SLO BYTES PC USER'S GROUP NEWSLETTER JANUARY, 1988 CLUB INFORMATION The SLO BYTES Newsletter is a monthly publication of SLO BYTES of the Central Coast of California (San Luis Obispo) an IBM/compatible personal computer user's group. Information found in this Newsletter is derived from magazine articles, manuals, books, other PC user group newsletters, and our own members. The purpose of this publication is to inform our members of meetings, their program content, and other information related to the use of IBM-PC's and compatible computers. Dues to SLO BYTES are $18 per year. As a member you will receive a membership card, an updated membership list, SLO BYTES monthly newsletter, and free use of our Public Domain Library. Contributors are asked to submit articles for the next issue by the 15th of each month either in writing or on disk (ASCII format preferred). Address all correspondence to SLO BYTES PC USER'S GROUP, % Bob Ward, 2100 Andre' Ave., Los Osos, Ca. 93402. Phone 8am-5pm 756-2164, after 5pm - (805)528-0121. Other user's groups have permission to publish any material found in this newsletter. Have a computer related item to sell? Tell the editor and we will put it in our newsletter. For further information call Bob Ward @ (805)528-0121 eves. ****************************************************** Meetings are held the 1st Thursday of every month, unless noted otherwise in the newsletter calendar, at 7:15 pm. New users SIG 6:15 to 7:15 pm. Meeting place: Cal Poly University Biology Department, Fisher Hall, Room 286. ****************************************************** DI$COUNT$-DI$COUNT$-DI$COUNT$-DI$COUNT$-DI$COUNT$ Discounts usually apply only to regularly priced merchandise. Ask a salesman to make sure. You must present your membership card to receive a discount. Paradise Computers 5% - all computers, peripherals, 441 Marsh St. and software. San Luis Obispo 10% - Ribbons, paper, disks & 544-7127 other expendable items. Star Computers 5% - any software in stock. 655 Morro Bay Blvd. Morro Bay 10% - paper, ribbons, cable & 772-7827 other supplies. Computer Logic 10% - off list - all computers, 973 Foothill Blvd. software, computer periphe- Store #4 rals and products. Contact San Luis Obispo Bruce, Paul, or Dave for 544-8347 your discount. WITCO Computers 10% - off already discounted 3563 Sueldo, application software. Building B Special prices on group San Luis Obispo purchases of peripherals. 549-0811 FISBOSA Systems 10% - off packaged systems, soft- 3121 S. Higuera, F ware &/or peripherals when San Luis Obispo purchased with system. Con- 549-9027 tact Lynne Boisen. $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ $$-4 SALE-$$-4SALE-$$-4SALE-$$-4SALE-$$-4SALE-$$ IBM SOFTWARE - TURBO PASCAL version 3.01A..... $30.00 by Borland (with manual) - TURBO TUTOR version 1.0 ....... $15.00 by Borland (with manual) - TRAINING WHEELS version 1.11 .. $20.00 by LANDMARK SOFTWARE (34 Turbo Pascal functions & procedures using DOS function calls) NUTRITION - HEALTH-AIDE version 1.0 ....... $35.00 by KNOSSOS (nutritional, diet & personal data system) FOURTH - STARTING FORTH a book ......... $10.00 by Leo Brodie, FORTH Inc. (intro. to the FORTH language & operating system) For the above programs, contact Bob Savryk @ 541-6567 ====================================================== Microsoft Word ver 3.1 - Includes disks, both 5.25 & 3.5 inch format, and complete documentation.... $50.00 Contact Scott Zinger @ 543-2106 $$-4SALE-$$-4SALE-$$-4SALE-$$-4SALE-$$-4SALE-$$ ====================================================== || || || || || FLOPPY DISKS 4-SALE || || || || @ || || || || THE MEETING || || || || DSDD UNFORMATTED SYNCOM GENERIC 360K || || with labels, tabs, and tyvek sleeves || || || || 1-9 ....... $.75 || || 10+ ....... $.70 || || || || HIGH DENSITY DISKS 1.2 MEG ...... $1.10 ea || || || || NEW LIBRARY DISKS ......... $.90 ea || || || || Epson Ribbons (MX,FX) || || Wide - $4.00 Narrow - $3.00 || || || ====================================================== NEW MEMBERS The following individuals became new members of SLO BYTES at the January meeting: Jim Chernoff 544-3651 Paul Chinowsky 544-9234 Zorus Colglazier 772-8102 Dorthy Gardner 489-5481 Joe Latimer 528-3743 David Martines 438-4181 David Mulvey 461-3326 Suzanna-Marie Sarasvati 489-6907 Irene Saurwein 528-5470 Doug Nelson 544-2757 Welcome to all! Our apologizes for what seemed to be pandemonium at the last meeting. We were meeting at a new location, we have new officers, and the treasurer was overrun