[HEA] _____________________ ___ _ |___ ______________| | | | | | | _ | | | | | || | | | | | | || | | | | | | || | | | ____ _ _ _ _ ______ | | | || | | | / __ \ | | / \_/ \ | ___ \ | | | || |__ ____ | | / / \ | | /\ /\ \ | | \ \ | | | || _ \ | _ \ | | \ \__/ | | | |_|| | | |__/ / | | | || | | || |_|| | | \___/|_| |_| |_| | ____/ |_| | || | | || |__ | |____________________ | | _ |__||_| |_|\____/ |________________________| | | |_| | | Lighting Your Apple II Path On Delphi | | |_| ----------------------------------- >>> WELCOME TO THE LAMP! <<< ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ TIME IN A BOTTLE - AN UNSOLICITED REVIEW By Mike Thomas, aka Phoenyx AND THE BEST OF THE A2 AND A2PRO MESSAGE BOARDS "Teaching the Apple II user how to fish since 1998" :::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: The Lamp! An Onipa'a Software Production Vol. 3, No. 11 :::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: Publisher................................Ryan M. Suenaga, M.S.W., L.S.W. Editor.....................................................Lyle Syverson Internet Email, Publisher.........................thelamp@sheppyware.net Internet Mail, Editor..............................lyle837@FoxValley.net :::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: TABLE OF CONTENTS ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ November 15, 2000 HIGH ABOVE THE ROCK RIVER Building A2Central.com-------------------------------------------[OPN] TIME IN A BOTTLE - AN UNSOLICITED REVIEW------------------------------[RTB] By Mike Thomas, aka Phoenyx A2 DISTILLATIONS Starter Disks Available From A2Central.com-----------------------[SDA] A2Central.com Online Store-- ----------------------------------[OLS] New Source for Spectrum------------------------------------------[NSS] What Has Changed in Spectrum v2.4?-------------------------------[WHC] Upgrades to SIS Will be Awhile-----------------------------------[UTS] Silvern Castle v5.2 Available in A2 Database---------------------[SCF] Silvern Castle v6.0----------------------------------------------[SCS] Silvern Castle Help----------------------------------------------[SCH] System.II Via the Lost Classics Project--------------------------[SII] Xenocide Via the Lost Classics Project---------------------------[XLC] Maxster for the Apple IIgs is in A2 Database---------------------[MID] Chameleon Available From Ewen's Web Site-------------------------[CAE] Where Does the no Slot Clock go?---------------------------------[WCG] Using a Laserwriter II With the Apple IIgs-----------------------[ULW] Where to Get a 5.25" Drive Cleaning Kit--------------------------[DCK] Which Modems for the Apple IIgs?---------------------------------[WMF] Which Sound Card to use------------------------------------------[WSC] LANceGS Enables Day of Wonder!-----------------------------------[DOW] Finding an ISP in Alaska... or Anywhere Else---------------------[FAI] Connecting to the Internet With the IIgs-------------------------[CTI] A2P DISTILLATIONS Using List Control-----------------------------------------------[ULC] Projects... Inform Compiler... FTP Server... ?-------------------[PIF] LETTERS TO THE EDITOR No Letters to the Editor This Month------------------------------[NLE] An Invitation----------------------------------------------------[LTE] KFEST 2001 Keep it in Mind--------------------------------------------------[KFT] EXTRA INNINGS About The Lamp! ------------------------------------------------ [INN] [*] [*] [*] READING THE LAMP! The index system used by The Lamp! is designed to make """"""""""""""""" your reading easier. To use this system, load this issue into any word processor or text editor. In the index you will find something like: EXTRA INNINGS About The Lamp! ------------------------------------------------ [INN] To read this article, simply use your search or find command to locate [INN]. There is a similar tag at the end of each article: [EOA]. [OPN]------------------------------- HIGH ABOVE THE ROCK RIVER | ------------------------------------ From The Editor """"""""""""""" by Lyle Syverson Building A2Central.com ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Looking down from High Above the Rock River this past summer you would have noticed a building being built along the river... a new Boat House for the local Rowing Club. The old Boat House was in need of repair and was becoming crowded. Lots of the labor was by volunteers. Reminds me of the construction of A2Central.com that is going on right now. I drop in twice a day via Lynx to see what is going on... the URL for this site is at the top of my list of bookmarks. Not only is there a lot going on there... this site is designed to look spiffy with the graphics based browsers _and_ be friendly to Lynx for those who are content to come for information with a simpler browser. [EOA] [RTB] TIME IN A BOTTLE - AN UNSOLICITED REVIEW """""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""" By Mike Thomas, aka Phoenyx From quazar@dcnet2000.com Thu Nov 16 13:31:06 2000 Date: Sun, 03 Sep 2000 20:42:33 -0500 From: Phoenyx Newsgroups: comp.sys.apple2 Subject: Review: Time in a bottle CD collection. First, this is an unsolicited review. It and I am in no way related to the distributors. Any opinions herein are entirely my own and shall not reflect upon any other person or association. This text is (C) copyright 03-SEP-2000 Mike Thomas aka Phoenyx. You are free to redistribute by any means necessary as long as this copyright is retained and credit given for it's contents. --=={ Time in a Bottle. An Apple II CD collection }==-- When I first saw the message concerning the soon to be released CD set, I was very excited. Having missed out on most of the online activity in the Apple II world, I knew I had lost the chance at a plethora of interesting and useful information. I immediately went to the online order site and purchased a set, in spite of the fact that I could put the $50 to better use. I waited in anticipation as the weekend dragged by, looking forward to this treasure trove of unknown information. Finally, it arrived in the mail on Tuesday morning. After all the wait and eager anticipation, was I disappointed? Actually, I was, just a bit at first. When I inserted the first CD and browsed the first few directories I noticed that many of the files were message groups. Having missed out on these early unions of Apple II users, I had no idea what to expect in this area. Many of them were simple 'Hi, how are you' sort of messages with very little useful content. I was also disappointed a bit later on when I