۲       ۲       ۲       ۲       ۲       ۲
۲       ۲       ۲       ۲       ۲       ۲
۲       ۲       ۲       ۲       ۲       ۲
۲          ۲
۲          ۲
۲    ۱      ۲
۲    ۲۰      ۲
۲    ۲۲۰      ۲
۲    ۲   ۻ ۻ  ۻ   ۻ   ۰۰      ۲
۲    ۲   ͼ ۻ ۻ  ۺ   ۰۰      ۲
۲    ۲      ۺ    ɼ ۻ ۺ   ۰۰      ۲
۲    ۲      ۺ    ۻ ۺۻۺ   ۰۰      ۲
۲    ۲      ۺ    ɼ ۺ ۺ   ۰۰      ۲
۲    ۲      ͼ    ͼ  ͼ  ͼ   ۰۰      ۲
۲    ۲۰۰      ۲
۲    ۲۰      ۲
۲    ۰      ۲
۲          ۲
۲          ۲
۲       ۲       ۲       ۲       ۲       ۲
۲       ۲       ۲       ۲       ۲       ۲
۲       ۲       ۲       ۲       ۲       ۲
۲       ۲       ۲       ۲       ۲       ۲
۲       ۲       ۲       ۲       ۲       ۲
۲       ۲       ۲       ۲       ۲       ۲
  
 Ŀ
  Online Edition         Take A Byte Newsletter                Free        
 ͵
     October 1993            Issue 41               Volume 3               
 
                                                                            
 
ͻ
 News Bits    -=    New Releases and News    =- 
ͼ

- Stacker 3.1 comes in two versions this time, one for just DOS 6 the other   
  for other versions of DOS.  This version loads the device driver before the 
  CONFIG.SYS and AUTOEXEC.BAT files for greater protection against data loss.
  Stacker will also flush the SMARTDRV cache to protect against data loss.    
  Version 3.1 also will convert a DoubleSpace drive to a Stacker format.
  [Stac Electronics, (DOS 6 Version $79.95) 3.0 Upgrade $19.95]

- Aldus PageMaker 5.0 is trying to compete with all the other major           
  word processors.  Now you can open multiple documents and rotate pictures
  360.  New color handling, improved utilities, and other effects accent     
  the new version.  [Aldus PageMaker for Windows, $895; upgrade $150.         
  Requires: 8MB RAM, 11MB HD space, Windows 3.1.]

- SLC Now! Allows you to plug a board into a IBM Micro channel PS/2 and       
  upgrade the 286 processor into a 486/50Mhz.  [Kingston Technologies $425]

- Harvard Graphics version 2.0 for Windows.  Supports multimedia and a whole  
  new entire slew of utilities to help your presentations. [Software          
  Publishing Corp. $495]

- Version 2.1 of PrintShop Deluxe is now available.  Faster, and will import  
  PCX and TIFF formats.  New foreign language calendars, and you can preview  
  fonts and text on-screen.  [PrintShop Deluxe 2.1 $79]

- Shareware Compendium: The ASP Catalog 1993 contains over 1000 shareware     
  products.  Each listing includes a name, file size, version, system         
  requirements and registration price.  However, it does not include a review 
  or a rating to weed out the poor shareware we've all seen.  [Rob            
  Rosenberger $25]

- The Jerry Springer Show hosted a show last month about BBSers.  The show    
  covered mostly the romance aspect of it, including hot chats.  They set up  
  a PC on stage and connected to America Online through Windows.  Jerry       
  focused on a few personal events from BBSers around the U.S. including      
  broken marriages, outrageous parties, and sexual encounters.

- Current Affair covered a topic on CyberSex.  Subject matter included a      
  Multimedia package by Penthouse and CD-ROM disks.  BBSing was also          
  included into the segment by an interview with a "hacker" in the bay area.
  

ͻ
 Special Editorial   -=   Federal Crackdown on BBS's   =-
ͼ

     The Federal Bureau of Investigation has begun a crackdown on Bulletin
Board Systems in order to keep potential child offenders in bounds.  The FBI
thinks that the BBS systems are like a "shoppers channel" for potential child
molesters and the like.  So, the FBI is launching a campaign against finding
and searching out potential BBS systems and serving warnings to Sysops with
underage users.  The FBI recommends that you warn your children who BBS not
to talk to strangers or reply to any sexual messages.  The FBI was first
tipped off that many underage girls between ages 13 - 17 were engaging in
sexual activities with men and women in the 23 - 45 age range.
     The FBI also recommends that Sysops limit the age range to 18 and over
to ensure that this sort of problem gets under control quickly.  Many Sysops
are becoming enraged at the fact that the FBI is accusing many BBS's of
encouraging this sort of problem.  The NSA (National Sysops Association) is
on the FBI's side of this heated and controversial battle.  Many of the
smaller BBS's are the ones being accused of such actions.


