested it with a 4X updated Amiga websites that ImageFX Studio costs $129.95 supported. Toshiba DVD-R drive but I can remember, it’s forte is (£70 approx.), upgrades are cdda2wav - Rips audio from Amiga games. A regularly reports that a LG 4020B 2X available at $39.95 (£22) from CD tracks and saves them in The ToastDVD GUI is a front end for updated news section carries device did not work. I tried with 4.x, $59.95 (£32) from 3.x and dvdrtool’s commandline programs. all the game related news and also other major Amiga $79.95 from 2.x. Pegasos related stories. Separate lists owners with the SuperBundle can upgrade to the full version ProTracker Comeback Get What You Want are available of games in development for classic for $99.95 (£54). A follow on to the classic • Load: MOD, MOD2, DBM, WallGet is a graphical interface GUI makes it easier to and for the Amiga family of sound tracker XM, IT, S3M, MED and MT2. for the GNU utility which understand than trying to work Aladdin 4D, Nova’s 3D programs (SoundTracker, • Save: MOD, MOD2, XM. AmigaOne once OS4 is animation package has also allows you to download files or out the command line options. released. These lists are NoiseTracker, ProTracker) is • 64 Tracks, 256 Patterns. been given a new release, this even whole websites from a Downloads can be initiated by bang up-to-date including currently in development. • Separate volume, panning, time on CD-ROM. While the command line. The GUI gives calling an AREXX command recent announcements such Gorky17 running in a window on OS4. Protracker II is a completely and effects on each track. core program has not been you comfortable access to all and an example script is as Gorky 17. The site new program which brings the Protracker II is currently in wget’s features and enables provided so WallGet can be includes a history of games upgraded you do get classic tracker interface to development for MorphOS and you to queue up files to be integrated with your browser. released for the Amiga from Classic Painting for OS4 and MOS everything you need on the CD modern hardware. Some of the Windows and versions for downloaded, the maximum 1993 to 2002 and a separate In separate announcements Inc. so they can develop a including all the available WallGet has a MUI interface features planned for the new AmigaOS 4 and AROS are number of files to be list of recently released Cloanto has confirmed that PowerPC native OS 4 version. updates such as advanced 3D and is available in versions for version include: being considered. The downloaded at one time can be commercial games (which Personal Paint 7.1 will be The updated version will be object loading which enables estimated release date is AmigaOS and MorphOS. • Familiar keyboard short cuts set. Wget is a powerful sadly only contains CrossFire available for both MorphOS available as a free download you to use objects distributed March 2004. For more Download the latest version II). There are pages of game and GUI layout. program and this is reflected in and AmigaOS 4. Personal from both Amiga and Cloanto. in other formats. Also included information visit the program’s from: reviews and cheats which Paint is a classic palette based are a complete set of • AHI Support. WallGet’s extensive range of Cloanto also announced that website at: http://www.ppa.ltd.pl/software/ haven’t been added to paint program in the mould of “Aladdin’s Lamp” news letters • 32bit Internal mixing download options, however they are in talks with Amiga http://www.kiritsu.com/ software-wgetgui_eng.html recently but still contain which has always in HTML format along with • High quality 8-tap FIR having everything laid out in a Inc. about a new OS 4 native / useful information. The site is been ideal for tasks such as their accompanying demo and resampling. completed with a selection of version of with icon design and game sample projects. Amiga links and a listing of the aim of allowing classic graphics. Amiga game developers. Amiga hardware dependent Aladdin 4D costs $99.95 (£54) and users of 5.x can upgrade Considering the slow pace of Under the agreement with programs to run seamlessly on to the latest release for $29.95 the Amiga game market in Genesi, Cloanto will share the the AmigaOne hardware under recent years with very few Personal Paint source code so OS 4. (£16). Genesi can assist with the titles released it’s quite a Read the full announcements For more details and to order port. When complete Personal surprise to find such an up-to- on the Cloanto site at: either of these products visit Paint will be bundled with date site. Perhaps with the http://www.cloanto.com the Nova Design website which release of new hardware and MorphOS. In a similar now has a handy on-line shop: OS 4 we’ll see some more agreement the sourcecode will http://www.novadesign.com WallGet packs all wget’s options action and new releases. be made available to Amiga into a MUI interface. 6 TOTAL AMIGA Spring 2004 7 News Features Poseidon Update & Registrations Web Bytes... Amiga Inc.’s CTO Once again we can report that Version 2.2 also marks the IOUSB Scanner and IOUSB sums up 2003 and Chris Hodges has been hard at reopening of the Poseidon Digicam. The IOUSB products looks forward to 2004. work on his Poseidon USB registration process so buyers allow certain USB scanners Fleecy Speaks stack and has released a new of Elbox’s Spider USB 2.0 card and digital cameras to be used version. The major changes in and Guido Mersmann’s with fxScan and VHIStudio testers. Mick Sutton is one such revised, the public AmigaOS4.0 is enough. People can read this version are to the HID ArakAttack Amithlon/OpenPCI respectively. Medusa can be appy New Year to all Total community member - writer for beta distribution will be created. about it or attend a local user (human interface device) class USB driver can register ordered through the IOSpirit HAmiga readers from Total Amiga, User Group We hope to provide this to all group and see the latest builds maconamiga.amigaworld.net which now supports joypads Poseidon and use their USB on-line shop and is then everyone at Amiga Inc. stalwart, AmigaOne purchaser AmigaOne owners. The beauty for themselves. and now working with Amiga Inc of this CD is that you just pop it mapping them to the peripherals without the stack released for immediate Inspired by feedback from his 2003 started with a whimper - no We will only announce the to demonstrate the new platform into the AmigaOne and a few lowlevel.library so they will timing out. Poseidon can be download from the website, Mac: Reloaded column in evidence of AmigaOS4.0, release date when we have at shows and user groups. minutes later, you have work with many modern registered by sending 25Euro keyfiles for Poseidon and Total Amiga issue 15, Michael AmigaOnes but only running actual shippable product in front AmigaOS4.0 on your new games. Features such as (£18 approx.) to the author in ArakAttack are then supplied Carrillo has set up a website Linux and hope running thin in Although not privy to the latest of us - CD, Manuals in a box (for Amiga. (And about time too analogue sticks and hat cash or via a bank transfer. by the programs’ authors. dedicated to Mac emulation the community. The warmth of versions (as he says, he needs the CSPPC version) or shrink- shout all the AmigaOne owners switches are also supported. on classic Amigas. The first summer brought our platform the most stable system to show wrapped (for the AmigaONE If you would prefer to register Download the latest version of who have lost hair whilst playing Other HID improvements section of the site deals with bursting into life. AmigaOS4.0 off, not the latest), he has been OEM version). The upside of this using your credit card, IOSpirit Poseidon from: with PPC Linux). include support for feature setting up your Amiga to run Workbench demonstrated doing an awesome job, is that you won’t have long to are selling Poseidon in a http://www.platon42.de/ the emulation including items such as keyboard lights running on a CSPPC A4000. demonstrating exactly why the At the same time, the marketing wait between the announcement package called MedusaUSB poseidon.html information on what hardware (caps lock etc.) and game Leaks from beta testers about all Amiga community is unique. As effort for the AmigaOS4.0 launch and the product being released. for 34.99Euro (£25). In addition you need and the the new systems and a treat for Total Amiga readers, will be started. New websites controller rumble packs, and For details of the Medusa USB The last decade in the world of to the USB stack Medusa that are available. Then come components that had been Robert and he approached us and a new name, the Amiga improved keyboard mapping. package visit: Amiga has been a nightmare. includes a registered version of detailed pages on setting up released to them. AmigaOS4.0 and asked if they could do a Power Platform (APP) will be There have also been many http://www.iospirit.de/medusa/ Plain and simple. Bad luck. Lack ArakAttack and full versions of the two most popular demonstrated on an AmigaOne preview and we obviously unveiled to the world. The user of resources. Mistakes. Invaders. other improvements and bug emulators, ShapeShifter and at the Pianeta Amiga show in agreed. This issue this presents groups and dealers will be pulled All have conspired to throttle our fixes, a few that stood out for Fusion, these take you Italy. The AmigaOS4.0 roadshow what is probably a world into a more formal global platform. In the end, history will me are that memory card through the process step-by- organised by dealers and user exclusive, the first preview of structure, so that we can all work show that it was the community readers built into Epson step complete with plenty of groups that covered Europe and AmigaOS4.0 running on an together with the necessary that saved it - the Hyperions, the printers are now supported, screen-shots. There is also then spread to Australia and AmigaOne. resources to get the good news Eyetechs, the magazines, the some problems with certain an FAQ covering Fusion. North America. Over a thousand about the rebirth of the Amiga So what about 2004? This WILL user groups, the dealers and the Olympus digital cameras have Amigans now having seen the platform out to as many people Having helped you get your be the year that Amiga rises from users. Far from having been been worked around and future of the Amiga with their as possible. emulator up and running, the the ashes after so many false destroyed, the community is now “PsdDevLister” now outputs a own eyes and even played with it site moves on to setting up starts and promises. Even as I Unfortunately we still don’t have sharper, tighter and more united - AmigaOS4.0 on the AmigaOne. Google search string so you your Mac hard drive, and type this, the AmigaOS4.0 beta a final release date for you. Such than ever, and playing an can look for information on a installing MacOS. Again both At the heart of much of this work tester CD is being given its final a date ultimately becomes self integral role in the future. particular device (I had to topics are covered in detail are the hours of effort put in by polish. This will be distributed defeating because such a thing In the heart tingling words of mention that a I always smile with screen shots. Finally the community, from the first to the closed beta test list is highly unpredictable. The Poseidon’s improved HID class supports joypads and Marc Almond and Dave Ball - a Poseidon’s quirky features)! there is a list of a few AmigaOS4.0 developers to the and then, when all that feedback progress being made is obvious changes to the default keyboard mapping using this window. “Say Hello, Wave Goodbye”. essential Mac programs and AmigaOne dealers to the beta has been taken and the product and for many Amigans this itself an FAQ answering common MacOS problems. In addition to all this solid Bringing you the latest comments and rumours Plug-in to HD-Rec information you’ll also find from around the Amiga world. A new beta demo version of HDRec handles MIDI and MIDI hardware or using the links to useful sites, a gallery of screen-shots and forums Buzz Word... Thilo Köhler’s MIDI/audio Audio tracks in the same time internal soft synth where where you can ask your own Hello! Well it has been a while and Marketing. The favourite Eyetech and Hyperion are busy sequencer has been released line window enabling you to effects can be applied. An Amigaworld.net questions and discuss your since your snooping agent was front runner for the position of preparing the final push to the that includes many of the combine the two. MIDI tracks integrated audio mixer with 16 emulation experiences with here, this was necessary to CEO is none other than the AmigaOS Beta pre-release. They say that imitation is the features of the final product. can be played via external stereo channels is included other users. avoid being exposed. I have to Legendary Garry Hare as the Expect this to be out soon, with sincerest form of flattery, well and high quality effects can be keep my true identity under man to come in and take charge the final full release out before just after announcing that they This is a very handy site that Buzz Word... added to each channel. The wraps. at the helm. Issue 18 of Total Amiga are not interested in the Amiga brings together all the 0.9 archive contains: Magazine hits your letter box. and its community, a few sites information you need to get Jim Collas. A lot was made of have appeared with the • Audio effects such as reverb, started in Mac emulation. this story last time round, turns Thendic vs Amiga Inc. Genesi, appear to be cutting Amigaworld name, for example, delay, chorus, EQ, etc. out my source was misinformed, back their Amiga community Amigaworld.de which is a • Sweeper softsynth plug-in don’t worry though, he tells me Court Case involvement on popular Amiga German language site. with General MIDI he enjoys hospital food and the It looks like Mr. Bill Buck has sites such as ANN.lu and AmigaWorld.de is aimed at the instruments. he will be out by Easter. pre-empted a Judge’s decision Amiga.org, both webmasters of Pegasos Machines, whilst not and put up his own version of • XR-49 virtual master Amiga may have finally found the afore mentioned sites no an official Genesi website, it is the final judgement prematurely keyboard plug-in. an investor with loads of cash longer seem to be working for interesting that the links to the on a Pegasos website. I don’t • AMixer pop-up plug-in. and it’s a well known name Genesi. The distancing of Amiga Market remain. Nothing think judges are very happy for • Demo songs. apparently, rumours about this Genesi from the Amiga like riding on the back of petitioners to make their minds has been around for a long time community goes further than another name is there? The final product will be though, so take this with a large up for them in advance. This one can imagine, a Genesi shareware, to download pinch of salt. could mean that the Judge in employee recently posted on a Where have we seen that charge of this case won’t be version 0.9 and get more public forum that, Alan before? Should this latest titbit prove looking too kindly on Mr. Buck information and screen-shots Redhouse would be having a correct, it looks likely that Bill now, it may push the judgement That’s it for this issue, more visit: bad hair day at AmiGBG whilst McEwen Will be moving within towards Amiga’s favour. being worshipped by Fat Amiga interesting titbits, in Issue 18. http://www.hd-rec.de/ HD-Rec’s attractive GadTools based interface Amiga to concentrate on Sales Geeks. Charming. showing some of the new plug-ins. 8 TOTAL AMIGA Spring 2004 9 Features Features AmigaOS 4 On Tour & UK Demo Reports filled with attractive subtle ith a number of AmigaOS 4 gradients. The whole look is lighter WOn Tour show happening and more modern than the OS3.x across Europe in the middle of colour scheme. Opening 2003, many UK users were feeling Workbench windows, even those left out with no AmigaOS 4 with many icons such as Prefs, demonstration near them. Because seemed pretty fast and responsive. none of the UK user groups (who Another innovation is the have organised shows in the past) antialiased font support that is had an OS 4 beta-tester as a implemented in such a way that member setting up a UK demo had most existing applications also get been a problem, but not any more! antialiased text in their interfaces. Mick Sutton, SEAL’s Chairman, The new features of AmiDock were got his Amiga One-XE G4 in July shown next including pop-up sub- and when OS 4 running on the docks and active “dockies” such as new PPC hardware was a clock icon that shows the time. announced we finally had the Robert Williams then took over to The line-up: three out of at least eight AmigaOnes being prerequisites to demonstrate the show OS 4’s RoadShow TCP/IP demonstrated at AmigaOS 4 On Tour South West. new OS. With some excellent help stack and how some particularly from Fleecy Moss and OS 4 disgusting colour effects could be boot. Otherwise the demo was Amigans who wanted to see OS 4, developers and testers Mick was achieved with the new GUI similar to the ANT meeting former Amiga users and a few able to get the OS up and running preferences (which controls the although a couple of extra Amiga punters interested to see on his machine (read more about look of Reaction programs and applications were demonstrated, something different. his experiences in the OS 4 Hands ). RoadShow is loaded on BlackIRC and Soliton. On feature in this issue). AmigaOS 4 On Tour South start-up when a network interface Micromart Computer Fair - ANT - 9/11/2003 has been configured so there is no West - 13/12/2003 need for the user to start the stack. 30/11/2003 We wanted to get the first Mick has been able to connect his This event, organised by the South demonstration off the ground AmigaOne to the Internet via a Mick Sutton and Robert Williams West Amiga Group, was the first quickly so, rather than organising broadband router using the travelled up to Birmingham to official UK AmigaOS 4 On Tour. It an Amiga OS 4 On Tour event, we Ethernet controller built into the attend the MicroMart Computer was held just outside Bath. SEAL decided to start with demos at AmigaOne motherboard. Fair, a show organised by members Mick Sutton, Robert local usergroup meetings. The first MicroMart, a weekly UK magazine Williams, Dave Kennedy and Elliott Various classic Amiga programs which features an “Amiga Mart” Bird travelled to the event with meeting in the calendar was Amiga were then demonstrated running North Thames who meet in column by Sven Harvey. Mick’s AmigaOne and copies of under 68K emulation including: Total Amiga in tow. Enfield, North London. Photogenics 5, Final Writer 5, The show took place on a Sunday, Mick Sutton and SEAL members Amiga Writer, PhotoAlbum, so bright and early they made their At this show there were more Robert Williams, Elliott Bird and SnoopDos, IBrowse and way to the National Exhibition AmigaOnes running OS 4 in one Dave Kennedy turned up early to SimpleMail. SimpleMail and Centre and got to the large hall place than ever before (probably), I set things up, this went quickly as IBrowse showed MUI applications where the show is held. SEAL counted at least five machines up Mick had already had a trial run. At working under OS 4, Mick also exhibited on a table within the and running plus another three or this event Mick had his AmigaOne demonstrated the version of MUI Eyetech/Stellar Dreams stand. four running Linux. Despite the loading the OS4 kernel image from included which is release 3.9. Stellar Dreams is Sven Harvey’s “competition” Mick was able to woo a laptop PC via TFTP over an company and they are taking over the crowds with Quake 2 running With the applications demoed it the role of distributing AmigaOne with on OS 4 for the first Ethernet connection. A terminal was time to have some fun with an emulator on the PC was also used systems in the UK. time. Although only the demos OS 4 PPC native version of Quake could be run reliably at this early to display debug output from the On the SEAL table Mick set up his I. The game was launched from stage, the game ran very smoothly AmigaOne’s serial port. Once the AmigaOne-XE G4 system running the command line and loaded with sound and looked great. kernel image was loaded at the quickly. Running in 640x480 with the development version of beginning of the boot process the software rendering it looked very AmigaOS 4 which had been Eyetech, Fleecy Moss and Stellar AmigaOne was able to run stand- impressive: fast and smooth. A updated since the earlier demos. Dreams attended the show to give alone, loading the operating later test with the timedemo Also in attendance were Alan an official presence. Eyetech has a system files from its hard disk. command showed that over 30FPS Redhouse from Eyetech, Fleecy similar display to the MicroMart Mick explained the state of OS4 as was being achieved. Moss of Amiga Inc. and Carl show so more people could see it was installed on his AmigaOne; Moppett (AKA JurassicCamper), the MicroAmigaOne in the flesh. It was great to see OS 4 another AmigaOS 4 tester who Stellar Dreams had AmigaOne he emphasised that it was an demonstrated in the UK for the first alpha development version brought along his AmigaOne. board and complete systems on time and most of the visitors sale at special show prices. meaning that bugs do exist and seemed impressed. Eyetech had two MicroAmigaOne some software could crash it. (MiniITX sized, 170mm square) Fleecy Moss opened the show with When the AmigaOne had booted, SEAL - 11/11/2003 motherboards displayed on their a few encouraging word and the initial OS 4 screen looked table. One was mounted inside a towards the end of the event Alan much like any Amiga Workbench A few days after the ANT event DVD player case to show the Redhouse gave a presentation on but with a subtle gradient on the was the next SEAL meeting so, of flexibility of the small form factor, the current status of the A1 and title bar and a new-look AmiDock course, Mick took the opportunity and the other was up and running OS 4. with semi-transparent background to show off OS 4 to our members with Yellow Dog Linux. Among the Altogether this was a good little along the bottom of the screen. on their own “turf”. Since the ANT applications demonstrated were meeting Mick had been able to show with plenty to see and do, it Mick started by opening some Mac-on-Linux and a Windows setup his AmigaOne to boot from was great to see so many OS 4 Workbench windows to show the desktop via a remote desktop an OS 4 kernel image located on systems in one place. new look of the window borders, connection to a PC. his hard disk so he could do gadgets are in the classic Report by Robert Williams without the Windows laptop that The Stellar Dreams stand was AmigaOS layout but have a new had been required for network crowded for most of the show. look and the window borders are Visitors included dedicated 10 TOTAL AMIGA Spring 2004 11 Features Features instructions will crash. I available for specific cards and slow PIO mode 0 IDE interfaces computer is booted. For example experienced this when trying to motherboard features. that achieve no more than 2 if you have a broadband run image filters within Art Effect. Mb/s. The AmigaOne connection or connect to a LAN A temporary solution is to install The 3DFX Voodoo 3 graphics motherboard has 2 UDMA 100 (Local Area Network) you can a non FPU version, if the card is supported in 2D using the IDE channels which offer a use the network without having program has one, but of course Picasso 96 driver and in 3D via theoretical maximum transfer to manually connect. A new FPU emulation will be added for OS4 native Warp3D. The 3DFX rate of 100 Mb/s and use DMA “Internet” preferences program Amiga OS 4 driver should also work on the final version. Since I have (Direct Memory Access) to enables you to configure multiple Mick “Lucky” Sutton has been running OS 4 on his AmigaOne-XE since November. had an OS4 kernel upgrade Voodoo 4 and 5 cards with 3D reduce CPU load during network connections. The layout many applications are more support and on 3DFX Banshee transfers. DMA capable drivers of the interface will be familiar to In this feature he gives us his thought on the early version he’s tried. Check out the back cover for colour screenshots. stable and general performance cards in 2D only. Picasso 96 and for OS4 are currently being anyone who has configured has increased. At the time of parts of the graphics system are tested and will be included in the either Miami or Genesis. Unlike am in the fortunate position of Hands On writing a further five kernel currently running under 68k final release. OS4 includes a Genesis and standard Miami, Ihaving an early development upgrades have been released to emulation, but graphics new CD filesystem that also Roadshow supports DHCP version of Amiga OS4 on my developers solving many of the which is used on many networks AmigaOne. My role within the problems I have noted above. “OS4 will make all of us who use Amigas very to automatically configure “team” has been to demonstrate From what I’ve seen I am computers and devices as they the OS at several events around confident that the release happy bunnies indeed” are connected. Some broadband the UK. In this article I’m going to version of OS4 will have Internet connections require try to convey the features and excellent compatibility with performance is already very supports DVD discs. If you have DHCP so Roadshow should be more importantly the “feel” of “classic” Amiga software. With smooth and usable (faster than a CD writer with Mount Rainier compatible without the use of a using the new OS in print for my experience of 68k processors my A1200 with 060 and Bvision). support then software is included separate router. A new those that were unable to attend, on the classic Amiga I estimate Support for the popular ATI to use a CD-RW like a hard disk connection “wizard” is provided and of course update you with that the interpreted emulation Radeon series of graphics chips for quick and easy back-ups. to guide you through the process the developments I know of. achieves speeds similar to that will be included in the developer of setting up an Internet Amiga OS4 supports the of current classic 060 systems (a pre-release using a Picasso 96 connection via either a dial up AmigaOne motherboard’s 3Com very useable speed), although driver from Forefront modem, cable/ADSL modem or 10/100 MB/s Ethernet controller Early Days for Me! this does vary between Technologies. In the final release via a router. I was able to set up with a standard SANA II driver The version of OS4 I have on my applications. I should reiterate the SNAP 2D graphics system my broadband connection within which works with the new AmigaOne is by no means the that the JIT emulator will will be integrated providing a few minutes using the settings Roadshow TCP/IP stack (more latest development release, new radically improve performance. support for hundreds of graphics from Miami on my “classic” on that later). Drivers for the and updated modules are being chipsets including ATI Radeon system! According to the motherboard’s USB ports are not released on a daily basis but my Even applications running under and nVidia gForce series. developers Roadshow is the currently released, but the USB machine needs to be in a stable emulation use resources from Hopefully 3D support can be fastest TCP/IP stack ever stack has been developed. state for demonstration the OS such as windows, menus implemented when the 2D developed on the Amiga. Three USB control programs (to purposes. Once all these and requesters, with OS4 these drivers are available. control the stack), a preferences modules have been tested by resources have been improved. On the sound front, cards are program and USBInspector to New Prefs their developers and the small Window borders are now filled supported by an OS4 native view attached devices are group of alpha testers, then a with subtle colour gradients OS 4 is configured in the same version of AHI, drivers are included in readiness. beta version will be released for which give them a modern OS way as OS 3.x, with a selection available for SoundBlaster Live!, wider testing, we understand that look. Menus get a make-over of programs in the Prefs drawer, The default look of OS4 is instantly familiar but has a fresh modern feel. Audigy, Audigy2 and Terratec this should have happened by with a coloured background and Roadshow most of which will be familiar to Notice the pop-up “Multimedia” subdock and apologies for the AHI icon! 512i soundcards and many more the time you read this. With this a 3D look, the corners are you. There are some brand new rounded and they can pop-up cards will be supported in the Until the release of OS 3.9 in mind the preview we are Entertainment All Rights deep under the bonnet but will routines that are executed many preferences programs and under the pointer. Requesters near future. For those of you who Amiga users had to pay for a writing here is based on the Reserved”, how long have we be very helpful to developers. times a JIT emulator offers much others have been enhanced to have also been giver the fresh have been used to the “Classic” TCP/IP stack (the software that alpha status OS I have installed waited to see those words? The better performance, it’s hard to control the new features added. OS look. All programs that use Amiga’s built in sound, could well connects to the Internet or other on my machine, and any icons look very similar to the The aim of the OS4 project is to say exactly what the speed The changes I noticed are: OS gadgets or Reaction for their be surprised by the difference in networks) such as Miami or problems I mention are either icons included with Amiga OS have all parts of the OS running improvement will be, but we interface will get the make-over sound quality made by 16 bit Genesis. OS 3.9 included GUI - We all know that no two being resolved or could have 3.9, however, the text under the natively on the PowerPC expect a minimum increase of treatment, making them look soundcards, for example I found Genesis but it was still an Workbenches look the same, but been fixed already. icons (and in fact throughout processor, OS4 also includes five times with some applications much more modern. At the in Quake the sound was more independent application. Amiga now with OS 4’s GUI OS4) is antialiased and Truetype built in 68k emulation which vastly improved over that. current stage of development (on realistic and immersive! OS4 introduces a brand new preferences there’s a whole fonts (as used on Windows and enables the current Amiga OS Looks Like, Feels Like my machine) opening and TCP/IP stack called Roadshow range of visual options without MacOS) are natively supported. software to run and also those I copied many 68k applications Compared to modern PC’s and moving windows, and interacting which is integrated into the OS the need to use hacks such as and is AmigaOS Amidock also looks much slicker, parts of the OS that haven’t been and a couple of games from my Macs the “classic” Amigas have with GUI’s already feels very and available immediately the Birdie and VisualPrefs. I couldn’t you will notice that the ported. Currently I only have the “classic” Amiga to my AmigaOne Anyone familiar with Amiga responsive and in most cases hope to cover all the options background is semi transparent, interpreted emulator in my so I could try them with OS4. I OS3.0 and above will feel at faster than my 060/BVision here so I’ll try to give you a feel there are separator bars to version of OS4, in the final was pleased to find that almost home with OS4 from the very “classic” Amiga. for the options which are organise the dock into sections release a JIT emulator (Petunia) all of them ran “straight out of the second they start using it! The available. The options in GUI and you will discover there are will be included which will have box” with no problems, see windows have the familiar preferences effect window icons that pop up sub-docks with much better performance. So boxout for a list of the Drivers to Date arrangement of gadgets and the borders, the screen title bar and further icons. Amidock has lots of what’s the difference between applications I tried. The few directory structure of the system In my opinion a huge advantage the look of applications using improved functionality and many these two methods of emulation? applications that cause problems partition remains the same. The of an AmigaOne is the fact that it Reaction or GadTools for their more options that we will cover Interpreted emulation translates with my version of OS4 are title bar at the top of the screen, uses generic PCI and AGP interface (this includes all the later. In addition to these visual the instructions that make up a Pagestream 4.x (has apparently the RAM disk and partition icons expansion cards. These cards preferences and other programs changes many parts of the OS program from 68k to PPC code been fixed), TV Paint and and Amidock are all there too. whether they be graphics cards, included with OS 4). The window have been ported to PPC, each and every time they are IBrowse 2.3 (works fine but But, look a little closer and you sound cards or other types are title bar and borders can be a flat elements have been improved needed. JIT emulation causes problems on exit but this will see subtle changes and widely available at reasonable colour of your choice or a user and new features have been “remembers” sequences of too is now sorted). 