discovered some of the files were damaged and could not be opened. On top of that, some of the files were also duplicated elsewhere in the collection. Considering the cost and how much $50 dollars means to my family, you should be able to understand my disappointment. Considering the size of this collection and the time frame it covered, some duplication should be expected I guess. However, I also expected the editors to put some effort in eliminating or at least reducing this duplication and corrupted files. At least in a few of the more obvious cases. Not one to be daunted, I continued to peruse the files and even stopping a while to read some of the more interesting messages. My disappointment began to disappear when I started coming across messages which fit my own interests, primarily programming, hardware info and utilities. I decided to stop reading for a while and check out some more of the CD's contents before I got too engrossed in the messages. I hadn't even realized how much time had elapsed just in reading them, but it turns out I had spent a couple of hours and still had many more to go. The wealth of information in this set is beginning to become apparent. I began to feel more at ease and decided to finish my initial, superficial investigation before passing judgment. Well, let me just say this. My initial reaction to the set was definitely way off base. Even now, I am finding programs and info which are worth more than the cost of the CD's. The combined worth is rather difficult to calculate since each user must decide which of these files are useful to them. For myself, I have already found things that I would have loved to use way back when. I have always been a bit disappointed at being unable to participate in the early A2 online groups. I now have some idea of the things I missed out on. Sure, I managed to get by back then, since I had no knowledge of what was going on. Living in the boonies helped to shield me from being disappointed by not seeing what I was missing. I guess that sometimes ignorance really is bliss. The set is nicely arranged in the order I assume the Genie system used. It is fairly easy to find your way around, even for folks like me who have never seen the original storage system. I would like to mention, I am set up with Balloon which is a big asset when browsing through archive sets like this. It would certainly be much more difficult if I had to open every file with GS Shrinkit. I managed to get lucky and found the Balloon archiver on a diskazine in a collection of disks I picked up somewhere. I don't know where it is available on the net, or even if it is legally available at all. Also, my Focus drive has been very helpful. I had already partitioned it to just a few P8 partitions and one large HFS one which I am using to unpack files for inspection. If you don't have these capabilities, don't be too disappointed just use whatever means you can to access those babies. Of course, it could be in the CD set and I haven't run across it yet. At this point I am still perusing the file libraries on the second disk and enjoying every moment. I have not had a chance to return to the message areas yet. In fact, I haven't gone back and checked many of the other directories of the first CD. Yes, I'm sure there will be more of those simplistic messages. Having been a sysop of my own BBS, I know this is normal for almost any group of people with little in common except the topic of whatever message base they happen to be in. At this point I will not be disappointed no matter what I find. The software on the second CD has more than made up for the cost, even for a poor old country bumpkin' like myself. So guys and gals, do yourself a favor and point your browser the URL in the original message and get your own. Even those with out a CD on their Apple II can still benefit as long as they have some method of reading a CD in HFS format. AFAIK, this is no problem for Linux or Beos users and I have heard of a utility for Windows users also. Of course all you Mac owners are probably smiling about now since you know you will have no trouble at all reading the CD's. That's ok, I'm doing just fine on my GS and I can still use my Linux box if necessary. Plus, I figure it might be one more reason for those Windows users to jump on the Linux or Beos band wagon. Who knows, all some of them need is just a little push. For those who missed the original message, here's the order URL again. http://order.kagi.com/?2ZM BTW, thanks guys. This has been one of the most useful things I have purchased for my II's in a long time. Thank you for your time and interest. I hope it was helpful or at least interesting. Phoenyx, Apple2 user since March 1984 Links to Phoenyx's pages: preferred..... http://zip.to/Phoenyx_A2 alternate..... http://www.tinyangeldesigns.com/Apple2 [EOA] ASCII ART BEGINS _________ _ _ _ |__ __| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |___ ____ | | _____ __ ___ _ _ _____ | | | | | ___ \ / __ \ | | /____ \ | v v | | v ___ \ | | | | | | | | | /__\ \ | | ____| | | /\ /\ | | / \ \ | | | | | | | | | _____| | | / ___ | | || || | | | | | |_| | | | | | | | |_____ | |____ | |__| | | || || | | \___/ / _ |_| |_| |_| \______| |______| \____^_| |_||_||_| | |\____/ |_| | | | | |_| ASCII ART ENDS [EOA] ------------------------------------ DISTILLATIONS FROM DELPHI A2 | ------------------------------------ by Lyle Syverson [SDA] STARTER DISKS AVAILABLE FROM A2Central.com """""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""" A2Central.com now shipping Apple II system and starter kit disks. A2Central.com is pleased to announce that effective immediately, we're able to ship Apple II system software disks for US $2.00 per disk. This includes Apple II GS System 6.0.1 and Apple II System Disk 3.2 (for all Apple II computers with 64K of memory. Also available are HyperCard IIgs, the Apple II SCSI Utilities, the Apple II Video Overlay Card Utilities, and more. We have also created Apple II Telecom Starter Kit disks. These disks, with several versions available depending on which Apple II model you have, come preconfigured for a standard setup of the Apple II model you use. Each bootable ProDOS disk includes Modem Mgr telecommunications software and an assortment of key utilities needed when downloading Apple II software from online services, including ShrinkIt. These disks, too, are available for $2 each. A2Central.com is providing these disks at cost to help newcomers to the Apple II community get their new computers up and running. Please visit { http://www.a2central.com/shop} for details and an