ͻ  
 My DOS Prompt    -=   DOS Information and Help    =-  
ͼ

I often move files from one directory to another, luckily I have DOS 6 and it
comes with the Move command.  If you don't have DOS 6, then keep reading, if
you do have DOS 6 then keep reading anyway.  Since I don't want duplicate
files cluttering my disk, I created a batch file, MOVE.BAT [see listing],
that copies and deletes files with one command.
     To avoid accidentally deleting important files, I built safeguards into
the batch file that ensure a safe and happy move.  Errors are reported if the
destination file already exists, if you mistype a file name, or if you
specify a nonexistent directory.
     Copy MOVE.BAT to a directory in the current PATH using the command. 
Then type MOVE <file> <dir>, where <file> is the pathname of the file to move
and <dir> is the destination.  For example, MOVE NAMES.DAT C:\BACKUP moves
NAMES.DAT to C:\BACKUP and then deletes the original file.  If you attempt to
move a file to a nonexistent directory, MOVE.BAT will ask for confirmation
before creating the directory.  MOVE.BAT has its limits; because it looks for
`%2\%1' when error checking, the batch file can't move a file to the root
directory.  I added a PAUSE command that lets you press <Ctrl>-C after
copying if you want to save the original file.  If you don't want this
option, remove the first PAUSE and the three preceding ECHO statements.
                               
MOVE.BAT moves a file to a new directory, and then optionally deletes the
original file. 
Ŀ 
@ECHO OFF                              How does this batch file compare
if not exist %1 goto NOFILE      to the DOS 6 command?  Well, the command
if exist %2\%1 goto FILEERR      that comes with DOS 6 has better code and
goto MOVEIT                      the error handling is a bit more enhanced
:NOFILE                          by the way it handles problems.  The DOS
echo %1 not found. Check         6 command is also faster and can move
echo your typing, then           entire directories in one stroke.  The
goto ERREND                      command by DOS 6 is less touchy in the 
:FILEERR                         command string than the batch file. Also
echo %2\%1 already exists.       the DOS 6 command has more verification
echo Delete duplicate and        and problem solving techniques.
goto ERREND                      
:MOVEIT                                Tests done on a 386SX/16Mhz      
copy %1 %2 >nul                   Speed Benchmark [Two 1346k files moved]
if not exist %2\%1 goto DIRERR        Ŀ
echo %1 moved to %2               S 19Ĵ
echo Press Enter to delete        E 17Ĵ
echo original file, or press      C 15۱۱Ĵ
echo Ctrl-C and Y to quit.        O 13۱۱Ĵ
pause                             N 11۱۱Ĵ
del %1                            D  7۱۱Ĵ
goto END                          S  5۱۱Ĵ
:DIRERR                              3۱۱۱۱Ĵ
echo N | del %2                      0۱۱۱۱Ĵ
echo Directory %2 not found.          
echo Press Enter to create the          File1  File2   File1  File2
echo directory and move the file          DOS 6           Batch
echo or Ctrl-C and Y to quit.    
pause                                 Error Recognition Time and Error Fix
md %2                                   (Error being a invalid directory)
GOTO MOVEIT:                    [DOS 6] Ŀ
:ERREND                           Error              (0.03.23)        
echo try again.                   Fix             (0.04.87)        
:END                            [Batch]                                  
echo on                           Error              (0.02.92)        
  Fix           (0.05.23)        
                                          
                                            1  4  5  10  15  17  25  30  42
*DOS Tips*
Batch file enhancers are great to help to help make your batch files look a
whole better and add a variety of functions.  Norton Utilities has a good
batch enhancer (BE.EXE).  Batch file compilers don't always work well and
sometimes use more file space than just an ordinary .BAT file.


