AMIGA PRODUCTS We have all you need HARDWARE GRAPHICS
GREEN MOUSE $ 27.95 PICASSO 4 $ 850.00 HYPER MOUSE II $ 37.95 CYBERVISION $ 465.00 ROCFIRE JOYSTICK $ 24.95 DRAWING TABLET T.B.A. PEN MOUSE $ 29.95 INTERNAL F/FIXER T.B.A. HAND SCANNER 64 GIS $ 160.00 EXT SCAN DOUBLER T.B.A. WITH OCR & TOUCHUP 4 FLICKER FIXER FOR SID T.B.A. SECUREKEY $ 64.95 880K EXTERNAL DRIVE $ 120.00 ROCGEN AGA $ 190.00 SOFTWARE ROCG A600/500/2000 $ 150.00 AMINET CD $ 29.95 DSSB+ SOUND SMPLER $ 150.00 AMINET SETS $69.95 PLUTO GENLOCK $ 749.00 EURO CD $ 24.95 A2000 INTERNAL DRIVE $ 90.00 MONUMENT DESIGNER V2 $ 289.00 A600/1200 INT DVE $ 90.00 MONUMENT PRO V3 $ 535.00 RAM & ACCELERATOR S ADORAGE $ 189.00 ANIMAGE $ 179.00 A500 CLARISSA $ 319.00 512K RAM + CLOCK $ 60.00 MON CREATIVE SET $ 79,95 2MB RAM T.B.A. LOADER PACK GIF & JPEG $ 59.95 68020+ 1 MB RAM T.B.A. ADORAGE PREMIUM F/X $ 55.00 MEGACHIP 2 MB CHIP $ 320.00 TOUCHUP 4 WITH MERGE $ 60.00 A2000 IMAGE MASTER V1.5 $ 55.00 RAPIDFIRE SCSI + RAM $ 260.00 XETEC CDFS $ 39.95 WILDFIRE 060 + SCSI $ 1999.00 BLITZ BASIC $ 54.95 A3000/A4000 AWEB III $ 69.95 DKB3128 UP TO 128 MB $ 375.00 !BROWSE $ 69.95 A600 PRINT STUDIO $ 99.00 2 MB PCMCIA $ 150.00 PLUS LOTS MORE 68030 40 MHZ + 4 MB $ 340.00 68030 40MHZ + 8 MB $ 395.00 GAMES A1200 LOTS OF NEW AND RERELEASES COBRA 28 - 030 + FPU $ 250.00 FROM $ 15.00 UPWARD COBRA 33 - 030 $ 245.00 BIG RED ADVENTURE $ 39.95 COBRA 33 - 030 +FPU $ 290.00 COBRA 40 - 030 $ 300.00 SPECIAL COBRA 40 - 030 + FPU $ 355.00 WHILE STOCKS LAST FERRET SCSI FOR COBRA $ 160.00 DKB1202 RAM EXPANSION, AND REAL VIPER 42 - 030 + 4 MB $ 215.00 TIME CLOCK FOR A1200 BLI77ARD 50 - 030 $ 315.00 $140.00 BLI77ARD 50 - 030 + FPU $ 425.00 APOLLO 25 - 040 $ 450.00 WITH FREE 68882 16 MHZ APOLLO 33 - 040 $ 520.00 BLANK KODAK CD BLIZZARD 50 - 060 $ 945.00 $8.50 OR 5 FOR $40.00
Computa Magic Pty. Ltd. 44 Pascoe Vale Road, Moonee Ponds, Vic. 3039. Phone (03) 9326-0133 Fax (03) 9370-8352 email commagic ma a cid.com.au In business and in AMI A since 1987 • Editorial Dribble 4 • AWorld Wide Web 26 Michael thinks it is about time we Guy Nathan has a talk with web have a new Amiga to play with. designer Colin Thompson.
• Amiga News 6 • "The Jay Miner Society" 28 Michael Gruber hosts the Amiga News Michael Gruber starts the first Pages with the latest Amiga action. of a 3 part series on this Society.
• AAG97 Show report 10 • Final Writer 5 Reviewed 30 Darren Roberson covered the Grant Regan fires up the trusty Amiga Gathering 97 Sydney show. word processor (the one we use).
• Amiga and Video Part 7 13 • The Best of Public Domain ... 34 Paul Graham takes us into the world Daniel Hajduk reviews five more of music, sound effects and visuals. of the best PD programs.
• T.A.E.N 18 • Getting Involved 37 Basil Flinter starts up a new column Because of the many inquiries at the covering Amiga and education. show we are rerunning the UG page.
• Official Statment from Al .... 22 • Dear Dianna 38 For everyone who didn't make it Dianna helps parents to the show. cope with young ones.
• Official Al show report 23 • AAG Information Page 39 The official Amiga International report Where to find us and how on the show by Basil Hinter. you can be involved.
tFrsataat6a.c sl.atga ÿa3ette fuly47 3 Editorial Dribble
Firstly, I must say thank you very get me wrong, I think the much to everyone who stopped 'Infiniti? is a great case and I at the AAG stand at the show to will get one for our 1200, but all say hello and express their we are seeing is brick-veneer appreciation for our efforts. It being nailed onto an old fribro really makes the frustrating bits house. of organizing a show fade into insignificance. It is not like Amiga users are asking for new cutting edge Overall the show turned out to Technology like a computer that be a great success; so much so has stereo sound, displays 4098 that we are working on a colours on the screen and can Melbourne show for October multitask in only 512K of 1997 - 'AAG MK II" which is memory. No, we would be happy shaping up to be twice as big as with just being up to speed with the Sydney show. the remainder of the world.
Well we are finally seeing the Until a company, be it Al or cogs of Amiga International other, comes out with a complete turning. Al has granted licences system in the box ready for the to companies to produce varied average home user to buy over Amiga configurations, one of the counter, take home and plug which Is the 'Infinitiv in (including monitor and printer), Towersystem". Stated in their plus spend some real dollars on press release, The new infinitiv marketing the said system, the towersystem represents a further Amiga market will remain in milestone in the successful suspended animation (iff format). Amiga history'. The timing Is right. The For those who don't know the mainstream PC market has 'Infinitiv" is basically a modified assimilated all of Amiga's PC case that will house a 1200 characteristics to some degree motherboard fitted with a bus and has run out of ideas. Many expansion card. Sorry no PC users have become milestone in Amiga history more disillusioned with mainstream like a yard-pebble. A new Amiga PC and are hungry for a new model with PPC driven (really a redesigned Amiga) motherboard could be platform. considered as a milestone. Don't
4 ,Qua.eut.claa rlaKga 9aiette Rao 7 ' ga 1 ~ Po "4 *AAG* Australian Amiga Gazette Australiann ~ Amiga ~ thering97 0 ~ MK n C6 `Iagopo otaj tilned to thiS pUD e for all the detailiS I'm your host Michael Gruber and here is the news
Welcome to another edition of practical features. AAG news. l'm your host Michael Gruber, here to inform you of the The base tower unit can be latest on Amiga from around the expanded vertically with snap and world and at home. click 'top case" expansion modules, adding extra drive bays Then there is the A1300 system First the International news... to the original tower as required. by MicroniK which is an A1200 motherboard fitted into the Infinitiv It's Alive... Alive! The other powerful feature of the Tower System, but without the Towersystem is the Bus-Board. Bus-Board expansion unit. Yet to be confirmed, a company called Alive Mediasoft are The Bus-Board unit expands the Contact G-Soft the Australian involved with Direct Software in original A1200 motherboard, distributer for Micron'K. converting popular game titles providing Zorro slots for standard from mainstream computer Amiga expansion cards. It also Fusion Power platforms. includes an A3000/A4000 compatible CPU slot, allowing the Blittersoft have announced the Direct Software an Amiga dealer use of accelerators normally release of Fusion. The new MAC in the UK who announced the limited to the high-end Amigas. emulator for Amiga. release of the Power Amiga (a A1200 upgrade package) are also In fact MicroniK are releasing While few details were available rumoured to have been involved several models of their to AAG at the time, a full review of with converting popular gable Towersystems. this exciting new product should titles like Doom and Dark Forces be made available soon. to Amiga. Such initiatives started The A1500 will feature the 12-3i" by Direct Software will now version of the Bus-Board which Amiga Access'd apparently be shared with Alive will provide five Zorro II/III Slots, Mediasoft. one PC-ISA slot, two PC-PCI Last issue AAG reviewed the slots, one optional Video slot, one Access Amiga by Index a United Tower above the rest SCSI-2 controller and one CPU Kingdom company. A3000/A4000 slot, plus a pass AAG News have just received through connection to the original News has just come to hand that word that Amiga International A1200 CPU port. Amiga International, following have signed the first license through with their open licensing agreement with MicroniK. The next model down, the A1400, policy, have now licensed Index features the 2-2i" version of the to produce the Access system. MlcroniK, a German Amiga Bus-Board which provides five developer, produce the MicroniK Zorro II slots (no Zorro III cards This agreement allows Index to Infinitiv Towersystem. here), two PC-ISA slots, two PC- use the Amiga OS on their PCI slots, one optional Video slot machines. If or when Access is The Infinitly Towersystem Is a and a pass through to the original made available to retailers rather tower case and expansion system A1200 expansion port. This than just the commercial sector, which houses a A1200 version does not include the motherboard. A3000IA4000 CPU compatible expansion slot. ~ P8 The Infinitiv system offers several
6 fFaxdaatlaa s4a+c6ga 9agette /f ra497 ~
Amiga Hardware Call 10971 368-055 ~ MOTHERBOARD COMPUTERS 42 Manning Street Kingswood NSW 2747 Ph(047) 368-055 [email protected] www.pnc.com.au/ymother more
then consumers will have the Showgrounds, home to the Royal presented at AAG'97. security of knowing that these Easter Show for the last hundred machines should be 100% Amiga years. The IC/OA, the Industry Council OS compatible. and Open Amiga Organisation, The expo was set inside the were represented at the show by Hover Bomber Kensington Centre and held on Guy Nathan and Paul Morabito. Saturday and Sunday the 28th Aurora Works Inc. will soon and 29th of June The statement read by Guy release a game called H-Bomb Nathan described the IC/OA's (Hover Bomber). Despite poor weather conditions initiatives and their call for and rain on Sunday morning, Australians to support them. Paul What will possibly make this attendance was good. Almost a Morabito was on hand to answer game addictive is that it is multi- thousand people attended questions regarding the IC/OA. player, allowing up to four players; AAG'97. it will provide this support via a Another feature of AAG'97 was TCP-IP local or remote network. The backbone of the show were the Shareware Registration the Amiga dealers. Travelling to Booth. An Initiative to support H-Bomb will only be available on Sydney from around Australia, Amiga shareware authors and CD-ROM, it will include 20 playing they included, Amadeus allow them to sell their products fields with an editor to generate Computers, Amiga Genius, direct to the public. more. Computer Magic, G-Soft, GP Software, Tek Media, Unicorn Due to the success of the show Our source Indicates that the Solutions, Unitech Electronics and the organisers are now gearing up minimum system requirements Power Computing from the United for an Amiga show in Melbourne will be a 68030 25MHz AGA Kingdom. in October this year. Amiga running OS 3.0 as a minimum. With 4meg Fast RAM, Among the user groups which Finally, the Whether Report... at least 1.6 free Chip RAM and a attended the Australian Amiga CDROM drive. User Group Conference held on The Whether Report will be a Sunday afternoon were AUGVIC, monthly feature, reporting on a Now to local news... CAUSe, CHUG and NWAUG. discussion current on the mailing Both Commodore Hornsby User lists and newsgroups. Official Re-Launch of Amiga in Group and North West Amiga Australia User Group ran information And now this month's Whether booths at the show. Report; The biggest news in Australia was the official re-launch of Amiga at Petro Tyschtschenko, president of With Gateway 2000 now owning the Australian Amiga Gathering Amiga International was unable to all the rights to Amiga, there is 97 expo. attend the show personally. Basil speculation on whether the AAA Filmer, representing Amiga or Hombre chipset technology will AAG'97 was organised by the International was present to read be considered again for new Australian Amiga Gazette, a statement from Amiga Amigas? brainchild of Michael Burak, the International. The full statement Editor of the Australian Amiga has been printed in this month's That concludes the news for this Gazette. issue. month.