order form. A2Central.com is an authorized Apple II user group. All Apple software is distributed under license from Apple Computer Inc. This announcement may be distributed or reprinted freely, as long as it is unaltered. (CINDYADAMS, 33792, GO COM A2) [EOA] [OLS] A2Central.com ONLINE STORE """""""""""""""""""""""""" A2Central.com has obtained a substantial number of items that were previously occupying valuable space in Roger Wagner's garage. Now that they're occupying valuable space in my garage, we've decided it's time to clear them out. Therefore, we've now opened the A2Central.com Online Store at { http://order.kagi.com/?2QP} . We have a large number of new, still-in-shrinkwrapped-boxes ComputerEyes GS cards. The ComputerEyes GS is a video capture card that lets you capture a still image from a video source in about six seconds. We're selling these for $20, including shipping in the United States, or $30 internationally. We also have a few copies of the HyperStudio Quick Course, a workbook and disk for people learning HyperStudio. (It doesn't include HyperStudio, sorry). Additionally, we have the A2-Central Font Collection, a set of eight font disks published by the original A2-Central. These disks are packed with ShrinkIt-compressed fonts, all cataloged in an AppleWorks database. And to top it all off, we have around 30 copies of the ComputerEyes GS manual, in case you have a card but no manual (the packages mentioned above include the manual and software; these are extras). So support A2Central.com and your Apple II habit by visiting the A2Central.com online store today! { http://order.kagi.com/?2QP} Eric (Sheppy) Shepherd sheppy@a2central.com http://www.a2central.com (SHEPPY, 33736, GO COM A2) [EOA] [NSS] NEW SOURCE FOR SPECTRUM """"""""""""""""""""""" Shareware Solutions II and Spectrum =================================== Shareware Solutions II, in association with Ewen Wannop and My eSource, is pleased to announce that effective immediately it is the Publisher and exclusive worldwide distributor of Spectrum. Written by British author Ewen Wannop, Spectrum is an easy-to-use yet powerful and comprehensive IIGS desktop telecommunications program that permits users to dial up a local BBS, to log onto an employer's remote computer, or to access the far reaches of cyberspace via a local Internet Service Provider. Spectrum is an expandable program that has grown far beyond basic telecommunications. Through the use of Spectrum's External Commands and powerful Scripting language, Spectrum add-on programs have been created that allow users to automate online sessions to Delphi with COG (Crock O' Gold), surf the world wide web with SIS (Spectrum Internet Suite), or send and receive e-mail via SMTP and POP3 mail servers with SAM (Spectrum Automated Mailer). Spectrum is the only program for the Apple IIGS that has been updated to provide support for Internet access via TCP/IP, thereby freeing Spectrum users from having to use an increasingly more difficult-to-find unix shell account! The latest version of Spectrum - v2.4 - requires System 6.0.1. Highly recommended are a hard disk drive and 4 megabytes of RAM. Some of Spectrum 2.4's advanced features include: * Improved script execution speed. * Optimize scripts by compiling them. * Spectrum 2.4 and the XCMDs are Y2K compliant. * Optional Serial or TCP/IP environment. * Fully Integrated support for Marinetti 2.0. * Integrated multi-socket Telnet function. * Up to 32 simultaneous open TCP/IP connections. * View HTML files directly from within Spectrum. * Enhanced !Help! NDA includes Find function. * Internal support for Babelfish Import and Export. * Spectrum 2.4 supports the Hierarchic Control Panel. * Updated Spectrum Port driver. * 57600 baud connections using Bernie ][ the Rescue. * More than 50 new or updated script commands. * More than 30 new replacement items. * Many enhanced and updated XCMDs: + The BinHQX XCMD now includes: + BinSCII encoding and decoding. + BinHex 4.0 encoding and decoding. + MIME Base 64 multipart encoding and decoding. + UUencode encoding and decoding. * Enhanced WorkBench XCMD replaces the ResEdit XCMD: + Access and edit resource forks. + Make MessageCenter and IPC calls. + Make Toolbox & GS/OS calls. + Peek and Poke. * The Spectrum manuals are now supplied in Teach format. * New CD version has the manuals in Acrobat PDF format. The cost of Spectrum v2.4 is $35, and first time buyers can purchase the complete Spectrum package by credit card, on either 3.5" disk or CD-ROM, at Shareware Solutions II's online store, located at: http://order.kagi.com/?zs3 Low cost updates for those who purchased Spectrum from My eSource are available only through the mail, as proof-of-purchase must be supplied. Shareware Solutions II 166 Alpine Street San Rafael, CA 94901 Questions about Spectrum v2.4? Contact Joe Kohn at joko@foxvalley.net Shareware Solutions II's web site is located at: http://users.foxvalley.net/~joko (JOE_KOHN, 33674, GO COM A2) [EOA] [WHC] WHAT HAS CHANGED IN SPECTRUM v2.4? """""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""" Is there a list anywhere of what's changed between Spectrum 2.3 and 2.4? The list Joe's been publishing of new features includes 2.3's new features too. :) Eric (Sheppy) Shepherd sheppy@sheppyware.net http://www.sheppyware.net (SHEPPY, 33817, GO COM A2) >>>>> """"" The only things that have really changed are technical things 'under the hood' which affect grabbing TCP data from sockets that are closing on you. This was necessary for the work Geoff is doing on SIS and also for his FTP client. On the surface, nothing much has changed but for the splash screen saying Shareware Solutions is now the publisher. Ewen Wannop - Speccie Delivered without using a IIgs by Spectrum 2.4 & Crock O' Gold 3.3 Bernie ][ the Rescue 2.5.1 woofing at 55Mhz on a G3/350 Home Pages: http://www.btinternet.com/~ewannop/ (EWANNOP, 33840, GO COM A2) [EOA] [UTS] UPGRADES TO SIS WILL BE AWHILE """""""""""""""""""""""""""""" > A new SIS, which will fully use a TCP/IP connection, has been announced > and should be available soon. Subsequent testing of this product in development shows it is not much more reliable than the current alpha TCP/IP library for SIS. This basically means that the announcement for a new version of SIS was premature. I was using a small sample of web sites (like three) which worked fine, but ran into problems with a larger set (like most of the sites not in the set of three). Since I don't use SIS, I wasn't aware of all the problems. The enhancements that I made offer no new functionality so there will not be a new released