ͻ
 Breaking Windows    -=    Windows Information and Help    =-
ͼ

Older, Windows 2-based software won't run in Windows 3's Enhanced mode--or
will it? These programs will run under Windows 3's Real mode--and you can run
Real mode Windows inside the Enhanced mode.  You can even exchange data
between newer and older Windows programs via the Clipboard.
     For each Windows 2 application, create a PIF file using the Windows PIF 
Editor: Enter c:\windows\win.com in the Program Filename text box and an
appropriate name for Window Title.  In the Optional Parameters text box,
enter /r and a space, followed by the drive, path, and file name and
extension of the Windows 2 application.  If, for example, the application
is Excel and it's stored in a drive C: directory called EXCEL, you'd enter /r
c:\excel\excel.exe.  Fill in the Start-up Directory text box, and adjust the
memory requirements as needed.  Save the PIF file with an appropriate name,
such as EXCEL-R.PIF.
     Then, in a Program Manager window, create a Program Item icon for each
of these new PIF files by choosing New from the File menu. and selecting
Program Item.  Type in an appropriate description and for the command line,
type the name of the PIF file (you can include its path, as in
c:\windows\excelr.pif).  The Program Manager will display a standard DOS icon
labeled with your description. You can now run the application--in Real
mode--by double-clicking that icon.
     Pressing <Alt>-<Tab> (which moves you between Windows tasks) will switch
you back to the Enhanced mode environment.  But when you're finished with
your application and select File Exit, watch out.  Once the application is
gone, you'll still be in Real mode, with a Program Manager on your screen
that looks identical to the Enhanced mode Program Manager.  You'll need to
close this Real mode Windows session before exiting the Enhanced mode session
that contains it.
     If you don't want to bring up a Real mode Program Manager for every Real
mode application you run, make a single PIF file called WINR.PIF, using
c:\windows3\win.com as the program file name, and simply /r as the optional
parameter.  Make a Program Item for that PIF file, and label it Real
mode Windows.  You can run several Real mode applications within this one
session, subject to memory constraints.  Those applications can exchange data
with Enhanced mode applications via the Clipboard.
     If you use this technique, remember that running one Windows session
inside another means less memory for your applications.  Unless you can't
live without your old software, you may want to price Windows 3 upgrades
while they're still available.  If you wait too long, you may have to buy the
new version at the full price.

*Windows Tips*
Mouse acting up?  You should clean your mouse and pad about once every six
months.  Use a non-abrasive cleaner, usually a light soap and plenty of water
will do just fine.  Clean the mouse cover and remove the ball.  Soak the ball
in a alcohol base (nail polish remover will do) and let the ball dry in the
sun.  Replace the ball and make sure everything works smoothly.  To clean the
pad, simply douse it in soapy water and let it dry off.  


ͻ
 BBSing Around    -=    Bulletin Board Information and Help    =-  
ͼ              

Many of us at one time or another have come up with a problem with our 
software.  Sometimes a device driver is needed or you just need that one 
special file to make the program work.  Listed below are some of the more 
popular companies with BBS numbers.  The phone numbers may have changed
since the release of this column.

Modem Parameters:
96H - US Robotics HST Modem             96V - 9600 V.32 Standard Modems
96D - US Robotics Dual Standard         96C - Compucom Modems
24  - Standard 2400 Modem               24M - 2400 MNP5 Modem