68881/68882 improvements. The title bar has costs compared to Amiga defined gradient. The gradient added. Some enhancements are recently translated instructions FPU instructions are not a 3D gradient, a boing ball at the specific hardware (which is manager is very powerful, obvious straight away, you will so repetitive code can be currently emulated by the left hand end and a message produced in low quantities). At gradients can be rendered at any find others as you explore the emulated much more efficiently. interpreted emulator. As a result reads “Copyright (C) 1985-2003 this stage of development only a angle and both convex and new OS and some are hidden Because most programs contain any program using FPU Internet preferences configures the built-in TCP/IP stack. Amiga, Inc. and Hyperion limited number of drivers are The network connection is available from boot up. concave effects are possible 12 TOTAL AMIGA Spring 2004 13 Features Features giving window borders and you to enable or disable some of functions, you may have seen gadgets an enhanced “3D” look. the new features of Intuition, (the Compatibility the screenshots we published in There are various options for the part of the that earlier issues of Total Amiga. design and size of window looks after screens and These are the “classic” Amiga programs that I have tried and work Currently I have an old IDE border gadgets (for example the windows) in OS 4. Windows can fine, not exactly a long list but an initial installation to get myself driver on my AmigaOne which close and depth gadgets) and now be dragged off the edges of up and running using most programs I use on a daily basis. means MediaToolbox cannot run, the window title can be set to the screen (to quickly make more other AmigaOne betatesters are appear in the centre of the drag space), you can never drag a Games now running a new driver which bar. The edges of each window window so it cannot be moved Quake (OS4 native, software rendered) works with MediaToolbox among are subtly shaded which blends back into view. You can opt to Quake II (OS4 native, Warp3D) numerous other improvements. into the gradient finishing off the keep the contents of a window Soliton (68K Solitaire game) look perfectly. visible as it is moved or re-sized, Applications PartitionWizard I found this worked smoothly The look of the various gadget Amiga Writer 2.2 (68K Word Processor) even with the early version of the Final Writer 5.03(68K Word Processor) Ironically you can’t use Partition types used within program graphics library and Picasso 96 I Wizard to partition your hard disk windows (buttons, lists, cycles Fiasco 2.2 (68K Database) have installed. Money Matters 4.02 (68K Finances/Money management program) but it does provide many useful etc.) are all configurable and the functions for both FFS and SFS same settings apply to both Palette - This preferences TurboCalc 4.0 (68K ) Cybershow 9.5a (68K Image viewing program) partitions. For both file systems GadTools and Reaction program is now used only to you can check the partition for programs. Gadget borders can define the colours available in Photo Album 6.6 (68K Image management program) Photogenics 5 (68K Image manipulation and painting program) corruption, repair any problems be either flat, standard 3D or a the Workbench screen palette, that are found, and recover softer “Xen” look. All gadgets the functions to set the colour of Internet previously deleted files. There is can be given a gradient effect window and screen items have IBrowse 2.3 (68K Browser) also an optimise (defrag) option and by default have an almost been moved to GUI preferences. Simplemail 0.21 (68K and OS4 native versions Mail program) for FFS partitions only. Partition “brushed aluminium” look. The The palette preferences editor AmFTP 1.90 (68K FTP client) Wizard brings some essential options for scroller gadgets both now has options to lock BlackIRC 1.1 (68K IRC program) data security functions to in window borders and within an particular colours in the palette AmigaOS that were only application’s interface are (similar to FullPalette if you have Misc ARcalc 2.0 (68K Calculator) previously available with third- particularly extensive, you’ll have used that utility) but you probably party software (if at all). hours of fun tweaking your knob will not need to use them on an SnoopDos 3.0 (68K System snooper to help find your problems) settings! One option you’ll AmigaOne (which has a graphics SGrab 1.22 (68K Screen/Window image grabbing tool) Key “Classic” Amiga applications (including those using MUI) run under emulation on AmigaOS 4. immediately notice is that, in a card by default). AmiDiction 2.6a (68K on-line dictionary) Here I’m running my favourite Internet programs, SimpleMail and IBrowse. MUI 3.9 tabbed window, the active is the look of public screens There are also two other new The latest version of the Magic PopupMenu - From what I can can be customised to your on Amidock which gives you The “Repertoire” window shows now highlighted with a colour, opened by applications. You can prefs programs that are not yet is included with tell, this is the preferences heart’s content. access to different screens all the characters within a font once again a gradient effect can choose to give them the default implemented on the relatively old AmigaOS 4 for backwards program for PopupMenu.library running. You may have for and enables you to view different be applied. OS 4 look or a customised set of version of OS 4 I have on my Dockies either add a new compatibility with the many which is now included with OS 4. example Photogenics, Final unicode character sets and GUI settings. There is also the AmigaOne. Amigainput will, I interactive icon to a dock or add existing MUI applications. MUI In OS 4 the system menus used This library enables developers Writer and say Quake running on pages. For most users the facility to create your own screen understand, enable gaming new features, they are supplied has had a few enhancements by almost all Amiga programs to implement pop-up menus in their own screens and by clicking important point is that OS 4 now definitions (including devices such as joysticks and as separate files in the since the last public release (3.8) receive a huge makeover. Many their programs, an example of on the “Access” icon on Amidock natively supports TrueType fonts screenmode, palette and GUI joypads to be configured. The tools/dockies directory. Several these include splitting up the of the options now available are this is AmiDock where you can you get a list up of all those which are widely available both style), perhaps so you could other is USB prefs which I dockies have configuration built-in and third-party similar to the popular hack use a pop up menu to configure screens, clicking on any of the commercially and as freeware. create additional screens for mention in the drivers section. options, these are accessible by preference options, more MagicMenu, but, of course, now individual items in the dock. In named screens takes you to that applications and utilities that do right clicking on the docky’s icon. The other key feature of the new configurable bubble help and cleanly implemented in the OS. the preferences program you can screen. It’s very simple, but good not have the option to open their Some of the more interesting font engine is anti-aliasing, this several new options for pop-up Menus can be set to appear at configure the look and the AmiDock to see something like this own screen. However, I was not ones that come with OS4 helps remove pixelisation from and program menus. The the top of the screen, under the operation of these menus, this is included within the OS. able to get this to work, I do not As we mentioned earlier include: Clock displays an fonts making them easier to read version of MUI supplied with OS mouse pointer or at the top of independent from the OS menus know if the version I have is Amidock has been vastly analogue clock icon in the dock at small sizes and look smoother 4 has been configured with a the screen only when the pointer used by most programs. Options limited or if I’ve missed the point! improved over the OS 3.9 which shows the current time, Fonts at large sizes. Anti-aliasing look that complements the is in the screen title bar. The include the spacing of menu version, the improvements come there is even a second hand that works by softening the edge of a default settings in GUI prefs. menu background can be items, borders and text styles. The new TypeManager program Time - This preferences program in two main areas, many more moves in realtime. Lens is a character with grey pixels coloured and there is also a is used to make Truetype fonts now has the option to update the configuration options and a small icon that shows a (assuming black text on a white transparency option. All that you Screens - I think this program is available to the operating system Conclusion time from a network time server. selection of plug-in “dockies”. magnified portion of the background) this fools the eye could do with MagicMenu, OS 4 designed to let you customise and programs. For each installed workbench screen under the into seeing a smoother edge Oh boy, I can’t wait for this adds the option to give the font you can bring up a “Sample In addition to the icon display position of the mouse pointer, an because the “jaggies” are product to hit the masses! As I menus rounded corners and to text” window which shows some from OS 3.9, Amidock now has option allows a larger area to be disguised. Anti-aliasing can be stated earlier, it is a familiar fill them with a gradient. text in that font (the startup- two other modes: text that shows displayed within the dock. One of sequence by default), you can disabled in the Font preferences friend that has been given a just the name of each item and The options in the “Control” the most useful dockies is change the size and experiment program if you don’t like it. massive speed increase, a new button which has a border section of the GUI prefs allow “SubDocks”, this adds an icon with anti-aliasing and kerning modern styling makeover and around each name. These new which pops up a new dock so options. If you have a font fetish Notepad extra functionallity. Amiga OS modes are useful if you need to you can organise your programs you’ll love the “Modify Font” has at last got that “new” feel fit many dock items in a small into categories. Minimizer shows window which gives you a huge This is essentially an enhanced about it, something I haven’t space. The font used for item how dockies can add a new amount of information about version of Editpad, the simple experienced myself since the names can be changed and feature to a whole dock, in this each font. If you wish you can text editor supplied with OS3.5 change from Amiga OS2.X to antialiased fonts are used. case it minimises the dock to its create bitmaps of various font and later. Notepad has new undo OS3.X, but even then I think the Besides the different background drag-bar after the pointer has sizes but we found font rendering and redo commands and the find change is much greater this images a variable transparency moved away from the dock for a to be so fast on the AmigaOne and replace feature has been time. I don’t know if it’s going to can be set which reveals the few seconds (even the delay is that you probably will not need improved with backwards, from put Amiga “back on the map” as backdrop behind the dock. The configurable). We understand to. The attributes of the selected top and wildcard options. it were, as that depends on so dragbar can be switched off that third party developers will be font are displayed and you can many other factors. OS4 will GUI Preferences offers powerful giving the dock a cleaner look, able to program new dockies to change them if you wish make all of us who use Amigas control over the look of windows, MediaToolBox you can also remove the border. expand Amidock even further. A (although they should already be very happy bunnies indeed and screens and programs using All These settings can be applied new tool “Access” now resides set correctly by the designer). Mediatoolbox is the replacement that’s a great start! Reaction or GadTools interfaces. to individual docks so each one for HDToolbox which has many 14 TOTAL AMIGA Spring 2004 15 Features Features the case was complete. I cut slots in the right hand side panel Electrics to allow some venting for the I bought 3 toggle switches from blizzard fan which would be right Maplin, the large one replaced up against the wood otherwise. the push switch on the AT power Timber Tower Unfortunately, I started off cutting supply. The modem’s 12 volt Nick Elliott wanted a tower that fitted his expanded A1200 the grooves too close together, power lead is routed through the perfectly, so he got out his carpentry tools... and the wood broke! An extra first small switch, the next is a millimetre between the slots spring-loaded switch attached to seemed entirely appropriate for a fixed that. Finally, the top side of the reset point on the hen I first tried to put my ‘retro’ computer. So I built my the top and bottom panels were motherboard (see the boxout) WA1200 in a tower case, I Amiga a wooden case, here’s rounded over with the router. and the last is connected my discovered that the motherboard how I did it: The front face panel was cut to monitor switcher from Eyetech. with a Blizzard 1240 attached is size. I decided to use toggle Happily, the switch on this about 4cm longer than the Design switches as they fitted the ‘retro’ already matched the other standard ATX housing. No look, but I felt they would be switches, so there was no need problem, however, as I managed I decided to use ‘pineboard’ as vulnerable if they weren’t to replace it. Over sized recess to squeeze the computer in on the raw material, which is recessed. To achieve this, I holes were needed in the rear of the diagonal. Unfortunately, basically lots of thin strips of pine marked out an area on the front the wooden switch plate to allow when I bought a Mediator and glued together, cut into large panel, drilled a hole inside it and, the switches to actually poke Voodoo card a few years later, sheets and planed flat. I chose it using the jigsaw, cut from this through the 18mm thick wood. this somewhat clumsy solution because it’s cheap, gives a nicer hole around the area. The edge The LEDs that were originally no longer worked and for the end product than MDF, chipboard was rounded over to finish. fitted to the 1200 motherboard next 2½ years, my Amiga and the like, and, being a Lastly, a door was cut and were seated on their own mini Nick custom built existed as a collection of circuit softwood, is easy to work with. I rounded over to hide the drive board with resistors in situ. To his tower to house his boards, drives and cables got mine from my local hardware bay and hinges, a catch and a avoid the need for this, I ordered spread out across my desk. shop, although it’s also available A1200 system with Mediator handle from the hardware shop mini LEDs from Maplin with built- Behind the door, a CD-ROM, CD writer and modem are Eventually, the build-up of dust (and more expensive) at DIY PCI busboard. were fitted. in resistance which can be installed. The floppy drive is behind the neatly routed slot. and the risk of something getting stores. The width of the design shielding in place as it gives the floppy from an off-cut of ply- connected direct to the damaged forced me to take was dictated by the standard do this because the side panel I’ve said here has been good protection to the underside wood and after carefully motherboard pins. The 2 HD action. I’m sure the cases drive bays plus the frame to slides off. interesting and perhaps even of the board. The 2 CD drives measuring up, routed out a Tools LEDs are of the same type. To designed for Amigas work well support everything, plus the 2 inspired you to create your own were then bolted to the frame, groove for the disk. The eject find out where on the HD to but they always seemed a little sides. The height was given by Because I list carpentry as tower case. If you’re unclear starting at the top and working button was made from a piece of attach them, I went to the Conclusions expensive, whilst normal PC the motherboard plus one of my hobbies, I had quite about anything or have any down. I had to recess the bolts dowel. This face plate was manufacturers website and typed ones were never the right size. I accelerator. I could have made a few tools at my disposal. The case is certainly sturdy and questions, you can find me on because I didn’t have ones long definitely the most fiddly bit of the serial number into the search do a little carpentry in my spare the tower just deep enough to Not all of them were offers good protection for the the Total Amiga mailing list. enough to go through the the whole construction. With the box. In both cases, a time anyway, and wood is house the motherboard plus the necessary but the more you computer. There is space for the thickness of the frame. My drive bay completed, I could specification sheet listed the relatively cheap, easy to CD drives, but I have several can get, the easier it is to 4th PCI slot to be used if I buy a modem is coincidentally the make the rest of the frame. A connections. LEDs are diodes, construct to an exact size and ‘’ hanging off the back of produce good results. I used: TV card in the future; a major same width as the CD drives and thin piece of wood was trimmed which means they need to be the motherboard such as my PC upgrade, however, might require mounting it in the front enables to size at the back to support the Router - Probably the most connected the correct way Reset Switch mouse adaptor and I wanted to a bit more thought. I doubt PCI cards. specialist power tool, but it round, but getting it wrong won’t CAUTION though whether much more makes a huge difference to hurt anything - they just won’t money will be spent on my trusty “...my Amiga existed as a collection of what you can achieve. If you light up, so I just fitted them by Whilst I had no problems, The Exterior 1200 - hopefully either a do get one, this more than trial and error. They were all everything you do is obviously Pegasos or AmigaOne will vying circuit boards, drives and cables Once the frame was built, I could anything is worth spending as fitted in the front panel in the at your own risk. for my cash. The insulating for the first time take much as you can afford on - same way as the switches - a spread out across my desk.” properties of 18mm thick wood You should ensure everything measurements and determine accuracy is everything. 3mm hole drilled through from means that cooling could be a is unplugged before starting the final size of the tower. I was the front and a larger one drilled contain these within the case, so me to see exactly what’s ‘coming Jigsaw - Makes light work of problem. The Voodoo card any work on your computer. I then able to cut the top, bottom part way through from the rear. I I added an extra 100mm at the and going’. It didn’t have any cutting curves but a small seems to generate most of the shouldn’t think sawdust is and side panels. The left side had a spare 12v fan which I fitted A few years ago, I read in back and added a false rear. mounting holes but a piece of hand saw will work just as heat although I’ve had no very good for any bits of panel was cut 20mm taller than towards the rear to aid air about a hack This meant I had to make extra board cut to width and secured well. problems from it so far. Although computer, but hard disks, the frame height and 10mm circulation; more about this later. you can make to a 1200 leads to take the connections in beneath it held it securely. it’s all a bit subjective, my CD floppy and CD drives are deep grooves were routed in the Circular Saw - Better for the motherboard to fit a reset to the motherboard, but I think Attached to the underside of this writer seemed to perform better particularly sensitive – I left left side of the top and bottom straight cuts than a jigsaw, but switch. There are several Test the benefit of a clean enclosed is a caddy from an old PC tower, Round the Back when it was cooler. I find putting my drives in the kitchen and pieces and corresponding rails again a hand saw will be fine Points (TP) around the board, rear is worth it. I think these containing my floppy and hard To save myself time, I fitted a the CDR in the drive at the last went through to take routed in the left panel, enabling if you’re careful. presumably left over from things look better if there are no drives. I made a face plate for hacked off rear panel from an old minute and not performing a test- measurements rather than it to be slid out for access once development, and when the screws on the outside, so that write helps, but I do seem to bring them into the garage. Drill/Driver - Essential, but tower case I had. I could then fit left-most 2 pins on TP 1 (in meant a frame construction, with have had more skippy audio any old cheap one will do. A some of the connections direct to front of the PCMCIA socket) If you are brave enough to panels screwed on from the disks just lately! Perhaps when I pillar drill is a nice luxury if this, or in pre-drilled blanking are connected, the computer take a soldering iron to your inside. That also enables a side Parts List upgrade to broadband, I will available. plates from Maplin. In addition to resets. God knows how that motherboard, heat sinks panel to be removed without the short carrier leads from the remove the modem, separate the In addition to various off-cuts of wood I had laying around and Soldering Iron - A small one was discovered! You have to made from earthed crocodile thing collapsing. motherboard, connections were 2 CD drives and put a fan cables and the rear plate from an old tower case, I used: for delicate work is better for melt and remove the solder in clips can help protect required for the power supply, between them. I’m also this. the 2 points, and then attach sensitive components up- and 1600x600x18mm pineboard £21.33 considering a 2nd fan in the case The Basics sound card, external SCSI either 2 bits of wire, or in my down-stream from the area 2400x33x18mm pine £2.00 to provide some proper Chisels - Make sure they’re connector, modem power supply, case I attached a small 2-pin you’re workng on. I started by constructing the right Hinges, catch and door handle £3.00 circulation. Making the short sharp, or they’ll do more harm modem rj45 lead and network PCB header. Having a reset side of the frame and attaching Toggle switch large £1.29 connecting leads to fix to the Although safety goggles might than good. card. Actually, I still haven’t switch is useful, but if you do the motherboard to it. There are Toggle switches small £1.49 ea made all of these yet; I’m getting back plate is a hassle and adds look like the least important Safety Goggles - They’re the decide to give it a go, BE enough holes in the latter to LEDs £0.18 ea by just passing some of the to the expense, but as I said, I item on my list of tools, cheapest item here, but CAREFUL. It’s a tense few enable it to be securely screwed Bits to make connecting cables £10.00 (approx) leads into the case and think it’s worth it to have a clean there’s no way I’ do without probably the one thing you minutes whilst you reconnect in place, and I left the lower connecting them directly. I can enclosed design. Hopefully, what them, even for drilling holes. Total about £50.00 actually need! everything to test it all works! 16 TOTAL AMIGA Spring 2004 17 If you don’t see what you want, just ask! Reviews Kicksoft Our range is always growing! Players Graphics Moovid PPC Drawstudio PPC version with both WARPUP and POWERUP versions. Comes on CD .info This excellent Graphics package avaliable one again!! Comes on CD and £18.00 PhotoFolio includes Texture Studio & Image Studio. Developer Moovid £35.00 Steeple Software Robert Williams thinks he’s found just the program to Play AVI, Mov and files on your Amiga©. Comes on CD. Photogenics 5 £12.00 http://steeplesoftware. tame his gargantuan digital photo collection. This excellent Graphics package by Paul Nolan. Comes on CD. Frogger PPC dragonfruit.org £70.00 PPC MPEG player. Comes on CDwith example MPEGs. Image Engineer Distributor you want to buy the program for a list2 view which is.4 initially blank. £18.00 Great Image manipulation program. Add effects to images such as Jigsaw. Schatztruhe ith the advent of relatively the first time you need to You add directories you want to Frogger £25.00 www.schatztruhe.de Winexpensive digital purchase the 2.0 CD from a view to the list, but, as I 68k MPEG player. Comes on CD with example MPEGs. cameras, scanners and also dealer and then order the 2.3 mentioned before, it does not Candy Factory Pro £12.00 Create 3D Text from any standard font and use them on web pages etc. Price broad-band Internet connections upgrade from the developers, have to reflect the directory Riva 2.0 on CD...... E34.95 many computer users now have this makes the total cost of structure of your hard disk. Icons £35.00 The fastest 68k MPEG player on the Amiga! Comes on CD with MPEGs. Art Effect 4 2.3 upgrade* by e-mail hundreds, if not thousands of PhotoFolio slightly more than at the bottom of the window £9.00 image files stored on their hard you might expect. Payment for enable you to add a single Billed as “Photoshop® on the Amiga”. Excellent graphic package. Comes on SoftCinema ...... $15.00 CD. or on CD...... $20.00 drives. Keeping all those images the 2.3 upgrade is only accepted directory, one level of sub PPC AVI, QT and Mov player. On CD with example Movies. £39.99 in order and finding a particular via the PayPal on-line payments directories or all the sub- £9.00 FxPaint NEW *Upgrade available direct one when you need it can be a service. A PhotoFolio 2.0 serial directories within the directory With over 70 effects this is a superb addition to any software collection. AMP 2 NEW bit of a battle. This problem is number is needed to purchase you select. New sections can be PPC Mpeg, CD-i and DVD player. The only way to play DVDs on the AMIGA. from the developer only, you £60.00 made even worse if the images, the upgrade so you’ll have to added to the list and associated £18.00 must own version 2.0. Image FX4 NEW like those that come from a wait for the CD to arrive before to a directory on disk or used to THE image manipulation package !! 100s of effects. Compatibility digital camera, don’t have placing the order. Once your organise existing directories. For 68020 descriptive file names. order has been processed example you could create a access is granted to the 2.3 and section called “Holiday Photos” Internet AmigaOS 3.0 In this review I’m looking at the Inet Dial 2.4 upgrades. Free upgrades are and add to it directories from MUI 3.8 latest version of PhotoFolio from Home server on your Amiga©., includes Apache and Geek Gadgets. still available taking the program several hard disk partitions and Australian developer Steeple Games NEW £40.00 from version 2.0 to 2.2 so you even from removable media Test System Software. PhotoFolio’s main task AWeb Upgrade can stick there if you just order such as a CD-ROM. PhotoFolio Amithlon is to make proofs (a small Excellent web Browser. Upgrade from OS 3.5 or OS 3.9. Comes on Floppy. the CD version, a full list of all enables you to edit the names of Athlon XP 2500+ version of an image, more PayBack £35.00 £30.00 the enhancements made in 2.3 directories after they have been 256Mb RAM commonly called a thumbnail) of and 2.4 is available on the added to the list so you can be AmigaOS 3.9 images within a directory for developer’s website. more descriptive than you might easy reference; you browse be with a directory name on disk. Utilities through a directory of images Freespace £35.00 PFS 3 While PhotoFolio’s installation Once all the directories you want rather than meaningless file The fastest and safest avaliable, up to 300 times faster than FFS. procedure is straightforward, to browse have been added, a names. This concept is also £35.00 there are at least three stages project file can be saved so the extended by enabling you to because of the updates involved. list can be loaded during another Metaview create a “virtual catalogue” of The best Clipart viewer on the Amiga©. Comes on CD with clip art images. All the installers seem to work session. You can also click on The Feeble Files £35.00 image directories that doesn’t £18.00 well and do proper version the saved project file’s icon to necessarily follow their position checks on the libraries and other load it straight into PhotoFolio. Diavolo on your hard drive or other The best backup program on the Amiga©. Comes on . files installed, offering you the Some free text fields are storage media. £50.00 option to update older versions if provided so you can add PhotoFolio V2 NEW you wish. The first step in information to the project file The main PhotoFolio window installation is to install version Misc The professional way to view, catolouge and manipulate your images. Install such as the subject, description TaskiSMS lists all the image directories you 2.0 from the CD. I then installed and revision, you can also £30.00 If you currently own PhotoFolio Send Text Messages to mobile phones from your Amiga! Comes on CD. have defined. version 2.2 and some updated append the directories in one GoldEd 2.x, version 2.3 is a paid £12.00 libraries from the website project to another. The project The best Editor, Program Editor, HTML Generator on the Amiga. Using the menus and buttons upgrade which then gives you FxScan NEW £30.00 you can perform many because I wanted to use the file just contains the paths to the The only Scanner software that offers OCR on the Amiga today!! access to 2.4. Rather oddly if program while I waited for my Turboprint 7.21 NEW operations from here. selected directories and other £30.00 2.3+ update to come through. settings, not the proof images Use modern printers with 24 bit output!! The quality is astounding. OS 3.9 NEW Once my order had been themselves. Latest operating system for the Amiga. Comes on CD. Full £40.00 Upgrade £25.00 processed I applied the 2.3 and £30.00 2.4 updates. These have to be Interface Aminet NEW Make CD (DAO version) NEW run one after the other as 2.4 Latest Aminet disk or the latest series. Gigabytes of Amiga Software. CD writing software.Compatibale with most CD writers/rewriters. does not include all the updated PhotoFolio uses MUI for its Single £14.99 Series £29.99 £50.00 files from 2.3. interface and relies on several VHI STUDIO Spitfire 2 features for its functionality. In Connect digital Cameras to your Amiga and so much more If you have a 3com Palm© or compatible then you need this program! Comes many windows context sensitive on CD. Usage !£30.00 menus are available by clicking £25.00 Amiga Forever 5 NEW After all that faffing around I the right mouse button over an Emulate a AGA based amiga on your PC. Mediapoint NEW could finally run PhotoFolio for item, and I’m pleased to see that Full Version £40.00 Upgrade £25.00 multimedia presentation tool on your Amiga. the first time. At this point a their functionality is also £40.00 requester appears asking for duplicated in the main program your details and a serial number, Kicksoft Ltd., menus. These context menus this personalises your copy. The 30 Whitegate Way, are particularly handy in the main PhotoFolio window then Tadworth, directory list and also for the ww w .kicksoft.co.uk opens, dominating the window is Add £1.00 UK postage per item. Make cheques payable to Kicksoft Ltd. Surrey, KT20 5NS proofs in the browse window. Tel/Fax (01737) 219280 We accept Solo, Switch, Mastercard & Visa [email protected] Spring 2004 19 Reviews Reviews Drag and drop is used to re- three groups, Family, Work and settings window. PhotoFolio can organise the directory list and to SEAL for my images. Within the generate a list of the selected enable intuitive moving of proofs SEAL group I have categories image files for those viewers that between browse windows (and for “Meetings”, “Shows” and need it to handle multiple file thus directories). “Total Amiga”. Once your photos names. The final option is to use have been categorised you can a built-in viewer which uses the Browsing use the attributes panel (which mysticview.library this offers opens on the left of the browse more scaling options, a handy Double clicking on any directory window) to filter the proofs zoom feature and mouse in your list brings up a browse shown to a particular category or panning but does not have the window that displays a small categories. Another attribute image processing options of the proof (thumbnail) for each image option is to mark images as alternative internal viewer. in the directory. While PhotoFolio “questionable”, these can then can generate the proof images be hidden by default using a You can use PhotoFolio more on-the-fly when you open a preferences option. simply as an image browser and browse window, a more efficient viewer launched from a file way of working is to generate Viewing manager such as Directory Opus proof files and save them to disk. by calling it with a shell Proofs can either reside within Double clicking on a proof opens command including the directory the image directory (non-linked) the associated image within an you wish to view as the or be placed elsewhere on your image viewer, there are several argument. A browse window hard disk where they are linked options so you can customise showing that directory will then to the original images (you can The settings window is used to configure PhotoFolio. the view to your preferences. be opened without showing the select a default path for proofs in This page shows the options for the “Browse” windows. The simple built-in viewer shows initial list window. Another option settings). An option is available the image in a window scaled to included is the directory viewer, running the “Make Proofs” again date was in the EXIF section of to create proofs for all the image fit on the current screen. If you this window enables you to will skip any images that already the image information window) directories you have added to have multiple images selected, explore a file system to find have a proof and simply and none of the selection or sort your list. When linked proofs for previous and next buttons images, clicking on an image in generate any new proofs options work on dates. a particular directory have been appear at the bottom of the the file list shows a thumbnail. required. Secondly functions Particularly when working with created they appear in the main window so all of the selected Then you can get information on allow you to find any proofs digital camera photos the date list under a new section called images can be viewed in turn. the selected image or open it which no longer have an can be important so this seems a “Proofs”. When you open a Options in the image viewer’s fully in a view window. Strangely Browse windows are the key part of PhotoFolio, they enable you to view proofs of your images. associate images (called strange limitation. linked proofs directory or a menu can be used to change the there is no way of transferring a This one shows the “Attributes” panel, used to filter the proofs displayed. orphaned proofs in PhotoFolio) directory for which non-linked scale (to view the image full size found directory to the path list or and delete them if needed. move between directories within is made clear in the “are you and several modes of operation proofs have been generated the Attributes for example), get image opening a browse window. Finally if you move a directory of a browse window; however the sure” message. and that results in quite a browse window loads the proofs information or to perform some images on your hard disk the In addition to categorising your program does offer some useful complex program. The much more quickly because they simple image processing The information window gives directory of linked proofs can be images or proofs in directories, HTML Folios file management tools. Images separation of Proofs and their are already saved scaled to the operations. These include and proofs can be moved or you lots of extra detail about the linked images does give more re-targeted at the new location. PhotoFolio enables you to add HTML pages showing the proofs correct size. Each proof “knows” negative, flip, rotate, sharpen copied between directories either selected proof and also the flexibility, but it does take some several other levels of of images in a browser can be the location of the full-size image At the top of the browse window and gamma adjustment. If you using buttons on the tool bar or image to which it is linked. This time to fully understand. There is organisation to your collection. generated using PhotoFolio’s so, for example, when you is a toolbar with buttons for have processed the image you using drag and drop (but see the includes things you would expect a detailed user guide, supplied in Each image can have an owner “Export as HTML” feature. double click on a proof the full- common actions such as can save your changes either note below). There are two ways such as the dimensions in pixels, both HTML and PDF formats, (from 0 to 255, a name can be Options allow the page title and size image is loaded for viewing. selecting proofs, file operations over-writing the existing file or to of renaming an image, using a file size and bit depth. However which helps you learn the associated with each owner), information displayed with each One problem with the linked and running ARexx scripts. The a new file name. context menu option the image there is also an EXIF tab which program. Once I’d got my head each owner then has up to four image to be customised. You can proofs approach could be that body of the window is the area file name becomes editable, shows additional information that around its way of working I now groups and each group can have Two other viewing options are decide how many columns and the proofs directory would get where the proofs themselves are using the rename toolbar button is often recorded in the image by use PhotoFolio regularly and find up to 22 categories. This enable available. The first is to use an rows of proofs you want on each out of sync with the real images. displayed. Below each proof opens a new window allowing a digital camera or other capture it very reliable. Of its many PhotoFolio to be used by several external viewer of your choice page and PhotoFolio will PhotoFolio provides two tools to image is its file name, the size in you to rename all the selected device. Here you can find out features I find the people (owners) and each giving maximum flexibility, in this generate multiple linked pages if overcome this problem, firstly pixels and the file size in bytes. images one by one. information about the camera comprehensive file management person can categorise their own case you need to specify the required. The page can be set to One or more proofs can be used to take the photo (such as options and the EXIF information images. As an example I have program you wish to use in the link to the images in their current selected by clicking on them and When performing file operations the model and manufacturer) display the most useful and Speed Test location or for the full size there is also the option to select on linked proofs in PhotoFolio and also the settings you made unique. I should also mention the images to be copied into the based on a file name pattern you need to be a little bit careful (or the camera automatically powerful ARexx port that should I’ve been a registered user of same directory as the HTML and using wild cards. Proofs can be as it isn’t always clear whether chose) to take the shot. allow PhotoFolio’s functionality PhotoAlbum, an alternative proof files for easy upload to a sorted in a number of ways just the proof or the proof and to be extended even further. If picture cataloguing program) website. The HTML pages including alphabetically, by size the associated image will be you have many images to deal for many years and one thing created by PhotoFolio are fairly Results and by file type. Another option effected. For example if you with it will be well worth spending that still impresses me about plain looking and link directly to is a natural sort which tries to rename a proof both it and the In my experience, PhotoFolio is the time getting to know this program is its speed so I each full-size image (rather than correctly sort numbered images associated image are renamed. by far the most feature rich PhotoFolio. was interested to see how providing a page for each image without leading zeros (so However if you drag and drop a image cataloguing software on PhotoFolio would stack up. To with previous and next buttons). 2_holiday.jpg comes before proof from one browse window to the Amiga. It has many features test it out, I rendered Because the HTML code uses 107_car.jpg, for example). The another only the proof is moved thumbnails of a directory nested tables I found it tricky to selected sort order is shown in and the associated file remains Pros containing 84 mixed IFF and modify the PhotoFolio generated the status bar along the bottom in its original location. I + Powerful file JPEG files totalling 86Mb in pages to integrate within the understand the reasoning behind management options. both programs, the results of the browse window along with design of my own website. There this (a proof directory can hold + Catalogue off-line were: the number of images and the is no option to use a customised proofs pointing to several image images (CDs etc.). Pretty number selected. PhotoAlbum 13.50 seconds template file. directories so there’s no way to Cons PhotoFolio 19.00 seconds Oddly, as far as I can tell, there know where the image should be - Conceptually quite is no way to show a file date in moved to) but it is still rather So while PhotoFolio is slower File Operations the browse window of PhotoFolio confusing. Deleting a proof also complex. Good! it’s not by an enormous (The only place I could find a Loads of information is available about each image, including PhotoFolio isn’t ideal for use as deletes its original image but this - Lack of date functions. margin. the EXIF information embedded by many digital cameras. a disk browser as it’s not easy to Results 20 TOTAL AMIGA Spring 2004 21 Reviews Reviews Most motherboards have multiple USB controllers, these show up in Trident, Poseidon’s preferences program.