version of SIS soon. Geoff (SISGEOFF, 33823, GO COM A2) [EOA] [SCF] SILVERN CASTLE v5.2 AVAILABLE IN A2 DATABASE """""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""" Silvern Castle v5.2 is now done and should be showing up for download soon! Stuff Changed: - The tome file readers now returns to the search screen after exiting dogpaw instead of going back to the extra's menu-press to now exit the search screen. - Since only 2 users have requested the >free< registration instructions since Silvern Castle was reclassified as freeware, it is no longer necessary to ask for one. It was my intent to gauge how many A2er's are playing Silvern, as this remains the only incentive I have left to develop A2 software . Unless you request a unique serial number, the program will now display the generic SN 9999 by default, and as a result this will completely disable all the old shareware checks. New stuff: - New extra's menu option: Tome of Arcana! This is a help/hint/review guide compiled from the Delphi A2 Entertainment Forum and JuicedGS. Enjoy! - BASIC.SYSTEM v1.4.1 is now supported in case anyone has programs with BI v1.5 (like I do). - Optional STARTUP file added to start Silvern faster (especially on non-hard drive systems). (FINKSTERJ, 33649, GO COM A2) >>>>> """"" Name: SCUPD52.BXY (Entertainment Software) Date: 5-NOV-2000 19:38 By : HKATZ Size: 253440 This is the Silvern Castle 5.2 update. The tome viewer now returns to the search screen after exiting Dogpaw instead of going back to the extras menu. Also, the requirement to ask for registration instructions is gone (Jeff is getting frustrated by the lack of feedback on the game;if you play it, please let him know what you think!). Adds the Tome of Arcana, hints, tips, and reviews from Delphi's A2 forum and Juiced.GS. In addition, BASIC.SYSTEM 1.4.1 is supported (some people have problems with 1.5), and startup has been sped up. Silvern Castle has been released as Freeware by the Author. (T_DIAZ, 33904, GO COM A2) [EOA] [SCS] SILVERN CASTLE v6.0 """"""""""""""""""" SCv6.0 is done and due to be released in the next few weeks! Here's the vitals: Bugs fixed: - Using dispel or haste devices at camp now correctly displays "No effect!" instead of nothing. - Using missile weapons and dispel devices in combat now correctly strike the correct group. - Enchanted one-charge non-potion devices are now correctly interpreted (i.e. not treated as doses). Stuff changed: - You must run the file MICRODOT.SYSTEM to now start Silvern Castle. - The Extra's menu no longer contains Dogpaw, because it doesn't run under MicroDot. Run the SC.READER program under Basic.System (i.e. exit Silvern) to view them. In addition, you can view all doc files. - The saved game format is no longer compatible with earlier versions, because of this you must disband your party before installing SCv6.0. - The unique monster generator has been removed. - For those of you with the Second Sight card, pressing CTRL-Z after exiting the GS control panel will now quickly restore the graphics screen because Second Sight incorrectly restores the wrong hi-res page switch. - Speed-up maze plotting slightly. - Text Mode maze support is back. - Depending on level, monsters now have a higher chance to hit 2x per attack. - Updated a few monsters to add some missing special abilities. - Using non-scroll LIGHT devices (i.e. torch or lanterns) in combat now are interpreted as thrown flaming missile weapons, doing up to 12hp of damage to one monster. New stuff: - SC now runs under MicroDot, the command shell interface replacement for Basic.System. MicroDot frees up over 7.5k of memory, so be prepared for some cool features in future updates to take advantage of this. - Added 13 new items! - Added one new device affect! - Some monsters now have normal weapon immunity, requiring magic weapons, spells, or devices to hit. You'll get the "No affect" message if your weapon isn't high enough in enchantment. Enjoy, Jeff (FINKSTERJ, 33888, GO COM A2) >>>>> """"" Re: Silvern Castle v6.0 Changes: I'm afraid I went a little overboard and modified some additional stuff! This will set the release date back to the end of November 2000 for some more testing, although everything listed here is now in place and working nicely. Here's the additional vitals to the list published in the first message of this "Silvern Castle v6.x" topic: Bugs Fixed: o Enchanted non-potion devices now takes advantage of the extra power. o Fixed bug in NPC info surrender which displayed wrong special sometimes. o Fixed centuries-old bug in the monster CALL other groups ability. o When you are at a maze special (stairs, etc), the white square is now correctly plotted as a half-square to match the side walls. By design, the 3-D maze display shows your party occupying the middle of the spot you are at. o Fixed an incorrect order of events that "broke" monster magical devices before the monster actually decided to use it. o Fixed bug in combat equip that displayed equipped unknown weapons incorrectly after equipping the same unknown weapon in an earlier combat round. Stuff Changed: o The message "No affect!" is no longer displayed on the FIRST dispel attempt when ALL the monsters have already been killed or fled. o Druids can now only I)nfo items that are of a level one-half their maximum I)d level (i.e. like clerics). This prevents discovering new item attributes too easily! o Resize Roster/Update Datafiles now shows processing status. o The selection of weapons available to the monsters has been increased to ALL possible types (except special weapons like dragon slayers) because now I have enough free memory. Also, now there is a "preference" for certain weapons by monster class (i.e. no more mighty fighters with enchanted clubs!). o After using the combat weapon equip option, your original weapon is now automatically equipped when combat is over (unless the new weapon is cursed!). New Stuff: o Added 36 total new items! Some can be found in limited stock at the store. o Added 3 total new device affects! o New Camp Inspect option: Equip W)eapon only. This quickly equips just a weapon (or none if you choose), skipping the armour equip part. II Infinitum, Jeff Fink (FINKSTERJ, 33954, GO COM A2) >>>>> """"" Re: Silvern Castle v6.0 Update Alert *** UPDATE ALERT WARNING: The saved game format of Silvern Castle v6.0 is no longer compatible with versions earlier than version 6.0. If you are updating from an earlier version of Silvern Castle you MUST disband your saved game (if one exists, that is) in the market BEFORE installing the files in this update. If you don't disband