Acer America...............800-833-8241 96      COMPUTERS & MONITORS
Advanced Digital Corp......714-894-0893 24      SCSI CTRL,TAPE BACKUPS
Apogee Software............508-365-2359 96D     GAMES,KEEN,SECRET AGENT
AST Research...............714-727-4723 24      COMPUTER SYSTEMS
Boca Research..............407-241-1601 96V     MEMORY CARDS,MODEMS
Borland....................408-439-9096 24      C,QUATTRO,DBASE
Cannon Printer Division....516-488-6528 96      LASER/DOT MATRIX PRNTRS
Central Point..............503-690-6650 96V     PC TOOLS
Colorado Memory Systems....303-679-0650 24      TAPE BACKUPS
Conner International.......408-456-4415 24      HARD DRIVES
Corel System...............613-728-4752 96V     COREL DRAW
Creative Labs..............408-428-6660 96V     SOUNDBLASTER MUSIC CARD
DAK Online Resource Center.818-715-7153 96V     ALL DAK PRODUCTS
Dell Computer Corp.........512-338-8528 96V     DELL MAIL ORDER CLONES
Digiboard..................612-943-0812 24      INTELLIGENT SERIAL CARD
DTK........................818-333-6548 24      DTK MOTHERBOARDS
Epson America, Inc.........408-946-8777 96      EPSON COMPUTER PRODUCTS
Gateway BBS................605-232-2109 96V     GATEWAY COMPUTERS
GVC Technologies...........201-579-2380 96V     MODEMS
Hayes Microcomputer........800-874-2937 96V     MODEMS
Hayes Microcomputer........404-446-6336 96V     MODEMS
Hercules Computer..........510-540-0621 24      MEMORY EXP, VIDEO CARDS
IBM........................404-835-6600 96V     IBM COMPUTER PRODUCTS
Intel......................503-645-6275 96V     MATHCO,MODEM,FAX,CHIPS
Iomega.....................801-778-4400 24      TAPE BACKUPS
Logitech...................510-795-0408 96V     MOUSE,SCANNERS
Lotus......................617-693-7000 24      LOTUS SPREADSHEET
Lotus......................404-395-7707 24      LOTUS WORD PROCESSING
Magnavox...................310-532-6436 96V     COMPUTERS/MONITORS
McAfee Assoc...............408-988-4044 96D     VIRUS PROTECTION
Media Vision...............510-770-0968 96V     MULTIMEDIA PRODUCTS
Micropolis Corp............818-709-3310 24      HARD DRIVES
MicroProse.................301-785-1841 24      GAMING SOFTWARE
Microsoft..................206-637-9009 96V     WORD,WINDOWS
Mitsubishi.................714-636-6216 24      MONITORS
NEC Technologies...........508-635-6328 96V     COMPUTER,PRINTERS
Okidata....................800-283-5474 96      PRINTERS
Orchid Technology..........510-683-0327 24      VIDEO CARDS
Packard Bell...............818-773-7207 24      COMPUTER SYSTEMS
Panasonic..................201-863-7847 24      PRINTERS,SCANNERS,CPUS
PKWare.....................414-354-8670 96D     PKZIP COMPRESSION
Qualitas...................301-907-8030 96V     386MAX & BLUEMAX
Quantum....................408-894-3214 24      HARD DISK STORAGE
Quarterdeck Office Systems.310-314-3227 96V     QEMM386
Seagate....................408-438-8771 96V     HARD DRIVES,CONTROLLER
Stac Electronics...........619-431-5956 96V     STACKER HD SOFTWARE
Storage Dimensions.........408-944-1220 96V     STORAGE DEVICES
Telix Support..............416-439-8293 96D     TELIX COMM SOFTWARE
Texas Instruments..........512-250-6112 24      PRINTERS,CPUS
Thunderbyte USA............615-442-2833 96V     THUNDERBYTE ANTI-VIRUS
Turtle Beach...............717-845-4835 96V     WINDOWS SOFTWARE
US Robotics................708-982-5274 96D     MODEMS
Video Seven................510-656-0503 96V     VIDEO CARDS
Western Digital............714-753-1068 96V     CONTROLLERS,HARD DRIVE
Word Perfect Corp..........801-225-4414 96V     WORDPERFECT,DRAWPERFCT
Wyse.......................408-922-4400 24      TERMINALS/COMPUTERS
Xyquest....................508-667-5669 24      CORRECT GRAMMER
XTree......................805-546-9150 24      XTREE/XTREE GOLD
Zsoft......................404-427-1045 96V     PAINTBRUSH
ZyXEL......................714-693-0762 96V     MODEMS

A few of these numbers we had trouble getting though to, some had notices
with number changes also.  We correct those to the best of our ability.

*BBS Tips*                              
The best way to find a good BBS is call all local BBS's and go from there. 
Numbers for BBS's are in the newspaper, the recycler, and online BBS lists. 
The most famous BBS list is Mike's Southern California List.  You can obtain
the list from this number (8-N-1 (310) 422-7942 supports 14.4)                

                                        
ͻ                        
 Compile This    -=    Programming Information and Help    =-  
ͼ 

In a sense, a running BASIC program is lost--it doesn't know its name or its
path, a fact that poses a problem for programs that must access files in
their home directories.  I solved that problem by taking advantage of a
little-known DOS feature.

When DOS runs a program, it stores the program's path and name after the last
environment string.  For a BASIC program to find its roots, it must locate
the Program Segment Prefix (PSP), which is attached to the program at run
time.  From the PSP, the program can find out the directory from which
it was loaded.  It's then a simple matter to lop off the path, attach the
file names you need, and use the results to access data in the program's home
directory.  I've included a sample program [see listing below] that shows how
this is done.  
     I modified the program so you can compile it with the popular QuickBASIC
4.5. When run, the program displays its directory path and file name.
Before compiling, start QuickBASIC with the /L parameter so that the Quick
Library QB.QLM, which contains support routines needed to call DOS functions,
is also loaded.  The program uses one of those routines, CALL Interrupt, to
locate the PSP.  In the listing, comments beginning with an apostrophe
explain how the program works.  The second line, however, is not a comment
but a command to include QB.BI, which defines RegType, a structure that
stores pseudo register values to pass to DOS and to receive information back.

