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Ŀ
 Special BBS Edition      TAKE A BYTE NEWSLETTER                      
͵
  July 15, 1993    Issue 38     Volume 3      Bi-Monthly       FREE   


*************
News Bits 
*************
- 150Mhz computer chip is made by DEC. The processor uses RISC technology
  and looks to be faster than Intel's Pentium.  Yes, i said 150mhz! I had
  to look twice too.

- 386Max Version 7 released.  Supports 386, 486, Pentium microprocessors.
  $99 from Qualitas.

- SG3 Girlfriend Software.  A virtual reality based girlfriend with class 3
  artifical intelligence.  Comes with 100 VGA pictures and a 3000 word 
  vocabulary that grows.  Additional women can be added later.  7 - 10MB of 
  disk space needed.  $69.00  (CD-ROM version expected with over
  6 girls and 1000 pictures)

- IBM launches its second campaign in a attept to reach customers and sell
  more computers at a lower price.  In some cases IBM has dropped the price
  of some systems nearly $1,000.  Thier PS/Valuepoint 486SX/25 system was
  cut from $2,500 to $1,579.  The same system can be bought unfortuantly
  for $900 - 1,200 from local vedors.

- High Speed Pocket sized fax/modems hit stores this month like never before.
  They are about a little larger than a pager and more expensive too. They
  come in they standard 14.4K size and offer v.42bis.  Prices range from
  the $299 range to the $699 range including software. 

- IBM to soon release "Blue Thunder" a Pentium-like chip that will run from
  around 80 - 100Mhz.

*****************  
My DOS Prompt
*****************  
More memory, we all want it, but we cant seem to get it.  It seems like in
todays computers the most you can get is 640k not counting extended memory.
Did you forget your video card may have some extra unused memory?  I bet you
did.  Hey, i did too.  So, if you run only character based programs (that means
if you use Windows then your out of luck), then get ready for mucho memory.  
Here's what you have to do.  If you have a color video card (CGA, EGA, VGA, 
SVGA) then add the folowing to the EMM386.EXE line in your config.sys file.  
I=A000-B7FF
[Example: DEVICEHIGH = EMM386.EXE /XXXX I=A000-B7FF ]
     Say what?  You don't have a color card?  Use this line instead. 
I=A000-AFFF.  If you are using a color card and you have your old monochrome
card and a free slot then plug that card in and get more conventional
memory!  When i ran my memory report, it said i had 702K of conventional RAM
and after i loaded all my drivers i had 621K.  Its a good trick that will 
give you results especially if you use programs that hog memory.

*DOS Tips*  
Do you have to install DOS 6.0 on multiple systems?  Tired of it asking              
for those two unformatted disks?  When you install DOS 6.0 bypass that
annoying feature with the /G switch.
[Example: A:\>SETUP /G ]

********************
Breaking Windows  
********************                      
Windows comes with a little hidden utility that Microsoft threw in there just
to take up hard disk space anf confuse you. MSD.EXE is the Microsoft 
diagnostic program.  It looks at your device drivers, your active disks,
interrupts, and other technical junk that no one will ever need.  If you
are using a ALR or Everex brand computer or a BIOS older than 1986 you will
need to specify the MSD.EXE file with the /I switch.  It will (i)gnore the
autodetection of your systems configuration.  This program was distributed
with Windows 3.1 to help the customer service technician with any technical
information he may need.

*Windows Tips* 
Can't figure out how to disable Windows Enhanced mode or start it for that
matter? WIN /3 will start the Windows 386 Enhanced mode while WIN /S will
start windows in standard mode.


*****************
BBSing Around  
*****************
Network mail is becoming a hot new flash word among BBS's across the US in
the latest race for the top BBS.  Fidonet being the most popular offers a
variety of network mail services at low prices for the average user.  Now
why would the average user need to send mail via FidoNet?  Well, we asked 
several users on BBS's that support FidoNet or its counterparts about what
they used network mail for.  We polled our results.

Reciever:                  Percentage

Friend                      32%  
Business Assc.              42%
Business                    21%
Shareware Author             5%

        Network mail serves very little purpose in the way of normal users on 
a BBS.  About every 1 out of 19 users will send a piece of network mail once 
a week.  The charges are small as well as the benifits, since there aren't 
many.  Many Sysops offer the network mail as an attraction to get a users 
into thinking that the BBS is more sophisticated than it really is. 
        Network mail came about with the idea of, how to link bbs's together 
to save the user from calling multiple bbs's trying to find a person.  So
a network of mail was set up.  Each users who suscribes to the nominal charge
is suplied with an address.  Each address looks a litte different according
to the network you are using.  However, most addresses look like a swiss bank
acount number.  Addresses contain a location, like a BBS or network computer,
a name and or digits to signify who you are.  Most addresses are either 
directed to universities or popular BBS's.
        Most networks have a shareware based program to pick up your e-mail
for easy off line reading.  There are many networks too many to list, but
i decided to list below some of the more popluar ones.