your pre-v6.0 saved game before you install this update's replacement files, you will NOT be able to run the updated Silvern Castle program until you do so. To recover in this instance, restore your BACKUP of Silvern Castle, run it and disband your saved game, then reinstall this update's replacement files. *** CATCH-22: If you fail to heed this update alert warning and overwrite your current version of Silvern Castle with this update's replacement files without a BACKUP available, you will be left in a situation where you CANNOT EASILY disband your saved game. In this case, the simplest solution would be to delete the GAME saved game file. If deleting your saved game is not appealing, you will have to go through the painstaking process of copying the datafiles STATUS, ROSTER, GAME, STORE, and ROP to a safe place, reinstalling your current version of Silvern Castle on TOP of Silvern Castle v1.0, copying the datafiles back, running your current version of Silvern Castle and disbanding your saved game, then reinstalling this update's replacement files. Remember: BACKUP, BACKUP, BACKUP. (FINKSTERJ, 33955, GO COM A2) [EOA] [SCH] SILVERN CASTLE HELP """"""""""""""""""" I downloaded one of your earlier versions of Silvern Castle, I don't recall which one but it was already an update. When I tried it out, all I ever saw were empty corridors in the upper left corner of the screen. I keep reading here about people seeing various things. Is this just a manner of speaking or am I missing something? At any rate, after wandering empty corridors for a while, I got bored and have not tried it again. I have never seen Wizardry, so the comparisons are all lost on me. MT Steve (S_BERNBAUM, 33781, GO COM A2) >>>>> """"" You say you downloaded one of the updates, did you install it on top of Silvern Castle v1.0? The updates do not comprise a stand alone program, they only "enhance" the original v1.0 program. But, you must have done this or how else could you have gotten to the maze? Anyway, as you wander the corridors of the maze, you really don't see anything in the way of pictures or graphics. What you do get are monster encounters and messages at some spots. In this regard, Silvern is much like Eamon, but since the maze is displayed in 3D there is no need to say things like "You are in a north south corridor, with doors to the east and west" because you can "see" corridors and doors. The combat sequences are similar to Eamon, but much more detailed and highly developed, especially in regard to magic. In the maze, at some locations you will find text messages, and other specials (but again, all in text, never as a picture). You should have had some monster encounters after wandering only a few squares of the corridor. Keep wandering! :) Silvern Castle is very similar to almost all RPG (role-playing games) I've ever seen, such as: Wizardry, Bard's Tale, the Ultima dungeon scenes, Dragon Wars, to name a few off the top of my head. Hope this helps, Jeff (FINKSTERJ, 33818, GO COM A2) [EOA] [SII] SYSTEM.II VIA THE LOST CLASSICS PROJECT """"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""" Name: SYSII.BXY (Utility Software) Date: 5-NOV-2000 19:38 By : HKATZ Size: 403456 SYSTEM.II is an 8-bit desktop-style system manager for the //c, /e or the GS in 8-bit mode. Files and drives are represented by icons, and can be chosen with just a keypress. Some utilities are included with the program, including: copy file - copy disk - rename - unlock - delete - format - restart - shutdown The program includes a built-in screen saver. The user can set parameters such as full or abbreviated menus, setting the system clock speed for accelerated machines, and have the choice of the keyboard, joystick or mouse as the input device. Other options include the choice of what slot to boot from, security settings, access to the GS Control Panel, as well as setting what files to automatically run at startup as well as shutdown. This is the Developer's version of SYSTEM.II and contains the tools necessary to create other utilities that run this program and it's Kernel, Microdot. This archive can be copied to either multiple 5.25" disks, a single 800k disk, or any ProDOS compatible hard drive. Originally published by Kitchen Sink Software, System II has been released as Freeware by the Copyright holder, Eric Bush, via The Lost Classics Project. (Please see the FREEWARE.TXT file in the archive.) (T_DIAZ, 33904, GO COM A2) [EOA] [XLC] XENOCIDE VIA THE LOST CLASSICS PROJECT """""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""" Name: XENOCIDE.BXY (Entertainment Software) Date: 16-OCT-2000 18:37 By : HKATZ Size: 542336 Xenocide is a "kill the aliens" style of arcade game for the Apple IIGS. Written by Brian Greenstone and Pangea Software, this game takes full advantage of the GS's graphics and sound abilities. This version of the program is "uncrippled" and will run on any GS. A joystick is required. Now released as Freeware via the Lost Classics Project. (T_DIAZ, 33905, GO COM A2) [EOA] [MID] MAXSTER FOR THE Apple IIgs IS IN A2 DATABASE """""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""" Name: MAXSTER.BXY (Telecommunications) Date: 5-NOV-2000 19:38 By : KEN_GAGNE Size: 270336 This is Maxster v0.79, the Napster client for the Apple IIgs that was first demoed at KansasFest 2000 as part of HackFest. This program will search for, download, and play the first few seconds of MP3 audio files. As an open beta, its functionality is extremely limited, and has been known to work with only a small range of songs. As a Spectrum script, it requires Spectrum v2.0 or later. Freeware by Ken Gagne. (T_DIAZ, 33905, GO COM A2) [EOA] [CAE] CHAMELEON AVAILABLE FROM EWEN'S WEB SITE """""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""" Many, many years ago I wrote a utility called Chameleon. This transferred files between the four disk formats at the time, DOS 3.3, ProDOS, Pascal and CP/M. I had forgotten about it over the years, until someone needed a copy this last week, and wondered how he could get his Shareware payment to me. Originally Chameleon was released as commercial software in the UK, but as Shareware in the US. The address for payment was given as C/O Dark Star in New York. However that address has not been valid for many years. As a consequence, I have updated the documentation to show my home address, and put Chameleon onto my home pages. This is now the definitive version of the program, and should replace all others in the various disk libraries. If anyone needs a copy, they can get it from my home pages. If any of you have used it in the