The show was held at the Sydney A second statement was also Michael Gruber.
8 s4rcetueltax rFraclga 9ap-tte fire497
Only ,r, ,. is Australian Amiga Gazette 14.95puspostage
AN INTRODUCTION An Introduction to the Amiga 1200 to the • Basics Tutorial vol I
Explains how and why you should format disks, as well as many useful concepts Great animations help to increase your understanding of the concepts being explained
A wonderful instructional video which can be rewound for better clarification and reused again and again for reference
May be used to understand the A4000 as well.
AN WTROD'JCTION to the An Introduction to the Amiga 1200 • Â %J11 GA A DEEPER Look vol 2 ~1200'.:.' Covers topics like: Using the Ram Disk, Preferences and adding a printer to the system, Using the shell, Importing graphics Into ~ your Word Processor, Using Cross Dos to create files for use on 14& . an IBM, Commodities and the WBStartup, HardDrive Backups, .~.7=.4.-.a~t getting older games to run on your 1200 and much, much more.
1 The perfect way to get the most out of your Amiga. Put off buying
A DEEPER that game and start using your Amiga NOWT LOCK
Please sent me Voll (Basic Modal) $14.95 ❑ Please add postage and handling $4.90 Please sent me Vol 2 (A deeper Look) $14.95 0 I am enclosing the total amount of $ First Name Surname
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Australian3 G~ * AAG97 Show Report MIGA~ Reporter. Darren Robertson thering`t o~ o Photographics Greg Perry o4~ o~ a polies
The Australian Amiga Gathering the show, G Soft were represent- was a very successful event. It ing Phase 5 but it was sad not to was organized by the Australian see the PowerUp Boards in ac- Amiga Gazette team. tion. Amiga International were represented by Basil a gentleman Who was there. Well the atten- from TAEN (The Amiga Education dee's include G Soft, Amadeus, Network). Basil read out a speech Unitech, Tech Media, Amiga sent from the president of Al Mr Genius, GP Software, Resource Petro Tyschtschenko that morn- Management Force, Computa ing. Magic, Unicorn Solutions and from the UK Power Computing.
Also putting in an appearance all the way from Melbourne were NWAUG (North West Amiga User Group), from Sydney CHUG G Soft were around behind them (Commodore Hornsby User occupying a rather large stand, group) and St. John's Park High selling everything from Miami School. TCP and Picasso cards (These disappeared on the first day), the The event was attended by the fabled CyberVision 64/3D (4mb real hard-core Amiga fans. These version $450) and Mikronic (The people were there to put the zing first Amiga licensees) Tower into the show. They had put a lot cases for the A1200. of faith into the Amiga show being a success, and it wasn't What did you miss out on if you misplaced. I didn't interview them didn't go. Well a run down of the on the way out, but most were show starts at the AAG stand. carrying a bag of goodies. This is where you could register a large number of Overseas share- The best part of the show was the ware programs without the hassle prices of the products. For us of International Money orders. Amigans that don't get out often it Programs included Delttracker II, was a wonderful surprise to see Wildfire, Shapeshifter and many the prices on some of the gear we others. Also available at the show dream of. were back issues of the Magazine These were snapped up very Who didn't make it. Well Phase 5 quickly and the two Michael's had were planning to put In a real machines set up to churn out showing but the technology and shareware disks. information didn't arrive In lime for
lo llaa.taallaes rlMa6ga 9alette fu497 . Opposite them was a new-comer company Unicorn Solutions, stunned that a little keyboard Tech Media. This is run by some showing how Amigas can be net- could do so much or that expan- of the guys that helped out at the worked together. Two A4000's, sions for their forgotten Amigas old Sigmacom. They were Novell file server using NFS were so cheap now. demonstrating the power of the (UNIX Network File System), Amiga and the Macrosystem's Win95 PC, Win95 Laptop and an DraCo and Cassablanca. Tech A1200 with the famed CNET Media are a company that stand PCMCIA ethernet card installed in by what they sell, producing video it. The card was offered to show for a number of Australian and goers for a show special of $175. overseas clients. The DraCo is an The A1200 was stock except for a amazing box to watch at work- larger hard drive. There was even well you only see the MovieShop an A600HD with a CNET card screen on the DraCo, but on the running AMITCP. Video monitor is the most amaz- ing quality video playback. There was also a 4000T with a Scala Mpeg play back card running off the hard drive.
On the side wall was the St. John's Park High School demonstrating just how well the Amiga can be used as a teaching tool. I had a long talk to some of the teachers from the school while demonstrating the VLAB motion- card. This is a seriously switched on school, educating the students in the arts of N and multimedia. Around the back was Amadeus, another long term Amiga suppor- ter. They were doing a serious trade in CD-Roms of all types, Games, Utilities, Aminet and other Next to them was Resource software archive CD's. They were Management Force (RMF for also demonstrating the SCSI short), These people are the Mpeg box, a device that can makers of the Quicknet cards for playback Mpeg movies from a Zorro based Amigas. They also CDROM on the same SCSI con- were demonstrating the A500 troller (it's from the makers of the ethernet and an Amiga 1200 trap- Squirrel SCSI). door based network card. In talk- ing to them I discovered they also Next to Amadeus was the have nearly finished an expansion NWAUG, giving advice and help adaptor for the CD32 to make it to any who asked. They also had Unitech had a packed stand with compatible with A1200 expansion. some second hand gear for sale, their ever growing supply of By doing this a CD32 can use the as well as handing out their User cables, Rom switchers and hard- A1200 ethernet card. Interestingly Group newsletter. These guys are it could also use any A1200 CPU ware. Another in the products that responsible for causing a stir at a upgrade 040, 060, or even maybe didn't quite make it includes a recent PC market sale in new tower system from Unitech. a 603e PowerUp board. Melbourne, by demonstrating the This product will be released very Amiga to an unsuspecting PC Beside them was my own little shortly. We will follow it up as crowd. All who watched were soon as it is out. tFuatocal[au flNc6ga gagette tfulgc97 TI More On The AAG97 Show
selling all manner of product in- $150 its a good investment. cluding accelerators for the These guys must also be hoard- A1200, for example an Apollo ing all the stocks of old chips. 040/33mhz for just $399 or the There was every chip you could 060/50mhz $879. Don't you just imagine for the OCS machines in wish you had one of these, the a huge carton. prices are almost half what they used to be. Power Computing were also selling CV64 3D and Picasso IV as well as a new CD Amiga game called Big Red Adventure. They even had an A600 030/42mhz + 8mb ram for $350 (who said an A600 wasn't expandible?) GP Software had a stand plas- tered with copies of Dopus and We also had Compute Magic, who Dopus T-Shirts. The man of GP brought along a wide range of Software was there, Greg Perry, products from some very good still with Commodore products speakers, Mice and more A1200 since the C64, and his sidekick accelerators, plus lots of software. Jonathan Potter. I managed to They were also demonstrating a hide from Greg for a while as I new product which also wasn't CHUG had a stand as well. They use Diskmaster rather than quite ready for the show. This is were demonstrating their own Dopus. Unfortunately I missed out an external flicker fixer for all machines and answering ques- on his Dopus seminar and have Amigas. It was being demon- tions about the user group and not yet been converted to Dopus, strated with an A2000 running the Amiga in general. While play- but I can't hold out much longer.. Eric Scwarti s Aerotoons on a ing a few games in between. VGA monitor. During both days there were Just inside the door was Amiga seminars at one end of the hall in Genius who were showing off the a big tent. Up on a bigscreen Siamese PC Intergration system, projector they were showing off allowing you to run an Amiga and the Cassablanca. This is an 060 a IBM Clone as one machine. based Amiga that does non-linear They also had the Golden Gate + video editing like the DraCo. With Bus bridge. This allows the use of a few less functions and a much PC cards in big box Amigas. For smaller price tag. Dopus 5.6 example you could run a PC net- Magellan was run on the big card or IDE controller as a cheap screen as well, showing how alternative to the more expensive Dopus can be run as a Amiga ones. Also the Grafitti Workbench replacement. I did a Amiga external video enhancer quick demonstration of the CNET was shown of in shapeshifter. This ethernet cards. I just couldn't get allows Mac emulation to run on an The Power Computing stand was Win95 to recognize a CD-Rom I 030 based A2000 in 256 colours maned in person by staff who had installed in the PC, much to at a very good speed. There are a came out from England for the the amusement of show goers. show. This was where a lot of number of products that support drooling was done. They were the Graffiti graphics card and for
~ rftuataa6eaa /Pac6ya .rjagette /%u447 to the show, was I didn't think It would be worth it. From the com- Many thanks to the guys from G ments I have had back on IRC a Soft, NWAUG, GP Software who lot of them now feel they missed came a long way just for a two out on something special, as the day show. For them it would be show was rated a success by the more than a week of hard work to people who went. The future of pack up, bring the gear with them these shows is looking better. and unpack when they got back. There are plans in the pipeline to do another one in Melbourne in Even bigger thanks to the guys October. It's going to be pretty from Power Computing who came close to this one but once again It out from England. Next time I will is going to be a success, espe- bring more money, prices like that cially with all the products that we are too hard to pass up more than missed by weeks with this show. once. The overall attendance to the Also it gives the people of show was 932 with more than half Melbourne a chance to attend a attending the first day. The initial show that is not 1000km away. reaction by people who didn't go Amiga & Video + Sou- d by Paul Golan
