Personal Systems Magazine - November/December 1996 - What's New?

This issue's redesigned "What's New?" section makes it easier for you to find information in the areas that interest you most. From software to hardware, from Internet products to books, this sections brings you current information on the latest products designed to improve your efficiency and expand your knowledge.

CD-ROM and Audio Mastering Package
Cirrus Technology recently released its latest version of Unite CD·Maker, V2.1a. This new release of the innovative CD-ROM and audio CD mastering package for OS/2 supports the following:


 * Sony CDU-924S CD-recordable device
 * Ricoh RS-1420C CD-recordable device
 * Smart & Friendly CD-R 2004 CD-recordable device
 * Copying hidden files to a CD-ROM

Demo Version Included with OS/2 Warp 4 A fully functional demonstration version of Unite CD·Maker V2.1 is included on the device driver CD-ROM shipping with OS/2 Warp 4.

The demonstration version allows users who already own CD-R drives to create CDs right from their desktops, but will only permit 100 MB of data or 11 minutes of music to be recorded on a CD. The demo includes a simulation option for users who don't have a CD-R drive. Users can upgrade their demonstration versions of Unite CD·Maker to the full retail version, which can record up to 650 MB of data or 74 minutes of music on each CD.

According to David Walsh, president of Cirrus Technology, the demo version will allow OS/2 users to "experience the advantages of CD mastering and the product's ease of use, even if they don't yet own a CD-R drive."

Commercial OS/2 Video Poker Game
CFS Nevada, Inc. recently released a new commercial OS/2 video poker game called CFSPoker, which replicates all of the functions (except the payout hopper) of actual gaming machines. CFSPoker's many unique attributes include its design and operation (which resembles the current, generally available International Game Technology, Sigma Games, and Ballys gaming machines) and its distribution method.

The game is distributed free of charge with 1,000 game credits. It runs with no restrictions as long as you maintain a positive credit balance. If you deplete the credits, you must register the game to re-enable it. Winning credits that you accumulate while playing the game are added to the available credits. Therefore, if you can keep a positive credit balance, you need never register the program.

If necessary, you can register the game by phone, fax, or e-mail for a one-time fee of $34.95, (U.S. Currency) which provides you with an electronic key that permits unlimited use.

Fully configurable by the player, some of CFSPoker's options include:


 * Game selection (Jacks or Better, Joker Poker, and Deuces Wild)
 * Context sensitive help
 * Audio
 * Ability to redisplay hands
 * Customized card backs
 * Statistical data display
 * Log file (hand data is available for user processing)
 * Color
 * Credit options
 * Adjustable deal speed
 * Playable with voice commands on OS/2 Warp 4

CFSPoker is also available from electronic repositories worldwide for free download via anonymous FTP. CFSPoker is also distributed on the IBM OS/2 Family Sampler CD-ROM accompanying OS/2 Warp 4.

Notes-Enabled Imaging Product
Computer Clearing House, Inc., a Lotus Development Business Partner and qualified Professional Developer, announced its new flagship imaging product, ImageSuite/DESKTOP. The first Notes-enabled imaging product from the ImageSuite product line, ImageSuite/DESKTOP offers companies increased productivity, efficiency, and communication.

This product is designed for use in developing customized document management applications. Now you can easily capture, access, and share important business source information with suppliers, customers, and other areas of your company. ImageSuite/DESKTOP's design demonstrates superior integration and flexibility by program control from Notes applications and by its use in open environments.

Suited for an organization of any size, ImageSuite/DESKTOP lets you access source documents online. You can create images through document scanners or electronic cameras and also retrieve stored image files while in Notes as well as non-Notes environments. You can create and store up to five layers of redlining and annotations with images, then attach them to Lotus Notes documents for replication or e-mail.

ImageSuite/DESKTOP protects your investment in PC equipment by providing an image enhancement feature that displays clear views of small or large images, including engineering drawings, on most standard monitors. The viewer supports at least 36 image formats, including color, so applications can use existing image files.

