From: (Tony Lindsey) xxltony@cts.com
Subject: Mac*Chat#108/10-May-96
Mac*Chat#108/10-May-96
======================
Welcome to Mac*Chat, the weekly electronic newsletter for everyone
interested in using a Macintosh computer professionally, no matter
what their situation or profession.
See the end of this file for further information, including how to get a free
subscription.
Any [comments in brackets] are by Tony Lindsey.
Highlights Of This Issue
------------------------
I explain the new commercial-based system for Mac*Chat, advise
folks to upgrade to System 7.5.3, recommend upgrading America
Online's software to 2.7, mention AOL's new optional pricing
structure, praise Suitcase 3.0 and Conflict Catcher 3, ask for
nominations for the Single Essential Utility, I warn web-page
creators to think twice before posting personal pages, Joseph
Schaller gives a lot of Powerbook tips, and readers tell us what
it's like to live with the Panasonic PD drives.
Topics:
Highlights Of This Issue
Editor's Notes - I'm Back!
Mac*Chat Is Now Commercially-Based
What A Great Bunch Of Readers!
I Like System 7.5.3
Question - What's The Address For Apple's Update Newsletter?
America Online Information, Part One - Upgrade Your Software!
America Online Information, Part Two - Rate-Changes
I Really Like Suitcase 3.0
Conflict Catcher - Very Nice!
Nominate Your Favorite Utilities
Technical Section Starts... Here
Beware Of Web Spiders
Powerbook Feedback
Panasonic PD Drives
Legalisms
Free Subscriptions To This Newsletter
Editor's Notes - I'm Back!
--------------------------
By Tony Lindsey <TLindsey@cts.com>
After a nice, long period of handling the needs of my clients,
I'm back in the saddle again. It's great to be here! I have
used the intervening time to try various programs that I didn't
have time to test before (see below) and make some decisions that
I can be happy with. I've decided to quit mooning around and get
serious about the newsletter. No, the donations idea didn't work
as well as hoped, but I've learned from it and finally got off
the dime.
Mac*Chat Is Now Commercially-Based
----------------------------------
By Tony Lindsey <TLindsey@cts.com>
Starting today, I'm withdrawing all requests for donations.
Instead, I'm shifting to a system that allows ads to appear
within the text of the newsletter. I will be using a system
developed by Steve Holden <newtnews@pobox.com>, who is the editor
of the excellent Newton-oriented freeware newsletter called
NewtNews.
<http://www.ridgecrest.ca.us/NewtNews/NN_top.html>
<ftp://ftp.io.com/pub/usr/btorres/NewtNews>
Here's an example from a recent issue:
$-----------$------------$------------$------------$-----------$-----------$
The WriteRight Screen Enhancement is a unique clear plastic film that
protects the Newton screen from scratches, reduces glare and improves
the feel of writing to help handwriting recognition. WriteRights are
available in packs of: 4-for $11.95, 8-for $18.95, and 12-for $24.95.
Mention NewtNews and receive 10% off our 12-pack. For more info:
415-929-1002 <Info@ConceptKitchen.com>
<http://www.ConceptKitchen.com>
$-----------$------------$------------$------------$-----------$-----------$
As time goes by, I will be inserting well-marked ads from solid,
high-quality advertisers within Mac*Chat. Please help me make
the right connections with reputable businesses. I will be happy
to provide them with a price-list.
Starting with this issue, Mac*Chat will be issued every week,
unless announced beforehand.
If you're worried that Mac*Chat's content may shift in focus as a
result, you are probably right, but I'll fight it. If you've
been reading Mac*Chat for any length of time, you know that I
prefer to stay clean in my opinions. The trust that my clients
and readers have in me is my greatest asset, and I won't do
anything to jeopardize it.
What A Great Bunch Of Readers!
------------------------------
By Tony Lindsey <TLindsey@cts.com>
I recently issued a short note to my readers asking for your
patience while I took a business sabbatical. I received a huge
pile of truly wonderful "attaboy" messages, and I'm thrilled that
so many folks got the message the way I meant it.
Many, many thanks to the folks who sent me such wonderful letters
of support. I feel like I've found my online "tribe." You're a
real sweet crew.
I Like System 7.5.3
-------------------
By Tony Lindsey <TLindsey@cts.com>
After a month of testing and installations, I'm deeply satisfied
with System 7.5.3, otherwise known as System 7.5 Update 2.0.
It's a keeper, it works well, and I recommend it to people who
ALREADY have System 7.5 (any version) installed. If you aren't
running a PowerMac, don't rush to upgrade from System 7.1. I
don't see a big pressing need for most folks.