past, but been unable to pay your Shareware payment to me, now is you chance to make amends! Download a fresh copy, and you will read where to send that payment! I do not charge interest on over due payments... :) Ewen Wannop - Speccie Delivered without using a IIgs by Spectrum 2.4 & Crock O' Gold 3.3 Bernie ][ the Rescue 2.5.1 woofing at 55Mhz on a G3/350 Home Pages: http://www.btinternet.com/~ewannop/ (EWANNOP, 33875, GO COM A2) [EOA] [WCG] WHERE DOES THE NO SLOT CLOCK GO? """""""""""""""""""""""""""""""" The NSC goes *anywhere* under a 28 pin ROM. That means any I/O card with a 28 pin socket in a ][+ even. In a //c or //c+, does not matter. The software will seek it out. Tony (T_DIAZ, 33724, GO COM A2) [EOA] [ULW] USING A LASERWRITER II WITH THE Apple IIgs """""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""" Hi all, I was wondering if anyone out there knows how to get a Laserwriter IIntx or g (I have both) to work with a Apple IIgs. My gs has a Vulcan card in slot 7. I would like to leave the Vulcan in 7 if possible. The manual says I have to use Appletalk which takes slot 7 away from the Vulcan. Any thoughts? Ken (KENSLEG, 33874, GO COM A2) >>>>> """"" ROM 01: Set Printer Port to AppleTalk, Move Vulcan card to Slot 1. Set Startup to Slot 1. Use the provided plastic separator or an index card like object to keep the card from touching the P/S case. Install the "LaserWriter" driver from the System 6.0.1 disk set. If you want to print from ProDOS 8 programs that have been launched *after* GS/OS has been loaded there will be an option button on the control panel called "Imagewriter Emulator", click that once per printer session (As long as the printer stays on) and AppleWorks 3, etc will print in courier, MouseTest and other IW-II commands will work. ROM 3: You can use Slot 1 or 2 for the AppleTalk connection and not have to touch slot 7. It works with everything the same. For either, you will need two Localtalk connectors and the cable between them to use the LaserWriter IIntx or IIg. The IIg is significantly faster in processing, I don't think the IIgs will 'realize' the difference like a Mac would though. Tony http://www.apple2.gs (T_DIAZ, 33895, GO COM 2) [EOA] [DCK] WHERE TO GET A 5.25" DRIVE CLEANING KIT """"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""" Where can you find a 5.25" drive cleaning kit? (Editor) >>>>> """"" I've seen them recently at Radio Shack, but it's not like I've gone looking real hard for them. . . Ryan M. Suenaga, M.S.W., L.S.W. -- rsuenaga@apple2.org Publisher, _The Lamp!_, published monthly on Delphi Posted by PTMM v2.5 - The integrated information solution (RSUENAGA, 33825, GO COM A2) >>>>> """"" I bought a cleaning kit recently from Tandy (Radio Shack) and it included the 5.25" & 3.5" disk as well, reasonably priced. I also bought a 3.5" only kit about 2 days earlier from another store for about the same price :( DOH! Another thing to help improve your drive reads would be to check/adjust the drive speed using a disk utility like Copy ][ Plus (most versions). I recommend 200.7ms (=299RPM) as per Apples spec. Make sure you use a newish blank disk for the drive speed adjust as it writes to the drive erasing the inner track (track $22 from memory) Mark (LUKE65816, 33834, GO COM A2) [EOA] [WMF] WHICH MODEMS FOR THE Apple IIgs? """""""""""""""""""""""""""""""" Will these old 14.4 modems work on an Apple II computer? (Editor) >>>>> """"" Yes it will, and any other external modem will too. Modems are not machine specific, and virtually all follow the Hayes standard modem commands. Usually you will find that the plain Init string of 'AT&F1' will suffice to set it up for the IIgs. If in doubt, follow the instructions in the manual for using it with a Mac. Setting up the IIgs itself, the comms program you are using, and the computer to modem cable, are a whole different ball game... We would need some information from you as to how fast your IIgs was and what software you will be using, to answer those questions. Ewen Wannop - Speccie Delivered without using a IIgs by Spectrum 2.4 & Crock O' Gold 3.3 Bernie ][ the Rescue 2.5.1 woofing at 55Mhz on a G3/350 Home Pages: http://www.btinternet.com/~ewannop/ (EWANNOP, 33859, GO COM A2) >>>>> """"" That's not entirely true. There _are_ software modems that specifically require Windows or Mac based software drivers to handle all the data compression and error correction. I recommend avoiding these even if you have a Mac/PC, hardware based modems are more reliable and work on any machine. I've also seen a couple of Mac-specific modems that power or communicate through the ADB port, but at least the former should be compatible with the IIgs. Using a 14.4K modem or higher on the Apple IIgs also requires a properly wired serial cable, one that handles hardware handshaking, and not all Mac HWHS cables are wired properly for use on a GS. Mitchell Spector { spec@total.net} (SPECTOR1, 33862, GO COM A2) [EOA] [WSC] WHICH SOUND CARD TO USE """"""""""""""""""""""" I have an AE SonicBlaster card, as well as MDIdeas, Inc SuperSonic card, and a Roger Wagner sound input card. Here is my question, which card would the Roger Wagner work better with (I do note that there is an input on the AE card) and which card/combo would give me the best support for various sound programs, esp HyperStudio (which I also have.) Thanks for the help Exegete AKA Roy Miller Faith Orthodox Presbyterian Church Apple ][ forever! (EXEGETE, 33958, GO COM A2) >>>>> """"" In terms of quality, the MDIdeas SuperSonic card (when jumpered properly) provides the cleanest stereo output of the two and stands up quite well compared with other existing stereo cards. It does however require the SuperSonic Digitizer piggyback daughterboard in order to record sound, and then only in monaural with below average results. It can be used in combination with the HyperStudio Slotless Digitizer as it has pass-thru connector mind you. It too will only record in monaural however, but irrelevant if your recording external sounds sources (i.e. your own voice, home-made sound effects). The AE SonicBlaster has a couple of advantages here: It can output stereo and record sound as an all-in-one card solution, it can record true left/right stereo, and it has a back port connector which makes plugging in speakers, headphones and microphones a snap. Still I very much dislike this card as it has poor sound-out (it distorts sound above certain volume levels), has poor sound recording (due to a complete lack of shielding) and requires you to open the GS up and manually turn pots/dials to adjust the output level. I