Welcome to the AMIGA & VIDEO With a sound sampler or audio during animation or whilst playing section of the magazine and to digitizer you can create realistic the credits. the second part of MUSIC & music or un-realistic sounds VIDEO on the AMIGA. Adding effects or for that matter realistic Adding Sounds During Playback. Sounds During the Editing sound effects. The advantages of Trying to add sound or music Process. adding the sound during the edit effects during playback is not You will probably not be adding stage is that you have complete something you will do every day, sounds during the actual editing control over the final results. You but there are times when you will process, but either before or just can also take the time to compose need to use this function. During a after you have completed editing your sound to custom fit your live stage performance or a the video. Planning is the main audio to the video. Getting the demonstration, lecture or sports tool that you will use when timing right is much easier when presentation you will probably addding audio during the edit you know exactly how long the have to do your own voice over or stage. This is where the AMIGA is video scene is. You can also get add your own music live, (while going to play the biggest role. In special sound effects to happen you're shooting). In these cases it the creation of music and sound exactly when you want because is not so much a question of effects the AMIGA can help you you can watch and time scenes synchronizing the sound to the compose and play back music. before adding the sound. video but adjusting the video to the sound. Presentation software The biggest problem with adding normally has the features that will sound at this stage is that it can let you customize your video to mean adding another tape make them more interactive and generation. If you have a VCR even let you link audio to different with audio dub facilities you can scenes. avoid this problem. Even if your VCR doesn't have audio dub Audio Equipment facilities you may be able to avoid The differing range of available adding an extra generation of tape audio gear is mind boggling. You on some of the longer scenes could spend as much money for
~4rco.tma.tGarc than ÿagette tf atgc47 13 More Amiga 8r Video + Sand your sound gear as you would for the lapel of a Groom's suit or the tape recorder is essential for you video cameras but we don't Bride's neckline. recording sound effects, music want to do that do we? If you and voice overs. It doesn't have to have some basic audio equipment The next piece of audio be a top of the line deck; all it has you will already have the required equipment you will need is a to do is record and play back. set up needed to add new sound sound mixer. A mixer lets you Even though there Is degradation or voice overs to your video blend together more than one in audio tape as in video copies production. Next follows a list of audio source into one. The reason as you dub from tape to tape the the types of things you will need you need an audio mixer is that if quality of TV sound is much lower or you might want to get to make you want to put music and sound that no one will notice unless your video more professional. effects as well as a voice over the there is some hiss or hum. You top of the original sound from the won't have to have a high quality First of all let's cover master tape you have to mix both sound system for your video microphones. There are a lot of the sound from the video tape and applications but you want to different microphones for differing the sound from another source. maintain the best sound you can. situations and they come under Now because the audio If you want to check how the many different categories. The reproduction in video is not even audio tracks will sound before you most common microphone on the close to the audio coming out of a record to video you can feed it camcorder will most likely be the CD player you won't have to pay into the master VCR, put the VCR Omnidirectional; these mikes pick big money for the equipment. You in record f pause so you can listen up sounds from all directions. will need a mixer with enough through your TV or monitor Some higher priced and semi inputs to accommodate all your speaker. professional camcorders use input sources. The minimum I Zoom mikes; these pick up the suggest Is one with three inputs: This will give you a good idea how sound only from the direction that one for the VCR playback, the it will sound but you should do they are pointing. next for voice overs and lastly the some real recording to video tape music or sound effects CDs. to hear the final results. As far as what type of mike to add to your camcorder depends Audio mixing Is almost as You are going to need a few extra entirely on your application and complicated as video editing that's cables for the audio side to the frequency of its use. It will why there are sound recordists connect everything together. As only take you a short time before that get paid a lot of money for far as video and audio cables go, you realize that the mike on your their audio mixing skills. You will you can use video cables for camcorder is not going to do all probably want to do your sound audio but you shouldn't use audio the things that you need. For mixing off-line. In other words, cables for video. No matter what voice overs you will need a mike you will want to put the voice kind of cables you buy or make on a stand. overs and even the music onto yourself, you should use shielded audio tape first, before you cables. It might not make much A Unidirectional or transfer them to video. Now this difference to your audio to use Omnidirectional Dynamic mike brings us to the next stage in the unshielded cables but it can with a table stand will work really audio equipment line that you will make a huge difference to the well for this. This type of mike can most likely need. video equipment that is next to it. also be used for interviews and some studio work as well. If The Audio tape deck. There are two main reasons for you're Into Wedding Videography Whilst you could try and co- using computers in audio these you will need the use of Electret ordinate all the sound sources at being; music and sound effects. If condenser lavalier microphones. the same time it is much easier to you are a musician then you may These come with a clip on pre record as much of the voice already be interested in computer attachment so you can place the overs and sound effects as you music. mike on the Bride or Groom or can ahead of time. If you have both and record all the Intimate ever tied to read just few lines of sound at the ceremony. These script out loud you will know that it mikes are small enough to clip on is very difficult to get it right . A
14 rluatTaltau s4ac6ga ÿasette ful997
Sydney (02) 9651 1711 Fax (02) 9651 1710 1/534 Old Northern Rd, Round Corner NSW 2158 Internet www-anadeuscon.au Entail: [email protected] MriretAttstemantfitakezrzf~ Elber:Leidy Cheque X%CtlO( . eillertreakast Amiga Software Modems k Internet Access Digita Office Packl $149 Jetstream V34 33.6kbps - with voice $199 Includes: Wordworth 6 Organiser 2 Datastore 2 Money Matters 4 Hayes V34 33.6kbps - 5 yr wrnty $249 Add $30 for GPFax Software Wordworth V6 $99 Add $ l5 for easy install Internet Shareware Datastore V2 $49 software. all you need to get starred on the net. Organiser VZ $49 AWeb V3 $79 Turbo Calc V3.5 $49 !Browse V1.1 $79 Twist (Relational Database) $199 Termite TCP $89 Scala MM400 Internet Access from $30 per month, $349 Personal or Business home pages, call for details Lightwave 5 $1949 Directory Opus Magallean $129 Personal Paint V7 (CD only) $99 Preloved IIunhware Cinema 4D V4 $399 A1200 w/40Mb HD $550 Amiga File Safe Pro $99 Multisync Monitors from $200 Invoice It $29 C= 1084 monitors from $100 Address It $29 A2000 Cards and Accessories $CALL Easyledgers 2 $149 CD-ROM Drives Amiga 2000/311(10/40011 Expansions Sony 12 speed SCSI - Internal $349 Rapid Fire SCSI II Controller $299 Panasonic 8 speed SCSI II - Internal $269 Spit Fire SCSI II Controller $179 Add $150 for External CD-ROM drive. All CD-ROMs complete with cables & drivers TEKMagic 060 50Mhz A2000 $1699 Squirrel SCSI (A600/1200) $179 Picasso 4Mb Graphics Card $899 Surf Squirrel (SCSI II & Fast Serial) $219 PPC Expansions $CALL ASIM CDFS V3 $99 Amiga 120(1 Expansions CD Boot $69 CD-ROM Software Cobra 030 MMU 33Mhz w/4Mb $309 Amiga Developers CD $39 Cobra 030 EC 40Mhz w/4Mb $369 Light ROM GOLD $39 Ferret SCSI Option for Cobra $169 Aminet 19 or 20 $35 68882 33Mhz FPU $79 Emulators Unlimited $69 Cyberstorm 060 50Mhz w/8Mb $CALL Aminet Set 3 or 4 $69 Cyberstorm SCSI II Option $CALL Utilities 2 $39 Naw` Amigos Multimedia Toolkit 2 $39 Light ROM V4 $69 A1200 HD $1349 Desktop Video 2 $39 A4000 040 HD $4799 Meeting Pearls 4 $39 Includes Amiga Magic Software Pack.
Installation (In Showroom) Delivery FREE Catalogue Austøalian Amiga Gazette
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"Unique Solutions to Unique Unicorn Problems" Solutions PtypCN OTJLt 9505asd Networking Graphics Video Novell Networks set up for Specialsts in conversion of Vlab Motion offline digital any size system. 1-100Gb graphics from platform to non-linear video editing 5-1000 Users, Intel based platform, including image suite With Lightwave with RAID-5 Disk Arrays. composition. High resolution rendering and effects. 6 Years Novell Experience. photographs, Book cover Conversion of Video and Networking Amiga's to artwork, and Meduim sized effects to AVI / Quicktime Novell / Unix and to other posters. Also conversion of for multimedia based Amiga's a speciality. CAD files to HI-Res bitmaps. products/training systems.
Unicorn Solutions Pty Ltd - PO BOX 215 Kellyville 2155 Phone: 9629 6100 Fax: 9629 6048 Mobile: 015 951 152 E-Mail [email protected] WWW.UNICORN.COM.AU The Amiga Education Network By Basil Flinter
As Convener of The Amiga The Amiga Education Network # Arranging for suitable Education Network (TAEN), it (TAEN) was established by me In demonstration of, and training in, gives me great pleasure to accept response to Commodore Amiga education product; an invitation from AAG to Australia's demise (which contribute an article about TAEN preceded Commodore # Publication of regular TAEN and the Amiga in education. This International's demise by a few newsletters; is clearly a demonstration of months) as a means of supporting AAG's desire to expand its efforts the Amiga platform in the schools # Identifying areas of need, and to revive the Amiga in Australia that were using it, in the hope that advising developers and and, as such, is deserving of our there would be a speedy publishers about them; and, most support. resolution to the survival of the importantly, Amiga and, as a consequence, to My association with Commodore its survival in the critically it Promoting direct interaction goes back to 1982 (the heady important education market. (including an interchange of ideas days of the VIC-201) when I on how to use the Amiga) among became a Specialist and The purpose of The Amiga educational institutions and Education Dealer in the New Education Network is to provide between individuals England town of Armidale. And an Amiga-based global facility - (teachers/lecturers/educationalists) although the Amiga's official open to all persons or release date in Australia was organizations with an interest in TAEN's slogan is: taon - the scheduled for June 1986, my first the Amiga in the field of education amiga education information contact with the Amiga was in in any country - through which highway March 1986, when Commodore information about the Amiga, was forced to rush in a number of relevant to that country's Is There a Future for the Amiga in NTSC Amiga 1000s for its dealer education, can be disseminated Australian Education? network in order to combat the and exchanged. grey market that had developed Now that we know more about the during the first few months of Matters covered by The Amiga machinations that led up to 1986 (and which was destabilising Education Network include - Commodore's eventual demise, I the market because of the can come to terms with exorbitant prices being asked by # Offering advice on the latest Commodore Australia's seemingly the unauthorised importers), such Amiga software (including incredible decision to pull out of was the enthusiasm within upgrades) and hardware the education market just when Australia for this wonderful new (including peripherals); the Amiga was beginning to make computed significant inroads into it. What # Offering advice on the use of could they do? The genius of While I have always been any Amiga hardware or software, Mehdi All had finally reached Interested in all aspects of the or on any Amiga matter Australia! Amiga, my special interest has appropriate to the enquirer's been in the education field. needs; But all that, we hope, is in the past, and I'm sure we all agree # Supplying names of appropriate that we've had enough winging. What is TAEN, and why does it contacts; Let's stop being negative, and exist? start being positive. Let's promote