by individuals wanting disks, memberships, etc. It's difficult to anticipate needs as some meetings are very "mellow" compared to the last one. New members note: all of our past newsletters (2+ years) are on disk and available at the meeting for you to copy. The disk will be found in the same holder with the file locator disks. ====================================================== NEW MEMBERS GET HELP We are constantly reviewing how best to help individuals in our club. When we were small, which wasn't too long ago, it was easy. Everyone knew everyone else and help was close at hand. With our constantly growing membership this is no longer possible. About one year ago, George Campbell, our new president wrote a new user's guide. This is a "mini" DOS manual written in plain English to get the neophyte started. Nothing is more discouraging than spending a large amount of money for a machine then having it constantly tell you "bad command or file name"! Also included in this manual is a page on what disks a new member should copy at the first meeting to get started, and a past newsletter article on how to run programs found on any of our public domain disks. Several months later our past president, Byron Smith, started a new user's SIG (special interest group) which met for one hour before the general meeting. Byron chaired most of these meetings, with George Campbell, our new president continuing the custom. Even in a classroom situation, an individual may be so new to computer use that the very basics need to be taught before there is an understanding of the discussion taking place in the new user's SIG. It is difficult to go over the same commands month after month as the new user's group must also grow. Starting with the next meeting new computer user's will be given an opportunity to learn the most elementary aspects of computer usage. Immediately after the new user's SIG, those individuals who wish to participate will go to another room containing one computer where the following DOS commands will be taught and demonstrated: -- TURNING ON YOUR COMPUTER -- THE COMPUTER KEYBOARD -- CHANGING DISK DRIVES -- LISTING & PRINTING A FILE DIRECTORY -- FORMATTING A DISK -- COPYING A FILE -- RENAMING & BACKING UP A FILE -- DELETING A FILE -- LISTING A FILE ON THE SCREEN -- PRINTING A FILE -- CREATING & CHANGING SUBDIRECTORIES -- DOS ERROR STATEMENTS -- TURNING OFF YOUR COMPUTER -- CARE OF FLOPPY DISKS This instruction will take no more than 15-20 minutes. You may practice what has been demonstrated after the discussion is over. The instruction will be the SAME EACH MONTH, so little will be gained from attending more than once. Don't trust the demonstration to memory; bring pencil and paper and take notes. If you know the majority of these commands, this demonstration is NOT FOR YOU and you will just be taking up a space a new computer owner may need. cont. --------> HELP Your specific questions should be directed to the speaker in the new user's SIG meeting preceding this demonstration. After the general meeting, new user's who are not confidant in copying disks from our library or need a "tour" of what is available will have the opportunity to do so. A "seasoned" member will take you as a group and show you how to locate all the disks, binders, etc. ====================================================== BITS 'N BYTES *** There is a new BBS in town called CYGNUS X-1 (1200/2400 baud). It operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Lots of high quality PC software for downloading. Remember to upload a program to the SYSOPS also. They are constantly looking for new PD software. Their number is 544-7414. NOTE: This number will be changing around January 20th to a dedicated line and the new number will be 541-8505. Use this number after the 20th. And don't forget SLO PC FILE TRANSFER (2400/1200 baud). Steve has returned from vacation with megabytes of new software. Call 541-1749. Operates 24 hours/day. A complete list of all local bulletin boards is found on a disk in our library. *** Remember our new meeting place is Fisher Hall 286 with the computers located in FH 292. Many have complained of the "lines" of people waiting to copy software during the meeting. My observations over many months have shown the computers are available but not when everyone wants to use them. Heavy usage occurs from 6pm until the general meeting is over; 8 to 8:30pm. Why not come late if your whole intention is to copy PD software and start at 8:30pm. Our policy is that we will stay open until the last person leaves. 