01 января 1995 |
|
FREE SOfTWARE AND MAGIC CARPETS! Compiled by Linda Barker - ex "YS" editor & Martyn Sherwood. Welcome to another wonderful column of explosive delights (eh steady on there .....cursor!). We kick off this time with a review of the first proper working version of WINDOW-X, a disc operating utility for +D users. Don't worry tape users - skip along to special offers in the section titled "MAGIC OFFERS". WINDOW-X started off as just an aimless demo, but thanks to Prism PD and the lads at Technium 220, it has become one of the most useful +D utilties around. To gain maximum effect it is advisable to store it on disc to autoload when the MGT system boots up - to give you an illusion of having a system like Workbench on the Amiga. Once it loads up, you will be presented with a window that is constantly open - this is the help window and is a reminder of what keys to use. It also displays those who have permission to distribute this version which is Shareware. The original demo version was PD, and as such anything could be done with it, hence this new Shareware version. Anyway, at the top of the screen you will find 2 options ... FILE & GOODIES. FILE consists of: NEW: this completely resets your Spectrum. OPEN: choosing this causes another window to open, and the profram scanns the disc for executable files. Only programs that run are displayed. DRIVE: this option allows you to switch between drives 1 & 2. SAVE AS: choose this option to back up WIN-X using the same file names. SAVE: choose this option to back up with your own file names. PRINT: print the screen display READ ME: an important message giving you access to FREE software QUIT: this option quits this menu GOODIES consists of a built in sound to light program, and a system clock. There are 2 option which load the free PD software that comes with WINDOW-X - RED ALERT which is a fun security. Give your little sister or brother a fright! The other title is a disc to disc copying utility for 1 or 2 drive systems. A word of warning - load up WIN-X in 48K mode if you plan to use "DISK_DISK". With the OPEN file option you have to wait for 4-10 seconds while it scan the entries on disc, the time it takes depends on the number of files currently stored on disc. Only runnable files are displayed i.e. BASIC, 48K SNAPS and 128 SNAPS. Selecting the files is controlled by a bar in the style of a real desktop computer such as an Apple Mac. MAGIC OFFERS WITH LINDA B: WIN-X has read me file, and this contains the offer for free updates and a version that contains the notepad for V.2. All you have to do is send `8 payable to "M. Sherwood" which will be split between Prism and Technium 220. A good response from this will ensure further updates to the program and new projects appearing. When sending payment, send a disc and Prism will bundle on a ton of FREE PD software and send you their latest catalogue. Also as a special offer to ALL readers of S.E., mention "MAGIC CARPETS" and you can receive a copy of the latest edition of PD POWER for `1. Tape users - in response to this review, mention "MAGIC CARPETS" and Prism will SUPPLY a FREE cassette of PD software! Just send us your name and address. PD NEWS ROUND UP: Prism PD is giving away discs and tapes of software for no charge! First of all, all subscribers to PD POWER can use the FREE software coupon to claim free titles in our catalogue, with every issue. Better still, if you are a member of my PD club, Prism will supply the tape or disc for FREE and that includes +3 users! The new catalogue contains a software coupon for all new customers to Prism PD - send a disc or tape with SAE and claim 10 free titles. PROGRAMMERS NEEDED. If you are a +D or +3 user, with access to a PC, we need YOU! A major Shareware firm wants "ACCOMMODATA" - the UK hotel guide, to appear on the Spectrum scene. Earn royalties. For details write to Prism at the address given below. FANZINE CLOSURES: ZAT has now closed. It hopes to reappear in a new format under the SAM PRIME regime in a few months. SPELLUNKLER has ceased under mysterious circumstances. No reason has been given, but its editor James Waddington is a firm friend of Mr Davis at Alchemist Research, so perhaps the name will continue under the ALCHNEWS banner. SAM DISC has stopped trading as of issue 16. This is due to college preasures - something that a lot of Spectrum producers know only to well! Portugals famous Spectrum programmer Eurico Covas has now returned to his native land after studying in London for 1 year. He will continue his presidency of one of the largest Spectrum user networks around and can be contacted at: Rua das Milheiras, Lote 1, R/c Directo, 2080 Almeirim, Portugal. The MBO disc interface for the +D is ready for sale at `100 sterling. It will format high density discs to 1.857 mb over 83 tracks much quicker than the +D. It will load files from disc or tape and has a roomy 128K system RAM giving a total spectrum system of 256K RAM! It comes with a 3v power supply unit, extended BASIC, DOS and BIOS. The SRAM can be used to emulate other ROM's. THE REALLY GOOD NEWS is that software is already available: Word Processor, +D/OPUS to MBO file converter, a Database, and some games. You also get cables and full instructions. Contact Thomas Eberle at Sintech: 70794, Filderstadt, Germany. Thats your lot specchums, I'm going to have a cool drink in my newly converted garden. For further details on Prism PD's offers contact Martyn at: 13 rodney close, Bilton, Rugby CV22 7HJ. Use his address if you wish to write to me with your game tips, etc for inclusion into my PD Club page inside PD POWER. I'm longing to hear from you!! Be merry lots of love Linda xxx
Other articles:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Similar articles:
В этот день... 3 December