18 féu.sttat6arc "loan C'fa;ette /fatry97 the Amiga's capabilities for all schools who have Amigas to hang computer in any other way? we're worth, but let's not be on to them. After all, aren't they critical of other platforms or the still able to do what they were I wouldn't know, unless I hear efforts of Gateway 2000 and originally bought for? from you. Amiga International to revive the Amiga, while we do so. So, even if you don't have a child at school, how about trying to find Basil Flinter The Amiga is an ideal computer out whether schools in your area Convener, TAEN platform for the education market. have Amigas, and then taking this P.O. Box 353 But three years in the wilderness magazine along and showing ARMIDALE NSW 2350 is a long time. What can we do to them this article? If it does nothing AUSTRALIA bring it back again in Australia? more than to inform the school of Tel: (067) 72 2100 the existence of TAEN and how Email: [email protected] Well, for starters, we need to they can contact TAEN, or persuade those publishers who persuade It not to dispose of its once wrote software for Australian Amigas, you will have taken a education - publishers like HC very positive first step towards the Software, Lascelles and Rush revival of the Amiga within the Software - to come back again Australian education system. and support the Amiga's revival. And we need to encourage those Can you help your favourite
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Ask for your free 36 page blue catalogue to be Posted to you absolutely free Our WWW. Internet E-Mail Address is : u n itech a ideal.net.au Our Web site is currently under design layout consideration, stay tuned for the when , how and where for , as soon as we get the time to do it ! UNITECH ELECTRONICS Pty. Ltd. (02) 9820=3555 Unitech Electronics Pty Ltd is an AMIGA Hardware eve open. and ( A.A.D.A.) member MULTI-TASKING AMIGA not born to rule , born to be best . Simply superior systems . STILL YOUR TOTALLY AMIGA ONLY SPECIALIST - (WE ONLY SUPPORT AMIGA) SUPPORTING THE AMIGA PLATFORM SINCE DAY 1 , November 1985! NEW Amiga Chips Also in stock SCALL 1-1.00003 Kickboard Plus 3 R/Share $49 H.00512 1/2 Meg A500 Exp $89 H.60402 Speakers 240W.PMP $99 H.12240 UK Speakers 60W RMS $159 1.00400 AMIGA Compal. mouse $39 H.10880 Xtnl Floppy Drive $165 -4.80880 Chinon 880K Int.Floppy $165 H.44425 4 way Data Sw/Box.. $45 1.00500400DP1. Mouse $69 11.12002 A1200 real tire clock $49 H.12024 VID124RT 24 BIT . $449 H.00288 Maestro 28.8 modem $495 C.12000 A2000 K/B xtn cable $15 ESCOM 3.1 ROM UPGrade from.. 5210 DKB Cobra 33 A1200 Acellerator $299 DKB Cobra 40 A1200 Acetlerator $359 DKB FERRET SCSI for Cobra $169 SIMMS SIMMS SIMMS SIMMS $Cal! Monitor Screen Glass Filter from $25 DS HD 1 76M 10 Disks.. $9.95 100 Disk capacity Disk boxes $9.95 FINALWRITER 5 $189 P.C.Task-4..NOW IN STOCK $109 PAGESTREAM3 $399 Australian Geographical Encyclopaedia Atlas -> CD. A2000-$99_for GD32.A1200..$89.95 A1200 HARDWARE - MADE BY US 0.01200 Dual HD Cable $39 C.01210 3.5'HD intnl Kit $51 0.01220 3.5'HD extnl Kit $54 C.01230 25' + 3.5' HD Kit 59 0.01240 SX-1 xtnl 3.5' Kit $59 C.01250 SX-1 inml 2.5' . $31 C.01260 2.5' 40mm cable $27 0.01270 3.5'(x 2) xml kit . $65 0.01280 40w Longer IDE H/D cable $71 C.03020 reverse 2.5' kit $65 Directory Opus 5.5 $149 ALL ABOVE CABLES ARE COPYRIGHT@ 992 C.00929 9M - 9 F Extension $29 C.23984 9F-23F 1084$ $29 C.015099M-15DF $29 C.88184 SCART with sterealeads $59 C.15066 15DM - Video-6 BNC $29 C.92384 9M - 23F 10849 $29 C.02384 23F-RCA only. $29 0.62384 6DIN-23F 10845 $29 C.15215 15DM-15DF XTN $35 C.1592315DM-23FAvith LOGIC $59 C.15223 15DM-23F $29 C.90003 9DMitsubishi-23F Logic $59 MUL T/SYNC MONITOR ADAPTERS A.02315 23Fto 15 D with LOGIC $40 A.15023 23F to 15 F No Logic . $35 A.02329 23F to 9 F with LOGIC $40 A.00159. PC to Amiga J/S $29 MONITOR SWITCH BOXES There are 31 Types of monitor switch box from $99 tell us your requirements -we do the rest! PRINTER CABLES FRON 1.0M-20M C. 36525 I.8metres $8 C. 00536 3 0 metres.. $9 C.02536 5 metres $10 C.12536 10 metres $18 0.2053620metres. $33 REMOVABLE HARD GRIVE CASE S Removable hard drive kits ..IDE $39.95 Removable hard drive kits SCSI ....539.95 VARIOUS EXTENSION CABLES C.23223 23M-23F 1.2M $19 C 25225 25M-25F 1.2M $19 C.92525 modem 350mm $18 C.259995 X r1 modem $18 C.62525 Pamel +Disk.3.M . $27 0.72525 Null modem 2.M . $21 C.5252025MD-50Hi-D. $69 C.6818668SC$1-68SCSI $89 0.50050 50MCen-50MCen $49 C.50750 50M-4i-D -50MCen . $69 SCSI (STD SCSI-11 CABLES 05092550MCen-25MD $19 C.50555 50 F x2->50MCen $19 C.55555 50 F IDC x 3 $17 C.50665 50 F IDC x 2 to 50 Cent $39 C.50885 50 F Cent-50 IDC $39 C.57825 50F Cent to DB25M.Sgid $49 C.12525 25 MD-25MD.Rib ... $39 C.40240 40 IDC-40 IOC x2 $22 0.34040 40IDC-40 IDCx3.. $29 C.40340 34way IDC x 3 $20 C 12525 Vidi 12 Extn Cable $36 H.58506 IDE HD 850MB $call H .31220 IDE HD 1.08 GB . $call H.73201 IDE HD 2.1 GB Scall Quantum 3.5" SC SI hard drives H.66806 SCSI 1.08GB . $call H.68506 SCSI 21 GB Atlas $call H,69430 SCSI 4 3GB Alias Scall EDUCATIONAL SOFTWARE TO SUIT- * PRICED FROM $24_ A real bargain! 040797
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UNITECH ELECTRONICS Pty. Ltd. HOW DO YOU SPOTA DEDICATED AMIGA DEALER ? NO I.B.M. CLONES FOR SALE OR IN SIGHT ! Showroom & Service 8B Tummul Place , ST. ANDREWS . Sydney. N.S.W. 2566 Established 1978 A.C.N 003 864 042 Ph: (02) 9820 3555 Many titles are arriving weekly Call to place your name on our mail & phone info list - don't miss out! ASK FOR YOUR FREE 36 page Blue CATALOGUE, SIMPLY CALL AND WE'LL POST YOU ONE ....FREE!! A4000-040 ACTUALLY IN STOCK $4599. AMIGA's are with bonus software bundles Rent 3 yrs 100% tax deductable business Plan and at the end of the rental period buy it for 5%! Wow! and also we have AVCO Finance available. WE CAN TAILOR A PACKAGE TO SUIT YOU. FINANCE ARRANGED APPROVALS DONE IN 8 HOURS WITH AVCO FINANCE. POSWIZ' POINT OF SALE USING YOUR AMIGA up to 32,000 Lines of stock-...POSWIZ $399 ( SEE FULL REVIEW SEPT 95 ISSUE of A C.A.R.) Pack of 3 100 M ZIPDisks.... $97 Kodak GOLD Blank CD's.. 815 ea RAM SIMMS Irom $54 -ta - $394 AMIGA Sales - AMIGA In-house Servicing - AMIGA Repairs - AMIGA Upgrades International Customers dial ' .^e,4 +++ 61 2 9820 3555 9am -5pm E.S.T. International Fax Customers dial FAX + 61 2 9603 8685 FAX 24 hours Serving The Commodore& AMIGA' Community How long? Since 1983/'1985 TOTALLY Produced on A4000/060 USING FINALWRITER 5 RELAUNCH OF THE AMIGA - AUSTRALIAN AMIGA GATHERING '97 A MESSAGE TO THE AUSTRALIAN AMIGA COMMUNITY Date: 29 June 1997
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Welcome to the Australian Amiga Gathering '97, which represents the official relaunch of the Amiga in Australia. Unfortunately, due to other commitments, lam not able to be here today, as! would have liked to have been, especially as I always like to talk to fellow Amiga enthusiasts. I hope I can be present at the next Amiga Convention that takes place in Australia.
Many thanks to you, my friends, for your support, your understanding and your patience. It makes me very happy to know that our AMIGA community in Australia is excited about the new turn In the Amiga's fortunes, and looking forward to its future with interest.
As you are already aware, Gateway 2000 is a great home for our AMIGA, and with Gateway's spirit and financial resources, we can expect to have a bright future.
Although AMIGA International, Inc. Is a subsidiary of Gateway 2000, and Gateway 2000 will provide resources to reinvigorate the AMIGA market place and keep AMIGA International a profitable subsidiary, it is not Gateway 2000's policy to mix AMIGA activities with those of Gateway 2000. So we have to be active on our own behalf. As I have already mentioned, in my London speech, three elements form the basis of my strategy. These are:
(1) Supporting the existing AMIGA community. (2) Leveraging the existing AMIGA technology through broad licensing. (3) Assisting in developing new products based on open standards to the home computer and vkleo/graphics market.
AMIGA International is exploring all possible products for the marketplace, including both hardware and software. We face a great challenge because It is not easy to make new products available in a short timeframe.
We are interested in working with companies such as Phase 5 to develop one unified AMIGA standard. We need potential partners here in Australia, and we are looking for such partners. We will open up the marketplace to cloning through licensing.
In Europe, I have just finalised a license contract with Micronik, to build A1200 Towers, with a wide range of options, including a 68060 processor I believe there is still a strong following for the AMIGA system. Through licensing and new product development, there should be a strong future for the AMIGA.
AMIGA International's intention is to support the development community through concepts such as the 'Open AMIGA INITIATIVE', and It will explore other concepts to bring developers over to the platform. We will explore the development of an OS upgrade, and will address the features and functions that are necessary.
I BELIEVE THAT THE BASIS OF SUCCESS IS TO WORK TOGETHER, WITH PARTNERS. The AMIGA market cannot afford a split! WE MUST ALL MOVE TOGETHER IN ONE DIRECTION. The Amiga's revival In Australia is important to me.
Please support AMIGA International, just as you supported the AMIGA in the past. Do not give up this wonderful computer's technology.
AMIGA is back for the Future. Thank you very much for your attendance at the Australian Amiga Gathering '97. Enjoy the show, and the Amiga's return.
Petro Tyschtschenko President AMIGA International, Inc.