10:30pm or later, it doesn't matter to us. You can save time if you come prepared. Use your file locator disk at home to determine the programs you wish to copy. Then come to the meeting with your shopping list. You can also make a copy of the binders present at the meetings by copying the disk in the front of each binder and printing the pages at home. Please copy no more than 10 disks at one sitting if someone else is waiting in line. These machines are for FORMAT and DISKCOPY ONLY. Don't tie up a machine by running a program while others are waiting to copy library disks. *** New user's note. Bring your specific questions to the meeting which starts at 6:15pm. And don't forget to read your new user's manual. All the information is pertinent to "getting started" with your new frustration (computer). Don't be embarrassed by the questions you may ask. The person next to you probably wanted to ask the same question. The MAIN purpose of this user's group is to help solve each other's computer related problems! *** As editor of the newsletter I depend on YOU and other user's groups to furnish us with computer articles. Everyone has something to contribute but very few take the time to do so. Please take a few minutes and write something of interest to the editor. You all use computers for various purposes. Everyone uses software. What about a software review? It doesn't have to be glamorous or highly technical. Just tell us why you like it (or dislike it). Let us hear from you. I would prefer the article on a disk. Use ASCII format if possible, although it is not mandatory. Deadline is the 15th of each month. cont. ---------> BITS 'N BYTES Cont.... *** Winter can be devastating to computers. Don't use your computer during a lightning storm under any circumstances. Should you have a power outage while your computer is writing to your hard or floppy disks, chances are you will lose everything on that disk. Also unplug your computer and modem from the wall during storms. A surge suppressor means nothing if lightning strikes the power pole outside your house or blows up the transformer. Even if your machine is off the voltage is more than sufficient to jump the contacts within your computer and "cook" the insides. Neither PG&E nor Pacific Bell is responsible for "acts of God". If your computer or modem is ruined during a storm they will not pay for a replacement. *** Very few members have returned their survey sheets. Our membership list is only helpful if other members know what software you are proficient in using. Returning the survey sheet is not mandatory but gives you the opportunity to help others. *** Don't forget to bring your questionnaire, from the last page of this newsletter, to the next meeting. We need your input and it's worth a floppy disk to you! *** Note the prices on generic disks have dropped 5 cents for the 360K and 15 cents for the high density disks. ====================================================== DOS VERIFY By Randy Swart Capitol PC Reprinted from CPC Newsletter, 8/87 DOS has a little-used facility which can give you added insurance that your PC is reading and writing properly when you access or write to a disk. If you think the normal operation of floppies and hard drives is to accurate to question, you have read enough of this article already. There are others among us who have had gremlins in our files often enough to want verification! DOS will verify the read and write operations if you add the /V switch behind your copy commands. For example, instead of entering: COPY B:*.* You should enter: COPY B:*.*/V The only noticeable difference is that the file copy operation will be slightly slower. When I copied five files totaling 358K from my A: floppy diskette drive to my B: floppy drive, it took 35 seconds with verify off and 58 seconds with verify on. There is an even better way to use the verify option without having to type /V every time. Just set the DOS verify parameter to ON. To do so, enter: VERIFY ON at the DOS prompt. If you want to check the setting of verify, you can enter: VERIFY at the prompt and your computer will return the status of verify, such as: VERIFY IS ON You can go one step further and put "VERIFY ON" in the BATch file you boot up with. Then you never have to worry about the verification function or remember the /V. Just copy files, and DOS verifies your copies every time. Slower copies, but peace of mind. Your choice. If you don't think you need it now, file this