ArakFed up with having USB ports on your PC that can’tA be used withinttack! Amithlon? Robert Williams tries Guido Mersmann’s strangely named driver for Poseidon that supports many motherboard USB cointrollers. the emulation. Recent releases ArakAttack’s preferences that controllers. The USB PCI card respectively. We’ve discussed mithlon gives you the by Amithlon’s author have will make the driver try to turn I tried has five ports and two Poseidon in depth several Acapability to run AmigaOS enabled many more network off Legacy mode itself. Now the controllers. Then the Poseidon times in Total Amiga so I won’t on modern PC hardware in an and sound cards to be used Poseidon USB stack should be stack is put on-line and the go any further here. almost seamless emulation; and now the USB ports on installed using its installer USB controllers are initialised, however its approach does most PC motherboard are followed by ArakAttack, both where a controller is found for To make USB Human Interface mean that specific drivers are about to be enabled with the programs use the standard a unit of the devices, such as keyboards needed before common PC release of ArakAttack. installer. If you are a registered AmithlonUSB.device the “in and mice, compatible with all hardware can be used within ArakAttack user you need to use” flag changes to yes, any Amiga programs Poseidon has ArakAttack is a driver for the select the appropriate option entries that are not initialised to patch into the Amiga’s Poseidon USB stack which during installation and copy can be deleted and the Trident input.device which would enables Poseidon to use over your key file. settings saved. normally handle the built-in standard UHCI and OHCI keyboard and mouse. To work compatible USB controllers, With everything installed it’s properly this normally requires most motherboard USB ports In Use time to setup Poseidon to use an updated input.device to be read image from my digital perhaps this indicates that USB Amithon. My only real gripe and many add-on PCI cards the ArakAttack driver. This is Because it works with loaded by a line at the top of camera’s memory cards. An 2.0 support isn’t far off! with ArakAttack was the double .info conform to one of these two accomplished by adding Poseidon, ArakAttack supports the startup-sequence, this line icon appears for the card on registration I had to make but Developer standards. The current version multiple units of the same USB devices as can be added by the Poseidon Workbench as soon as it is now you can buy it with Guido Mersmann of ArakAttack only supports Need for Speed AmithlonUSB.device (or other Amiga USB cards using installer. According to the inserted in the reader and Poseidon direct from IOSpirit. USB 1.1 and not the more OpenUSB.device for OpenPCI this stack. This includes mass author of ArakAttack this again this works flawlessly, I ArakAttack seems to offer good Even if you register ArakAttack Distributor recent (and faster) USB 2.0 update can cause problems on have had no transfer errors or performance for a USB 1.1 and Poseidon separately it is IOSpirit (which uses an EHCI “I’m really chuffed that ArakAttack Amithlon so he suggests you other problems. controller although in my still the cheapest way of getting http://www.iospirit.de controller). However, All remove it and use a new experience it varies on the USB on an Amithlon system by systems which include USB 2.0 Price enables me to use Poseidon and my USB program called USB device and type of some margin. Hopefully USB also support 1.1 and USB 2.0 Preferences ArakAttack...... E20.00 HIDClassPatch, supplied with controller. With my Lacie 2.0 support will come in the peripherals are backwards peripherals on Amithon.” Poseidon (req’d).... E25.00 ArakAttack, instead. I started A simple preferences program Hexadrive memory card reader future but, from a personal compatible so ArakAttack out using this patch but I could is supplied with ArakAttack. and a 32Mb Compact Flash point of view, my current mix of should work fine but will be systems) to the list of available storage device such as Medusa bundle from not get my mouse to work This enables you to adjust the card I achieved a transfer rate peripherals doesn’t really slower than a dedicated USB USB controllers on the memory card readers and IOSpirit...... E34.99 properly, in fact it worked just amount of startup cache of 776Kb/s (Kilobytes per require it, especially as 2.0 driver. Both ArakAttack and “Hardware” page of Trident portable hard disks, human the same with the patch memory allocated and the second) using the OHCI PCI ArakAttack already offers high Requires Poseidon are shareware with (Poseidon’s preferences interface devices like installed or not. I found I had to amount that is added when a card and 472Kb/s with the USB 1.1 speeds. Best of all Poseidon USB stack. demo versions which time-out program). The reason for keyboards and mice, printers use the new input.device but, new USB device is attached. motherboard’s UHCI controller. ArakAttack continues the trend quite quickly so you will need adding multiple entries is that and scanners (with third party so far, I haven’t had any There are separate settings for In contrast with a 20Gb USB that Poseidon started of being Amithlon to register both to use your most PC motherboards and software). If you buy stability problems. OHCI and UHCI controllers. hard disk the OHCI card top-class reliable software from PC Motherboard with USB USB ports. The demo period USB cards actually include ArakAttack in the Medusa USB Optimal values are explained in achieved 863Kb/s compared to the first release, well done controller or USB PCI card. should give you enough time to multiple USB controllers, bundle from IOSpirit you get I found the ArakAttack and the documentation, I did some 996Kb/s with the UHCI Guido! PowerPCI.library 2.14+ usually one for each pair of their IOUSB drivers which ensure the drivers will work on Poseidon combination to work experimentation and found that controller. http://www.vmc.de/amithlon/ USB ports. For example my enable certain USB scanners your system. very reliably with both the changing the cache size did eng_ami_soft.html VIA KT400 based board has and digital cameras to work systems I tried it on. For a six USB ports and three with fxScan and VHIStudio not make a big difference to Conclusion or Installation good test I hooked up my transfer rates. Two other mouse via USB and have been options are found in the Poseidon is one of my favourite An Amiga with PCI bus board Please note that I don’t have a using it regularly for weeks with preferences program: “No pieces of Amiga software so compatible with system on which to test no ill effects (despite using the Power Switching” is used to I’m really chuffed that OpenPCI.library 1.20+ ArakAttack with OpenPCI so new input.device), I find it hard work around a bug in some ArakAttack enables me to use http://www.vmc.de/amithlon/ this review is based on to tell if I have the mouse AMD USB controllers (I did not it and my USB peripherals on eng_ami_soft.html experience on Amithlon only. connected via PS/2 or USB. have an AMD controller to try Test Systems One positive effect is that the this on) and “Legacy” can be Pros Before installing and mouse wheel now generates enabled if you have problems + Reliable. Amithlon with contrib3b and configuring ArakAttack and proper wheel-up and wheel- disabling legacy support in + Works with many updated kernel. Poseidon you need to make down events rather than cursor your BIOS (see Installation USB chipsets. VIA KT266 motherboard sure that your PC is correctly key presses as it does by above). + Good performance. Pretty with USB 1.1. configured. This means going default in Amithlon (I believe VIA KT400 motherboard into the BIOS at start-up and this is configurable but I’d In the preferences program for Cons with USB 1.1/2.0 checking that USB is enabled never taken the time to figure it the latest version of ArakAttack - Confusing HID patch USB 1.1/2.0 PCI card and USB legacy support is out). My other main use is with (as I type this) there are cache documentation. Good! Note: USB 2.0 modes are disabled. If the latter causes The preferences program is used to tweak cache memory a card reader which I use to options for EHCI controllers so - No USB 2.0 support. not currently supported. problems there is an option in settings for best performance. Results 22 TOTAL AMIGA Spring 2004 23 Audio Evolution 4.0 “The native audio solution for AmigaOS4”