FINDPATH.BAS demonstrates how a QuickBASIC program can
locate its own path.
Ŀ
 ' FINDPATH by CJL                  
 ' $INCLUDE: 'QB.BI'                
 ' Find Prog Seg Prefix (PSP)       
 DIM regs AS RegType                
   Regs.ax = &H6200                 
    CALL Interrupt(&H21,regs,regs)  
 ' Locate program's environment     
    PSPSegment = regs.bx            
    DEF SEG = PSPSegment            
    Offset = &H2C                   
    LoAdd = PEEK(offset)            
    HiAdd = PEEK(offset + 1)        
    EnvSeg = LoAdd + (256 * HiAdd)  
 ' Find command string              
    DEF SEG = EnvSeg                
    X = 0                           
  WHILE PEEK(X) + PEEK(X+1) <> 0    
    X = X + 1                       
  WEND                              
 ' Find end of program's path       
    StartField = X + 4              
    EndField = StartField           
  WHILE PEEK(EndField) <> 0         
    EndField = EndField + 1         
  WEND                              
 ' Locate backslash at path end     
    EndPath = EndField              
  WHILE PEEK(EndPath) <> &H5C       
    EndPath = EndPath - 1           
  WEND                              
 ' Copy path name to string         
  FOR X = StartField to EndPath     
    Path$ = Path$ + CHR$(peek(X)    
  NEXT X                            
    PRINT "Path = "Path$            
 ' Copy program name to string      
  FOR X = EndPath + 1 to EndField   
    Prog$ = Prog$ + CHR$(peek(X))   
  NEXT X                            
    PRINT "Program = " Prog$        
  END                               
 

*Programming Tips*
QuickBasic 4.5 supports a few more functions then the QBASIC that comes with
DOS 5 and 6.  One of those functions is being able to compile.  So, if you
like to program in basic and have a greater power by running your programs
from the command line, try QuickBasic 4.5.


ͻ
 The Expansion Slot     -=    Hardware Information and Help    =-
ͼ

Thinking of getting a new modem?  What should you look for?  What is the best
modem to get?  What speed?  How do you put one in?  What kind of compression
is best?  Error correction?  All these are very important questions and we'll
help you make some of those decisions if you're having a rough time picking
out a new modem.  Let's explore all the possibilities in this two past issue
series.

(Part 1 of 2)
 New Modem? 
     Most people think about buying a new modem when they are in the middle
of a long downloading session.  Too many people are addicted to downloading
shareware and other goodies and want to spend about $200 to speed that
process up.  Other people want to see their screen scroll by faster or want
to show off their latest technology.  In any case, you have to decide what is
most important, showing off or speed?

 Looking 
     When looking for a new modem, you should keep a few things in mind.  One
being price, the other being the ability to upgrade.  Bundled software is a
good thing to look for too.  The basic compatibility options are: Hayes
Smartmodem compatibility, over V.22/V.22bis, Full or Half duplex, Auto dial
and auto answer, and dual phone jacks.  A fax/modem option is great too, the
fax operation usually operates at a higher speed than the modem operation.
     Modems come in all shapes and sizes, here is a good idea of what your
modem will look like:

Basic Internal Modem                       
Ĵ    
[--]--OO--[ ] Jumpers 2|=ĿLine In
[ Speaker --]--  OO  """""|   
[  OO |=-------{ÿVolume
[+--.. ..|__==UU---{ 
 ^^^^^^|^^^^   |____|____     ĿLine Out
II   OO O   |O------OO_|====
OO | |||   OO====  O::  Jumpers 1  
       O O    ::  [  ]    
Ŀ
             
                                       
Basic External Modem  (Front)            __________
Ŀ/|
                    ͻ   |
 Brand X      -- -  () () () () () () () ()   |
 2400 Ext.    -- -  HS AA CD OH RD SD TR MR   | 
                    ͼ   |
/

Basic External Modem (Back)              __________
Ŀ/|
                                                |
 ()    []   [O\::::::::::::::/O]          |
Power   Power        RS-232        Line  Line   |
Switch  Plug        Connector       In    Out   |
/ 

 Speed 
     The best thing in a modem to look for at this point is speed.  As usual
the faster the better.  Most modems today come in a variety of speeds, the
most common being: 1200, 2400, 9600, 14.4, 16.8, 32.8.  The 1200 baud modems
are slow, cheap, and outdated, they cost about $15 - 30.  Next, is the 2400
baud modems, they are the most common of all at this point.  The 2400 baud
modem is still inexpensive, provides fair speed, and is still supported, they
average from $35 - 85.  The 9600 modems are fast, reliable, and well
supported.  The average price for a good 9600 baud modem is from about $60 -
140.  Then you have the current popular 14.4 modems.  These modems are fast
and are very reliable, but still not widely supported.  The cost for a 14.4
modem ranges around $150 - 200.  The next speed up is a 16.8, this is a
improved version of the 14.4 and is extremely fast, and provides good
reliability.  The cost for a 16.8 modem ranges from $240 - 300.  The next
modem up is the 32.8, these modems are just being approved by the FCC, they
have new advanced analog to digital chips that really cook.  However, since
it is new technology it will take a long time for the standards to be
introduced which makes it not too widely supported at this time.  The cost is
estimated between $350 - 425.
(To be Continued Next Month!)