Word Processor for OS/2
Sundial Systems Corporation offers version 1.7 of the Clearlook word processor for OS/2. Formerly developed and published by Clearlook Corporation, the word processor is now a Sundial Systems Corporation product. Sundial and Clearlook continue to work together to enhance the Clearlook word processor.

Version 1.7 includes new options and code enhancements to provide a more stable and robust product. This version provides enhanced tab support for greater formatting control and a window clip and import option to import a picture of any window on the desktop as a bitmap. Additionally, the complete user's guide and supplement are provided as Clearlook documents, serving as both examples and references.

Sundial is expanding customer options and offers users easy access to support. Clearlook owners are entitled to free technical support. The version 1.7 update is free to all licensed Clearlook users and can be downloaded from the Sundial Web site at http://www.sundialsystems.com. If you are interested in sampling the product, a Clearlook working model is available.

Manage Your Desktop Files
SofTouch Systems released UniMaint 5.0 for OS/2, a native, 32-bit application that repairs damaged OS/2 desktop files and uninstalls OS/2, DOS, and WINOS2 applications. UniMaint backs up and transports desktops across versions of OS/2 or onto other machines. In addition, it lets you view and edit Extended Attributes files and view, edit, and repair INI files.

UniMaint automatically moves application directories and files to other drives and directories, updates the system INI file entries and OS/2's CONFIG.SYS file, and deregisters classes. Before UniMaint 5.0, if you wanted to move an application from one drive and directory to another, you had to delete it, re-install it, then re-customize it.

The automatic backup facility lets you specify when to back up your desktop based upon the number of modifications made since the last backup. You can back up your desktop only when the designated number of modifications are made, instead of performing backups at a specified time interval.

UniMaint's ease-of-use is demonstrated with its introduction of specialized "function wizards," which guide you through desktop management. These wizards help you repair desktops, remove applications, and manage system INI files.

Stardock Systems Supports OS/2 Warp 4
Stardock Systems, an independent software vendor for OS/2, has announced its intention to support OS/2 Warp 4, IBM's latest version of OS/2. Stardock has been working with IBM to ensure that all of its business offerings work seamlessly, whether running on OS/2 2.11, OS/2 Warp, or OS/2 Warp 4. Companies upgrading to the latest version of OS/2 will be able to move their Stardock products without worry.

Stardock also plans to release seven new OS/2 products for corporate users, as well as the connected consumer:


 * Object Desktop Professional 1.5--Targeted at corporate users and power users, Object Desktop Professional contains all the features of Object Desktop plus advanced features such as the ability to view virtually any type of file, whether it be an Office95 document, a TIFF picture, presentations, or even a DLL file. Working with most databases, Object Desktop Professional also includes security to secure users' desktops, a class table editor to improve system performance, an application that makes it easy to deploy a standardized desktop, a full-blown tape backup application, Internet/intranet integrated help facilities for OS/2, and more.
 * Process Commander--This program prevents a badly-behaving application from hanging the system. Users simply press Ctrl+Alt+Del to terminate the process causing the problem. It also comes with remote process termination so users can log on to a remote system that has hung.
 * PlusPak for OS/2--Targeted specifically for OS/2 Warp 4, planned extensions for this product include multiple desktop log-ons (either on the machine or from a network), "themes," a replacement file dialog that can see long file names on FAT partitions, shadows, etc., and several other system enhancements.
 * Avarice: The Final Saga--This virtual reality adventure game is of the same genre as Myst and 7th Guest.
 * Master of the Empire--In this military strategy/conquest game, players compete to control the world's resources.
 * Trials of Battle--Similar to Mech Warrior, Wing Commander, and DOOM, this game uses IBM's DIVE architecture, letting players match wits with computer controlled adversaries or human opponents over a network. Internet support is also planned.
 * Entrepreneur--In this game, designed by the makers of Galactic Civilizations, players start a company, choose a market, and conquer the world by building and marketing the best products.

Graphical Library for Visual Basic Programmers
Scientific Endeavors Corporation offers its GraphiC software package for Visual Basic programmers. GraphiC/VB is a graphical library that can be embedded into a Visual Basic program. It contains a Windows shell with menu options such as zooming and printing.