Naturally, there won't be a single nice thing said about 7.5.3 in
the general media, since Apple did something right.
I strongly recommend that you read the "Read me" file that comes
with the update and follow the instructions for upgrading.
If you're in the USA and call <800-293-6617>, ext 984. or
<408-987-7000> before the end of May 1996, you can get the
upgrade CD sent to you at NO cost. That CD is a solid part of MY
toolbox.
Question - What's The Address For Apple's Update Newsletter?
------------------------------------------------------------
By Tony Lindsey <TLindsey@cts.com>
When I received my 7.5.3 CD from Claris, it included a piece of
paper mentioning a free newsletter from Apple, alerting its
readers to all of Apple's newest software and hardware updates
and drivers as they are issued. I immediately set that paper
aside for the next issue of Mac*Chat, and of course I can't find
it anywhere. Readers?
America Online Information, Part One - Upgrade Your Software!
-------------------------------------------------------------
By Tony Lindsey <TLindsey@cts.com>
Good news - If you are mighty sick of America Online's Version
2.6 software and 1.0 Web Browser, your relief may have arrived.
Versions 2.7 and 1.1 are now available for free downloading as
one installer file (go to keyword "Upgrade"). It took me 13
minutes to download with my 28.8k modem. I'm very happy with the
upgrade so far.
The browser acts more like Netscape in the sense that it
interprets fancier-laid-out pages than before, and I strongly
suspect that the main software's bugs have been removed (almost a
year late). ANYTHING has to be an improvement over the old
versions. I've received well over a hundred distress calls from
clients who experienced the usual problems with 2.6. I've hated
to see 'em suffer.
If you're expecting that this is the version that allows you to
use Netscape with AOL, you're doomed to disappointment. That
will be in 3.0, I believe.
America Online Information, Part Two - Rate-Changes
---------------------------------------------------
By Tony Lindsey <TLindsey@cts.com>
Starting on July 1, 1996, AOL will offer a new payment option
called the "20/20 Plan." This will mean you will be able to pay
$19.95 a month for twenty hours of online time, with additional
hours billed at the usual $2.95 an hour. I see this as a direct
reply to the current pricing schemes at CompuServe, Prodigy and
zillions of local Internet service providers.
I see this payment plan as a benefit for the folks who are NOT
technically-inclined, who aren't attracted to figuring out why
stuff like MacPPP, Eudora and Open Transport 1.1 aren't
interfacing properly. Otherwise, they would be directly
connected to the Internet through a local service for US$20 a
month and unlimited online time. Prices are continuing to drop
all over the place.
I Really Like Suitcase 3.0
--------------------------
By Tony Lindsey <TLindsey@cts.com>
I've been helping clients who use the font-management utility
called Suitcase for several years. I have had exposure to the
newest version (3.0) because of my job, and I have to say it's
the simplest darned program I've seen in a while. Suggested
retail is US$69.95. If you have a bazillion fonts and swap 'em
around often, I can't imagine a better way to manage them.
Symantec Corporation
10201 Torre Avenue
Cupertino, CA 95014
<800-277-3873/541-334-6054>
[Outdated phone number removed at the request of Symantec
/Info-mac archivist]
<http://www.symantec.com>
If you want to add an entire family of fonts to your daily
operations, you just pull down your Apple menu and select
Suitcase. This opens a window containing an icon representing
your "startup set." If you have a folder full of various fonts
files, just drag 'em into the "startup set" icon, and then click
a button named "Open." Open your program, pull down the Font
menu, and there they are.
Of course, there are many, many other options, but I prefer to
keep it simple and fast. Using Suitcase is a nice, visual
no-brainer. Get to work!
Conflict Catcher - Very Nice!
-----------------------------
By Tony Lindsey <TLindsey@cts.com>
I recently got Conflict Catcher 3.01 as a result of the many
raves I've received from my readers (see issue 103). I never
thought it would do much for ME, since I'm the grizzled old
Computer Consultant who can figure anything out on my own.
However.
I recently experienced a series of massive crashes on my Mac and
had to re-start. Conflict Catcher opened a window and asked me
if I wanted it to help me track down the problem. I thought
"Hmmm - Why not?" and gave it permission. Within a few seconds,
it pointed to SCSI Probe 4.3 as the culprit. I would never have
suspected that particular control panel, but I removed it and
then canceled CC's ongoing diagnosis. I haven't experienced that
problem since.