*Hardware Tips*
Save money.   If you just want to buy a new modem just to speed up
downloading, then go buy the Shareware CD-ROMS with over 1800 Megs in files. 
Its cheaper than a new modem.  Prices for the CD-ROMS range from $30 - 90.

  
ͻ
 Gonzo's Games     -=    Games Reviews    =-
ͼ

The computer game aspect of the computer industry is growing at a
unbelievable rate.  Leading the way in technology and great gameplay is the
company Sierra.  Other companies like Origin, and Virgin are on their way to
becoming great game producers.  What's to look forward to in the coming
months?  Here is a small list of games on their way to your local shop now. 

Game                       Maker            Release     Type     Est. Cost
Ŀ
Lemmings 2             Psygnosis         Sept 93   Shooter  $59.95     
Strike Commander       Origin            Nov  93   Flight   $59.95@    
Betrayal At Krondor    Dyanmix           Oct  93   RPG      $59.95@    
CyberRace              Cyberdreams Inc   Oct  93   Action   $39.95@    
Wing Commander Academy Origin            Nov  93   Flight   $49.95@    
Lands Of Lore          Virgin            Oct  93   RPG      $56.95@    
Seal Team              Electronic Arts   Oct  93   Action   $39.95@    
The Journeyman Project*Quadra            Nov  93   RPG      $79.95     
Rebel Assault*         LucasArts         Nov  93   Flight   $69.95     
Iron Helix*            Spectrum          Oct  93   RPG      $99.95     
Kings Quest VI*        Sierra            Oct  93   RPG      $79.95     
Day Of The Tentacle*   LucasArts         Oct  93   Advent   $69.95     

* = CD-ROM Version                                                           
@ = Price not Fixed Yet

Some of those games above might be delayed until December to keep a good
handle over the holiday season.  Expect to see the Journeyman Project win
game awards as well as Iron Helix, and Strike Commander.  All the games to
come are good and will support most of the popular sound boards.  If you
don't have a sound board, think about getting one to play one of the above
games.

*Gonzo's Tips*
Who has the best prices on games?  Usually mail order will have the best
price.  If not mail order, then try Electronics Boutique or Adrays in the
California and Nevada areas.


ͻ
 Dr. TBN )-===---     -=  PC Virus Help and Information    =-
ͼ

Average Number of Known Viruses: 793
Average Number of Total Strains: 1,573

Key:
     MSAV - Microsoft Anti-Virus (Licensed from Central Point)
     CPAV - Central Point Anti-Virus
     NAV - Norton Anti-Virus (Symantec Corp.)
     COM - A command file (ex: command.COM)
     EXE - Executable file (ex: chkdsk.EXE)
     DLL - Dynamic Link Library (commdlg.DLL)
     DRV - Device Drivers (mouse.DRV)

 -=[ Satan Bug ]=-   
Satan Bug is a polymorphic, non-stealth, resident, COM and EXE infector.  It
is approximate in complexity to those viruses incorporating the Mutation
Engine.  The virus starts with a very long decryption routine which varies
greatly in both size and content.  Several decryption methods may be
employed.  Due to the complexity of the encryption, Norton Anti-Virus or
Central Point Anti-Virus or Microsoft Anti-Virus will not repair this virus. 
When an infected file is executed, the virus will seek out COMMAND.COM.  It
will be infected first.  Then the virus will stay resident in memory as it
infects COM and EXE files as they are executed or copied.
     The virus ranges in size from about 3600 to 5400 bytes; the actual virus
being about 3500 bytes and the rest being the polymorphic decryptor.  The
text "Satan Bug virus - Little Loc" is hidden in the encrypted portion of the
virus.  A company on the east coast of the United States discovered that it
had been infected by this virus.  Thus computer users in the region should
be most careful.  If you discover that you are infected by this virus, you
should call the technical support number of your Anti-Virus software company.

-=[ Butterfly Virus ]=-
Butterfly is a simple non-resident infector of COM programs.  It appears
to be closely related to the Ash virus.  Past virus recognition codes would
have been able to detect this variant as the Ash virus.  Butterfly only
infects on execution, targeting other files in the current directory.  It is
about 300 bytes long and contains the text "butterflies".
     This virus has been reported in the wild by CPAV.  As noted, you would
have been equally protected by the previous recognition of Ash.  However,
newer virus recognition code (via anti-virus updates) is now able to
differentiate Butterfly Virus from the Ash Virus.
     The Ash definition has been fine tuned to acknowledge the presence of
this new variant and let this new variant be called Butterfly.  Butterfly can
be repaired by NAV, and CPAV.