 ** Adultnet: Over 18 Only
 ** AdaNet: technical discussions of programming in the Ada language
 ** AlterNet: medieval intergalactic network, with about 250 members sites
 ** ASPNet: BBS member of the Association of Shareware Professionals
 ** BITNET: Non-commercial academic network, over 500 members institutions
 ** BIZnet: business-oriented
 ** Cal-Net: California networks
 ** CCNET: Community Chat Network
 ** DVNet: DESQview enhancement file storage sites
 ** EggNet: Something like Fidonet
 ** EchoNet: Something like Fidonet
 ** Fidonet: World's largest microcomputer network, over 8000 member sites
 ** GreenNet: environment, ecology
 ** InterLink: Over 170 member systems, over 100 high-quality administered
 ** forums, dedicated to excellence in information and service.
 ** Intelec: 125 quality, friendly conferences, plus SF and selections
    from BZ & VN, echo'd to over 300 member systems in 9 countries
 ** Internet: non-Milnet segment of ARPANET, a multi-network system with
    over 300,000 nodes in over 2,000 networks in over 400 countries;
    probably includes BITNET
 ** ISGNet: International Sysop's Guild, alliance of BBS operators
 ** Metrolink: Allmost 100 unusual or gap-fill forums, many shared with RIME
 ** UNI-net: Over 140 member systems, almost 100 topics, casual guidelines
 ** USENet - Internet-based distributed bulletin board system with thousands of
    mostly Unix locations in government, industry, and education, with well
    over 1000 democratically created newsgroups.
 ** VirtualNET:
 ** Wetnet: Sexually related conversation for adults only
 ** WildNet: PCRelay network, may include RaceNet
 ** WinNet: File distribution network
 ** WWIVnet
 ** WWIVlink: mammoth multi-interest network, over 300 discussion chains

        At the time of this publication there were currently 192 Online 
networks available for use or were under construction.

*BBS Tips*
Watch those billings for network mail.  Remember you are charged for the
postage fee and for the long distance call too.


****************
Compile This
****************
A programg to reboot your PC is easy to make.  In an earlier issue we showed
you how to make a reboot program in DEBUG codes.  The following is source
code to reboot a PC in Turbo C. 

Listing for REBOOT.C
Ŀ
  #define MAGIC           0               /* for cold restart */          
  /* #define MAGIC           0x1234          /* for warm restart */       
                                                                          
  #define BOOT_SEG        0xffffL                                         
  #define BOOT_OFF        0x0000L                                         
  #define BOOT_ADR        ((BOOT_SEG << 16) | BOOT_OFF)                   
                                                                          
  #define DOS_SEG         0x0040L                                         
  #define RESET_FLAG      0x0072L                                         
  #define RESET_ADR       ((DOS_SEG << 16) | RESET_FLAG)                  
                                                                          
  main()                                                                  
  {                                                                       
          void ((far *fp)()) = (void (far *)()) BOOT_ADR;                 
                                                                          
          *(int far *)RESET_ADR = MAGIC;                                  
          (*fp)();                                                        
          return 0;       /* never gets here, but keeps compiler happy */ 
  }                                                                       

 
*Programming Tips*                      
When doing programming and compiling, .EXE files that you make will change
sizes as you re-compile and so forth.  Some virus protection programs will
sound off when they see this normal, legal change in byte size.  So, it might
be a good idea to shut the virus protector off for a little, while you
compile and so forth.


**********************
The Expansion Slot 
**********************
When people think RAM they believe the more the better.  RAM (random access
memory) is used for programs and temporary storage.  Now programs in the 
late 70's and early 80's needed very little RAM.  Most PC's then used barely
256k - 640k.  RAM was very expensive then too, a chip set in 1981 for 640k 
retailed at a little over $500.  Today you could buy nearly 14MB (megabytes)
of RAM for that price.  
        The average PC in 1992 was equipped with 4MB of RAM.  Some people
know that is not enough for some programs.  In 1992 the average program used
512k under 640k and up to 3 MB of RAM over 640k.  Windows 3.1 was the 
biggest memory hogger ever written (until Windows NT ) it used 4MB minimum 
and about 12MB maximum.  But if your computer has 4MB and windows needs 8MB 
you can swap disk space to simulate RAM.
        Users sometimes believe that the more RAM the better, but thats not
always the case.  Once RAM reaches a certain point the speed will not differ
as much with lower amounts of RAM.  The following chart may help you 
understand that concept.