It can be ordered for US$69.95 from
Casady & Greene
22734 Portola Drive
Salinas, CA 93908-1119
<800/359-4920/408-484-9228/fax 408-484-9218>
<c&g@casadyg.com><http://www.casadyg.com>
On the other hand, I was unable to get any help from CC with a
new problem yesterday - I installed OmniPage 5.0 (not the new
version 6.0) and my Mac stalled every time it started. CC was
blissfully unaware of the problem, since the freezeup was
happened during startup BEFORE CC loaded. Every time I'd start
the computer, the bar moving across the startup screen would
begin moving and then lock up solid.
After a few hours of dinking around, I realized that System
7.5.3's Open Transport files and the HP scanner drivers
(installed by OmniPage) were arm-wrestling, and as soon as I
separated them the problem went away. Time to upgrade my
OmniPage. None of this changes my opinion about Conflict Catcher.
Nominate Your Favorite Utilities
--------------------------------
By Tony Lindsey <TLindsey@cts.com>
I've mentioned several favorite utilities in this issue, and now
I'd like to hear from you. Tell me about your favorite
extensions, control panels or software utilities. They need to
fit within the following criteria:
- Broad appeal for the general publi
- Compatibility with every Mac and version of the System
- Low coefficient of crashability.
Another way to think of it: If you had to eliminate all but ONE
utility, what would it be?
Technical Section Starts... Here
--------------------------------
Beware Of Web Spiders
---------------------
By Tony Lindsey <TLindsey@cts.com>
No, this isn't a problem ranking with computer viruses or the
like, but it's worth knowing if you are regularly creating web
pages.
A long time ago, when I first started creating my own web pages,
I designed a web page as a test and uploaded it onto my site. I
never created any links to it, and never told anybody about it.
It contained very personal information and a picture of me that
wasn't something I'd like my friends to see. I forgot to delete
it, and never thought of it until several local friends commented
on having seen it. I was mortified, and deleted the page and
picture as soon as I got home.
As far as I can guess, here's what happened: The various
web-searching sites such as Yahoo, Web-Crawler and Excite all
have software programs running 24 hours a day, scouring the
Internet for new sites to add to their indexes (indices?). These
are called web spiders, and they found mine (ALL of them) and
added them to their online form of "Yellow Pages." I kept
wondering why I was getting lots of similar pictures e-mailed to
me by total strangers!
You may keep this little story in mind for your own web pages.
Powerbook Feedback
------------------
By: Joseph Schaller, Professional Member of the Macintosh
Consultants Network <Schaller@aol.com>
[I'll be placing "???" wherever I wish somebody would tell me
where to locate a particular item... I'll post the info in
upcoming issues.]
My two cents worth on PowerBooks
1. Ric Ford's Macintouch column has been tracking some great
deals on PowerBooks: MacSale has a 5300 (grayscale with 8/500)
for $1099.
<http://www.macintouch.com/~ricford/Welcome.html>
2. Check this out: I heard Apple is taking the Focus Enhancements
combo ethernet/modem internal card [???] (thereby freeing your
PCMCIA slot) on the road with them as "best of breed". Apparently
"one of a kind" too; I don't think anybody else is currently
making such a device for 5300's. I would especially appreciate it
if I wanted to use one of the cheap $49 40 Meg hard drive PC
cards. [???]
3. When I sold my 140 (and bought a 270c/280c), I had already put
a bigger faster hard drive in the 140. Since I wasn't going to
get "my money back" on this drive, and I found someone who did
not need it (typing only), before I sold the machine, I put the
original back in. I bought (for $29 - $75) one of those small
cases (barely bigger than the 2.5" drive; [???] consists of the
case, one double-sexed DB25, and a tiny plug/cable from the ADB
to drive power), put the extra drive in there, and now have an
extra quarter Gig drive on the road with me. When I want to use
it, I attach the drive directly thru an APS SCSI-Boy (SCSI-30 to
DB25) and it stands up behind the screen.
4. Since I agree with your other writers about having "reinstall"
software on hand, I carry on that same external hard drive
ShrinkWrap'ped images of my modem installer, ARA installer,
Norton, CP DiskTools, even System 7.5.1.
(You need a lot of memory to do a complete system install this
way, tho; partials or custom installs usually don't use all
disks, however.) These disk images "mount" in memory, as if I had
numerous floppy drives. Not only is this more convenient than
carrying all the floppies, but it's immensely faster and works
much better than the internal floppy on my 280c (I can't get the
disks in). (ShrinkWrap is such a useful tool, I do most of my
installations on my 8500 this way too; and I do the same thing at
my clients' sites, since they can usually be counted on to
misplace the original floppies. Reinstallation fixes a LOT of
problems. And I use the 8500 for ShrinkWrap'ping disks onto my
Duo.)