GraphiC is a complete graphical library that lets you write scientific graphing programs. GraphiC produces high-quality vector graphics that you can incorporate into a custom program. Highlights of these vector graphics include linear and logarithmic X-Y plots, 3-D surfaces, polar, pie, bar, and Smith charts, as well as a variety of post processing and output features. Three-dimensional surfaces are shaded to allow color changes at contours of constant height or in colored ribbons along grid lines. Contour plots may be color-filled between contour levels.

GraphiC offers clear, crisp colors and easy to read graphs. It includes nine curve types with varied curve thickness, 16 different curve markers, and a palette of 248 colors and patterns for polygon fills.

The program is available on a variety of PC platforms including OS/2, DOS, Windows, and Windows NT. Its interface remains constant regardless of the application or platform. The platform-independent approach lets you easily port from one platform to another.

Scientific Endeavors also offers a version of GraphiC for Fortran programmers, GraphiC/FOR, which offers the same features and benefits provided by GraphiC.

Specialty Papers and Waterproof Ink for Inkjet Printers
Lexmark International, Inc. now offers an expanded line of enhanced specialty paper designed to give color inkjet printer users a wide array of quality applications for home and office. These applications enhance inkjet printing of photos, greeting cards, labels, stickers, and garment transfers. They support Lexmark's family of inkjet printers, as well as printers from other manufacturers.

Lexmark also offers a waterproof black ink that dries quickly on both plain paper and special media, producing clearer, sharper text that doesn't fade when exposed to water or sunlight. Lexmark's patented pigmented ink spreads less than dye-based inks when it contacts the paper, resulting in crisper images. This new black-ink cartridge can be used in the Lexmark Color Jetprinter 2050, the Lexmark Color Jetprinter 1020, the WinWriter 150c, the ExecJet IIc, and all three models of the Medley multifunction product.

Lexmark packages a sample selection of specialty papers and the newly developed black cartridge with its new Color Jetprinter 2050. Also included in the box with the 2050 is the Lexmark Workshop, a CD-ROM that provides an array of full-function applications for business and family fun. With the Lexmark Workshop, you have the ability to print images with near-photographic quality, professional-looking certificates, greeting cards, labels, and even T-shirt transfers.

Lexmark's new specialty papers/imaging media products are:


 * Inkjet Photo Paper--Print on either side of the paper--one side offers a bright, white, high-gloss finish and the other offers a matte finish. Obtain near-photographic quality ideal for digital photography, scanned images, and illustrations.
 * Inkjet Greeting Cards--These blank, high-quality cards have a single "score" across the width for easy folding. Print unique personalized greeting cards, holiday cards, plus wedding and party announcements and invitations.
 * Inkjet Iron-On Transfers--Print colorful images that can be ironed onto cotton and cotton/poly blend fabrics. Create customized T-shirts, sweatshirts, aprons, tote bags, caps, and other garments.
 * Inkjet Labels (in two sizes)--Specially coated labels in both address and shipping sizes use Lexmark's high resolution premium inkjet paper for sharp color printing. Use them for addressing envelopes, producing colorful stickers for marking household items, and for creating shipping stickers.

Lexmark's bulletin board service is at (606) 232-5238; Lexmark's CompuServe forum "Go Lexmark."

Family of Open Workgroup Printers
IBM has extended its printer offerings to the open workgroup market with a family of network-ready, low-cost printers that meet the needs of businesses that want user-friendly, reliable printing over networks. The four new IBM Network Printers--one color and three monochrome models--are designed to support the evolving demands of both users and network administrators in shared or workgroup environments.

The IBM Network Printer family consists of three monochrome printers running at speeds of 12, 17, and 24 pages per minute--the IBM Network Printer 12, the IBM Network Printer 17, and the IBM Network Printer 24--plus the IBM Network Color Printer, a high-quality, high-performance color printer.