New features in 4.0:

• Non-linear editing on the time line, including cut, copy, paste, move, split, trim and crossfade actions • Unlimited undo • Many grid options to align regions • Improved automation editing on time line • Track height adjustment and higher quality waveform display • Metronome with freely adjustable time signature • Control the mixer remotely with external MIDI hardware • Native OS4 effect plug-ins with realtime parameter control and metering • Effect parameter automation • ...and many more new features!

Looking for a way to use all the be fully automated. Together with power of your PPC processor all other mixing parameters, they with OS4? Audio Evolution 4 can even be controlled remotely, gives you unsurpassed power for using more ergonomic MIDI home-studio recording and hardware. editing. The latest release focusses on time- saving non- So, if you are serious about linear and non-destructive audio, please check out the editing, as seen on other Audio Evolution 4 demo, which is platforms. Besides editing, Audio available from our website now! Evolution 4 offers a wide range of realtime effects, including compression, noise gate, delays, reverb, chorus and 3-band EQ. Pricing: 149 Euro. Whether you put them as inserts Upgrade from AE3: 70 Euro. on a channel or use them as auxillaries, the effect parameters Release date: within a month are realtime adjustable and can after OS4 is released.

Visit: www.audio-evolution.com

For more product information, please visit Distribution by: www.audio-evolution.com or contact us at Computer City [email protected]. The Netherlands Tel. +31 (0)10-4517722 [email protected] Reviews Reviews selected cell. If you begin to type the name of this field changes to “Input” showing that you are entering data into the cell. The data you have typed does not appear in the cell until you press Return. You can edit the existing contents of a cell by clicking on it and then in the “Cont.” field. Cells StarAm Plan can hold several different types There has been a bit of a drought of “office” applications for of data including text, numbers, the Amiga in the last few years, so Robert Williams is dates and times. pleased to find a shareware spreadsheet still in active development. Formulae English quick-start guide which To enter a formula into your t’s been a while since you will get you going; particularly if spreadsheet first press the Icould buy a commercial you’ve used other spreadsheet Escape key which enters a spreadsheet program for the programs before. formula identifier character into Amiga, but we shouldn’t forget the “Input” gadget. Formulas some of the excellent Installation can use constant values (12, shareware software that is 257 etc.) or references to other available and is still being As we’ve come to expect, cells (A1, G357 etc.). You can actively developed. StarAm StarAm Plan uses the standard use mathematical operators Plan is one such application, Amiga installer utility and (add, subtract, divide, multiply this spreadsheet has a wide makes a drawer for itself during etc.) and also any of StarAm range of features and is installation. If you install an Plan’s built-in functions. These available for a very modest updated version it lets you are used to perform more Multiple spreasheets and charts can be opened on the StarAm Plan screen. shareware fee. StarAm Plan is choose which (if any) settings complex mathematical or other Palette windows, such as the Chart and Worksheet managers, can be left open while you work. a German program and you have made should be operations without the need to although the user interface has overwritten by the defaults. The know exactly how they work. A across. They all have three categorises the functions by you can use the “Worksheet been localised for English program’s system the cursor by pressing the that is enabled using a menu function takes the following letter names and I guess they their use and describes them in Manager” window, this shows speaking users until recently requirements are minimal, it arrow keys or clicking on item. By default StarAm Plan form: “name(options)”, where originated from the German English. Selecting a function all the files loaded in past there was no user guide in should even run on a basic another cell. This is because does not show grid lines name is the name of the meanings as most bear no from this menu inserts it into sessions (files can be removed English, which made it hard to A1200 with some additional StarAm Plan requires you to around its cells, if you enable function and options are the relation to their function the current formula at the from the list). Files in the learn. The package now fast RAM. A dedicated version manually set the area of the this option pieces of information it needs described in English. Functions cursor position. Take a look at window can be viewed, hidden includes a fairly detailed for Amiga’s with an FPU is sheet; rows are added by (Environment/Display/Grid) separated by hash (#) symbols related to text rather than the box-out for some of the if they are already open, or available, so be sure to pressing Return and columns then the grid shows the rows (not commas). StarAm Plan’s numeric values start with a commonly used functions loaded if not. The “Worksheet download the correct archive by pressing Tab. Once you and columns that have been function names are almost all dollar ($) symbol so you can available in StarAm Plan. Manager” can be left open as for your system. know this has to be done, rows added to the sheet. recognise them. Fortunately, you work and there is an option totally different to any If the range of built-in functions and columns can be added spreadsheet I have come there is a “Function” menu to keep it in front of other Although StarAm Plan is very quickly. There is also an Near the top of each sheet within the program which is not enough, StarAm Plan StarAm Plan windows. shareware there are no option to add rows and window is the “Cont.” text field enables you to create your own limitations or nag-requesters if columns using the arrow keys that shows the contents of the So, what is a spreadsheet? functions by entering a formula Making It Easier .info you don’t register; it’s left and defining the inputs it entirely up to your conscience. requires. These then appear in Many features are included to Developer The spreadsheet was one of the first applications to make The registration fee is very the Function manager palette make building your Thorsten Passow personal computers very popular, especially in business reasonable, so if you use the (which holds only user defined spreadsheet and analysing circles. Suddenly there was a way of performing complex and program please consider functions). Named ranges can data within it easier. While you Available from long winded calculations using a computer in an easy to registering it and supporting be defined for easy insertion of are entering a formula you can Aminet: understand way. A spreadsheet consists of rows and columns the developer. cell ranges as can variables click on a cell or range of cells biz/misc/StarAm_Plan.lha making a grid. Each box made by the grid is called a cell. or StarAm_Plan881.lha which hold a certain text or in the sheet to insert that Basics Usually, columns are given a letter reference and rows a value. Both of these lists have reference into your formula at Price number reference so you can refer to any cell using a letter their own palette window. the cursor position. A search Shareware...... E15.00 When StarAm Plan starts, you and number code, for example the top left cell would be A1. and replace function is (approx. £10.50) are presented with a small tool Various types of information can be entered into cells including Although it is not possible to available and, like many values (numbers) and text. Cells can hold formulae that have multiple sheets within one Compatibility bar and a blank spreadsheet in requesters in StarAm Plan, it a separate window. The perform calculations based on the values of other cells, once a StarAm Plan file, there is the can pick up the current range AmigaOS 3.0+ program allows multiple sheets formula has been entered its result is shown in the cell. This is option to group files within a of cells selected in the sheet 68020+ to be opened at one, each one where the spreadsheet becomes a powerful tool, because if project. A project can then be and search just that area. 2Mb Fast RAM has its own window. In the you alter a value used by one or more formulae their results set into “3D” mode which Formulas and other cell 3Mb Hard disk space spreadsheet window is blank are automatically updated. This means a spreadsheet can be enables one sheet in the contents can be copied into Test Systems sheet with column and row used to answer what-if questions and to experiment with project to reference another by other ranges and, if you specify headings, cell A1 is marked by different financial options. way of a letter code (the first it using the relocate option, any Amithlon sheet is AA, the second AB a coloured cursor. If you are Over the years’ have grown in complexity and cell references in the formula AMD Athlon 2500+ and so on). If you just want to used to other spreadsheets the power, modern programs can draw charts, have a wide range are updated relative to their 512Mb RAM have easy access to your first thing you will notice is that of built-in formulae and have many formatting and printing new position. A series of you cannot immediately move recently used spreadsheets numbers, months or years can AmigaOS 3.9 Create number and date series with a few clicks of the mouse. options. 26 TOTAL AMIGA Spring 2004 27 Reviews Reviews

StarAm Plan’s Functions The chart options are powerful and allow different types to be To give you an idea of the functions available in StarAm Plan, combined. here are the categories provided (in bold) with the number of functions in each (in brackets). Below the categories are some sample functions but this is only a small selection. Statistical (20) Average, Weighted average, Percentage... Count (5) Equal, Greater than, Less than...