<info-mac/disk/shrink-wrap-142.hqx>
The external drive also holds archived copies of the QuickTake
pictures I take on the road. This serves either as a backup until
I get home, or as a place to move excess inventory.
5. Yes, there are cigarette lighter devices for the PowerBooks,
for about $75-$90, but a better choice (I think) is one of the
$50 inverters popping up all over the place (CostCo, Damark
catalog) [???]. These guys also plug into your cigarette
lighter, but since they have an AC outlet they: 1) will work with
anything, 2) will not change when you go from an all-in-one to a
duo (different voltages, so nothing you had for the one will work
for the other), 3) can power more than one device at a time
(e.g., a CD player too).
6. The PB 100 is a GREAT writing device, especially if used with
a RAMdisk or with WriteNow (which was $39) [???]. WriteNow is
fast, slick, easy, and does the important things you need for
writing. If that's your use, then fire up WriteNow, put it to
sleep instead of shutting down, and you'll be happy as a clam.
You'll also be throwing away almost half the weight, compared to
your 520. It has the same advantage/disadvantage as the 200
series: you don't carry the floppy drive around when you don't
need it. (By the way, I have one for sale if anybody's
interested.)
7. I agree that sometimes not having a floppy drive on a Duo can
be a disadvantage. Why, I've had three occasions over two and a
half years where I needed one. In the mean time, I make do very
nicely with a combination of 1) docking to my main machine for
large installations, 2) localtalking via infrared (see later) or
PhoneNet or QuickTake cable for file transfers and printing and
backup, 3) ethernetting thru Dayna's SCSIport [???] when I need
speed on a network, 4) downloading what I need via modem, and 5)
using ShrinkWrap for small installations. The Microdock is the
way to go. My machine has never touched a regular dock.
8. Finally, you asked me to write you about the infrared
transceivers I was using at the Macintosh Consultants Network
Conference.
For general connections between my Duo and my network or other
computers, I have used the Photonics "Cooperative" Localtalk
infrared transceivers for about a year and a half.
[??? I've seen this when Joseph gave me a demo, and it's very,
very nice - Can anybody tell me where to get 'em?]
These are battery- or AC- or Powerbook-powered square flats about
2" that connect directly to the serial port. I saw them
advertised for less than $75 apiece recently (with Marathon
thrown in!).
Think of them as a PhoneNet connector with no wires. That's how
the computer sees them. No software drivers, no extensions.
Each model can be used as Localtalk-in/out on the computer or a
"computerless" node on the Localtalk wiring with the addition of
an equal-sized connector/power box. (If you power it with 3 AA
batteries, it will contribute its power to the battery in your
PowerBook, too.) I have one plugged into the outer-two telephone
wiring in the living room which thus connects me to every other
computer in the house.
Unlike direct-beaming meter-range types that are being built in
to PowerBooks, PC's and Newtons (with different standards), this
one does NOT require line-of-sight, but reflects off the ceiling
(or does line-of sight too) and has a range of anywhere within a
medium sized room, rather than feet. They can see "around" you
when you walk "between" them; you can move around freely; if you
somehow make them drop out briefly during a transfer, Localtalk's
robustness makes them pick up the traffic again without a hitch
as soon as they can see each other's light (seems like about a
minute before Localtalk times out). You can have a gang of them
in the room, and all of you can connect to each other and the
network. I haven't tried it yet, but I wonder why you couldn't
beam one out a window to a neighboring building, given a
reasonable range and path. I have had zero trouble with them.
Although it's not built-in, and some people see that as a
downside, I see that as meaning it will go with me to any
machine. It can see further and doesn't require me to point my
computer at someone else's. Since it doesn't understand any of
the other standards, it can, depending on your point of view:
(Yay!) coexist with them, or (Boo!) not talk to them. It doesn't
use radio waves, so it can be used on a plane (Photonics makes a
faster version for PC's that does radio, but I remember it as
$750 a pop; Dayna and Digital Ocean make radio devices for Macs,
but we're talking real money there.)
Plus, I'm ON THE NETWORK (multiple Macs, PC's, printers!,
shareable modems), not beaming between machines. With no software
to install, I can hand you one and we can be instantly
communicating.
Panasonic PD Drives
-------------------
[In issue #107, I asked about the PD drives, which appear like a
good deal for someone who wants to create their own 640-meg
CD-like disks at low cost. I received many responses. I won't
bother to say much about Panasonic's Web site, since it has no
useful information about the PD drive...]