Key:
Task: Running a search in a Windows database and importing a 13.2MB DOS text
document into Word For Windows. =  *

ͻ
           4     6     8     10     12     16     22   RAM (In Megabytes) 
͹
M   25-*Ŀ::::::  Chips: SIMM         
I   20-:::::::  Speed: 60ns         
N   15-:*Ŀ::::  CPU: 80486/33DX     
U   13-::::::  HDD: Seagate 340MB  
T   11-::::::  OS: OS/2 & DOS 6    
E   10-::*::::                      
S   08-::*:::                      
    06-::::::                      
    05-:::*::                      
    03-::::**                   
    01 ͼ

Task: Running Autodesk with a 12.5MB computer animation file at the highest 
resolution. =  
ͻ
           4     6     8     10     12     16     22   RAM (In Megabytes) 
͹
M   25-ͻ:::::::  Chips: SIMM         
I   20-ͻ::::::  Speed: 60ns         
N   15-:ͻ::::::  CPU: 80486/33DX     
U   13-::::::  HDD: Seagate 340MB  
T   11-:ͻ:  OS: OS/2 & DOS 6    
E   10-::::::                 
S   08-:::::::                      
    06-:::::::                      
    05-:::::::                      
    03-:::::::                      
    01 ͼ

     As you can see, the effect of having RAM to increase speed really takes
place at about 8 - 10 Megabytes.  However, between 12 - 22 MB's the speed
difference is minimal.  More RAM is better until you reach a certain point
where there is no speed benefit.

*Hardware Tips*
If you add SIMM's to your PC or are planning to buy some, make sure you know
the speed of your current SIMMS.  If your memory chips are different speeds
they will not work together properly, if at all.


*****************
Gonzo's Games
*****************             
     Our game this week is Galactix 1.3 from Cygnus software.  Galactix is 
really nothing more than a glorified version of Space Invaders.  It is, 
however, a lot of fun.  The aliens are coming to destroy the Earth, and you, 
flying a fighter armed with guns, missiles and bombs, have to fight through 
100 waves of them to stop the invasion.
     The Good: Although the game idea itself is not too original, you get a 
lot of bang for your buck.  Galactix supports VGA and SVGA graphics, Ad Lib 
and Sound Blaster cards, as well as mice and joysticks. The graphics are 
great, and it doesn't eat to much memory.  The game itself is fun, fairly 
challenging, and highly addictive. For those of us who cut our teeth on Space
Invaders back in the early 80's-Atari days, this has a definite nostalgic
feel.  And all this for just $15 - quite refreshing considering the $40+ 
shareware that seems to be polluting the market lately.  The Bad: There 
really isn't much, since Galactix doesn't pretend to be any more than it 
is.  The controls are easy to useand it doesn't need a lot of disk space.  
And unlike a lot of SVGA games these days, Galactix won't crash in a 
multitasking environment (unless you run it in full digital sound mode, in
which case it might).

*Gonzo's Tips*
There are two things to remember when playing Galactix. Some of the ships you 
destroy will release goodies you can grab with a retractable claw.  Every 
five waves, you face a mothership, and when you destroy this one, it releases
extra guns.  Collect them - they will vastly increase your firepower and
make the game much easier.
     At wave 49 and 100 you face a single huge command ship.  The first one 
isn't too tough, but the last one is. During the second wave, hoard your 
bombs, even if it means getting destroyed (you can keep going, although your 
points drop to zero), because you'll need them all to destroy the last ship.


***************
ROM Teasers
***************
**Scrambled Words**
Unscramble the word, if you can.
(Last issues word: THE PENTIUM MICROPROCESSOR) 
This issues scrambled word: DOUNS TAESBLR
Clue - Provides you with another sense for your PC.                                    

**Answer & Question**
We give you the answer, you think of the question. 
(Last issues question: What is a MATH CO-PROSESSOR)
This issues answer: First popular maker of microchips.
Clue - Who makes beepers today?


********************
Buy, Spend, Sell
********************
Top 5 Selling Software                Top 5 Shareware
1) DOS 6.0 Upgrade Kit                1) Pkware 2.04G
2) Microsoft Windows 3.1              2) McAfee Scan        
3) 7th Guest                          3) PC Magazines Utilities
4) Windows 3.1 NT                     4) Dead Paint 
5) OS/2 2.1                           5) PC World Utilities


*******************
Shameless Plugs
*******************
 ** GFC Systems...for all your computer needs! We can match or beat most 
     prices! Call (213) 664-6577.  (Attn: Gerald)

 ** Zola's Pleasure Palace BBS (24 hours) adults over 21 only.  3 lines so
     far, many public message boards, private mail, lots of on-line adult
     door games, 500MB library, chat area, Occult section, Bi, Gay, TV sect.
     7 different local lines for most areas, very friendly & colorful!!!
     (818)772-4548

Ad's will be free for the first 4 issues then will cost fifty cents a line
($0.50) for each issue after. Just drop us a note.


*******************
The Slave Drive
*******************

     **EDITORIAL**                                **MARKETING**

Editor: The DLF Group                         Coordinator: Tim (Dark Shadow) 
Publisher: The DLF Group                      Circulation: Report Dist. Inc.
Game Consultant: Tom                          BBS Coordinator: Samuel H. 
DOS Consultant: Chris P.                      Advertising Exec: Chris L.
Hardware Consultant: Jack Nevin  
Windows Consultant: Chris L. 
ASCII Graphics: Chuck Martin
Editor in Chief: Chris L. 

All trademarks & rights reserved to the respective companies.
Copyright (C) 1993 Byte Productions
ID#TNB38