Multiple worksheets can be added to a project. Search (8) The 3D option allows referencing between sheets. Index, Column/Row Ref. ... with other applications. By default the program saves Financial (11) be generated in a range of data is displayed in a cell. spreadsheets in its own format Linear deprecation, Future value... cells with a user-defined Firstly you define what type of with the file extension “.sab”. interval. Another option data is within the cell. The Exponential/Logarithmic (5) Plain text or comma separated transposes the selected range options are text, number, General log, Exponent, Square root... values (called “.sdf” in StarAm of cells between rows and percentage, date, month, Plan) are the only formats that Trigonometric/Hyperbolic (14) columns or vice versa, very weekday and time. With that can be imported or exported. Sine, Arc sine, Tangent, Arc tangent... handy when dealing with set additional options can be The exported files can be imported data. A sort function changed. Numbers can have Mathematic (9) saved to disk or placed on the for columns of data is provided their number of decimal places, Integer, Round... clipboard for insertion into but the options are limited to currency symbol (and its another application. Likewise Boolean (5) working on text or numbers position), rounding, and sign data can be imported from the And, Or, Not... that opening charts on a 16 bit ordinates” window enables you printing, and if you choose a and ascending or descending, (positive or negative) set. clipboard or a file. screen would cause the to format the axes of the chart scalable font the text in the this is a feature which could be Dates can be displayed in a Date/Time (10) computer to hang. I set the as you require and there are printed output looks nice and greatly expanded. variety of formats, either Weekday, Current date, Current time... charts to open on a separate 8 options to show different levels smooth. Formatting such as Conclusion numerically or in words. Finally, bit screen which solved the of grid behind the data. Some text colour and borders are there are protection options Text (20) This program has really grown Formatting problem. chart types have specific retained and the output looks that can be used to stop a cell Find, Length, Upper, Lower... on me as I used it, initially I The data within a cell or cells options so, for example, you quite nice, the main limitation from being edited or even from Others (13) On chart types with axes (all of found the odd formula names, can be formatted in a number can set the spacing between being that everything is printed being read on the screen If, Random, Decimals... them except the pie chart type) rather old fashioned looking of ways. Basic text formatting bars in a bar chart or add error in the same font. I had some multiple data sets can be interface and differences from options are available such as The Format Manager palette You can use this feature, for concentrates on providing a bars to a curve chart. problems with the printed overlaid and each data set can the Windows spreadsheets I left, right and centre can be used to “pick-up” the all example, to change all the powerful set of calculation and output appearing in the wrong have its own chart type. Your chart settings are saved am used to at work quite off alignments, bold, italics and the formatting options of the headings in your spreadsheet graphing options. position on the page but this Stacked bar, curve and with the sheet so the chart can putting. However, once I had underline. The width of each selected cell, these are then from blue to green. could be peculiar to my set-up. function charts can be be recalled at any time, looked at the example column can be adjusted by given an identifying name. The main problem I had with Charts combined in this way, for reflecting any changes made to spreadsheets and learnt some dragging its margin or entering Selecting another cell and While StarAm Plan has a good StarAm Plan’s printing is that example you could overlay a the data in the spreadsheet. of the basics from the English a pixel value. There is also an double clicking on the format in range of formatting options, it’s Often a graph or chart can put there is no print preview option line over a bar chart. Both right Charts can be saved as an IFF Quick Start guide I was automatic feature that sets the the palette will apply those not in the same league os over information much more so preparing a document for and left “Y” axes can be used file for insertion into other pleased to find it has many width to the widest contents settings to the selected cell. some of the Windows effectively than a page full of printing tends to need several and you can choose to which documents. You can also print powerful functions and in when you double click the Even more cleverly, if you then spreadsheets you might have numbers. So it’s good to see trial runs before you get axis a data set is mapped. In a chart from within StarAm general works very well. Even margin. Text can be given a change the options associated used that have been designed that StarAm Plan’s charting everything to fit properly. I addition to plotting data from Plan, but separately rather than the printing options were much colour from a choice of seven with that format all the cells to produce “presentation” type options provide many ways to would also be nice to have the the spreadsheet it is also as part of the data better than they first appeared. which are defined in an options given the format will change. output. StarAm Plan display your data in a more facility of carrying a number of possible to plot lines based on spreadsheet. So long as you don’t expect a window. Annoyingly the colours graphical manner. There are header rows or columns onto a formula using the “function” 15Euro shareware product to are only given a number in the eight basic chart types subsequent printed pages for chart type. Axis values and be be a complete clone of MS formatting menu so I hope you including pie, bar, line and Printing reference. Excel I think most home users area. StarAm Plan cannot automatically generated or have got a good memory! A StarAm Plan provides only a (and many professionals) will display a chart within the manually set and there are border can be added to one or limited set of printing options Import/Export find StarAm Plan will fulfil their spreadsheet so any charts separate Logarithmic options more sides of a cell but only with two printing modes, spreadsheet needs. (and you can have as many as for “X” and “Y” axes. Unfortunately, StarAm Plan one style, a single pixel black “Quality” or “Fast”. Fast uses you like) using the data in the only has a limited range of line, is available. Borders can The chart formatting options the font built into your printer sheet are listed in the chart options for exchanging its data be added quickly around a are pretty comprehensive, to and basically does a text dump window. Like many windows range of cells but if you apply a start with, as you would expect, of the spreadsheet, none of the within StarAm Plan, the chart border to the top of one cell you can set a chart title and formatting you set is taken into Pros window can be left open while and the bottom of the one add a legend to identify each account. Header and footer + Powerful functions. you work. If a new sheet is above it (for example) you get data set. The size and font of text can be specified and is + Flexible charting. selected the window updates a double line which makes each of the text elements of printed on each page, you can + Low price. neat formatting a bit fiddly. I to display the charts for the Pretty the chart can be changed to enter place holders so StarAm Cons currently active sheet. Charts couldn’t find a way to change a any Amiga font (bitmap or Plan automatically inserts the - Few “presentation” can be viewed either in a cell’s background colour. scalable) installed on your page number, date and other options. window along with the system. Bar and pie chart variables. Quality printing - No print preview. Other formatting options spreadsheets or on a separate Good! types can have a 3D effect enables you to choose any - Little file compatibility. enable you to change the way These window handling options help control multiple sheets screen. On my system I found

open on the StarAm Plan screen. applied. The “System of co- installed font and size for Results 28 TOTAL AMIGA Spring 2004 29 Reviews Reviews of power-ups and weapons to collect, also winning races No shortage of variety, two earns you money to upgrade highlights of Amiga Arena your car. Rocketz - a two Games Edition are player variation of the classic Dawnbringer’s BabeAnoid and Amiga Arena game “Thrust” in which you the classic adventure, Beneath .info must guide your ship through a a Steel Sky. Developer set of caverns fighting the Amiga Arena Games Edition effects of inertia as well as www.amiga-arena.de your enemy. Rocketz is slickly Looking for some entertainment? With over 50 games Robert Williams thinks this CD produced with a variety of Distributor levels and armament options Funtime World should brighten up those dark winter evenings! for your ship. Babeanoid - this www.funtime-world.de and developers. Some games contents and a collection of game takes the “bat and ball” Price the last few years, are supplied ready to be run HTML files which list all the genre to the extreme, you’ll Amiga Arena have been straight from the CD, others games included sorted by never have seen so many brick E10.00 O coming to agreements with must be installed and some are genre. Each game has some types, power-ups and special Compatibility authors and publishers to in ADF format so they can be information including the effects before! The graphics AGA Amigas make some of their commercial played on UAE or floppy disks developer, subject, language look great and have the hand- Tested on A1200 and and shareware software can be created for use on “real” and many have an pixeled style of many classic A4000D products available freely from Amiga hardware. ADF-Blitzer is accompanying screenshot. For Amiga games. Both positive Board and Puzzle the Amiga Arena website. The included in the “Tools” drawer, some games additional and negative “power-ups” fall Test Systems list of titles includes many this is a GUI based utility which information such as cheat down the screen to be Another strong section, with source and available for many I’m informed by Amiga Arena A1200 games, and with this CD, can write an ADF file to a codes or installation collected and include multi-ball, plenty of puzzle games to keep platforms so you can compete that the CD has been Blizzard ‘030 50Mhz Amiga Arena have collected floppy disk. Some of the games instructions have been bigger bat and a bizarre effect the old little grey cells warmed with players on other upgraded since our review 16Mb Fast RAM together many of the games which cannot be run from the included on the CD. where the whole screen waves up. Doktor - what games computers too. An Amiga client copy was produced so into a convenient distribution. CD can be installed on your while the game continues! collection would be complete and server are supplied on the hopefully these minor problems Supplied by At the top level of the CD the The disc is supplied in a plastic hard disk with the shareware without a Tetris clone? This CD; the client has a neat MUI have been cleared up. I should Amiga Arena games are arranged in DVD box with a professional WHDLoad package. WHDLoad Adventure one has really nice graphics interface with plenty of options. also point out that most of the categories based on their looking printed insert; the CD installers for many of the and a two player option. games on this CD are distribution method, these are This section includes two itself is a recordable disc to games on the CD are included, Beambender - This is a fun designed to use the Amiga ADF, CD (games that were commercial titles that most Management allow for frequent updates. In as is a copy of WHDLoad game in which you must place chipset for graphics, so if you originally distributed on CD) Amiga users will recognise fact an updated version has itself. A special deal has been mirrors and other objects on a Various management games only have graphics card output and HD installable. The immediately both of which are already been released since arranged with WHDLoad’s board to guide beams of light are included, you can be a film or use Amithlon then very few games in each of these from Revolution Software who we got our review copy. authors so owners of this CD to reach an exit door. studio executive in Hollywood will work. can register for 10 Euro, half drawers are then divided into have produced some of the Unfortunately this is one of the Manager, a holiday organiser in The games on the CD are genres such as Action, best graphical adventure What’s on the CD? the normal price. games with no English Flamingo tours and, of course, Conclusion indexed on nicely formatted Adventure and Platform. Some games. Lure of the Tempress - documentation but which a bit a football manager in Samba HTML pages. Some games Over fifty games are included Documentation on the disc games appear in more than In this game you’re set the of patience you should be able Partie World Cup. While many of the games on have handy additional on the CD which comprise consists of a readme in each one category, for example both mission of saving your village to work out what to do! Unfortunately (for those of us this CD can now be found information too. many different genres, ages directory which describes its CD and ADF versions of from the evil tempress of the who only speak English) these freely on the Internet it’s great Beneath a Steel Sky are title. This is a point-and-click Platform games are only available in to have them all collected available. adventure title with some real- German. The only together in one place. The time fighting sequences. Lure A variety of platform games management sim supplied in quality and depth of the titles Highlights of the temptress is a quality which provide different takes English is Tactical Manager, does vary quite a lot, however production and worth playing on this classic genre. I enjoyed another Football game. amongst the 50 or so included With so many games on this even if it isn’t quite up to the Monty the Wolf which is a you’re bound to find a few you CD I couldn’t possibly even standards of Revolution’s later vertical platformer where the really like. With the latest mention each one in this Problems title... Beneath a Steel Sky - aim is to collect jewels. Among version of the CD even more review, so here are some of this classic adventure was it’s unusual features are a Generally I found this CD to be games have been added so the highlights of each section highly rated when it was bouncy ball as a weapon and well produced, however a there’s an even wider choice. of the disc: released and stands up well items that can be picked up couple of games did not work, Amiga Arena Games Edition is today thanks to its attractive and moved around the levels Burnout reported a missing file a well put-together disc at a Action cartoon graphics which have a giving an additional puzzle and the HD version of Lure of very reasonable price. hand painted look, amusing element to the game play. the Temptress was set-up to The action category is packed dialogue and reasonably use the JST loader system not with fun and diverting games logical puzzles. The game has Strategy included on the CD. However and, in my opinion, is one of a science fiction story line with the strongest in this collection. you cast as Robert Foster, an Four games make up the Pros Some of the games included exile who is trying to find his strategy section these include: + Wide range of games are: RoadKill - a fast-paced origins in a totalitarian city Imperium Terranum II - this and genres. top-down view car racing game while avoiding the police. appears to be a space trading + Well Organised and with a choice of vehicles. In Amiga Arena provide both the game in the style of Elite. presented. Pretty addition to your driving skills CD32 (CD) and floppy versions FreeCiv - this is a turn based + Low Price. you can also beat your of BaSS on this disc, the CD32 strategy game in the style of opponents by knocking them version has the advantage of the classic Civilisation, the Cons off the track or with a variety of full spoken dialogue which difference here is that you can - Variable game quality. Good! weapons! The longevity of the enhances the experience. play on-line with opponents all

game is extended by a variety over the world. FreeCiv is open Results 30 TOTAL AMIGA Spring 2004 31 Reviews Reviews

Developer: Alfonso Ranieri License: Freeware From: http://digilander.libero.it/asoft/ rxMUI 32.9/40.0 Reqirements: AmigaOS 3+, MUI 3.8+, various MUI custom classes.

found in the Rexx is one of the hidden Developer/Autodocs/ directory of Agems of AmigaOS, it is a your MUI installation. An autodoc flexible interpreted programming reader such as Martin’s Reader PD Paradise language that allows simple (Aminet: Developer: Pawel Stefanski License: Freeware programs to be written in text/misc/MartinsReader.lha) is minutes. What makes ARexx so useful for dealing with the MUI From: http://www.ppa.ltd.pl/software/software-msp.html great is its ability to integrate docs. MiniShowPicture 1.50 Reqirements: AmigaOS 3+ or MorphOS, datatypes. with programs with an ARexx Even if you’ve programmed with port and the option to add ARexx before, the description of function libraries which rxMUI so far may sound a little s you might guess from the seamlessly add additional daunting, and its true that getting Aname, this is a simple capabilities to the language. One started does require you to learn picture viewing utility; however it feature lacking in the basic One of my first scripts using rxMUI. A simple GUI like this doesn’t some new concepts. However, is a bit different in having a file ARexx distribution is the facility take long to program and benefits from MUI’s features. there is a saving grace in the browser as part of the interface. to create graphical user number and variety of example When you run MiniShowPicutre interfaces, so a user can position and most have a flexible palettes and utilities with minimal scripts provided which number it opens a MUI window comfortably interact with the size, this means your GUI will be interfaces. MysticView.mcc no less than 75! The examples consisting of a large picture ARexx program. Over the years font-sensitive and resizeable with inserts a powerful image viewer provided range from very simple, viewing area on the left and a file several solutions to this problem no additional effort. rxMUI does into your interface. TheBar.mcc with one or two objects, to list on the right. At the top of the have been released and in this not include a graphical interface lets you create graphical toolbars complete small applications file list you can select a directory, review I’m looking at rxMUI, an builder so getting a GUI right can which can be repositioned within using multiple custom classes. and the list displays all the files ARexx function library that be a bit fiddly. I find it best to the program window. When the There seems to be at least one and sub-directories within it. allows an ARexx script to build a plan out what I want on paper GUI is completely defined a example using each custom Double clicking on a sub- GUI. first, working out what groups are single function call causes rxMUI directory opens it in the file list required, and then commit the to scan the tree you have class. In many cases you will be and a parent button are provided When you add rxMUI.library to design to code. As ARexx scripts defined and build-up the able to base your GUI quite so you can browse to any your script a range of new don’t need to be compiled it’s interface. closely on one of the examples directory on the current volume. functions becomes available. easy to run a work-in-progress or at least use the basic With the interface built the next Images can be browsed entirely One of the aims of rxMUI’s script and make adjustments as structure. If you do make an job is to define what actions will from the keyboard: the up and is to bring some of needed. error in your script, rxMUI takes down arrows select files and MUI’s object oriented occur when the user interacts care of things behind the scenes. directories in the list, pressing programming philosophy to One of the best things about with it. This is done using the This means it should not be the right arrow with a sub- The file list enables you to quickly browse through your images. ARexx, so a user interface is rxMUI is that it supports all MUI’s “Notify” function. Notifications possible to crash the Amiga or directory selected enters that built from a collection of objects features and many of the third can be set on a gadget so that corrupt memory, instead an error Fortunately, there is a “are you aspects of MiniShowPicture. generally that doesn’t bother directory and left arrow opens which have attributes (a piece of party MUI custom classes that when a specified attribute requester pops up with a the parent directory. sure” message. Here you can choose to open me. For example, personally I information related to an object, have been released. Functions changes an action will be carried description of the problem and a one or both of the “My best...” have no real need for the are supplied to create most basic out. The action could be to run a The “My best pictures” window for example the name of a line reference for debugging. If When you click on an image in windows and set that the image processing features that button) and methods (an action objects (including buttons, subroutine within the script or to you are still having problems enables you to keep a list of the file list, it is displayed in the image should be scaled to fit in are included in some image they can be asked to perform, for labels, string gadgets and check issue one or more ARexx there is an rxMUI mailing list on your most often viewed images viewing area. MiniShowPicture the viewing area. If scaling is viewers. However, there is one example a list could be boxes) that you will need in your instructions. It is possible to pick Yahoo Groups which is read by for easy access, regardless of uses datatypes so all image selected you can decide feature missing from this refreshed). To build a user GUI using one line of code. More up attributes within these the author and several where they are located on your formats that have a datatype whether the image’s aspect program that I find essential. If interface you build up a tree-like complex objects such as lists, instructions so you can make experienced rxMUI coders who hard disk. This feature works installed on your system are ratio should be maintained or if you choose to view the image structure within interrelated tabbed views, gauges and one gadget effect another should be able to answer your rather like a web browser supported. With the correct it should be stretched to fit the at full size it is not possible to ARexx stem variables that custom classes are created by without loads of additional code. questions. hotlist, you simply click the defines all the objects within defining a new object of the For example it is possible to datatype MSP can even be scroll, so images larger than Of all the ARexx GUI solutions I interface. The tree is started with required class and setting its make a list view with the facility used to view icons and the screen cannot be viewed have used rxMUI is certainly the “...a great way of browsing the images on an application object which has attributes. Custom classes to add, delete and move rows Postscript files. The last two properly. You can scale the most powerful. Once I was used buttons in the main window your system that I’ve not seen in an Amiga attributes that define the enable powerful features to be only with Notify commands. image to view it all but, added to a GUI with all the to the methodology I found I enable the selected image to application. Then windows can Documentation for rxMUI is obviously, you don’t get all the programming already take care could produce quite complex be deleted or copied to another program before.” be added and within each one supplied in HTML and details. I would also like to see of. To give you an idea of the GUIs quickly and many GUI groups of gadgets. Gadgets can AmigaGuide formats. It provides directory. One quibble I had is “Add” button while viewing a space. Unusually you can options to rotate and rename flexibility they offer here are actions could be handled by the be arranged horizontally or a useful reference guide but is that delete has the keyboard picture to add it to the list. Any leave the preference’s window images within the program, some of the classes supported notifications system without vertically within a group and rather lacking in tutorial content. short-cut of spacebar which is image in the “My best pictures” open while viewing images and both of these options are very by rxMUI: CompactWindow.mcc needing lots of code. By using groups can be nested within one All the functions are described often the “next image” key in window can be displayed by the options I have mentioned handy for digital camera users. is a replacement for MUI’s MUI the GUI gets cool features another making very complex with examples and the basics of other image viewers, so it’s clicking on its name. The so far take effect immediately window class which creates like customisation, font- arrangements possible. Within object creation, notifications and easy to press by mistake. contents of the list can be they are selected. Other MiniShowPicture has . In small borderless windows for sensitivity and resizeability MUI gadgets do not have a set object handling are explained. saved and loaded at any time options available include which general, its simple design without any additional Each of the MUI classes programming effort. Finally, so you could have multiple lists directory and “My best” lists works well, but there are a supported is listed and any custom classes allow features to based on different topics. In a should be loaded at start-up couple of areas that could easily be improved: the delete attributes and methods whose be incorporated into an ARexx very similar vein, is the “My and the width of the file list implementation differs in rxMUI GUI that would normally be out best directories” window that (specified as a percentage of function and the lack of scroll bars. The author has released are explained. However, to get a of reach. Altogether I cannot works in the same way but for the main window). complete listing of all the several new versions recently recommend rxMUI highly image directories on any disk. attributes and methods The author of MiniShowPicture so I hope he keeps up the enough, it makes a simple supported by a class you will The My best pictures and The preference’s window is has obviously aimed to keep ARexx script look like a good work! need to read the MUI directories windows bring used to configure some his program simple, and professional application! hotlist functions to MSP. Another one of my scripts with some different gadgets. documentation which can be 32 TOTAL AMIGA Spring 2004 33 Reviews