22 fluaLcal6ak vlNc6ga galette fiulgc97 `Ilse thsdtiia/iasa Aatiga ÿ'atlresinry '97 lintirta 9.desusalEosrat 44Q '97 Sliow lZrP.deH#a#ine d Giick4l Peril enclosure ('The Tent') which was Computers is situated just outside provided for the purpose of Sydney. Included in its stand were presentations, seminars, group a range of products from Digita discussions, prize contests, etc. and Cloanto, for both of whom Amadeus is official distributor In The Australian Amiga Gathering AAG '97 was also used as the Australia. '97 (AAG '97) was held on the vehicle for the official relaunch of weekend of 28 and 29 June, 1997 the Amiga in Australia and, as • Amiga Genius - at the Kensington Exhibition such, a statement by Al's This Amiga dealer came from Centre of The Sydney President, Petro Tyschtschenko Newcastle, considered by Showground. was read at the show on both Australians to be fairly close, as it days to an appreciative audience. is only about 145km (90 miles) AAG '97 was the brainchild of My personal reaction to the north of Sydney. It was the only Michael Burak, editor of the statement was the importance of stand offering the Graffiti card magazine Australian Amiga two things. First, that it is time to (which can be used on any Gazette (hence the AAG title for stop being negative about the Amiga), but it was also the show), °a grassroots Amiga and Al's efforts, and start demonstrating the Siamese publication created for the being positive - not only here in System and Shapeshifter. purpose of keeping the Amiga Australia, but everywhere. And dream alive in Australia and second, we must all (and this • Australian Amiga Gazette (MG) beyond." means the whole Amiga As organisers of the show, the M community; the users as well as Gazette's stand (manned mainly Despite the cold and wet the industry) change our attitude by Michael Michael Gruber, and conditions of a Sydney winter's from one of °What can Gateway Paul and Ann Graham) provided day, and the limited exposure the 2000/AI do for me?" to one of all the administrative support that show was able to receive, nearly oWhat can I do for the Amiga?" was needed during the show, 1000 people (that is, paying promoted the Gazette, ran a very customers) attended the show, a Because AAG '97 did represent successful Shareware very creditable result. One which the official relaunch of the Amiga Registration Booth, offered a Michael, and his hard-working in Australia, and because of the range of useful product, including team, must surely be proud of. enthusiasm generated by the Greg Wall's very successful show, I believe an appropriate A1200 tutorial videos(though now Although it was small in size, I slogan for Australia would be: aging), and donated space to the believe MG '97 will provide the ICOA, various members of which needed kickstart that the "The comeback has started. (notably Guy Nathan and Paul Australian Amiga community has Keep the momentum going!" Morabito) could be seen there at been waiting for. It is only a pity, different times during the show. according to many with whom I spoke, that the show organisers The following is a brief description • Computa Magic - did not receive any support from of the exhibitors, presented in Another mainstay of the Megatron, currently Al's only alphabetical order: Australian dealers still committed officially recognised Australian to the Amiga, Melbourne-based distributor. Those exhibitors who • Amadeus Computers - Computa Magic's owners, Vince did support the show had nothing One of the few dedicated Amiga but praise for the weekend, and dealers still around, Amadeus took full advantage of the special fluatuslGarc flar
24 ,lecat2alta t o4ratga galette 9a497 AMIGA DEng h VISIOOMQ MINIM A range of new and quality used 96 Bentinck St, Bathurst, 2795 Hardware and Software items available. Ph. (063) 322611 Fax. (063) 322623 This months specials: YOUR Regal 4x 5-CD SCSI stacker unit's - $299 AMIGA AmiNet Volumes 5-11. Limited stock. - $ 20es. Graffiti card - $150 DEALER Siamese system - RTG not included - $400 SINCE 1989 Disks and manuals KS3.1 - - $ 50 WEST OF THE MOUNTAINS Blank CD Recording media From - $ 10 IN NEW SOUTH WALES Used Amiga items: Microvitec 1438 Multisync monitor - $300 ONLY AMIGA 1084 Monitor's From - $150 A500 power supplies - $ 50 SOLD HERE See us at the Gathering '97 WE SPECIALISE IN AMIGAS 826 Hunter St. 91(ewtastfe 74kst,91(,S`W, 2302 FOR HOME AND SCHOOL Phone: (049) 623-222 `fax: (049) 623-583 S-Afai!: [email protected] Hardware, Software, Service
Phone (03) 9752 3991 Mobile 015 316 147 Fax (03) 9752 3959 Email [email protected]
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Blizzard 2040 $ 725 The CyberstormPPC comes with a Wide Ultra Blizzard 2060 $1189 SCSI DMA Controller and RAM expansion. CyberGraphX V3 comes in a PowerPC Cyberstorm Mkll 040/40MHz $ 725 optimized version with native CyberGL and Cyberstorm Mkll 060/50MHz $ 1189 MPEG support. Fast SCSI II Mkll $ 229 Owners of existing Cyberstorms may be eligible Cybervision 64/3D 4Mb $ 465 for an upgrade. Scandoubler Module $ 199 BlizzardPPC SOON! We also have used A4000's, multisync monitors, software and floppy drives. For latest prices or to place an order please call. World Wide Web by Guy Nathan
Welcome to the World Wide Web them well and provides for easy Colin: Oh yes. I am a writer. I review column. navigation of the web site. have the urge to create. The web gives me an outlet to express For those who missed the last This web site doesn't use a lot of myself. I love the immediacy that column, we are providing you with HiRes rendered images, which is the web offers. a look at the best of what's out to its advantage. All of its graphics there on the World Wide Web. We are simple yet impressive and Q: As a writer, do you often put will concentrate on sites with good don't detract from where the much of your own articles onto content and design, as well as (in attention should go. For viewing your web page, or do you source upcoming issues) a look at this web site you should have a alot of your articles externally? support sites for well-known Frames capable browser, which Amiga products. means (Browse 1.10+, Colin: When I began the Amiga VoyagerNG 2.10+, AWeb 3+, or Alley site, I used my own articles This month we cover two the up and coming web browsers exclusively. Now, however, I excellent Amiga web sites, Amiga like WebCruiser. Amiga Alley is spend too much time maintaining Alley and the Amiga Flame. also viewable with Lynx. the site to write many of my own articles. Hence I publish articles Both are sites which are operated It is worth noting that this web site written by others. The goal is to by individuals, yet are as popular, is the only non-CUCUG site make the site interesting. If not more so than commercial featured on the Amiga Web Amiga sites. Directories quick-link list. Q: Ok, What programs do you use when creating and maintaining AmigaAlley: Rating: 8.5/10 your web site? (http://www.znet.coM-colinfhardwa re.html) The following is an interview with Colin: HTML purists will love this: creator of the Amiga Alley site I use an old text editor, Annotate This web site is not run by any Colin Thompson. to write the code. It's all done by organisation, but by one man in hand. Graphics are done with the USA. It is through his hard Q: Colin, How long have you had Personal Paint 7.1, Image Studio, work and effort that he has a web site for? and GIF Toolkit. produced a very informative and refreshing web page. Colin: About two years Q: If you had to name one thing you hated in certain web sites, His 'Almost Daily Fishwrap' Q: What advice would you give to what would it be, and what would section is an on-line Web Amiga those who wish to create their you recommend in place of it? newspaper. In addition, his web own Amiga web pages? site also offers support for Colin: Only one thing? Ok, that ShapeShifter, Hardware Hacks, Colin: Pick a subject and explore would have to be ugly background GIF Animations (The web format it. Keep the graphics to a images. If the text cannot be read, for animations), and other minimum, and remember that what's the point ? My subjects that interest him.. your page may be viewed on an 8 recommendation is to use a color web browser. Simple idea is background color, not an image. If The design of this site is very well good. you feel the urge to use a laid out, and even though it uses backgroung image, make sure it frames (something often Q: Do you find the job of compliments the color and size of implemented in web sites, but for maintaining a web page the text. all the wrong reasons), it uses worthwhile?
26 r9ccattatlaK vFmega gayette lw497 O: Is there anything else you wish article's popularity falls off, I future Amiga game (both disk and to tell us about your web site? delete it. This keeps the page lean CD-ROM) release schedule, and mean. latest games released, game Colin: When I began the site, I demo of the month (as well as wanted to simply post a series of Of course there were a few keeping all previous reviews on- pages that held information and people who told me they did not line), game reviews, and released links to subjects that interested like frames, but they were very games from 1996 and 1997 so far me. Gradually the number of few, so I continued. for the Amiga. these pages grew. Eventually I unified these pages under one I think I have found my niche in In addition, the Flame offers banner, which I called Amiga the web. A daily Amiga advice for game developers on Alley. newspaper seems popular with how to get their games published. many people. I get a lot of positive All games and game demos That concept worked for a long email. This keeps me going. reviewed include in-game time. Eventually I noticed my screenshots, usually in the form of fledgling "News" page was getting Q: In conclusion, summarise for GIFs or GIF Animations. This site the lion's share of the hits. the readers what your web site is mirrored in the UK and the US. can offer those who choose to I decided to expand that page, visit it on both a once off or http://www.d-n-a.net/users/dnet concentrating on the news. The regular basis? Pwiclamiflame.htm number of hits kept rising, so I http://www.geochies.com/-amigafla knew I was putting out interesting Colin: The Fishwrap is the main me/ information. draw I like to post breaking news stories. I am not interested in Due to the graphic content of Eventually I reorganized the News making the news", I simply want these pages, it can take quite a page into the Almost Daily to report it. while to download. However, he Fishwrap. This has been a HTML design used on these web successful change. The Fishwrap Besides the Fishwrap, I offer pages allow even (Browse 1.02, gets 2000 hits a day now pages that specialize in or VoyagerNG to display them ShapeShifter, Hardware hacks, perfectly well. The Amiga Alley pages are still GifAnims, Local San Diego there, and I maintain them daily, resources, and my personal A considerable number of GIF but I have reorganized them so pages. I am a cat person, so I Animations are used, as well as they have become part of the publish lots of pictures of my cats. high resolution background normal content of the Fishwrap. images and high resolution 'Amiga Alley" will eventually Thankyou very much for your time screen shots from games. This disappear. Colin, and all the best with your site benefits from being viewed web site in the future. with atleast 256 colours (and Q: What format do you more if running on a system which recommend when laying out your Amiga Flame: has a Graphics Board). web pages? (http://www.d-n-a.net/users/ dnetPwic/amiflame.htm) Rating: 7.5/10 Colin: I have experimented for a long time with a format that is This site is another Amiga web appropriate for a daily newspaper. site also maintained by a single In the next issue I plan to cover a I eventually settled on the frames Amiga enthusiast from the United number of sites. The Pure Amiga, format I now use. I waited to Kingdom. This site, in my opinion the alNews, and the No Amiga To implement frames until every is the number one resource for Waste web site. Amigan can get a free, demo Amiga games release information frames browser. This was a big and Amiga games news. Til next month, happy webingl For change and the public has all inquires or comments about responded favorably. The Amiga Flame offers news on: this column, e-mail me at: Amiga games news, future Amiga [email protected] Now that frames are used, I can CD-ROM game release schedule, Guy Nathan. track each news item. When an s4uatta.t[aec sAnetga 6'fagette /frcGy97 27 The Jay Miner Society Part One by M ichae 1 Gruber