IBM Network Printers offer high levels of flexibility and scalability to support the demands of all networking environments. Connectivity options, paper handling options, print features, and environmental features are all designed with the network user and network administrator in mind.

Monochrome IBM Network Printers support all major computing environments, from mainframes to Macintosh, and are the only printers on the market designed to seamlessly print Adobe PostScript, PCL5e, and Advanced Function Printing/Intelligent Printer Data Stream (AFP/IPDS) documents with full auto-sensing capability.

By implementing advanced controller technology, the printers provide the top performance in their class--both in time to print the first page and in overall job throughput.

Printing features include edge-to-edge printing on the IBM Network Printer 12 and IBM Network Printer 17. All monochrome models include TrueRes image enhancement technology, which optimizes the 600-dots-per-inch output.

Industry-leading paper handling options include user-installable, duplex printing at a cost approximately one third less than competitors' costs for all monochrome models; an offset stacker and a lockable mailbox option for easy job retrieval and for secure printing of confidential documents on the IBM Network Printer 17; and a 2,000-sheet stacker and stapling feature for job separation on the IBM Network Printer 24.

In addition to duplex printing, environmental features include DP-Tek's TonerMiser, the industry's most efficient toner saver, which can reduce toner usage up to 50 percent, with minimal effect on image quality. The small-footprint printers are extremely quiet and are Energy Star-compliant with a power saving mode.

The IBM Network Color Printer prints three pages per minute in color and 12 pages per minute in monochrome, features Adobe PostScript, and is designed for graphic arts customers, quick-print shops, and corporate users who print high-quality sales collateral, presentations, and newsletters over a network.

This printer incorporates the Fiery driven controller technology from Electronics for Imaging, Inc. (EFI) which runs up to six times faster than existing color laser printers, EFI's RIP-While-Print technology that processes a page while the previous page is printing, and an integrated hard disk that increases user productivity by spooling jobs and storing fonts and forms on the printer.

IBM's Network Printers are a compelling solution for existing AS/400, RS/6000, System/390, and IBM PC Server customers. IBM offers fully-integrated support for AFP/IPDS at 600 dots per inch, giving you the benefits of a cost-effective solution, combined with the print management capabilities expected in mission-critical production environments and the best error recovery in the industry. The IPDS data stream is supported over Ethernet and Token-Ring networks, as well as through traditional twinax and coax interfaces.

For more information contact your local IBM representative.

NoHands Mouse
Hunter Digital offers an award-winning foot-controlled NoHands Mouse to help you avoid the repetitive motion wrist strain that causes carpal tunnel syndrome. The NoHands Mouse calls on the more durable joints of your ankle for clicking, dragging, and dropping computer screen objects and text into place.

Because it is foot-operated, the NoHands Mouse eliminates the time it takes to move your hand and eye from the keyboard and monitor to the mouse and back. By eliminating the "travel time," some computer users have realized an increase in efficiency of up to 30 percent.

The NoHands Mouse rests one and a half inches above the floor and consists of two foot pedals, each 10 inches long and four inches wide. One pedal operates the "click" function; the other operates mouse speed and direction.

The NoHands Mouse is compatible with OS/2, Windows, Windows 95, and Macintosh mouse drivers. While the NoHands Mouse is revolutionary in design, it depends upon tried and true IBM technology.

Java Generic Library for Free Commercial Use
ObjectSpace, Inc., a supplier of object-oriented business solutions, offers the Java Generic Library (JGL) for free commercial use. The Java Generic Library is a comprehensive set of 14 reusable containers and 70 generic algorithms. It is designed specifically for performance and use in a distributed environment, and is completely compatible with Sun Microsystems' Java Developer's Kit (JDK).

JGL is a combination of multiple technologies that provides you with a core package for Java development. ObjectSpace has augmented the Java Developer's Kit by leveraging technology from ObjectSpace C++ toolkits and other vendors' libraries to form the Java Generic Library.

You can use the Java Generic Library algorithms independently of its containers and apply them to native Java arrays of objects, native Java arrays of primitives, all Java Generic Library containers, and java.util.Vectors from the existing Java Developer's Kit. This enables the Java Generic Library to remain small and efficient, vital to distributing applets and applications on the Web.