Developer: Elena Novaretti License: Freeware From: http://www.elena-fractals.it/ PowerIcons 1.05 Reqirements: AmigaOS 3.5/3.9, 16 or 24bit Workbench screen (graphics card).

options to spruce up the text of icon is simply a 24bit image PowerIcons works very well and, he Amiga icons system has the icon name, a border or a saved in the PNG format and with well-drawn icons, there is a Tsome unique features and shadow can be added both of renamed with a “.info” extension very noticeable improvement in over the years we have seen which are rendered using so you can make your own icons quality. In addition to its basic some brilliant icon designs transparency for a smooth effect. or download PNG icons task, PowerIcons also has other including Magic Workbench, New designed for other platforms (see handy features to make standard 24bit icons do have a couple of Icons and, most recently, Glow the KDEView review in this Amiga icons look and work limitations compared to standard Icons. However, even with a section). The patch enables the better. Whether these Amiga icons. Firstly they only graphics card icons have always Workbench information window improvements outweigh the have one image so, when you been limited to a maximum of or alternatives such as RaWbInfo limitations I’ve noted is entirely select a 24bit icon it is 256 colours. PowerIcons is a to replace and existing icon with up to you. At the end of the day highlighted with a blueish tint patch that adds support for 24bit a 24bit one retaining tooltypes this is eye candy and that’s (the colour is configurable) rather icons with an alpha channel and and other icon data. 24bit icons important to some people and than changing to another image. improves the rendering of do not contain a normal Amiga less so to others. Fortunately, This has the advantage of traditional icons too. icon image; so if you decide to you can try out PowerIcons making which icons are selected stop using PowerIcons you will without installing it by double Each pixel of a 24bit icon can be very clear but removes the need to put all your original icons clicking on its icon and browsing any one of over 16 million possibility of the nice back. Therefore, I suggest through the sample 24bit icons colours allowing smoother, more “animations” found on some making a backup before trying it. supplied. detailed icons to be drawn. The Amiga icons. The second alpha channel means that any limitation is that when a 24bit pixel can be set to blend into the icon is dragged it is displayed as background making realistic a rectangular dotted outline shadows and smoothed edges rather than the icon image, possible whatever backdrop apparently this is a limitation of image you choose. Normally, all Workbench that cannot be the icons displayed on your overcome. Workbench screen must be To use PowerIcons you will need rendered from the same 256 to be running Workbench with a colour palette. With PowerIcons 16 or 24bit display (which means this restriction is removed so a graphics card is essential) and even normal icons will look their you will also need a reasonably best. When you select “Show/All fast machine as the 24bit icons files” in Workbench, files without are more processor intensive to icons are given a default icon so render. Unfortunately, the patch you can see them, PowerIcons does not work with Workbench can show these default icons replacements like or with a user definable level of Directory Opus 5, although it transparency so you can easily does with some utilities that use see which files have an icon icons such as Amidock. A 24bit attached. Finally, there are two

Developer: Pietro Ghizzoni KDEView License: Freeware From: http://www.ibaden.it 24 bit folder icons from the “Wasp” set used to replace 1.0 Reqirements: PowerIcons, dearchiver. the standard Workbench drawer icons.