with an idea, a plan, a strategy to a meeting point for Amiga users pull the platform back from the all around the world, enabling the brink. power, passion, talents and know- ledge of the community to be This is a three part article on the The first step was the creation of focused and applied. Hopefully it Jay Miner Society and their a second forum, called ARise, a will provide a service to the many Developer Conference private mailing list to which only excellent user groups already out Presentation. Amiga veterans and industry there and, it return, the JMS will notables were invited. Whilst the be able to call upon the locally Jay Miner, whom the society is users toiled on Second Wind, empowered groups to assist the named after, is known as the generating noise and many Society in its work. The JMS will Father of AMIGA. Mr Miner got heated arguments, the ARise list also be pro-active. It will not just the AMIGA off the ground through was a more serious concern, sit back and respond to events; hard work and forming the original allowing for a deeper level of in- rather it will go out and create company to develop the AMIGA. formed analysis and debate. events. Jay Miner also engineered the AGNUS chip which is the heart of The result of the Second Wind This will be done through the the AMIGA. Jay's dog Mitchy has forum has been the creation of the creation of a virtual Amiga city on his place in history too. That is Jay Miner Society for the the Internet, allowing for on line Mitchÿ s paw-print which graces Advancement of Personal discussions, debates and the inside of AMIGA 1000 cases. Computing - the JMS for short - meetings. These will provide the which is soon to come into being impetus for the creation of The Industry Council Open Amiga as a legal entity. The purpose of projects, with teams of people Initiative Presentation was given the JMS is to further the spirit of working on specific problems at OMW Amiga Society's devel- the Amiga in any way that it can, such as the preparation of discus- oper conference on 17th May pushing the Amiga community for- sion papers, research into up- 1997. wards through increased public and-coming technologies and, awareness, the recommendation where no Amiga developer Is ac- 1. A brief history of the Second of standards and the concentra- tive, the writing of software itself - Wind mailing list, the ARise mail- tion and distribution of the com- however, this would only be a last ing list, the Jay Miner Society for munity's resources throughout the resort - rather we hope to produce the Advancement of Personal community, and also pulling it for- recommendations and perhaps Computing, and the Industry ward by demanding new products, logical designs for products and Council I Open Amiga initiative. channelling user feedback and applications we require in order to suggestions in the most effective make our virtual community a Some time during the middle of manner, looking into the future reality. 1996, the dark period of the across all platforms and trying to Amiga, a few noted Amiga per- create a vision, a path for the We are aware as users that the sonalities, Giorgio Gomelsky, short, the medium and the long user community has lost some of Steve Bowie, Erich Keser and term. the support, sympathy and re- Skal Loret came together to spect that it once had with the create a forum, Second Wind, The JMS will be a user group but developers. Some of this has where serious Amiga users could unlike most existing groups, which been down to simple over- talk about their worries, concerns, operate on a micro level, support- exuberance but most has arisen fears, hopes and dreams. The ing the Amiga in one locality, the out of the sense of frustration and idea was to see if the Amiga com- JMS will operate at the macro betrayal that both sides have felt munity as a whole could come up level, seeking to become a nexus, as the platform has been tortured
28 sFuatuslLaK sÆnetga. faieete6' efu447 by events and figures beyond our no future. - Convergence of electronic control. - There's no central platform de- systems, with TV, video, music, velopment strategy. Consequently gaming, telephony, home security, With the JMS we are hoping to there's been some disintegration and even domestic appliances rebuild that bridge once again. of the community with pro-PIGS, being combined to some extent. We wish to create a vast set of pro-Phase-5, pro-680x0 'fun- - A rise In general computer- funnels, wide at one end where damentalists' appearing. awareness and the demand for the users can shout, rant, create more friendly, more simple inter- and brainstorm and then narrow- Now, the case for the Amiga: faces specifically tailored to the ing into a central User-Developer - It still has a unique quality of various groups, such as families, Liaison committee at the other developers and users. business, and SOHO (Small end, a mechanism for distilling out - There is continued independent Office/Home Office). of the chaos and passion all the development of hardware and - An increased speed of change in gems of information that would be software. software, resulting in a need for most helpful to developers. We - The community, and thus the rapid prototyping, development, wish to protect the developers market, remains in the low hun- adoption and implementation. from the unnecessary whilst dreds of thousands. - The increasing dominance of guaranteeing that when users - It now has a new owner with an Windows NT in the business mar- have good ideas, suggestions and apparently agreeable philosophy. ket and particularly in what was recommendations they are not - The Amiga vision and spirit are a formerly considered to be the lost in the flames. powerful force. Unix market. - There's continuing disquiet and - Continued vocal opposition to The first project that the JMS has opposition to the status quo Wintel among users. sponsored is the Industry Council among personal computer users, and Open Amiga working group. which Microsoft, Intel and Apple With these assessments, we This was the culmination of nine are failing to respond to. began the process of developing months of debate and discussion the Industry Council and Open within the Arise mailing list; a pro- The worst-case scenario is that Amiga ideas. We didn't just want ject based upon the two most the Amiga community splits into to produce a plan that would kick- promising ideas of the list, the the three aforementioned groups, start the Amiga only to possibly Industry Council and the Open with little or no inter-operability see it founder in a few months or Amiga. The project consisted of between their chosen platforms, years. We wanted to produce a several rounds of directed discus- each requiring a separate porting strategy which would provide for sions on IRC over a month-long of an application - the community the creation of a core structure period, each round distilling the would shatter into small pieces around which Amiga development wisdom of the previous rounds competing against each other and could be dynamic, sustainable and building upon that wisdom the Amiga would become nothing and secure. We now believe that until it was decided that the work- more than a hobbiest's machine in we have achieved what we set ing group had reached its goal - a a gradually shrinking niche. A sad out to do. sustainable strategy for the rebirth ending for what was and still can END OF PART 1 of the Amiga. be the best computer on the planet. An ending that none of us Jay Miner Society: www.jms.org 2. An analysis of the current want. Fleccy Moss: Amiga platform. We looked at the current and fu- [email protected] ture state of the world's personal Here's the case against the Amiga computing industry, and identified - There's a shrinking user base. these trends: - Developer support is declining. - A movement towards open stan- - The primary Operating System dards, distributed objects, and and the Amiga hardware are cur- software that works together and rently frozen. works anywhere. - Primary marketing is dwindling, - Cheaper, yet more powerful and there's a consequent loss of machines to run more complex visibility for the platform. applications. - The 680x0 processor family has - The rise of the web. sduatuct6aa slat-9a .ryagette f ut997 29 7GGIae Warn tektC4Gl ~ React° 4 9zacst Regan
Over the years, SoftWood's flags- package, a comparative review INSTALLATION hip package, Final Writer has may be possible in the near fu- Final Writer comes on 11 disks. A evolved to become a very accom- ture. complete installation consumes plished and professional word- about 11 mb of Hard-Drive space. processing package rivalling REQUIREMENTS The Installer provides the option many of the supreme word- Compared to Gothic, resource of not installing the 100 pieces of processing packages on the PC hungry monstrosities found on the clipart, without which, the program for power and features, and PC, we in the Amiga fraternity are consumes approximately 6 mb of arguably exceeding them in terms blessed with relatively light weight space. of user-friendliness. and easy to use word-processors. Final Writer 5.05, despite a wealth Installation is a painless proce- Through regular updates, Final of new features maintains that dure as Final Writer uses the Writer has maintained its position tradition. Certainly the minimum standard Amiga installer routine. as one of the two tremendously requirements have tended to All directories and files are in- powerful word-processors avail- creep up with each release how- stalled to the one location. One able on the Amiga today; the ever, generally these option I would like to see, how- other being Digita's Wordworth requirements have reflected the ever trivial, is the option of Magic (Haage and Partner's imminent evolution of what is the 'average' Workbench icons. Love them or release of their new word- Amiga. Today, the 'average' loathe them they have nonethe- processing package should cer- Amiga does appear to have 2.5 to less, become the de-facto stand- tainly bring an interesting dimen- 3mb of RAM, a hard-drive, and ard icon system on the Amiga. sion to this battle). AmigaOS 2.0 or higher. Final Writer has these as its minimum THE INTERFACE Locked in a stiff yet healthy com- requirements although AmigaOS Upon loading Final Writer one is petition, these two packages have 2.1 or higher is required to utilise immediately struck by its unclut- largely kept abreast of one CompuGraphic fonts, and tered appearance and ostensibly another in terms of features but AmigaOS 3.0 or higher is required intuitive layout. Certainly, Final employ entirely different ap- to use Datatypes. Writer could stand as a lesson to proaches. The differences in ap- Microsoft with their preference for proach have led to a strict division However, Softwood hasn't forgot- 'bloatware', and their passion for of loyalties amongst Amigans be- ten all you 'baby Amiga users creating complex and convoluted tween the two packages. however, as a 'lite' version Is also interfaces (Word being the crown- Personally, my preference lies available. Unfortunately a review ing example). with SoftWood products, however, copy was unavailable at the time I do wish to say at this point that of writing. Appearance however, belies per- Digita's products are a credit to formance as Final Writer for all its their developers, being extremely Final Writer 5.05 was tested on apparent simplicity and transpar- professional, powerful, and intui- my Amiga 4000 which has a ency to the user Is a tremen- tive products. This review con- 25mhz 68040 processor, dously comprehensive and cerns Final Writer 5.05 alone. AmigaOS 3.0, and 14 mb of RAM. powerful package as t will outline With the imminent release of Final On such a system Final Writer shortly. Writer 97 (why do we feel it performed quickly and flawlessly. necessary to join the bandwagon) Upon loading one is also struck and Haage and Partner's new by the Ingenious card-file type
30 vQuatustlare Amen 9agette fia497 tabs located along the top and The preferences and the functions speed, Final Writer also provides bottom of the page which provide are accessible from either the an extensive range of keyboard quick and easy access to the menus, through Men macros, or short-cuts. required page or section such a through the button bank which is a chapter, bibliography, and index completely customisable strip of My only gripe relating to the inter- (see image). The use of card-file icons. The button bank, through face are that the non-standard tabs is carried further throughout the 'view' preferences requester cycle gadgets are clumsy. the program as preference menus may be positioned on any of the SoftWood should have Incor- utilise this system to provide clean sides of the screen or as a floating porated the excellent freely dis- and compact requesters. These toolbar. Moreover, Final Writer tributable Cycle-To-Menu card-file tabs assist in providing allows the user to establish as Workbench patch which creates Final Writer with an intuitively or- many or as few button banks as seamless, easy-to-use, and ganised and easily accessible necessary and have complete attractive pop-up cycle menus. system of functions and preferen- control over the functions ces which minimise the number of assigned to the icons in the button WHADDYA GET? layers and the actions required to bank through a very simple 'drag- Final Writer 5.05 incorporates a utilise a particular feature or per- and-drop' method. considerable number of im- form a function. provements and inclusions, some For those of us who find that a of them well and truly overdue. mouse driven interface inhibits The first of these is the use of
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Datatypes for image loading. performs corrections as you type 144,000 word speller and its 1.4 Previously, Final Writer could only for commonly misspelt or mis- million word thesaurus. The import IFF/ILBM graphics. Now typed words. The Auto Correct Grammar checker, a feature of with Final Writer 5.05, as long as system allows you to pre-define word-processors which I have your system uses AmigaOS 3.x those words which you want cor- always regarded as having negli- and as long as you have the ap- rected through a preferences re- gible practicality, does provide propriate Datatype, you can im- quester. The system is quick and some useful suggestions and also port the required graphic. unobtrusive. performs relatively quickly.