The standard Java Generic Library release includes full source code, online HTML documentation, comprehensive examples, a 100-page tutorial, and a suite of performance benchmarks.

Online Hotel Reservation System and Interactive Web Site
Pegasus Systems, Inc. offers TravelWeb, an Internet Web site where you can select and reserve a hotel room directly from your PC. With more than 25,000 Web pages of online lodging information, TravelWeb provides direct booking access to over 6,000 hotels and 1.7 million rooms worldwide.

From TravelWeb you can view color photographs of properties, as well as search for a hotel by geographic location, chain name, rate range, amenities, and facilities. Hotels that can be reserved via TravelWeb include Best Western, Days Inns, Hilton Hotels Corp, Hyatt, La Quinta, Ramada, and Westin Hotels and Resorts.

TravelWeb provides online help and links to other travel-related sites such as Southwest Airlines' home page and the Traveler's Bookshelf. If you make multiple bookings via TravelWeb, you can view reservations online, creating a "housekeeping list." You can also display your reservations for online verification of date, rate, or hotel name.

TravelWeb does not charge for searches or reservations. Credit cards accepted for TravelWeb bookings include American Express, Carte Blanche, Diners Club, Discover, (Japan's) JCB, MasterCard, and Visa.

You can access TravelWeb through any Web browser, but you must use a secure browser for credit-guaranteed reservations. TravelWeb uses the Netscape Commerce Server, which has advanced Internet security features based on Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) encryption technology. Additional levels of security range from transaction authentication, data encryption, and firewalls to a database of transaction activity between customers and hotels with tripwires by hotels and TravelWeb to identify unusual activity.

Plans are to expand TravelWeb to include airlines, rental cars, and links to additional Internet sites, giving you greater access to travel-related information. More than 4,300 sites currently link to TravelWeb.

New Antivirus Protection for the Internet
IBM announced a new enhanced version of its IBM AntiVirus software that provides safer, faster virus protection for the Internet, including the ability to scan Internet documents for viruses before they infect your computer.

IBM AntiVirus 2.5 provides protection from more than 8,000 strains of viruses, including the Concept virus and other Word macro viruses. Macro viruses, which infect macro programs embedded in documents, have emerged as a new and growing problem. The Concept virus, for instance, which infects Microsoft Word documents, was first seen less than a year ago, and is now one of the most prevalent viruses in the world.

AntiVirus 2.5 contains industry leading new technology to prevent, detect, verify, and disinfect Word macro viruses. It has also been designed to protect users from any future Word macro viruses, with free data file updates from IBM.

Ideal for businesses of all sizes as well as home users, IBM AntiVirus 2.5 supports the most popular Intel-based computer platforms, including Windows NT. The software was recently certified to meet virus detection standards developed by the National Computer Security Association. Currently, the Department of Defense is installing IBM AntiVirus at Army, Navy, and Air Force bases nationwide.

This new version's "check on access" technology scans a file for viruses whenever it is accessed, including when files are uploaded or downloaded from the Internet, or received via e-mail, online services, bulletin board systems, or other sources.

In addition to "check on access," IBM AntiVirus scans memory, hard and floppy drives, and network servers for thousands of viruses, including polymorphic viruses that change to avoid detection. It has dramatically improved its detection rate for boot viruses. For Windows 3.X users, IBM AntiVirus now offers automated, scheduled scanning and uses a new VxD (virtual device driver), for active protection.

For more information, contact your local IBM marketing representative.

IBM Client/Server Computing
Exploring IBM Client/Server Computing from Maximum Press comprehensively covers IBM's client/server strategy and describes how major product lines fit into that strategy. Written by IBM client/server expert David Bolthouse and edited by Jim Hoskins, this book explores the important role of client/server computing in today's networked world. This book is easy to understand and reviews IBM's client/server framework and the many IBM products, both hardware and software, that allow implementation of reliable client/server networking environments.