download. Each pack consists of To use the program you first (this is becoming a theme of this s I mentioned in the a number of PNG icons with need to download an icon pack PD Paradise) but if there are too APowerIcons review, the PNG each image in a selection of and de-archive it. Normally the many icons to fit you can scroll image format is already in use sizes, all within an archive. tar archive format is used with with the cursor keys. for icons on other platforms. One KDEView is a handy utility which either (.tar.gz) or bzip2 Once you’ve found a 24bit icon example of this is the KDE enables you to view the icons (.tar.bz2) compression. Both you like then you can drag an desktop manager commonly within one of these packs without these formats can be handled by icon from your Workbench onto it used on Linux systems. At the moving the files around or the OS 3.9 UnArc utility, but you and the Workbench icon will be website http://www.kde-look.org renaming them with .info so will need to uncompress the .tar replaced. This seems a bit there are many quality icon PowerIcons will display them. file first and then de-archive it so backwards but in practice it packs available for free it’s a two stage process. With works well. The icon that done you simply Load replacement procedure retains KDEView and select one of the the icon type, tool types, default directories full of icons (.png tool and other icon information. files) in the location where you de-archived the icon pack. The That’s all there is to it, a simple KDEView window shows all the program that works well. icons in that location and you Perhaps in the future some scroll can select the size you require bars and the facility to handle from a menu. For some reason icon pack archives transparently the icon display area in the could be built in to make it even window doesn’t have scroll bars better! KDE displays all the icons in a category for you to choose from. 34 TOTAL AMIGA Support Support baddies and work your way Summary: Older Mac through the levels meanwhile Yes its asteroids on the Mac. applications such your opponents keep getting Only this is one heck of a as MacIRC are nastier and tougher. The sound conversion. Maelstrom does for still very handy. Mac: Reloaded is okay, nothing out of this the Mac what Super Sturdust did planet, but admittedly you feel a for the Amiga. It takes the classic Part 2 of Michael Carrillo’s emulation series. good deal of satisfaction when game asteroids and improves it remember how bad the Amiga you hear a Nazi opponent bite in spades. Shoot all the ollowing from my previous version was. However Sim Tower the dust. There’s not much more asteroids, and avoid a few FMac Reloaded article in the is a bit of a classic, good enough to be said about this game, unpleasant surprises. Having last issue and after so much to play at least the once. You except that if you want a good said that, this version has loads the Classic Mac although its information for getting on-line to interest, I have decided to take it start off with a bit of cash and pass-time then you cant do of power ups, bonuses. Add to quite old and if has a few an IRC channel. a bit further by giving by giving one star. Build a lobby, add some much worse than loading this up that the very witty special sound features missing, its also the Overall: you mini reviews of programs I Offices or Condos above the first and having a blast. Thank god effects and the graphics which only IRC client available that is MacIRC 68k - 78% have found useful and work on two floors, reserve the first two for the save games too! are superb considering their age. Free! Development of this program ceased years ago and it Ircle 3.1 - 88% the Amiga via Mac emulation. floors for retail space. Make If you want a quick shoot em up (Note: If your system is an is now freeware. This is just one money from building and selling session, this is one hell of a Before I start, I got an E-mail 040/25mhz or below you this of the easiest ways for you to get condos (one off) and getting an game to do it with but be warned. Where to Download from someone wanting to know game will run in a small desktop an IRC client running on your income every quarter from the Maelsrom has the “one more go” how to change the awful drive window, you can change the Amiga for nothing, its dead easy All games available from Office Rentals. Add Stairs or lifts factor, once you start, you cant icons that come with Fusion. Play classic games that were never released for the Amiga. settings, but it could be to set up and use (I did say some http://mac.the-underdogs.org to connect them up, then watch put it down! Download Aaron (MacOS unplayable.) features were missing!). If you people come in to your tower (look in control - Windowshade). challenges that will keep the MacIRC 68k available from system enhancer) which feel you must have the “Bells and spend money at your retail most ardent Sim fan coming Overall: 90% (This game still (make sure you download the contains a nice drive icon you Overall: 85% (in context for Overall: 82% (Its no Quake III and Whistles” then check out outlets such as fast food. back for more. stands the test of time despite 68k Version!): can use: www.kaleidoscope.net/ system it is running on and not or whatever, but in context for Ircle 3.1 which is still Shareware, the years) http://www.macirc.com/ greg/aaron.html. (Aaron isn’t The game progresses as you compared to present day) Caesar is the sort of game that the system it is running on, it however you do get a 30 day download.html required if you are using system add more people or floor space cannot be rushed into, if you can isn’t half bad!) free trial offer with it so you can 8.0 or later, but you can still use which increases your star rating. find a copy of the manual do so, MacIRC 68k decide if its worth it. Ircle 3.1 (68k Version): the icon. Click on the drive icon Caesar Eventually you can add Express it will help tremendously. Don’t Maelstrom Game Type: Application http://www.ircle.com/ and select from the apple pull Elevators, Cinemas, meeting Game Type: Sim think that this is the sort of game Tip! If you have never tried IRC download.shtml down menus FILE/Get Info. A halls, restaurants and hotel Aim of game:To become Caesar that you can pick up and run Type: Arcade Shooter Summary: and would like to, check out a System window will pop up, click rooms. Whilst down in the of the Roman empire. with, it isn’t, but it is ultimately Aim of the game: Destroy all Mac IRC 68k is as the title says previous issue of Total Amiga on the Drive Icon, a border basement you can add Waste rewarding. However, if you want the asteroids! an Internet Relay Chat client for Magazine which contained all the around it will appear and once Recyling, Car Parking and an Summary: to better it, look out for Caesar II. more from the Pull down menu Underground Station. Imagine Sim City set in Roman Just as long as you check if will select Edit/Copy. Click on Drive times and you get an idea what work on your system first! P&P Rates: you want to change icon with Tip: Ensure every 15th floor is a this game is all about! This time UK...... £1.50 (1 item) UK...... £1 per item (2+) FORE-MATT Home Computing repeat the same process, but lobby, and serve them by though, you also have to deal in Overall: 88% (in context for EU...... £2 per item this time do Edit/Paste. Close Express Elevators only. politics, keeping the citizens system it is running on and not RoW...... £3 per item (07792) 416254 • Dept. TA, PO Box 835, Wootton Bassett, Swindon, SN4 8RX We also accept PayPal window and it’s done. Look on happy, making money, defence, compared to present day) Google for Mac Icons, “Steves- Sim Tower is a game that you attack etc. You Start of by Icon-set” is a good start. can while away many hours looking for a place to begin a Wolfenstien 3D playing and not realise, those settlement so that you can build Sim Tower with an 040/25mhz processor or a city, you add such things as Game Type: 3D Shooter lower will have to disable walls, public baths, roads, Aim of the Game: Shoot Quake £10 S/W Tycoon £25 Napalm £10 Art Studio Pro £35 VHI Studio 5.7 £25 STFax 4.5 £45 Game Type: Sim animations and most background temples, housing etc. Once you everything in sight and complete Aim of the Game: To reach as noises in order to keep this game have a population, you can start your mission. far up as you can go and get going. Also you can get more attending the Forum and start your tower awarded 5 Stars. speed by closing the main wielding political power or Summary: window during periods (double checking on how you are doing Ever played Doom? If so you Summary: click on top Window bar) whilst in terms of ratings, population, may just love this, its incredibly Myst £25 T-Zero £15 Nightlong £25 TurboPrint 7 £40 FXScan 4 £35 FXPaint 2 Upg. £25 This game was written by Maxis you are waiting for something to taxes, civic spending etc. similar, but the graphics are CDROM GAMES CDROM GAMES CDROM GAMES UTILITIES UTILITIES in 1990, yes them of SimCity happen. Make sure you have this more cartoon-ish, less realistic Abuse...... £10 Goal! 2000...... £10 Street RacerD C...... £10 3DCD-1 Objects...... £5 GlowIcons2...... £15 Adventurers rLai...... £15 Gremlin Classix...... £10 Strip Pot CD32...... £5 17 Bit Level6...... £10 Graphic Sensations...... £10 2000 fame or infamy if you option turned on your MacOS Industry and water to all isn’t half and set in World War II. Having Alfred Chicken CD32...... £10 Guardian CD32...... £5 Superfrog...... £10 100% Colour Clips...... £10 Guinness Records2...... £10 your problems in this game, it’s said that, its still worth a go as Amiga Classix...... £10 Hell Squad...... £20 Super Methane Bros...... £10 100% Clips...... £10 HiddenTrut h...... £10 about making your city a even by today’s standards the Amiga Classix2...... £10 ImperatorD C...... £15 Syndicate CD32...... £10 10,000 Amiga Cheats...... £10 Hisoft Extend...... £10 Amiga Classix3...... £20 Islona Collection...... £20 TestamentD C...... £10 A-Z of Amiga Games...... £15 Image Link...... £10 successful viable economic game play is still quite addictive. Aminet Games...... £15 Labyrinth Of Time...... £10 Theme ParkD C...... £10 Aminet Set 4,5 7,9-11 ea...... £25 In To The Net (2CD)...... £5 powerhouse, without this you will You are locked in the castle Aqua...... £10 Mad About Mahjong...... £10 The Games Room...... £10 Amos PDCD2...... £20 JuniorT ypist...... £8 Arcade Classix 2Mk...... £10 Mad About Marbles...... £10 The Strangers...... £10 Animatic...... £5 KeyT o Driving theory...... £15 never move up. Build markets, dungeon, you find a weapon and Blade...... £10 Megaball Deluxe...... £10 Time of Reckoning...... £5 Art Studio oPr...... £35 Learning Curve...... £20 temples, theatres, in fact decide to make an escape, Bubba N Stix CD32...... £10 Moonbases...... £5 Total Carnage CD32...... £5 Artworx...... £10 LSD Compendium2...... £15 Bubble Heroes...... £8 MSX Nostalgia...... £10 TotalT etris...... £10 Blitz Basic 2.1 (ult.)...... £10 Mods Explosion...... £10 everything you need to make a armed with a revolver at first, C64 Classix...... £10 Myst...... £25 Trivial Pursuit...... £10 Converters Suite...... £10 Multimedia Experience...... £15 successful city. You can build you exit your cell in a desperate CDS Collection...... £15 Myst (German)...... £10 Turbo RacerD 3...... £8 Coverdisk Collection...... £10 MultimediaToolki t...... £10 more than one city as various bid for freedom! Trouble is that Chess k2...... £10 Pacman Attack...... £10 Ultimate Gloom...... £10 Desktop VideoVaul t...... £10 NcodeR...... £30 Chuck Rock 2 CD32...... £10 Payback...... £35 Ult. Super Skidmarks...... £10 Digital Makeup...... £15 Network DC...... £10 terrains provide different this castle crawling with Nazi Civilization AGA/ECS...... £10 Phoenix Fighters...... £10 Ultra ViolentWorld s...... £10 Emulators Unlimited...... £10 Network CD2...... £15 resources for your industry, such Guards who are hell bent on Earth 2140 Missionk Pac...... £15 Red Mars...... £15 Uropa2 ...... £10 Epic Encyclopedia7...... 9 £10 Pagestream Addons...... £10 Eat The Whistle...... £10 Retro Gold...... £10 Virtual Ball Fighters...... £10 Epic Encyclopedia8...... 9 £20 Patchez HD Installers...... £10 as wheat, Ivory, copper or glass. making sure you don’t leave the European Superleague...... £10 R-Type of Games...... £10 Virtual Grand xPri...... £20 FlashromVol 2...... £10 PFS3...... £35 place feet first and in one piece! Fightin Spirit...... £10 Simon the Sorcerer...... £10 Virtual Karting2...... £10 Fractal Pro Image...... Lib £5 Photon Paint2...... £5 Tip: As with all cities, found Final Odyssey...... £10 Sixth Sense Invest’ns...... £10 Vital Light...... £10 fxPaint v2 upgrade...... £30 Red Hat Linux1 ...... 5. £15 yours near a river. Foundation Und.Land...... £15 Speccy Classix...... £10 Wasted Dreams...... £10 Gateway v1 (netBSD)...... £10 Scene Storm...... £5 There are the usual secret Games Attack...... £10 SphericalW orlds...... £10 WhalesV oyage CD32...... £10 GFA Basic Interpreter...... £5 Science DC...... £10 entrances, food/health bonuses, Giana SistersTrilog y...... £10 Sports Mad...... £20 Word Games...... £10 GlowIcons...... £10 SoundsTerrific 2 ...... £10 If you like a challenge then extra ammunition etc or in other Caesar, despite its poor “The Amiga Online Superstore” - Visit our new 128 bit secure online shop at www.forematt.co.uk words the usual fare for this type graphics, (by today’s standards) Amiga Retro Classics Site: www.forematt.free-online.co.uk EMail: [email protected] of game. Keep shooting the has tons of options and 36 TOTAL AMIGA Spring 2004 37 Support Support task because there is quite a lot of detail the tool box, it is just above the palette Perfect in the area behind the tree. I tackled this area to the left of the boing ball. Now Paint’s by taking each area of a different colour you need to select a brush to paint with, rubber stamp or texture in the background in turn and I found one of the soft round brushes tool shows Image Enhancement filled over the tree to match the from the selection at the top right of the you where neighbouring background. Remember toolbox worked best. When you move the image that the object of the exercise is not to your pointer over the image you should will be copied Unsightly telegraph pole growing guess what the area behind the tree now see two cursors, one “blob” from (the out of your head? really looked like but to produce a representing the area covered by the cross-hair) Part Two: Re-touching & Sharpening convincing background. As with the sky, brush you selected and a cross hair and where Then why not visit Robert Williams’ take care not to duplicate features, it’s which indicates where the image will be your brush image clinic! easy to end up identical clumps of trees copied from. The difference to ImageFX will cover which is a dead give-away! To avoid this is that in Perfect Paint the cross hair (the “blob”). image is copied from the source area. I find drawing in small stages, even with moves with your pointer all the time, TUTORIAL You can change the relationship to copy from, to do this hold down the single clicks of the mouse, is a good even when you are not painting. To set between source and destination areas n the second part of this tutorial I’ll be “Alt” key and left click on the sky where option. Drawing in this way also has the the relationship between the source at any time by control-dragging on the Iexplaining two more techniques for you want to copy from. The sky has a advantage that you can step back (cross hair) and destination (blob) move image. Remember you can use any of improving the look of digital images. subtle vertical gradient from an intense through your work in small stages using the blob over the area you want to copy Photogenics drawing tools and adjust These processes can be applied equally blue at the top to a milky blue/green at ImageFX’s “UNDO” button. from, hold down the left shift key, then the size and density of the brush while well to any image no matter how it has the bottom so make sure you select an click and drag out a line to the using the clone tool. You can also rub been captured, whether through a digital area in line horizontally with the area destination. The relationship between off any errors by drawing with the right camera, with a scanner or a video you want to cover. When you click a When doing this kind of work it the two cursors should now be changed TIP: mouse button. digitiser. I’ll be concentrating on Nova small square should appear, this can be useful to have some additional to match your selection. Design’s excellent ImageFX but at the indicates where pixels will be copied undo steps. To set the number, click on end of each section I’ll mention how you from. Release “Alt” and move the mouse the “Prefs” button in the main toolbox Art Effect - Art Effect’s tool is called Sharpening can achieve similar effects in other to the area you want to cover, now click and increase the number of “Undo “Cloner” and is represented by a rubber Amiga image processing programs. the left mouse button and start drawing Levels”. stamp icon in the main toolbox window Most digitised images, no matter how as normal. You should notice that the (to the right of the airbrush). To use they have been obtained, look Re-touching image is copied from the area you As with the horizon you’ll also need to cloner, click on its icon then move your somewhat softer than in “real life”, this is selected. Notice that as you draw with treat the joins between the land and pointer over the image. To set the a natural result of the digitising process It would often improve a picture if some the mouse the square marker follows water, and water and head with some source area click on the image while which splits the image up into pixels and unwanted object could be removed. The your movements so you can see exactly care to get a realistic effect that blends holding down the left “Alt” key. Now start then takes the average colour and classic example is a telegraph pole what is being copied. However when in with the rest of the image. If you have to draw in the destination area and you intensity for that pixel. Taking a simple growing out of someone’s head, but you release the mouse button the problems you can try lightly blurring the will see a cross hair appear where you example, if the area of the original these sort of errors are perhaps less marker does not move, this means you edited area into the rest of the image. To Alt-clicked. If you want to move the image covered by a pixel were half likely with digital cameras because you can copy the same area to several do this open the “Drawing Options” destination without changing the source black and half white, the end result can check the photo you have just places without moving the marker palette and set the “Style” to “Normal” (to make another copy of a feature) would be a grey pixel. In most digital taken. On the other hand sometimes an manually. It is usually wise to select a and the “Mode” to “Blur” then paint over move the pointer to the new area and cameras this softening takes on another immoveable object, for example an new source area occasionally by “Alt” the areas you want to blur with the air click while holding the right “Alt” key. dimension because each photosite (an brush tool. individual light sensitive area on the electricity pylon in a picturesque A section of this zooms in centred on the pointer clicking on the image to avoid copying The clone tool draws with the brush you CCD chip that relates to one pixel in the landscape, spoils an otherwise well the original position. one particular are en masse. have selected; to change brushes image) on a CCD sensor can only pick composed image. My example image image, double click on the clone icon to open Open the “Drawing Options” palette by In ImageFX you can choose to up one colour (usually red, green or for this part of the tutorial has a figure complete TIP: the “Brush Manager” window and click double clicking on any of the drawing When you a copying an area of an have commonly used palette windows blue). The photosites on the sensor are with an unfortunately placed tree, but with the TIP: on a brush image to select it. tools except air brush or text then select image with clone be careful not to open when you start the program. To do arranged in a Bayer pattern (see box- you can use the technique to remove errant tree! any type of object. The technique we’re “Pantograph” from the “Style” cycle duplicate prominent features. For this open the “Prefs” window, click on Photogenics 5 - “Clone” is also the out) and a demosaicing algorithm in the going to use will allow us to copy other gadget. The pantograph drawing style example in my sky their are a couple of the “Interface” button then uncheck the name given to this tool by Photogenics 5 camera’s firmware converts this back to areas of the image over the object we will allow us to select and area of the tiny clouds on the horizon, if you copy “Close Child Windows Immediately” and it is located in the main toolbar two a full colour image, this again introduces option, click “Okay” and then “Use”. Now want to remove effectively hiding it. In image and draw it onto another area those it will be obvious the image has icons to the left of the “Fill paint layer” Tree... be... softness. Because modern digital open all the windows you commonly use ImageFX this uses the “Pantograph” with any of the standard drawing tools. been doctored. icon. Click on the clone tool, notice that gone! cameras have such high resolutions and drawing mode, in other applications it is We want to create a subtle effect that and arrange them on the screen. Finally the clone options are now shown in often have built-in sharpening this is an As you work down the image you’ll commonly called “clone”. blends in with the rest of the image, so open “Prefs” again, click “Save” and “Tool” tab of the “Options” palette. Move The end effect you may never have noticed. the best drawing tool to use in this case come to the horizon where the sky joins choose “Default.prefs” in the file your pointer over the image, hold down result is quite is the air brush, because it has a nice the hills, be careful in this area to leave requester. the “Control” key, click on the source satisfying NOTE: All the images used in this soft edge. To set up the air brush a nice flowing line that blends into the area and drag to the destination area. and the TIP: If your digital camera offers a tutorial can be downloaded from the drawing tool, double click on its icon to rest of the horizon. I found the best way Other Uses for Pantograph/Clone The offset boxes in the tool palette are trickery is user-selectable level of sharpening it is Issue 17 page of the Total Amiga open the “Airbrush Options” window. I was to find another area of horizon with populated with the relationship you have hard to spot worth experimenting with this setting. website: http://www.totalamiga.org. found the default “Radius” and “Nozzle” a similar profile and then copy it over in Apart from removing unwanted objects created. Now when you start to draw the (I hope!). Try reducing the level of sharpening and settings of 5 and 50 respectively were one piece by selecting it as my new from an image, this technique can be then sharpen in your software where ImageFX about right for my image but you can source (”Alt”-click). used at any time when you want to you have more control and can vary the adjust them at any time if you need to amount of sharpening to suit the seamlessly copy part of an image. One cover a larger or smaller area. Make particular image. Start by opening the file you want to edit As you work in ImageFX you may common task would be to repair old or sure you check the “Realtime” option, TIP: damaged images, you can use clone to in ImageFX by clicking on the “Open” find that some garbage has built up on If your images have been scanned from this causes ImageFX to update the cover up tears or cracks with the button in the main toolbox. We’re going the image where the marker has not printed matter (such as books and image window while you paint which is surrounding background. to perform some quite detailed editing been re-drawn properly, this takes the magazines rather than photographs) essential for this process. so it’s a good idea to zoom in on the from of small vertical lines. To clear then the image will probably have been object you want to remove so it almost these, and see the image as it really is, Other Applications softened in the scanning process. This fills the image window. To do this you Now we’re ready to begin covering up that tree! I’m going to start with the sky press the “R” key on your keyboard to is because images on the printed page can either click on the “+” button in the Perfect Paint - The equivalent tool in area, this is a smooth blue colour and, redraw the image window. are usually made up from dots of bottom border of the image window and Perfect Paint is called Rubber stamp because it has no prominent features, coloured inks arranged in a half-tone then scroll to find the area, or point at With the sky completed you can now and works a little differently to should be easy to copy over the tree. pattern. When they are scanned the the area you want to magnify with the move on to the land and water, this is an ImageFX’s Pantograph. To activate the First we have to select the area we want scanner either picks up the individual mouse pointer and press the “M” key, example of a more complex retouching tool click on the “Rubber Stamp” icon in 38 TOTAL AMIGA Spring 2004 39 Support Support dots or, at lower resolutions, an icon to the left of the “R”, “G”, and “B” Art Effect Plug-ins Collection - If unsightly moire effect can be produced. TIP: Remember that you can scroll the buttons in the main toolbox. In the you’re lucky enough to own the ArtEffect The normal way to remove this is to preview by clicking and dragging in the “Layer Manager” click on the down and the excellent plug-ins collection scan at a higher resolution and then top (”before”) area. pointing arrow at the top right of the then, in my opinion, you have the best scale the image down, this averages the window to open a pop-up menu. From sharpening tool on the Amiga in the colour of the pixels in a similar way to If the effect isn’t quite what you want the menu select “New Layer” to create a form of the “Sharpen”/”UnSharpMask” the original digitising process and you can edit the values in the matrix; I new, blank, layer. We won’t be using this filter. This tool is very similar to that produces a softer image. found that increasing the value in the layer, but adding it switches ImageFX found in professional applications on centre box made the effect stronger and into layer mode so the other options we other platforms. Its main advantage is Most image processing software offers vice versa. Overall these simple need become available. Click on the that it gives you several different several sharpening tools which can help convolution effects are quite crude and “Background” layer in the list (this is the parameters to adjust so you can get just improve the sharpness of an image. It is probably won’t be much use for original image) and then choose “Clone the effect required. When you select the important to note that these tools cannot improving photos, however you might Layer” from the pop-up menu to create a UnSharpMask filter you’re presented usually correct an image that is out of find them useful for special effects. copy. By default ImageFX offsets the with a settings window with four sliders: focus, what we are talking about here is copy from the original; to correct this “Radius” sets the area that will be revealing a little more detail in an Sharpen Convolve double click on the new layer in the list checked for contrast and has a direct already well focused image. Sharpening to open the “Layer Settings” window. Set relationship on the strength of the tools work by increasing the contrast of This is a basic sharpening tool and the “Offset X” and “Y” values to 0, then resulting effect; “Amount” sets the already high contrast areas of the Several to process have a minimum of artefacts produces a slightly cruder effect than click “Okay”. amount of sharpening applied and image. This works because detailed sharpening to begin with by using the highest quality unsharp mask, although in all honesty I “Threshold” sets how much contrast areas of the image are usually presets are setting on your digital camera and can’t see a huge amount of difference there must be before an area is represented by contrasts (by definition a provided for avoiding saving scans in a lossy format myself. The effect is accessed from the NOTE: You must press return or tab sharpened. A “Finetune” slider lets you nearly flat plane of colour has little ImageFX’s “Sharpen” button on the “Convolve” out of each box for the settings to vary the final effect very slightly to get such as JPEG. window, set the “Power” of the effect This example detail) and if you enhance these it “Custom palette. You can vary the strength of the “stick”. The image window should just the look you want. While this with the aid of the preview thumbnail image shows makes the detail more apparent and Convolve” In my experience the sharpening tools in effect with the Amount slider with 1 update at once. sounds complex, a decent sized (you can scroll the thumbnail by the effects of sharper looking. effect. ImageFX are not particularly being the weakest. preview image is updated in real time so Now select the layer you added first in dragging inside it). Now choose a sharpening. sophisticated compared to those on it doesn’t take long to get the hang of the list (”Layer 1”) and choose “Delete drawing tool with which you want to The left side Negative Sharpening Results other programs (both on the Amiga and how the sliders relate to one another. I Layer” from the pop-up menu, it has apply the effect, if you want to cover the is original, other platforms) however you can get TIP: If you don’t want to apply an normally start by setting a low threshold served its purpose. Now we can apply whole image it’s best to choose a filled the middle Sharpening an image can have negative good results with a bit of ingenuity. Also effect to the whole image image, and then adjusting the “Radius” to the sharpen effect. Make sure the top box. Draw over the area you want to section has effects, these normally appear if you take a look at my comments about the remember you can select an area using roughly the number of pixels of blur I layer is selected then apply your chosen effect, when you release the mouse been slightly sharpen an image too strongly. Because other programs at the bottom of this the region tools. To use these choose a see (normally only 2 or 3). Then I use sharpening effect (or any other effect button the effect is applied and the sharpened to sharpening tools are increasing the section because both Photogenics 5 region type from the cycle gadget in the “Amount” to get the effect I want and you choose) using any settings you “COMPOSE REQUESTER” appears. bring out the contrast in areas of an image if you over and the ArtEffect Plug-ins Collection main toolbox (it shows “Full” by default) finally “Finetune”. want. As we’re going to tone down the Here you can use the “Opacity” slider to detail and the do them these areas become