----
By Jeffrey Kraus <krausj@mailbag.com>
I've been using the PD drives for several weeks (one unit is by
Toray, and two units from APS) and have been very happy with
them. They are really easy to use and set up. The positive
points are the low cost of the media and compatibility with CDs.
So far the only negative point is that the driver is not
compatible with Apple's AppleCD Audio Player.
[I've had the same problem with many other non-Apple drives]
-----
By: Greg Lane <CompLane@pcis.net>
I have not used one of the drives, but I'd like to caution you
about referring to them as "writeable CD's". IMO, a "writeable
CD" is a disc that can be used in any standard CD-ROM drive--like
the discs that are used with the Pinnacle Micro RCD5040 or the
Sony Spressa. The Panasonic PD Drive (or the Toray Phasewriter)
can read standard CD-ROM discs, but the discs that it writes to
are actually a special media that can only be used in that type
of drive.
I do think the drives look attractive, for the right application,
just don't expect to be able to share the discs with all your
associates.
----
By Daniel Walker <walker@usit.net>
I haven't used one either, but I've heard legends of varying
quality from manufacturer to manufacturer and even from
production lot to production lot from the same manufacturer. The
result is that some disks may not read reliably on any reader but
the writer that burned them while other disks burned on the same
writer can be read anywhere.
----
By Morton G. Butler <mort@tank.com>
PD-CD 640meg drive works great .......
Several months ago (Dec95) I found a discount house selling the
Panasonic LF-1000. I ordered 2 units & 6 extra disks. The extra
disks arrived in three days with a back order note for the drives
of three weeks. In five weeks, or late Jan96 they arrived. The
drives were external at $650 each & the disks were $60 each. I
installed one on my mac & the other on an IBM, both work fine.
Installation problems:
1) SCSI device number can be anything but you must leave the next
lower number open, so the audio disk has a place to mount. I
choose to use scsi#4 for my PD-HD, & number 3 was in use.
Suddenly #3 did not work. After running a SCSI analyser program,
I found that the above was required. Looked in the manual & it
did not really explain that.
2) The unit comes with a special formatting disk & all disks must
be formatted with it. I am just not used to a special program to
do formatting.
3) The unit has its own driver to run the audio disks. After I
place a audio disk in it & close the door, it loads the program &
opens the player window, but it can't find the disk til I choose
the correct SCSI number. Once it shows *no disk*, I go to the
menu bar & pull down the device choice & choose the number.
Getting used to any new device and its quirks ..... is normal.
By the way the separate IBM manual had more and better
explanations for the IBM side. I understand that Compaq Computer
is now offering on this unit as an option.
Legalisms and Information
-------------------------
Copyright 1989-1996 Tony Lindsey.
The contents of Mac*Chat may not be republished, either in whole or
in part, without the express permission of the editor. Small excerpts
of Mac*Chat may be reproduced for personal use, or by nonprofit
groups (such as Mac User Groups) if full credit is given, including
this notice, how to subscribe, and how to make donations. Please contact
the editor <TLindsey@cts.com> for any publication requests.
This newsletter is intended purely as entertainment and free
information. No profit has been made in return for publication of
any of these opinions. Time passes, so accuracy may diminish.
Publication, product, and company names may be registered
trademarks of their companies.
-----
This file is formatted as setext, which can be read on any text reader.
I'd enjoy hearing your feedback and suggestions. Unfortunately,
due to the massive numbers of messages I get every day, I can't
guarantee a personal reply. Send all such messages to:
Tony Lindsey <TLindsey@cts.com>
<http://www.cts.com/macchat>
3401-A55 Adams Avenue
San Diego, CA 92116-2429
Tips from readers are gratefully accepted. Please write them in a
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Current issues may be found on the comp.sys.mac.digests newsgroup.
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FIRST, turn off your e-mail program's "automatic signature" feature,
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-----
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The Subject line on this message is ignored, so it can say anything.
In the body of the message, include the following line:
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WHAT DO YOU DO IF YOU HAVE SUBSCRIPTION PROBLEMS?
-------------------------------------------------
Please contact Shrimmy, who handles such things for me.
His e-mail address is
shrim@thunder.ocis.temple.edu
============== ____ ==================================================
Tony Lindsey \ _/__ Free, weekly e-mailed Mac-oriented newsletter
Mac*Chat Editor \X / <TLindsey@cts.com> <http://www.cts.com/macchat/>
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