This 445-page book explains client/server computing basics and benefits from a business perspective. It clarifies IBM's client/server strategy, keeping business applications in mind, while examining a variety of IBM hardware and software products used to build and manage client/server environments. The book alerts you to common pitfalls in migrating to client/server computing through hypothetical case studies based on actual IBM field experience.

Whether you're using personal computers, AS/400 systems, RS/6000 systems, S/390 mainframes, or non-IBM computer systems, you'll learn how to plan, build, and run a flexible client/server computing environment. Exploring IBM Client/Server Computing provides a roadmap and comprehensive product information to help you successfully migrate to a structured client/server environment.

Exploring IBM Client/Server Computing--ISBN 1-885068-04-2

Network and Data Security
Osborne/McGraw-Hill presents the newest installment in the LAN Times Guide series, the LAN Times Guide to Security and Data Integrity by Marc Farley, Tom Stearns, and Jeffrey Hsu.

This team of data security experts gives system administrators and MIS managers valuable advice for maintaining the integrity and security of their companies' crucial data. Filled with many practical plans, ideas, and real-world examples, the guide shows readers how to shield network data from hackers, system failures, natural disasters, and other threats.

The LAN Times Guide to Security and Data Integrity begins with a discussion on the importance of data in today's organizations and continues with a variety of game plans for keeping that data secure and available to the right people. The guide offers an in-depth look at technologies that have been developed specifically to guard network data and discusses a wide range of related topics, including:


 * Backup and recovery systems and techniques
 * Database integrity
 * Data replication
 * User authentication
 * Encryption
 * Public network firewalls
 * Viruses
 * Hierarchical storage management

Learn How to Build High-Speed Networks
Another publication from Osborne/McGraw-Hill, LAN Times Guide to Building High-Speed Networks, is a comprehensive guide to speeding up local and wide area networks with ATM, ISDN, 100Base-TX, and other high-speed technologies currently maximizing networking potential.

This book examines each step to building a high-speed network, including what to build, where to begin, how to integrate into an existing network, and what kind of performance boost can realistically be expected from the network.

To help network managers intelligently assess their needs and options, this intuitive guide is organized not only by type of high-speed protocol, but also by its appropriate location. Each chapter discusses how a protocol works, as well as specific implementation issues surrounding it, along with strengths and weaknesses.

The LAN Times Guide to Building High-Speed Networks is designed to help network managers build powerful and more efficient LANs and WANs that can maintain peak performance. In practical, thorough terms, author Parnell offers his recommendations and:


 * Guidelines for selecting and implementing high-speed protocols
 * Advice on whether, when, how, and which technologies to use to speed up existing networks
 * Tips on avoiding costly network problems
 * Worksheets to help identify high-speed needs as well as an slowdowns in current networks, and to help accurately assess the cost of increasing speed

LAN Times Guide to Security and Data Integrity--ISBN 0-07-882166-5 LAN Times Guide to Building High-Speed Networks--ISBN 0-07-882200-9

Liven Your Web Pages with Sound
Learn how to add sound to your Web pages through the Web Developer's Guide to Sound and Music from The Coriolis Group. This book will appeal to Web administrators, professional musicians, and professional Web site developers seeking to create competitive sites, as well as hobbyists seeking to improve personal home pages.

This book takes a platform-independent approach, so you'll benefit from its content whether you're using a PC or a Mac. Tutorials are designed to use both, and sample screens are taken from both platforms.

In a down-to-earth, very friendly style, authors Anthony Helmstetter and Ron Simpson cover Web audio delivery techniques, the sound recording process, and the art of sound integration. Some of this book's key features include:


 * A companion developer's CD-ROM containing interactive tutorials, hundreds of dollars worth of sound clips, utilities, demo programs, sound effects, and music for use in Web pages.
 * Access to the author's Web page so you can test browser capabilities, plug-in modules, file formats, comparative efficiency, and hardware and software. You can also get the latest updates for music sources and sound libraries.
 * A quick reference of audio hardware and software vendors.

Web Developer's Guide to Sound and Music--ISBN 883577-95-0