too contain excellent sharpening tools. and then draw out the region you want effect you may want to apply a stronger blend the effect into the background right has pronounced, this is indicated by white on the image. To return to processing Photogenics 5 - Photogenics’ effect than you need to have a wider very much as we did with layers in been over- halos around bright areas and black the whole image change the setting “Convolve”/”UnSharpMask” paint mode ImageFX range of adjustment. Now you can use ImageFX. sharpened halos around dark ones. Sharpening back to “Full”. runs the ArtEffect Plug-ins Collection the “Blend %” slider to vary the strength leaving a can sometimes emphasise unsightly very close but is not quite so adjustable. of the effect; as you move the slider to Art Effect 4 - ArtEffect 4’s sharpen tool bright halo areas of the image such as image Unsharp Mask To use it, open your image, fill the paint The the left more of the unprocessed can be found in the “Filter”/”Sharpen” effect around compression and film grain artefacts. It layer and then choose the “UnSharp- background image shows through. submenu and is similar to Perfect Paint its edges. is wise to ensure that images you intend Unsharp masking is the sharpening tool “UnSharpMask” paint mode from the Mask” effect and ImageFX’s tools in that its main usually used in professional applications pop-up list in the main toolbar at the top has only one control is a “Strength” setting. In on other platforms. To use it open the Completion of the screen. The “Mode Options” are parameter addition there are two sharpening “Convolve” palette and click the shown in the “Options” palette and Bayer Filter but beware, modes, “fine” or “coarse”, the former “Unsharp Mask” window. Like the When you are happy with the image use include “Amount”, “Radius” and the lower the does allow a very subtle effect to be Each photosite on a digital camera’s “Shapen” effect an “Amount” slider is the the “Flatten Layers” command from the “Threshold” controls which work in the setting the Nova Design’s image processor has achieved without resorting to blending sensor can only detect one colour only control over the process however pop-up menu; then the image can be same way as the ArtEffect filter (see stronger the three different sharpening tools which all with the original image. If you still wish component of light, determined by a this time the lowest amount (1) has the saved in a standard format such as IFF above for a description). You can get result! have slightly different effects: to reduce the effect you can do so using filter placed above it. The filters are ILBM or JPEG of use in other programs. another level of control with the strongest effect while 16 is the weakest. ArtEffect’s layers facility using the same arranged in a Bayer pattern: If you think you might want to change transparency option on the “Control” tab Custom Sharpen Convolves technique as ImageFX. the level of sharpening later, save the which blends the effect layer into the If you want to compare the effect layered image as an INGF before background. R GGGR R R Three sharpen convolution matrices are TIP: of sharpening with the original image flattening to keep the effect editable and supplied for use with the custom open the “Buffer” palette and click “Copy the original image layer. G B GGGB B convolution tool. To access these load Conclusion To Swap” to make a copy of the image. the image you wish to sharpen, click on With the techniques I’ve described in R GGGR R R the “Convolve” button and then Other Applications these last two tutorials you should be “Custom”. In the window that opens you Lessening the Effect “UnSharp- well on the way to making big G B GGGB B will see a grid of boxes where you can Perfect Paint - A simple sharpen tool is Mask” from improvements to many digital images. In enter a custom matrix. Fortunately the If you’re sharpening an already well available as one of Perfect Paint’s the ArtEffect the next part of the tutorial I plan to R GGGR R R sharpening matrices have been defined focused image or one with some image processing effects. To use the plug-ins cover colour manipulation, for us so click on the “Load” button. A artifacts you may find that the built-in tool click on the effects button collection is concentrating on ImageFX’s curves tool file requester appears where you can sharpening tools are too harsh and do (immediately above the boing ball) in the G B GGGB B one of the but covering the other applications too. select a preset file, the three we are not offer sufficient control. You can get toolbar to open the “EFFECTS” window. most interested in are “SharpenLow”, over this by sharpening a copy of the Choose “Other” from the cycle gadget R GGGR R R powerful on If you have any comments or “SharpenMedium” and “SharpenHigh”. image and then blending it with the and click on “Sharpen” in the list. At this the Amiga suggestions for this series don’t hesitate There are twice as many green sites Select one of the options and click “OK” original using layers. point it is useful to click the “Compose with plenty of to contact me using the addresses as red or blue because the human to load it, the matrix will be populated for Requester” button and make sure Start by opening the image you want to parameters inside the front cover. eye is more sensitive to green. A de- the effect you selected. Now try the “Show Each Time” is checked in the sharpen if you haven’t already done so. including the mosaicing algorythm in the camera is “Preview” button to see the effect in the window that opens. Click on the “Prefs” If you’ve already sharpened the image, handy used to convert the captured data to preview window. button in the “EFFECTS” window to close it and open the original. Open the “Finetune” a full colour image. open the sharpen effect’s settings “Layer Manager” palette by clicking the option. 40 TOTAL AMIGA Spring 2004 41 Support Support for (i=0;i dcc» -o { • Functions { tutorial6 tutorial6.c int x; Part 3 Code to execute if expression is true. x=14; The Universal It will compile without error. } { • and DOS • Reaction float y; Work:Programming/Tutorial> tutorial6Also we have the possibility to insert other • Game part 1 y=6.0; Language Part 4 Now run it passing it various strings and see evaluations in the conditional statements: x=20; if the theory becomes clearer. } • AHI if (...expression...) if (x == 14) In Total Amiga’s first major programming tutorial Dave Pitcher introduces • Libraries in OS4 Try with: { { • Game part 2 Work:Programming/Tutorial> tutorial6» Code to execute if expression is true. printf(“Pigs might fly.\n”); “C”, the most common progamming languageC on the Amiga. hi there dilbert } else if (...another expression...) } { else Work:Programming/Tutorial> tutorial6» Code to execute if this expression is { hi there DoGbERt true. printf(“Correct\n”); Download Examples Work:Programming/Tutorial> tutorial6» } else if (...another expression...) } “hi there mum” this is a bit of fun. Code to execute if this expression is Download DCC from Aminet at this Some of the examples in this tutorial have true. } location: lines that are too long to fit in our } else o far in part one we have introduced the columns. For those lines we use the Decision Making concept of values being stored at http://us.aminet.net/dev/c/dice-3.16.lha { In this example a block of code is created S following symbol: There are going to be few programs that you Code to execute if none of the addresses, the idea of the null terminated Install it ( installation instructions, we with an integer variable “x” being declared printf(“hiThereMum==%f \n”, write that do not require that you make some string and how basic data-types such as » expressions are true. and then set to 14, a child block of code is know people never follow the readme ). kind of decision within them. Whether it is char, long and float are stored and } created which declares a floating point to indicate that you should continue on working out whether a player has no energy manipulated by C in the computers memory. » variable “y”.which is assigned to 6.0. In the the same line in your editor. or not or whether their sprite has reached the A list of useful operators to use in an hiThereMum); child block x is further modified to be equal We now need to move on to how the The example source code is also boundaries of the screen, the “conditional” expression can be found in the “Operators” } to 20. program is run by the operating system, in available for download from the Total statement is one of the most valuable in box out. this case AmigaOS to explain some of the The lines in bold are what we have a programming. When the child block of code is complete it is Amiga website: Example 7: most important parts of a program - the thorough understanding of, those that are http://www.totalamiga.org important to note that any variables declared The most popular conditional to use is the arguments you can pass to it. not in bold are as yet unexplained. #include within this scope are automatically deleted. “if” statement. The if statement takes an When you type the name of an executable We spoke of the “main” entry-point in the one of these words is a parameter argument which is known as a logical int main(int argc, char * argv[]) We are now back in the parent scope, program, the operating system loads the program - this is where the program starts { The operating system would set argc to 8 expression that must evaluate to true, or modifications made to variables declared in code and looks for an entry-point called executing. The example so far shows a false. Enclosed in { } braces is the code to if (56 > 4 && 12 < 22) the parent scope are still kept current. So and the array would be set as follows: { “main”. This is the starting address of the version which accepts no arguments and execute if the statement is true and the when we start to continue in the parent printf(“This is the code program and instructions will be executed in returns a datatype called “int”: argv[0]=”myprog” optionally you can have an “else” statement scope and we go into the condition what gets argv[1]=”each” » this program until what is called the followed by { } braces containing the code to printed is “Correct” because x is now 20. “stopping condition” is met. This can be int main(void) argv[2]=”one” that gets executed when» argv[3]=”of” execute if the statement is false. this is true\n”); anything from the last instruction in the Void indicates that no data is expected to be To illustrate the point further (that “y” gets argv[4]=”these” } program being executed, an unexpected passed into the function call. Returning data argv[5]=”words” The format is: else deleted and is not accessible from the parent specific call to terminate or finally a from the entrypoint is a place where the argv[6]=”is” { scope) the following example will not argv[7]=”a” programming error which causes the program is forced to interact with the if (...expression...) printf(“This is the code that compile: argv[8]=”parameter” » program to reboot the operating system in operating system therefore it has to return an { gets executed when this» is error. integer. { false\n”); int x; Recall one of our examples from part one of This is all very well, but if you wanted to write Why 8 parameters and not the 7 that we Operators } x=14; this tutorial (in Total Amiga issue 16): a program that accepted “arguments” (that is would expect? As you can see the first } { string data passed by parameter) from the parameter (argv[0]) is always the name of Useful operations to use in an expression: Example2: Create a file called tutorial7.c and type the float y; command line then you need a different main the executable that was called. If we == Logical equivalence. example above into it. Now compile it into a #include definition: renamed the executable “myprog” to “wibble” y=6.0; file called “tutorial7": int main(void) we would get passed “wibble” as argv[0]. != Not equal to. x=20; { int main(int argc, char * argv []) } > Greater than. Work:Programming/Tutorial> dcc» -o long a; The following example shows the number of if (x == 14) char b; This accepts two parameters from the tutorial7 tutorial7.c arguments passed to the program, and prints { unsigned char fx; operating system itself - first the number of < Less than. out each one with its address in the array to It will compile without error. printf(“Pigs might fly.\n”); float hiThereMum; parameters specified on the command line && Logical “AND” (for chains of the console: } a=123456; and an array of strings containing one Work:Programming/Tutorial> tutorial7 expressions where A must be true else b=’X’; parameter per array element. Confused? Example 6: and B must be true and C must be It is important that you play with the { fx=’X’; Lets have an example: hiThereMum=-20.44445; #include true). expression until get the message to print out printf(“Correct\n”); } printf(“a==%d \n”,a); If we were to compile a program, called int main(int argc, char * argv[]) “This is the code that gets executed when || Logical “OR” (for chains of y=y+2.1; printf(“b==%c \n”,b); “myprog” that accepted arguments (i.e. used { expressions where A could be true this is false”. printf(“fx==%c \n”,fx); } the second prototype with int argc and char * int i; OR B could be true or both). [] argv) then we could call it like this: printf(“There are %d arguments. What are the braces { } ? » None of these operators should be used Work:Programming/Tutorial> myprog» each \n”,argc); on strings. These litter C programs and it is important The line that says “y=y+2.1;” causes a 42 TOTAL AMIGA Spring 2004 43 Support Support X=X-20; compile error. That is because “y” was not Start the block (with a {). 10 on symbol i we would use it as follows. by passing in symbols or values that meet know that we can use the “&” modifier to get } declared in the same block, or a parent block the prototype definition. Above our example the address of a symbol. to the current block. This is known as “scope Declare all the variables used within. 1. We want to initialise i to 0, therefore the addTwoNumbers is expected to return a long void modifyXWillWork(long * X) The answer is staring us in the face, we pass { visibility”. initialisation instruction is i=0. type and take in a long type followed by Instructions. the address into the parameter call, that gets *X=*X-20; another long time. Correct the following example so that it 2. We want to exit when i reaches 10, copied and then use a pointer declaration to } End the block (with a }). compiles: therefore the expression is i<10. void main(void) store the address on the other side. This int main(int argc, char * argv[]) { gets us so far. Let us illustrate with a new { All declarative statements, in C, have to start Example 8: 3. Each time the block is run, we want to long sum; example, function call “modifyX”: long myValue; before the instructions. In C derivatives this increment the value, therefore the value sum=addTwoNumbers(20,40); myValue=40; #include rule is looser but it is still good practice to put modification instruction is i=i+1. } void modifyX(long * X) { printf(“variable myValue is %d\n” int main(int argc, char * argv[]) the declarations in one place. ...symbols example... { do something with X void main(void) int i; Starting a child scope is an instruction, as } { » are conditionals and assignments. So another illustrative code sample: i=20532; long sum; int main(void) ,myValue); { long x; { modifyXWontWork(myValue); int i; long myx=12; printf(“variable myValue is %d\n” int j; long y; » for (i=0; i<10;i=i+1) modifyX(&myx); { x=20; ,myValue); j=14; Loops } printf(“i=%d\n”,i); y=40; modifyXWillWork(&myValue); } There are two main types of loops - the first } printf(“variable myValue is %d\n” if (j<14) sum=addTwoNumbers(x,y); » { is the simplest to understand in C and it is } So, in function modifyX, pointer to long type ,myValue); called the “while” loop. It uses the sample printf(“Oh no!\n”); At this time, you should be used to “X” is going to be set to the address of the } “expression” clause as the “if” statement we } constructing your own code examples. Write symbol “myx”. We know the value stored at printf(“%d\n”,i); introduced to you before - in that it evaluates Create a file called tutorial9.c and type the a program that uses the “while” loop format the address of symbol “myx” is 12, but how } an expression to true or false. Whilst the example above into it. Now compile it into a to count from zero to 200, and the for loop Note here that the names of the symbols do we get to it? At the moment all we have is expression is true, it repeats the code in the file called “tutorial9": format to count back from 200 to 0. If you filled in to a call to a function do not have to a rather useless address. C comes with an block that is put after it. Once it is false, it call the symbol that contiains the number as be the same as the names of the symbols operator, designed specifically for this Work:Programming/Tutorial> dcc» -o proceeds to the instruction at the end of the defined on the function prototype. This is purpose, it is called the dereference operator tutorial9 tutorial9.c Create a file called tutorial8.c and type the “i” then you can reuse the printf(“i=%d\n”,i); block of code. because the symbols “number1" and and its identity is * and must be used as a example above into it. Now compile it into a line as it stands above without modification. Work:Programming/Tutorial> tutorial9 “number2" are symbols that are used inside prefix to the symbol you wish to dereference. file called “tutorial8": The format is: This is tutorial 8. the implementation of addTwoNumbers and It means treat the contents of this symbol as The first function call (modifyXWontWork) is Work:Programming/Tutorial> dcc» -o while (...expression...) Functions only have visibility there. Remember rule 2? a pointer to an address and allow me direct an example off “pass by value”. The second tutorial8 tutorial8.c { Likewise addTwoNumbers has no idea of the access to the data stored at the target is an example of “pass by reference ...instructions... A function call is an isolated subsection of a symbols “x” and “y”. It is given a COPY of address. (address)”. It will compile with an error, see if you can fix the VALUE OF the symbols passed on the } program that only gets executed if it is So lets implement modifyX to double the If you implemented it as instructed, you it with your new knowledge of scopes. function call. In a logical way this looks like invoked, by name, in what as known as a value of whatever symbol is passed to it: should see the following output: The following example will never ever finish, function call. so: Work:Programming/Tutorial> tutorial8this is called an “infinite” loop. void modifyX(long * X) variable myValue is 40 We define a symbol called x and a symbol A function call is divided into two parts, the { variable myValue is 40 In a child scope you can declare new called y. We populate the value of x with 20 int i=0; first part is the “prototype” (specification) and *X=*X * 2; variable myValue is 20 variables with the same name as ones you and the value of y with 40. We make a call to } while(i<10) the second part is implementation. have created in the parent scope. During the { addTwoNumbers passing in x and y. The Remember we mentioned prototypes can be Implementation is the same as any block of child scopes life it will maintain the printf(“i=%d\n”,i); computer takes a copy of the values of This is a deliberately confusing example. seperated from implementation? This is how } code that we have seen before except the properties of the latest declaration and once symbols “x” and “y” and places the copy into From left to right: we get round having to implement all following extra rules apply: it exits the scope the program reverts to the the symbols “number1" and “number2". We function calls before our “main” program. Try *X will say allow me to use the data stored at old declaration and the old value of that In order to use while loops the expression 1. You cannot implement a function in the then add “number1" and “number2" together just cutting and pasting the two function calls the address contained as the value of X. variable. should relate to something that is made false middle of another block of code, it has to and set this as our return value (the keyword modifyXWontWork and modifyXWillWork to when you want it to finish occuring: be implemented outside any other block return indentifies the value that is returned). below the “main” program implementation Adapt the previous example so that it uses = is the assignment operator of code (at the same level of coding as The computer takes a copy of this returned like in example 10: the same variable symbol in both declared int i=0; the “main” function call). value and places it in symbol “sum”. * is the multiply operator blocks of code (scope) but the child while(i<10) Example 10: { Because the computer creates a copy of the redeclares the symbol to a different type. 2. Only variables defined in the prototype 2 is the value 2. #include printf(“i=%d\n”,i); data passed into the parameter ordinarily we i=i+1; (called parameters) and variables You will have noticed that the if statement is would not be able to make a modification Therefore the sentence translates to: int main(int argc, char * argv[]) } declared within the implementation block { followed by its own block. This is a useful that directly effects the value of “x” and “y”. are available to the function. Data stored at address contained in value of long myValue; observation, it means if blocks follow the Ordinarily! X... same rules for all blocks. These are called Once symbol i exceeds the value 10 the loop Functions are defined like so: myValue=40; Recall from the first tutorial we can find out scoping rules. The pattern for implementing will exit. In fact if the expression were never assign to... printf(“variable myValue is %d\n” data_type_it_returns » the address of something and use that with a block is: true, the while loop would not execute its » name_of_function(comma delimited list » what is called a pointer type? Keep this in Data stored at address contained in value of code at all: ,myValue); of declarations (the parameters)) mind now: X... modifyXWontWork(myValue); { Assignments int i=0; The task we want to achieve is modifying the Multiplied by 2 printf(“variable myValue is» %d\n” while(i>10) Implementation value stored at the address repesented in ,myValue); { } In our example, the data storead at the You may be expecting C to initialise a our program by symbol “x” in a function call. modifyXWillWork(&myValue); printf(“I never get executed!\n”); address contained as the value of X is the printf(“variable myValue is %d\n” Example: » variable that you declare with a default } We know that we cannot use an ordinary value of symbol myx which is 12. We are ,myValue); value, such as “0" for an integer. Please long addTwoNumbers(long number1,» long prototype like we had before as this will just directly modifying the contents of myx from do not be fooled - this is far from the case. } The second style of loop is a “for” loop, this number2); result on data being copied and the function call! C does NOT initialise any variables with void modifyXWontWork(long X) includes the computation of when to stop in long addTwoNumbers(long number1, long modifications not made to the original. We any values, you need to do that yourself. » To illustrate, we have tutorial 9: { the expression statement. The syntax is: know that we can use a pointer to look at the number2) X=X-20; A common programming error is to fail to original data – because that is what printf Example 9: initialise a variable and then use it - each { } for (initialisation instruction; expression; » return number1 + number2; uses – a pointer to character that contains #include time you run it you may end up with a value modification instruction) } the address of the start of the string. We void modifyXWillWork(long * X) { different value in that memory location - know that the computer will take a copy of void modifyXWontWork(long X) If we wanted to count the numbers from 0 to { depending on what has run before! Functions are then called by their name and whatever value is passed by parameter. We 44 TOTAL AMIGA Spring 2004 45 Support If you don’t see what you want, just ask! *X=*X-20; Our range is always growing! } Include Examples If you compiled this, the calls to Kicksoft #include followed by the name of another file to place at this point modifyXWontWork and modifyXWillWork will Up to 30 times faster! cause a compiler error when it gets to examples: #include “myfunctions.h” “main”. To fix this, seperate the prototype #include from the implementation and copy the #define followed by a symbol to replace and its value prototypes above the “main” program like in examples: #define HI_SCORE_MAXIMUM 200 example 11: #define MYNAME “David Pitcher” Amiga Forever 5 Example 11: The compiler works in a cycle like this: void modifyXWontWork(long X); void modifyXWillWork(long * X); • Check the file exists. • Preprocess the file (handle any compiler directives - prefixed by #). Fast Amiga Emulator and int main(int argc, char * argv[]) { • Compile the preprocessed file into an object file. Connectivity Package for Windows long myValue; • Link it to try to create an executable myValue=40; • Fast JIT emulation, up to 30 times faster than previous two files and put them in a new file called This is because it has a special meaning to printf(“variable myValue is %d\n”“tutorial_include”: the compiler. Using “ “ around the filename versions of Amiga Forever. ,myValue); • Amiga runs in a window or in full screen mode. modifyXWontWork(myValue); you want to include indicates to the compiler void modifyXWontWork(long X) it must search in the current directory, using • Amiga Explorer for Amiga connectivity. printf(“variable myValue is %d\n”{ ,myValue); < and > indicates it should search what are X=X-20; • Fully licensed Picasso96 software. modifyXWillWork(&myValue); called “include paths”. For now, using “ and “ } • All Amiga ROMs up to version 3.1. printf(“variable myValue is %d\n” with your own code should suffice. ,myValue); • Includes: Personal Paint 7.1b Directory Opus 5.5 void modifyXWillWork(long * X) } { Recall what we did above, seperating (courtesy of GPSoftware), TurboText void modifyXWontWork(long X) *X=*X-20; prototype from implementation? Well • MPEG-1 videos: The Deathbed Vigil and Jay Miner { } normally the prototypes are seperated into a Speech included on the CD. X=X-20; seperate file (postfixed by .h - example: } myfuncs.h) and the implementation in • Plus much more. Now, even though they are no longer present void modifyXWillWork(long * X) another (postfixed by .c) and the .c file Version 5 Upgrade from V. 4 { in tutorial9.c we need to use them in order to includes the .h file, allowing other *X=*X-20; be able to successfully compile tutorial9. So programmers to use the same prototypes but £40.00 £25.00 } we need to “include” that file. Add the not see your implementation. They use your following include directive at the top of implementation at link time. tutorial9.c: You create myfuncs.h, which contains your #include prototypes, and myfuncs.c which contains #include “tutorial_include” your implementation (“includes” myfuncs.h, This WILL work and it forms part of the but has no “main”) and compile this into an grounding you need to understand how to int main(int argc, char * argv[]) { “object” file (myfuncs.o). build a reusable function library. long myValue; Then the third party programmer creates PageStream 4.1 PageStream Extras Includes myValue=40; their file, say, theirprogram.c, which The Premier DTP program on the Amiga. printf(“variable myValue is %d\n”#includes “myfuncs.h” and compiles with that There are bits in the code called “compiler to produce theirprogram.o. In order to use Mac & PC version also avaliable. directives” or “preprocessor instructions”, » your implementation they have to LINK with these are prefixed by # as the first letter in ,myValue); myfuncs.o in order to produce an £199.00 modifyXWontWork(myValue); the line. What follows is an instruction to the executable. compiler to do something before it turns the printf(“variable myValue is» %d\n” program source into an “object” file. ,myValue); If that went over your head, don’t worry as Warp and bend any text into any shape you want !! modifyXWillWork(&myValue); we press on through the next two tutorials it PageStream Upgrade printf(“variable myValue is %d\n” The ones you will run across are shown in » will all become clear - it just needs context! Text effect 2 £50.00 the “Include Examples” box-out. ,myValue); In Part 3, we will move onto a broad } From 2.xx to 4.1 £95 So, lets look at #include. This allows explanation of “printf”, Reaction GUIs, the someone to pull together a list of prototypes Now recompile this and you will see it will AmigaOS Exec design for running programs From pagestream 3.xx to 4.1 £79 for functions you can use in a seperate work OK. Now we can explain the “#include that multitask, and get on with the Tetris From Pagestream 4 to 4.1 £39 location, and even the implementation, and “ entry. You can deduce that it is example! “include” them in your program by specifying going to include a file called “stdio.h” but why use < and > instead of “ and “? the filename. From example 9, chop out the Cross upgrade Features new tutorial you’d like to see? Let us know, contact details inside the cover. Upgrade from Amiga version 4.0. to PC or Mac Complete collection of 120 scalable borders Web Site • Making the Internet friendlier - our version. feature helps you deal with SPAM e- Issue 18 is due in: The Total Amiga web site contains a whole mail and browsing annoyances. host of features and regularly updated June 2004 £89.00 Basic & Geo Borders £55.00 Reviews information about the magazine including Note: Total Amiga is produced by back issues for free download in PDF • CrossFire II and much more. volunteers and this means sometimes format. issues run late and planned contents Support change. If you’re concerned about the Kicksoft Ltd., So why not pay us a visit at: • Our C and image manipulation status of the next issue please look at 30 Whitegate Way, http://www.totalamiga.org tutorials continue. Have ideas for a http://www.totalamiga.org or contact us ww w .kicksoft.co.uk Tadworth, Next Issue (contact details inside front cover). Add £1.00 UK postage per item. Make cheques payable to Kicksoft Ltd. Surrey, KT20 5NS Tel/Fax (01737) 219280 46 TOTAL AMIGA We accept Solo, Switch, Mastercard & Visa [email protected] AmigaOS 4 Hands On

Menu madness (above): create the look you want with OS 4’s powerful GUI customisation features. Mick Sutton’s OS 4 development version Workbench (right). One of the latest OS 4 screenshots released (below) show lots of 68K applications running under emulation.

Gorky17

Read more about Hyperion’s up-coming port of this sci-fi RPG for OS 4 in the news section. Timber Tower Image Enhancement Tutorial

Here are the before and after images from Robert Williams’ tutorial on page 38.

Above: the original image complete with excess vegetation. Right: As if by magic it’s Is this the ultimate “do it yourself” A1200 gone! Find out how we did it tower? Find out how it was made in the in ImageFX, Photogenics, owner’s feature on page 18. PerfectPaint and ArtEffect.