Other overdue Improvements are For those who are creating multi- The proof of the pudding is in the the support for preloading of fonts ple copies of a document with eating as some boring home-spun and the support for a system differing details, Final Writer 5.05 philosopher once said and this Is called RTF (Rich Text Format) now incorporates the ability to use certainly true of a word-processor. which allows the user to import an existing document as a style How well does Final Writer print documents produced on any template. Additionally, Final Wrtier your precious document? Well, word-processing package. 5.05 allow the user to create or Final Writer performs very well in Additionally, there Is now the sup- use existing 'style' templates or this category as SoftWood have port for Tables, or In other words, preference for a document. This always been renown for the statistical information presented feature provides a method of set- quality of the printed document visually in rows and columns. At ting a document's style without produced from their products. The present, Final Writer's Tables fea- having to manually adjust each print quality from Final Writer is ture only supports the Importation paragraph's settings. exceptionally high, even on a of data from SoftWood's database lowly 9-pin dot matrix printer. program, Final Data. Lastly, Final Writer 5.05 now in- Indeed, one could be mistaken for cludes the option of using ASL believing at a glance that the A tremendously useful feature for requesters (Amiga Standard document was produced on an those who use and edit HTML Library) requesters over Final Ink-jet printer. Final Writer per- documents (Hypertext Markup Writer's custom requesters. A forms very well with the standard Language, a script which is used minor addition perhaps, but one printer drivers, and the quality im- in the construction of Web pages which many users would proves tremendously with driver on the Internet) is the Inclusion of welcome. systems such as Wolf Faust's HTML support. Final Writer can Studio II system. Final Writer's now be used to create, edit, load PERFORMANCE use of outline fonts certainly con- and save HTML documents, and In typing and general operation, tribute to the printing quality, how- with the support for Datatypes, it Final Writer performs quickly: still ever, on the down side, Final allows for the embedding on pop- quicker than Wordworth which Writer came be slow in the print- ular Web graphics formats such does have a tendency to lag be- ing process. as GIF and JPEG. Admittedly, hind the typist. Final Writer's new Final Writer lacks many of the Auto Correct feature amends MANUAL features associated with typing errors unobtrusively and The professionalism of Final dedicated web-page construction without causing any significant Writer is canted on through to the software, the feature is nonethe- delay and text, document, and manual. Often, Amiga users had less an impressive and highly paragraph manipulation performs been forced to accept sub- useful addition to Final Writer. equally quickly. standard documentation for their software. The manual that comes For the typist in a hurry, Final In spell correction and in search- with Final Writer is professionally Writer incorporates the Auto ing for synonyms, again Final laid out and structured using large Correct system; a system which Writer is quick considering its easy to read fonts in well-defined
32 ~4aa.taa.Geaac r1«cGga 9agette /faly97 sections and paragraphs. All the regular updates and im- THE LAST WORD major points are accompanied by provements to Final Writer dem- Final Writer is a well crafted and clear, well labelled images and onstrate that SoftWood adhere to professional program throughout, diagrams. SoftWood claim that this philosophy. and a testament to its developer's the manual was produced on SoftWood, who have struck by the Final Writer: this in itself is a Final Writer does appear to have Amiga, creating quality products worthy testament to the profes- a problem with that infamous which compare more than • sionalism and power of the pro- Workbench kludge, MagicMenus. favourably with their PC counter- gram. On any version of MagicMenus parts. A clean, intuitive interface, prior to version 2.15, the menus speedy operation and perfor- SoftWood have divided the man- will fall to work altogether. mance, and high quality finished ual into clear sections which MagicMenus 2.15 does appear to product are how I would sum- reflect the structure of the pro- work, although I did experience marize Final Writer's good points. gram itself. The sections progress one strange lock up of my system On the negative side, and there from the Introduction and installa- which I suspect is attributable to are few negatives, are the lack of tion to features for the advanced MagicMenus rather than Final some important features and a users such as Arexx support. Writer. few minor bugs. Of course, it should be interesting to see Final The index and contents pages are One flaw I have noticed with Final Writer 97, and the improvements thorough and accurate, and the Writer itself Is when using jus- that this program will entail. towards the rear of the manual tification and columns, the last there are a series of easy refer- character of the final word on a Installation 90% ence sections which provide an line does tend to disappear from User Interface 90% graphical overviews of the pro- the screen, however, this in no Documentation 93% gram's primary features such as way affects printing. Speed of operation 88% fonts, menus, and clipart. Value for money 85% With regards, to omissions, Final Overall performance 90% LIMITATIONS AND FLAWS Writer lacks the text manipulation Murphy, in his many periods or features of a word-processor like Dist by Quasar distribution inebriated lucidity, is reported to Wordworth. Final Writer is unable Made by SoftWood have once said that a program to create warped text effects at Hware needed 3meg H/Drive either has bugs or is obsolete. least without a cumbersome and Sware needed Wb 2.0 or greater This is certainly true of Final crude third party Arexx script. Retail Price $179 Writer. No program is perfect, and
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.thce.taaltasc deicers gayette /futSy;97 33 THE BEST OF PUBLIC DOMAIN THE BEST OF IS DEDICATED TO PROMOTING EXCEPTIONAL PUBLIC DOMAIN AND SHAREWARE PROGRAMS. EACH MONTH WE WILL PRESENT l'lJl3l.IC A VARIETY OF PROGRAMS UTILITIES MID ADD-ONS COVERING A WIDE RANGE OF APPLICATIONS. EACH PROGRAM SELECTED IS THE DOMAIN BEST IN ITS AREA AND ENHANCES BY DANII3I. HA.iDUK AMIGA'S EXCELLENT WORKBENCH,
ScreenlnWindow available. Unfortunately the With ScreenTAB It is possible to archive contents did not come use some or all of the features of ScreenlnWindow is a small with a installer script so you will the program. If you wish, you commodity program that have to install ScreenlnWindow can disable the task bar and displays part of a screen in a manually to the destination of startbutton features, and only window on another screen. The your choice. have the ScreenTAB feature purpose of this program is to functioning. Should you choose allow you to work on one screen The only set back to to have the StartButton feature and monitor what is happening ScreenlnWindow is that it can functioning you will first be on another. clutter up the screen that you are required to set up what working on, thus making it programs will appear in the For example if you wish to difficult to work with. startbutton list . monitor your incoming mail ScreenlnWindow is an whilst typing in a word procesor, interesting utility, and will give When setting up the startbutton you can have ScreenlnWindow you an interesting perspective at programs, you will have the displaying your mail retrieving the way in which you view your option to choose either a program in a small window on screens. Workbench or CLI program. You your word processing screen. can set priorities for the By using ScreenlnWindow you Programmed By: Thomas Igracki program, and attach icon images will able to monitor what is Available From: Aminet to each of the items. There is an happening on your word Requirements: N/A archive included that has a processing screen without whole series of images to continuously switching screens ScreenTAB V3.0 choose from or alternatively you to see what is happening. The select your own image. window is fully sizable and has ScreenTAB Is a commodity scroll bars so you can scroll program which lets your Amiga One excellent feature of through the window. emulate the well known ScreenTAB Is the plugin "Alt+Tab" feature of MS modules. These plugin modules There are some parameters with Windows. Originally ScreenTAB can be used to extend the the program which will allow you only performed this one function functionality of the ScreenTAB. to control how the program however with the release of A plugin module is an external functions. The two most version 3.0, the creator has program (more commonly common will be HomeScreen added some extra features to mown as a shared library) which which allows you to choose the commodity. These new can communicate with which screen you want the features include the addition of a ScreenTAB over a defined window to appear on and task bar, which is very similar to interface. Some plugin modules lnactiveUpdateRate which the one in Windows95, and a come with the package. These allows you to set the update rate Windows95 style startbutton, include COMMODITIES, which for the window.The Amiga Guide which can make using the works similar to the exchange file included will tell you how to Workbench a lot faster and program, WINDOWS, which set up the parameters that are easier. gives you even more
34 rPaattiattarc Arrirtya. gastete /fa.497 possibilities for switching on your system. impressive about ABackup is the screens and SYSTOOLS which four available operational adds routines to flush your ABackup offers both full and modes. The default method is memory and safely reboot your selective operations. The the Interactive with intuition machine. selective operation will ensure interface. This makes the that all new information can be program operate as normal ScreentAB must be installed added to an existing backup file using the mouse, keyboard and onto your hard drive before you without you enduring to do an GUI. The second option is can use it. There is an Amiga entire backup. ABackup Automatic with intuition interface, Guide file included, which will tell supports file compression which allows you to make a you how to set up and utilise the methods during Backups, with project Icon. This mode is mostly performance of ScreenTAB to most file compression modes used if you perform the same- suit your needs. The modest supported. You can set up data operations frequently and wish amount of RAM that Is required encryption for your backups, so to have them automated. The to run ScreenTAB is a small any security issues can be taken third mode is Interactive with price to pay for a program which care of. Backup data can be shell interface, which allows you offers speed and ease of use. stored on several storage to use ABackup as a file archiver ScreenTAB will modernise your mediums such as, hard drives, with a program such as LHA. Amiga's Workbench, and ensure floppy disks, and tape drives. The last mode Is Automatic with its capability of keeping pace There is a preferences screen shell interface, which is useful if with more modern operating full of options that can be set up, you wish to have your backup environments . with a preferences option for process performed every feature of the program. automatically. Programmed By: Michael Link Available From: Aminet or PD libraries Requirements:Workbench 2.04+ & MUI3.6+
ABackup
If you're the sort of person who values the data on your computer, but has never performed a backup, the following program will be an A list of the powerful ABackup features, In the simple and easy to use essential addition to your range Interlace. of utilities to have. ABackup is a The features of this program are comprehensive hard drive quite definitive; there is even an Overall ABackup is a backup utility. The best thing option to print disk labels for you comprehensive backup utility about ABackup Is that it offers a so you know what each backup which has many options. The large list of detailed options disk contains. Graphical User Interface is well which will allow you to perform designed and ensures that the your backups in the most There is an option which will program is easy to use and convenient way. give you a summary and include understand. an estimated time size and With ABackup it Is possible to amount of low density floppy Programmed By: Dennis backup whole partitions or just disks you will require to do the Gounelle and Reza Elghazi individual files or directories. backup. Available From: Aminet and ABackup extends its ability to most public domain sites not only Amiga DOS partitions or ABackup can be installed onto Requirements: Any Amiga with 1 files, but also non Amiga DOS you hard drive. The archive meg ram and Kickstart v37+ partitions. This means that it is includes an Amiga Guide File. possible to backup your Unix or Mac partitions that are present One feature that is most f4aa.ttallaaa desert gayette Pal, 97 35 on a voluntary basis, this gesture colour printer. r was greatly appreciated by me. • User Groups - • TechMedia - A meeting of representatives from Represented by its principal, a number of Amiga User Groups Norman Cantrell, and ably within Australia was held on assisted by Gus, TechMedia Sunday afternoon, the main aim describes its business as 'Digital being to see how the User Groups Media Products and Productions", could be rejuvenated, how they building Amiga-based and Draco- could be used to help in the based DTV systems for a variety Amiga's revival in Australia and, of organisations, including in view of Australia's size, to schools and motels. determine the desirability and Demonstrations of the high-end practicality of a different Draco-based systems, and the organisational structure. A pro- lower priced Casablanca DVE tem committee, headed by machine (a sleek single unit Michael Gruber, was set the task design which resembles the of coming up with a suitable CDN and effectively says: 'This proposal. is really easy to use, you don't need to know there's an Amiga Two User Groups who had stands inside") seemed to make a strong at the show were the Sydney- impression on the few multimedia based Commodore Hornsby User professionals who attended the Group (CHUG) and the Victorian- show. based North West Amiga Users Group (NWAUG). Both stands • Unicorn Solutions - were kept busy answering Situated just outside Sydney, this questions, giving technical advice, graphics, video and networking and running demonstrations of specialist was represented by its PD and Shareware software, as Managing Director, Darren well as a variety of games. Robertson. Concentrating primarily on networking solutions, Those wishing to contact anyone Unicorn was mainly in this report can do so either demonstrating Its Unix-based through me or through Michael CNet card. Burak ([email protected]).