-=[ MacGyver ]=-
MacGyver is a memory-resident stealth virus that infects EXE files as they
are run or opened.  The virus also attaches itself to files that look like
EXE files (.386, .DLL, .DRV, etc).  These files will seem corrupted.  The
virus contains the encrypted messages "MACGYVER V 1.0" and "Keelung, TAIWAN
1992", but does not display those messages.  If the month is after February
and the date ends in 5 (i.e. March 5 to  December 25) the virus is supposed
to play a tune.  Infected files will grow by approximately 2800 (2803) bytes. 
However, if the virus is active in memory this size change will not be
visible in a directory listing.  MacGyver can be repaired by NAV, CPAV, MSAV.

-=[ Scream-652 ]=-
This is a another variant of the Scream II virus.  This group of viruses
infects COMMAND.COM when initially run, and infect other COM and EXE files
from memory as they are run or opened for any reason.  Infected files grow by
approximately 650 (652) bytes with the virus located at the end of the host
program.  The virus is encrypted.  This virus is not repaired by NAV, CPAV or
MSAV.

-=[ Freddy ]=-
Freddy is a memory-resident virus that infects COM and EXE files as they are
run.  The virus contains an encrypted directory in which all entries appear
as "FREDDY   KRG" with a size of 0 bytes.  The time and date stamps do not
appear as these fields also contain zero.  When the virus triggers, the
sector is decrypted and written to the first root directory sector of drive
C: making the system unbootable.  The virus then hangs the computer in an
endless loop.  Infected files grow by about 1900 bytes with the virus located
at the end of the host program.  However, COMMAND.COM is infected differently
and grows by less than 100 bytes.  Freddy can be repaired by NAV, CPAV.

-=[ Stoned (3C) ]=-
This is a minor variant of the standard Stoned virus. It does not contain
the "Legalize Marijuana" message and appears to have been modified so as
to avoid detection with older anti-virus patterns.  Stoned (3C) can be
repaired by NAV, MSAV.

Note: File size growth is given in approximate numbers.  If a number is
enclosed in parentheses, that number would be the growth of one of the more
common variants.  As it is too easy for a virus writer to alter this number
without changing the virus significantly, do not depend on the more precise
number.  It is provided for your confidence should you encounter it, which
we hope never happens.

[Virus information provided with permission by: Symantec Corporation.]


ͻ
 ROM Teasers    -=    Brain Games and Fun    =-
ͼ

**Scrambled Words**
   Unscramble the word, if you can.
   (Last issues word: BACKUP) 
   This issues scrambled word: AIMEMIUDTL     
   Clue - Sound, Animation, Pictures

**Answer & Question**
   We give you the answer, you think of the question. 
   (Last issues question: What is a Caddy.)
   This issues answer: Is the version number of the latest IBM DOS.
   Clue - One more than Microsoft.

**Word Search**
 Ŀ
 E R A B O O L E A N E S D P O T 
 R V A L D I S K E T T E O R K V   1) DISKETTE           8) BOOLEAN  
 O E B O O E E N N G I P O O C I   2) SPEAKER            9) JOYSTICK  
 T R T H E W N R O P E R P C I R   3) DENSITY   
 I B O O M E E S E O P O L E T U   4) EPROM              Bonus - VIRUS 
 K A S E O A Z X I L E M E S S S   5) VERBATIM   
 A T L Y O U O U X T A N D S Y S   6) PROCESSOR
 F I O L E O E I W O Y S M O O A   7) KEYS     
 O M H R E K A E P S X E R R J M          
 

**As The Hard Disk Turns**
     She stared blankly at me and a tear rolled down her face like floppy
drive cleaner.  She then looked away and muttered softly, "I think my husband
is out cheating on me, with a GIF slut from the other side of town no less."
     I sighed deeply and looked at the floor.  I then went over to her and
offered to buy her a drink, to put some Corel back in her face.  She agreed
and we were off to the sleazy hole bar down the street called The Paradox.
     We were at the door about to go in and discuss her problems when a
officer bared our way.  Apparently the cops did a RAID 5 on their illegal
disk array selling in the late evening hours.  So, we moved on to an old bar
just down the old sixteen bit pathway st.  When we walked in the place we saw
a few junkies in the corner and a few low level format looking guys having a
chat with the barkeep.
(To Be Continued)

**Quoteables**

     "Look, if computers were easy to fix, do you think I would
      be answering your call?"
                             -Gateway Tech Support