article away. You may come back to it some day when you find a file copied with a bad bit! ====================================================== USEFUL UTILITIES UPDATE by Dick Trueman This is the start of a new monthly column. In it, I will discuss utility programs available either as "freeware" or "shareware" from our library. A major emphasis will on the many fine free programs from PC Magazine which will be found on the PC Magazine Utilities disk. If you work with more than a single application, good utility programs can really simplify your work (especially if you have a hard disk) -- and even make it fun! Let's begin with an annotated listing of the programs on the PC Magazine Utilities disk. Each one of these programs has an accompanying .DOC file giving the basic information on program usage and operations and referencing the PC Magazine issue presenting that program. I have run almost all of these programs on my AT&T 6300 with 10M hard disk. Most ran flawlessly, but I did encounter some compatibility problems with certain programs, and I'll note these problems. Depending on your system, you may have no problems or the same or other problems. You should always check out any of these programs before using them in a situation where you would lose valuable work if your system froze, requiring a reboot. (This has happened to me, although very infrequently, while running such programs.) Program Description ---------- ------------------------------------------ - ASC RAM-resident pop-up ASCII chart - ATSIZE SIZE program for the AT (see SIZE) - ATTR Display and modify file attributes (Read only, Hidden, etc.) - BAC Full or selective backup made easy - BROWSE Scroll forward or backward through any file (replaces TYPE command) - CAPTURE Creates files of screen images which can be popped up using HELP - CARDFILE Combine database of names, addresses, phone nos. and memos with an auto-dialer - CHANGE Find/replace text strings in text files - CO Powerful directory file manager with multi-file copy, move, etc. commands - COLORSET Set color combinations on a color system - CTYPE Recovers cursor when it disappears and permits setting cursor shape - DDIR Double-column directory listings - DELZ Deletes files permanently (unrecoverable) - DIREX File manager - copy, delete, protect or unprotect selected files in a directory - DIRNOTES Alphabetically-sorted directory with space for descriptive comments - good! - DISKPREP Add system files to a non-system floppy - DISKSCAN Locates and identifies disk errors on hard and floppy disks - DOORS Switch operations between two monitors - DOS-EDIT Recycle and edit up to 15 on-screen DOS commands without retyping - very handy - DOSKEY Extend functions available at DOS prompt - read .DOC file for specifics (cont. Pg ) - DR Directory file manager similar to CO - View, delete, rename, move single files - FREE Amount of hard or floppy disk space left - HELP Pops up help or reference screens of user's choice, as saved using CAPTURE - KBX Allows entering extended ASCII symbols from within word processors and editors - KEEPER Display and reuse last 10 commands typed - KEY-FAKE Supplies keystrokes to initialize an application program using a batch file - LOCATE Find word or phrase in files - LOCK Encrypt/decrypt files (with UNLOCK) - LPTPORT Alternate use between two printers - MENUBAR Make your own LOTUS-like interface - MONOGRAF Display LOTUS graphs on mono monitor - MOVE Copy files (no pathname support) - NO Exclude specified files from the action of a DOS command - NPAD Make your own notepad windows - ONEKEY Make your own macros - requires BASIC to create the required .COM file - PAINT Edits or creates custom reference or help screens to pop up using HELP - PARSE Count words, characters, sentences - POP-CAL Pop-up calendar for any month - POPDIR Useful subdirectory tool (with PUSHDIR) - PR Formats ASCII program printouts - PRN2FILE Redirect printer output - very useful - PRSWAP Convert IBM text-graphic characters to ASCII characters on non-graphic printers - PUSHDIR Used with POPDIR - QUICKEYS Speed up your keystroke repetition rate - RED Transfer files between subdirectories - REMINDER Timed appointment reminder on screen - RENDIR Rename subdirectories, even in DOS 2.x - RN Multi-directory file manager - SAFARI Provides expanded error information when errors occur - SETUP Initiate printer control codes any time - SIZE Gives true storage requirements of a file or files based on cluster size - SNAPSHOT Saves current screen and up to 3 