• UniTech Electronics - Finally, it was very nice to meet Proudly declaring its long up again with so many old faces, association with the Amiga, as and to realise that the spirit of the both dealer and service centre (it Amiga In Australia is not dead. started serving the Commodore Incidentally, I only had to travel community in 1983, and is now about 560km (350 miles) to be well established at St Andrews, there, and it was well worth itl some 60km south of Sydney) UniTech's dynamic duo, Jeff and Vickie Rose, didn't disappoint the Basil Hinter crowds who visited their stand, Al Representative for AAG'97 offering a range of keenly sought P.O. Box 353 after products. Well known for its ARMIDALE NSW, 2350 generosity and its total AUSTRALIA commitment to the Amiga Tel: 4-61 67 72-2100 (including the education sector), Email: [email protected] UniTech sponsored St Johns Park High School and donated an HP ~
36 r?ua.taalta.a rlMctga 9asette /falgc9 7 CAW I$1'vj1v NSW Contact: Ken Nbodward (President) Email: [email protected] Phone: (049)523 770 ah, (049) 675286 bh Snail Mall: PO Box 198, Moorabbin, Amiga Creative Enthusiasts Snail Mail: 59 Cantley Ave, New Lambton, Victoria. 3189Add Location: Illawarrah yacht Club 2305 Frequency: 4th Wednesday of each month Contact Brian Gale (Secretary) Southern Sydney Commodore North West Amiga User Group Phone: 042 752 493 User Group Location: Moonee Ponds Community Snail Mai:16 Cowper St, Pod Kemble 2505 Location: Scout Hell Connelly St. Centre Penshurat (Behind the Penshurat RSL) Frequency: let and 3rd Wednesday of Amiga Graphic Artists Special Frequency: Every 2nd Monday each month Time: 08:00pm lime: 08:OOpm Interest Group Membership: $20 (Annual) Membership: $25 Loatiat Unit 13, 83 Flora St, Kkrewee 2232 Contact: Steve Perry (President) Contact Gregory Thomas Frequency: 4th Sunday of each month Phone: 02 9528 6117 Phone: (03) 9337-8788 lime: 01:OOpm Snail Mail: PO Box 217, Beverly Hills 2209 Contact: Paul Demark Membership: Free Phone: (03) 9317 7283 Contact Michael Williamson (President) TUggerah Lakes Computer User Email: [email protected] Phone: 02 9545 4572 Snail Mail: 19 Mary St Essendon Victoria Email: [email protected] Group Inc. 3040 Srai Mel: Unit 13,83 Rom St. IOnawee 2232 Location: Berkeley Vale Public School Frequency: 1st and 3rd Thursday of each Queensland Commodore Hornsby User month, Time: 07:00pm Group Inc. Membership: $7 (Joining), $18 (Annual) Bundaberg Commodore & Contact: Darrell Kelman (President) Loxton: St Leo's College, Wooloott Ave, Amiga Computer Users Group Phone: 043 32 1087 Fax: 043 321087 FreMoorga Location: 14 Miles St Bundaberg 4870 Snell Mall: PO Box 659, Touldey 2263 Frequency: 4th Wednesday of each month Frequency: 1st Sunday of each month lime: 079)pm Time: 12:30pm - 04:30pm Membership: $6 (Joining). $24 (Annual), Western District Amiga Membership: $24 (Annual) $1 concession and family rates are also User Group (Attendance) available. Location: Uniting Church In Australia, 15 Contact: Mr R Attwood Contact Ian Sim (Secretary) Evan St, Penrith Phone: 071 529 215 Phone: (02) 9458 3395 Frequency: Every 2nd and 4th Thursday. Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Time: 07:00pm till late Snail Mall: 14 Mlles St Bundaberg 4670 Snai IS: PO Box 1578, Hornsby Membership: $20 (Annual) or $2 Narthgate, 2077 (Attendance fee) Rockhampton Amiga Contact: Michael Gruber (Vice PresldeM) User's Group East Coast Amiga Inc. Phone: 018 651 284 Fax: (047) 215 277 Location: CreseM Lagoon School Location: Niagra Park Public School Email: [email protected] Frequency. 1st Saturday of each month Library Home Page: Time: 01:30pm Frequency: 2nd and 4th Friday of each www.pnc.com.auf-mother/amigauser.html Membership: $20 (Annual) more Snail Mall: PO Box 6260. Baulkhum Hills, Contact: Robyn Plahn Time: 07:30pm 2153 Phone: 079 260043 Caeact Tony Drlemen (President) Email: Phone: 02 9985 9319 A.C.T. lanceplahn@harveynorman,com.au Snail Mai: PO Box 344, Godard 2250 Canberra Amiga User s Society (CAU Set Tasmania Muswdhrook Combined Location: Woden Town Centre Library Computer Group Frequency: 2nd Thursday of each month Tasmanian Commodore Users Location: Red Cross Hall lime: 07:30pm Association Inc. Frequency: 2nd Saturday of each month Contact: Steve Kennedy (Vice President) Location: 4 Cordelle Court, Rosetta, 7011 Time: 07:30pm Phone: 06 254 6711 Frequency: 3rd Wednesday of each Membership: $5 (Joining fee), $10 Contact: Alex Cameron (Secretary) month (Annual) Phone: 06 286 2966 Time: 07:30pm Contact Wanye Millerd (President) Home Page: Membership: $25 (fulUfamily Phone: 065 41 1024 www.spiM.com.au/-jamesnVCAUSe.html membership discounts for students and Snail Mail: PO Box 848, Muswellbrook Snail Mall: PO Box 596, Canberra City, pensioners) 2333 ACT, 2601 Contact David Roberts Phone: (03) 6273 0677 Mutual Amiga Computer Victoria Email: [email protected] (Eric Enthusiasts Amiga Users Group of Victoria Flllisch)Commo Location: Beresfel Bowling Club Snail Mail: PO Box 673, Hobart GPO, Contact: David Men Frequency: 1st and 3rd Wednesday of 7001 Phone: (03) 9553 3828 Each month, lime: 07:30pm Homepage: Membership: $10 (Annuel) aardvark.apana.org.au(-rallentaug ear lanna Many thanks to all the people who and fax, etc. Language such as obtain 'stuff" to insert into the said 'hello" at the Show. Some of 'Don't Touch or I'll Smack You" is computer. Also, if you are using you held back until late Saturday confusing for little ones. After all, your computer and a 'switch off' as I was very busy - thanks for you are touching them all the time would be devastating, make waiting and chatting on Saturday aren't you? It is best to use arrangements so that your little afternoon. It was a strange phrases such as °We only use the one either cannot access your sensation meeting the people I mouse on the table", etc. I know power button or the room. had heard so much about . it is easier to chuck them out of the room, however this will only Do not feel pressured to buy Quite a few families were in serve to frustrate your young loads of games or 'educational" attendance at the show with little one's insatiable curiosity, which, software for your young ones. ones, so I thought this month I by the way, is your child's key to Little ones enjoy repetition - when might give you Amigans with little learning. they achieve positive outcomes. ones some home hints on They will soon grow out of very protecting your computer and Many parents, over the years, basic games. Tiered software is maintaining your sanity. have told me that they keep a good value - our daughter has separate machine for their been playing the 'Noddy" DOs children - usually an unused educational game for years! Do teach your child as soon as A500. This can be a good possible the correct way to insert compromise, however referring to HAPPY PARENTING AND a floppy disk and/or CD ROM. your computer as the 'good" HAPPY COMPUTING. Your music tape and video computer is not an ideal term as recorders are good training it infers that your young one is not PS: It is not a great Idea to allow grounds for this. By the time worth something 'good". cricket bats or golf clubs near terror toddler is 18 months, s/he your monitor either! should be well on the way to DONTs inserting disks/tapes relatively Do not allow drinks or food near gently. The key word here is the computer. Try to set a good GENTLY. It is imperative that example yourself. If you have a children of all ages learn to Insert window ledge nearby or a book floppy disks correctly and gently shelf, use this to stow your drink. into drives, as a repair to your Make sure terror toddler cannot drive will be inevitable if they are reach or knock down any fluids - rough. for the safety of the child, as well as the computer. You would not Do teach your child as soon as believe how many 's/he spilt a possible that the computer is a drink over the keyboard/box of piece of electronics that has/can disks" stories I have heard. do certain functions. The sooner Do not allow terror toddler to bash terror toddler understands that the keyboard or throw the mouse s/he can achieve something with on the floor, etc. Under 18 the machine, the sooner keyboard months this is near impossible, bashing and mouse dropping will but do persevere - they do learn cease. By the way, my son eventually! Please address letters to thought the mouse was a Do not allow children access to "Dear Dianna" telephone hand set for a while power points, exposed electronics GO Ausb-Ben Auriga S and kept picking it up and saying or valuable data (disks, CDs) as 42 Meeting Street 'hello". you would be inviting trouble. My Kingswood NSW 2747 Do allow your child to experiment son is so keen he will climb the with your calculator/s, printer/s computer desk up to shelving to
38 fgaattatta+c vFnt[ga 9afette lfrclry97 Australian Amiga Cazette
Advertbers Listing Helping Hands Oar Thanks To
Amadeus Computers P/L p15 If you live in the local area and Colin Thompson Amiga Genus p25 would like to be involved in Dr Greg Perry Byte One Computers p25 helping preparing AAG please Basil Flinter Comprepair p17 contact Michael on (047) 361- Guy Nathan Computa Magic 311. No experience is required, p 2 Motherboard Computers P 7 just some spare time and a MVB p40 sense of humour. Synapse Computers p19 How to contact as Uncorn Solutions p17 Unitech Electronics P/L p20 Westcomp p25 Australian Amiga Gazette Important Notice 42 Manning street Kingswood NSW 2747 The information contained in this gazette is given in good faith, Phone: (047) 368-055 Writers Wanted and is accurate at the time of publishing. To the maximum If you are interested in extent permitted by law, neither Email: [email protected] contributing to Australian Amiga AAG, its employees, agents or www.p acorn aut-motherfaag.html Gazette we would like to hear its contractors accept any from you. Until our circulation liability for loss or damage builds up we can't offer any arising as a result of any person incentive other than our gratitude acting in reliance on information and that of our readers. Articles contained in this gazette. This should submitted as plain text gazette should not be used or files. Graphics as iff or gif format. relied on as a substitue for Please do not send your detailed professional advice originals just a copy. MVB, your Amiga Specialist Store continues to offer great deals for your favourite machine. Surf the Internet with your Amiga... We offer a range of software & hardware to help you get online.. Auslinx, Banksia & USRobotics modems. Termite TCP, (Browse, A-Web Il, AmiTCP Create exciting Videos with an Electronic Design Genlock... Pluto, Neptun or Sirius Il. We also stock the TBC Enhancer, perfect for high quality dubbing and colour correction.
Phase 5 Accelerators Speed up your Amiga 1200120001300014000. CDRom Drives Sony 12x SCSI internal or external to suit Amigas. You need to have a SCSI interface such as a Squirrel or Surf Squirrel (A1200) to use the above CDRom drive. A2000 Users will need a SCSI card such as a GVP or DKB card.
We have an extensive range of CD-Rom and disk-based software for all Amigas.
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"Serving the Amiga community for over 10 years." MVB Computer Supplies Pty. Email: [email protected] & Web: http://www.burwood.starway.net.au/ mvb. 506 Dorset Rd., Croydon, Victoria 3136. (Mail to: P.O.Box 627) Ph 03 9725 6255 & Fax 03 9725 6766 We welcome mail orders, and offer tree freight over $100 (inc. Free Mouse Mat) You can pay with VISA, MasterCard, Bankcard & EPTPOS, Cheque, Money Order and Direct De post. (Contact us for our banking details). E. & O.E.