suppose it comes down to what features are most important to you. Output quality? Recording quality? Convenience? Mitchell Spector { spec@total.net} (SPECTOR1, 33959, GO COM A2) >>>>> """"" I set my output levels once, as low as I could, and feed an external amp, or powered speakers with a volume control. Never have to open the GS again for volume adjustments. That also should fix the problem of distortion for the most part. Carl Knoblock - Telephone Tech - Fri 10 Nov 00 11:27:47 pm cknoblo@home.com - Via Spectrum v2.3 & Crock O' Gold v3.2 2001: A KFest Odyssey, July 25-29, 2001 - 257 days till KFest Using Marinetti 2.0.1 - Thank you, Richard. (CKNOBLO, 33962, GO COM A2) [EOA] [DOW] LANceGS ENABLES DAY OF WONDER! """""""""""""""""""""""""""""" The day of wonder has at long last arrived...GWFTP (in addition to other goodies) arrived in my mailbox, courtesy of Mr. Kohn. After a few hours of monkeying around with my Linux server, the trusty old K-5 133 16 Mb of RAM that it is, and fooling with GWFTP, I achieved success! I can retrieve files from the Linux box straight onto my IIGs! WHOO HOO!! I have waited so long for this...it's simply amazing to be able to do this. If you ask me, they ought to bundle GWFTP + Marinetti with every LANceGS sold. It's THAT AWESOME (and that critical for full use of the hardware, at least at this stage in the game). Now I'm downloading stuff from the net, sending it over to the Linux box, and fetching it with the GS. Only odd thing is that the files I've snagged so far are all SDK format, which makes me go dump the disk images to a physical disk and then copy the files back on to the hard drive. Especially with the new version of the LanceGs driver, I think we'll see a change in how files are made available to Apple users. (No need to SDK them when people with a 56k modem can dial out through Spectrum, or through their LAN and fetch the files in a normal GShrink file. Why not bundle all those disks into one Shrink it file? Unless they won't work that way?) Anyway, world looks good from over here. GWFTP is definitively a KILLER APP. Great work, Geoff. You rule. ~Tarage Email: { tarage@bellsouth.net} (TARAGE, 33964, GO COM A2) [EOA] [FAI] FINDING AN ISP IN ALASKA... OR ANYWHERE ELSE """""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""" Hi All, A friend, who recently retired from teaching school, would like to use his ][GS from his NEW home in Ketchikan, Alaska. Does anyone know of an ISP that he could use. I emailed FoxValley and they do not have a local phone number for Ketchikan. Are there any others that anyone knows about? Mack (MACKDUNCAN, 33960, GO COM A2) >>>>> """"" Ketchikan isn't very big. The list of ISPs is likely to be short. The local phone company is likely to be one, and it may be the only. Especially if it also runs the cable TV. I found Ketchikan Internet Service, www.ktn.net, but don't know if it will serve a IIgs or not. I wasn't able to find anything else. Carl Knoblock - Telephone Tech - Sat 11 Nov 00 1:15:01 am cknoblo@home.com - Via Spectrum v2.3 & Crock O' Gold v3.2 2001: A KFest Odyssey, July 25-29, 2001 - 257 days till KFest Using Marinetti 2.0.1 - Thank you, Richard. (CKNOBLO, 33965, GO COM A2) >>>>> """"" If cost and availability are a concern, it's worth mentioning there are a large number of Freenet ISPs out there with local dial-up lines in most major cities across North America. There are no monthly fees or long distance calling costs, it's completely free all year round. The catch is they often subject you to annoying ad banners and they may collect data on sites you visit in order to generate revenue (not to mention the annoyances of downtime or other hassles involved with a free service, though it does work). Making use of them on an Apple II requires two things however. 1. That you use Marinetti since they work only through TCP/IP. 2. You find one that doesn't require special Windows/Mac software to connect -- or in other words one that doesn't have ad banners. I used Freewwweb and 1Nation Online to connect my Apple IIgs for awhile, that is before the services went bankrupt. I couldn't do much due to a lack of Marinetti-aware software at the time, though that's slowly starting to change. Old style Freenets (shell based) typically only have dial-up lines for one city and so are locally based. These new type are nationally accessible. Mitchell Spector { spec@total.net} (SPECTOR1, 33966, GO COM A2) >>>>> """"" As usual, the place to start looking for an ISP is http://www.thelist.com/ Howard Katz, Lyle Syverson, and I wrote an article in _The Lamp!_ some time ago on other ways you could find an ISP as well. . . Ryan M. Suenaga, M.S.W., L.S.W. -- rsuenaga@apple2.org Publisher, _The Lamp!_, published monthly on Delphi Posted by PTMM v2.5 - The integrated information solution (RSUENAGA, 33963, GO COM A2) >>>>> """"" Editor's notes: The article mentioned by Ryan can be found in the November 1999 issue of _The Lamp!_ Also at: http://www.a2central.com/features/index.html and scroll down to 'The Internet and Your Apple II' [EOA] [CTI] CONNECTING TO THE INTERNET WITH THE IIgs """""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""" How do you get started using Spectrum with Marinetti when you are having trouble connecting to your ISP? >>>>> """"" To cut a long story short, please check with the system manager at your ISP whether they require CHAP authentication for your PPP dialup connection. Marinetti does not support CHAP at this point in time. That or some other special authentication at your ISP will cause Marinetti to crash at a BRK point that Richard has deliberately left in the code. If they do require CHAP, you will need to get another ISP that does not. Are you able to connect to your ISP with the TCP/IP Control Panel from the Finder without starting Spectrum? If not, then there is no point trying to use Spectrum with Marinetti. You must set up Marinetti first, and be able successfully to connect to your ISP before you use any other application that uses Marinetti. You only need to do that once when you first configure Marinetti. Spectrum will automatically connect for you as long as Marinetti has been configured correctly and is working. The baud rate and other serial settings within Spectrum are not used for a Marinetti connection, as Marinetti takes over control of the serial port when Spectrum is in TCP/IP mode. The baud rate will be set to the one you defined within Marinetti itself. Ewen Wannop - Speccie Delivered without using a IIgs by Spectrum 2.4 & Crock O' Gold 3.3 Bernie ][ the Rescue 2.5.1 woofing at 55Mhz on a G3/350 Home Pages: http://www.btinternet.com/~ewannop/ (EWANNOP, 33901, GO COM A2) [EOA] ------------------------------------ DISTILLATIONS FROM DELPHI A2P | ------------------------------------ by Lyle Syverson [ULC] USING LIST CONTROL """""""""""""""""" Well, I've started diving into the second module of Far Street Bottles, which is going to require the use of a list control. The thing is, the list control needs to display 3 columns of data (I'm trying to display an array of records in Pascal). Is there any special trick to doing this, or do I have to manually space each line out as I go? Or am I on the wrong track entirely? Is the list control the way to do this, or is there a better solution? Thanks for any tips. _________ | homas (TCOMPTER, 3217, GO COM A2P) >>>>> """"" The list control can effectively only have one column wide, so you would need to use a mono-spaced font and build the lines with the data for your three columns onto the single line. I am assuming that you want to be able to select a line with the mouse and read which line it was. You would get the three entries of course selected at one time. You would need to check the mouse position to find which one was the one you wanted. If you only want to display data, and not select it, then a TextEdit control with a scroll bar might be easier for you. Ewen Wannop - Speccie Delivered without using a IIgs by Spectrum 2.4 & Crock O' Gold 3.3 Bernie ][ the Rescue 2.5.1 woofing at 55Mhz on a G3/350 Home Pages: http://www.btinternet.com/~ewannop/ (EWANNOP, 3220, GO COM A2P) >>>>> """"" This kind of control in not available with GS/OS. You have the following options: 1) Use three separate list controls and overlap the arrows so you see only the one at the end. You will then need to watch the mouse movements over the last control and appropriately scroll all three lists at the same time. You would have to write that routine your self. 2) Write a custom control. This would be more work, but you can add functionality found in Windows 9x where you can adjust the size of each column, and specify sort order by clicking the header of each column. 3) Think of another interface if you aren't up to the programming challenge. Geoff (SISGEOFF, 3221, GO COM A2P) >>>>> """"" Couple things: 1. I'm pretty sure you can create lists without scroll bars. I'm not sure how easy it is, but it can be done (been a long time since I did it though). 2. Ewen said something about using a monospace font. That's not actually necessary. You can put any kind of data you want to in your list, since you write the code to draw the items. Just create a list member record so that each row contains an array of strings (or numbers, or whatever) to contain the data for each column of the row, then write your drawing routine to loop over the array, adjusting the pen position into the next column and drawing each column one after another. Eric (Sheppy) Shepherd Editor, A2Central.com sheppy@a2central.com http://www.a2central.com (SHEPPY, 3222, GO COM A2P) >>>>> """"" Thanks for the tips, guys. I do need to be able to select a line and know which line it is, but From what you all have said, I think the list will work for me. Thanks again. _________ | homas P.S. I'm definitely NOT up to writing my own controls yet -- I'm barely up to USING the ones Mike W supplied :) (TCOMPTER, 3223, GO COM A2P) [EOA] [PIF] PROJECTS... INFORM COMPILER... FTP SERVER... ? """""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""" Just curious what projects people were thinking of...(I don't want to step on anyone's toes). I was thinking of getting the Inform compiler for text-adventure games ported to the IIGs. Also thinking of working on an FTP server and working on Marinetti. Still a ways off as I don't have any of the ORCA/C tools or books yet...just waiting to see what the package deal on that stuff ends up being. I'm just throwing out some ideas seeing if they're already spoken for... ~Tarage Email: { tarage@bellsouth.net} (TARAGE, 3218 , GO COM A2P) >>>>> """"" An Inform compiler would be cool. :) Eric (Sheppy) Shepherd Editor, A2Central.com sheppy@a2central.com http://www.a2central.com (SHEPPY, 3219, GO COM A2P) [EOA] ------------------------------------ LETTERS TO THE EDITOR | ------------------------------------ [NLE] NO LETTERS TO THE EDITOR THIS MONTH """"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""" The mail box for Letters to the Editor remained empty this month. [EOA] [LTE] AN INVITATION ~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Express your opinions about the comings and goings in the world of the Apple II computers. Send your comments to Lyle Syverson, Editor The Editor reserves the right to edit any material submitted. The Editor reserves the right to reject any material he considers unsuitable for publication in _The Lamp!_. [EOA] [KFT] KFest 2001 """""""""" Plan Ahead ~~~~~~~~~~ KFest 2001 is set for July 25-29 (early arrivals on July 24) at Avila College. Put it on your calender and start saving your money. You will be glad you did. [EOA] [INN]------------------------------ EXTRA INNINGS | ----------------------------------- About The Lamp! The Lamp! is published on the fifteenth of every month in """"""""""""""" the Database of the II Scribe Forum on the Delphi online service (GO CUS 11). This publication produced entirely with real or emulated Apple II computers using Appleworks 5.1 and Hermes. Apple II Forever! * The Lamp! is (c) copyright 2000 by Ryan M. Suenaga, M.S.W. All rights reserved. * To reach The Lamp! on Internet email send mail to thelamp@sheppyware.net * Back issues of The Lamp! are available in the II Scribe Forum on Delphi as well as The Lamp! Home Page, http://lamp.sheppyware.net. >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Opinions expressed herein are those of the individual authors, and do not necessarily represent the opinions of the Delphi Online Services, Syndicomm, Inc., Ryan M. Suenaga, or Lyle Syverson. Forum messages are reprinted verbatim and are included in this publication with permission from the individual authors. Delphi Online Services, Syndicomm, Inc., Ryan M. Suenaga, and Lyle Syverson do not guarantee the accuracy or suitability of any information included herein. We reserve the right to edit all letters and copy. Material published in this edition may not be reprinted without the expressed written consent of the publisher. Registered computer user groups, not for profit publications , and other interested parties may write the publisher to apply for permission to reprint any or all material. <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< [EOF]