additional screens for immediate display - SNIPPER Copies portion of text screen to save or use immediately (Locked up my AT&T) - SPECTRUM Selectable full EGA palette - STATLINE On-screen status of NUM, CAPS, SCROLL - STATUS Display current system-board config. settings, including free RAM - SUGGEST Display subliminal messages - SWEEP Execute DOS commands over subdirectories - TSRUTIL Manage TSR (Terminate and Stay Resident) utilities without rebooting - great! - UNDEL Recover deleted floppy files - UNLOCK Decrypt/encrypt files (with LOCK) - VTREE Tree representation of subdirectories - WAITASEC Recall information scrolled off screen - WHERE Search all direc. for filename match - XDEL Listing for selective file deletion - XDIR Display any direc. within any program Your feedback is solicited and will help determine the future direction of this column. If you have any comments, questions or suggestions, please call me at 544-4267. ====================================================== COMINGS & GOINGS January's meeting was music to our ears! Lynne Boisen from FISBOSA Computer Systems presented ADLIB, a music synthesizer for the PC. As a comparison we first ran Jukebox, a public domain program in our library, with several songs. Without enhancements, the PC will play only one note at a time. ADLIB blends notes to create unique sounds or instruments of your choice. There is an extensive list of instruments to choose from with more available at an extra cost. To create music, use the PC keyboard or if your computer has a MIDI plug, attach your own piano type keyboard for easier composition. Existing software does not print out notes as you would normally expect and the keyboard is displayed on its side. New users of this program find themselves tilting their head to one side or I expect, for the innovative, you could lay your monitor sideways. With time, the display becomes second nature. The ADLIB board and supporting software sells for under $300. An external speaker and other "instruments" may purchased at an additional cost from FISBOSA. February's meeting will focus on the accounting package - BOTTOM LINE. Greg Clark, program developer and manufacturer from Clark-Maser Corporation of Ventura will demonstrate his package. He will be accompanied by Gale Stewart, company sales rep- resentative. ====================================================== $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ TREASURER'S REPORT John Rohde, treasurer, reported the following income & expenses for the month of January, 1988: Beginning Balance: $ 2672.28 Income: $ 464.15 Expenses: $ -100.36 ========= Ending Balance: $ 3036.07 $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ NEW USER'S CLASSES Several individuals have inquired about the possibility of starting new user's classes sponsored and run by SLO BYTES. We feel this would be in direct conflict with several of the local computer businesses in town who already offer a similar service and depend on the income as part of their livelihood. Please note the following stores contacted which either offer classes or would do so if enough interest was generated. FISBOSA Computer Systems: Opening day for their new store is January 20th. Soon afterward they will offer several beginning computer classes. Introduction to Computer's I at a cost of approximately $30 will be a 2 - 2 1/2 hour lecture with hand-outs covering the very basics of PC use. There will be time after the lecture for hand's on computer help if necessary. There will be classes in intermediate computing starting about the same time. Call Lynne at 549-9027 for details. WITCO Computers: Gary will offer classes if a minimum of 5 individuals with similar interests can be organized. Topics include basic computer use, wordprocessing, and many advanced topics of interest. Contact Gary Shactner at 549-0811 for price and details. CHAPARRAL'S Computer Connection offers many courses in DOS, BASIC Programming, Wordprocessing, Spreadsheets and beginning Database. Courses are taught in Santa Maria, Arroyo Grande, San Luis Obispo, and Paso Robles. Example of costs: 9 hours of BASIC programming - $150.00, 4 hours of "Dancing with DOS" - $59.00. Call 239-3555 for a schedule of classes. STAR Computers - Rich Smith offers classes through Morro Bay Parks and Recreation. His beginning hands- on course is 6 hours long and covers introduction to computers, WordStar, Lotus, dBASE + a finance package. Price $45 - $55. Call 772-7827 for details. Courses are taught through San Luis