ͻ              
 Industry Variables     -=     Marketplace Information    =-
ͼ

*The Top 5*
   Top 5 Selling Software                Top 5 Shareware/Freeware
1) Lotus 123 4.0 Upgrade              1) Pkware 2.04G
2) WordPerfect 6.0                    2) McAfee Scan        
3) DOS 6.0 Upgrade                    3) Winzip 4.01c        
4) Corel Draw 4.0                     4) Solar Winds
5) WinFax Pro                         5) Spear of Destiny

   Top 5 Selling Hardware                Top 5 Selling PC Games
1) Intel 486/33DX CPU                 1) 7th Guest
2) Colorado 250 Jumbo Backup          2) Xwing Mission Disk
3) Robotics 14.4k Fax/Modem           3) Tornado             
4) Microsoft Mouse                    4) Kyrandia CD
5) SoundBlaster 16 Audio Brd.         5) Xwing Flight Simulator

   Top 5 Leaders                         TBN's Hot Picks!
1) Microsoft (Software)               1) MS-DOS 6 Upgrade
2) Intel (Microprocessors)            2) Diamond Viper VL Video Board
3) Borland (Software)                 3) Sportster 14.4 Fax/Modem
4) Motorola (Processors)              4) Corel Draw 4.0 Upgrade
5) IBM (PC's & Software)              5) WordPerfect 6.0 Upgrade

*Averages*
   Average Prices for Mail Order 
1) QEMM Ver.7          $60  +/-10%    6) AutoWorks         $49  +/-04%
2) WordPerfect Informs $127 +/-05%    7) WP 5.2 Upgrade    $77  +/-10% 
3) Corel Draw ver.4 CD $380 +/-25%    8) Winfax Pro 3.0    $82  +/-10%
4) WP60 (Upgrade)      $99  +/-10%    9) MS-DOS 6 Upgrade  $47  +/-03%
5) Norton Utilities    $112 +/-03%   10) Lotus 4 Upgrade   $93  +/-12%

1) Average New Software Prices 
2) Average Used Software Prices
3) Average Shareware Prices
4) Average price of RAM (1MB Chip)
Year Reflects Month of October
Ŀ  
Year      1       2       3       4    
1982    $35     $10     $5      $327   
1984    $50     $13     $11     $321   
1987    $30     $22     $15     $462   
1989    $80     $20     $13     $130   
1990    $90     $15     $26     $85    
1993    $110    $25     $35     $48    
 

Average Price of a PC's:
Ŀ
 Computer          October 1993            1994 (Prediction)  
͹   High      Low            High     Low       
386DX/33 New:    $1,000    $800           $850     $700       
386DX/33 Used:   $650      $400           $600     $350       
486DX2/66 New:   $2,800    $1,500         $2,400   $1,400     
486DX2/66 Used:  $1,400    $1,100         $1,200   $1,100     
Pentium New:     $3,300    $2,500         $2,500   $2,200     
Dual Pentium:    $5,400    $3,400         $2,900   $2,700     


*TBN Monthly Award* [Microsoft Disk Operating System Version Six]
For achieving great excellence in marketing, good pricing and having a good
product, we select Microsoft's DOS 6 for the award.  DOS 6 has been
criticized for having "bugs" and it has been bashed and beaten, 
but still has remained a top seller for over 2 months.  
[Microsoft DOS 6; $49 at selected stores]


ͻ
 Shameless Plugs    -=    Advertising    =-
ͼ

-==-  Example Ad - Yes, you can too advertise in the TBN Newsletter!
       It's easy, just send us 4 - 5 lines of standard ASCII text and
       form it to 65 - 75 cpl.  So send us your ad's!!!
 
(Ad's will be free for the first 2 issues then will cost fifty cents a line
($0.50) for each issue after. Just drop us a note.)
 
 
ͻ
 The Slave Drive    -=    Columnists, Editors, and Staff    =-
ͼ

Ŀ
 Editor: The DLF Group                   Publisher: Byte Productions     
 Game Consultant: Tom                    DOS Consultant: Chris L.        
 Hardware Consultant: Jack Nevin         Windows Consultant: Chris P.    
 ASCII Graphics: Chuck Martin            Editor in Chief: Chris L.       

Distribution of this newsletter is allowed as long as it is not edited in
whole or by part.  
Special Thanks to: Symantec, Microsoft, Power Utilities, Ziff Net.
Desktop version available for a nominal charge in: Print, WP, TXT, and WRI. 
All trademarks (R) & rights reserved to the respective companies.  
Copyright (C) 1993 Byte Productions 
ID#TBN41
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