Parks & Recreation. Call 549-7300 for details. Cal Poly extension courses in DOS, dBASE and wordprocessing are taught on a continuing basis. Contact Cal Poly for details. The above is an incomplete list of available classes offered in the San Luis Obispo area. If you have a "favorite" computer store, contact them about computer classes. Most offer such a service. Dorthy Gardner, a new member of SLO BYTES, would like to contact other individuals interested in forming a class for beginners. If this is your desire, contact her at 489-5481. ====================================================== CALENDAR February 4th BOTTOM LINE - Accounting package demonstrated by developer, Greg Clark March 3rd Computer Magazines - The Best and Worst. An overview by George Campbell ====================================================== NEWS FROM OUR LIBRARY This month we are adding several disks to our library, most of the programs being downloaded from local and distant bulletin boards over the past year (#237 - 241 with more to follow). Since each disk contains several programs all under the same general category, but unrelated, we have left them in "squeezed" form. Those programs have the extension .ARC and must first be "unsqueezed" before they are executable. Unarc the files using PKXARC found on each disk. Follow the same procedure as if you were using the COPY command. That is, PKXARC the file you wish to run to a target drive as though you were copying the .ARC file to another disk. DO NOT Unarc to the disk containing the .ARC files as you will run out of disk space. Use the following format: PKXARC FILENAME.(ARC) X: where X is the destination floppy or hard disk drive letter. The (ARC) is optional in extracting the files from the .ARC file. SLO #164 PC-SIG Directory on disk, #700 - 870 SLO #235 MEALMATE (PC-SIG 700) - Prepare recipes, meals, etc. Lists Calories, food exchange units, fats, carbohydrates, etc. Excellent. +++ Meal-Meister, a Recipe File program. Search by ingredients, recipe number, etc. Cook this disk at 400 degrees for 20 minutes! Add salt and pepper to taste. SLO #236 GALAXY - Excellent, easy to use word processor. SLO #237 UTILITIES #1 - rename subdir's, bi- directional scrolling, remove RAM resident programs, maps memory of computer, Core hard disk performance tester, add descriptions to file names, and many more. (BBS downloads) SLO #238 UTILITIES #2 - define function keys for DOS commands, versatile print spooler, tiny print 2 columns wide, cache-like utility, warm & cold boot from keyboard, write protect any disk drive, and many more. (BBS downloads) SLO #239 GRAPHICS #1 - read Macintosh bit-map graphics on your computer, snakes on an EGA screen, printshop graphics, factorial graphic plots, convert printmaster graphics to printshop / visa versa, emulate color graphics on Hercules graphics card, etc. (BBS downloads). Most of these programs require a color graphics adapter. Some EGA programs. Cont. pg (LIBRARY Con't.) SLO #240 APPLICATIONS #1 - menu creator, dBASE menu maker, simple word processor, utilities for DoubleDos, astronomy program, etc. (BBS downloads) SLO #241 GAMES #1 - run your own nuclear power plant (give this one to PG&E for practice!), lowball poker, game of DOTS, adult spin the bottle, etc. (BBS downloads). Some may require color graphics. See README.241 for listing. SLO BYTES wishes to thank Kevin Criqui, Steve Flaherty, Jim Erlach, and Daniel Durbin, SYSOPS of local San Luis Obispo bulletin boards for their software contributions. Also many thanks to George Campbell for looking at all the files and categorizing them. **** NEW DEMO DISKS **** #61 GENIFER, a dBASE Application Generator by Bytel Corp. #62 VIEWGEN 2.0, a screen design tool and application generator for dBASEIII+, Clipper, QuickSilver, etc. #63 CENCAD - CAD design program Please put the DEMO disks back in the file box according to the number in the upper right corner of the disk. It takes us extra time to straighten out the disk boxes if the disks are not replaced in proper order. PLEASE copy no more than 10 disks at one sitting if others are waiting for a machine. The computers are there for all members not just the ones who get there first. The computers are for FORMATting or COPYing disks ONLY. Use the menu on the screen for FORMAT or DISKCOPY. Don't copy individual files from one disk to another as this takes too much time. You can also save time if you format your disks at home before coming to the meeting. ======================================================