EvangeList Digest Wednesday, December 16 1998 Volume 01 : Number 1338
In this issue:
Tidbit - ODBC Research Finds Great Support For the Mac... Tidbit - New Office Suite For LinuxPPC Tidbit - Macs On Felicity Redux Tidbit - Mac Based Point of Sale System Tidbit - iMac In Australian Soap Tidbit - Gotta Love It Tidbit - Lighten Up Your Life! $$ - Screen Gear Holiday Offer ?? - Web CGI and Counters PR - iDisc (monthly Macintosh CD-ROM magazine) Tidbit - EvangeList Posting - Macintosh 1992 Vs Macintosh 1999
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Date: Tue, 15 Dec 1998 00:16:19 -0800 From: The EvangeList Mailing List <evangelist@apple.com> Subject: Tidbit - ODBC Research Finds Great Support For the Mac...
This tidbit is from:
Steven Roy <mailto:"stever@seabreezemgmt.com">
Just wanted to update you all on some ODBC research that I have done to support our shop. Many years back, Apple created a product called Data Access Language, which was the precursor to ODBC. In fact, at one time, it was rumored that John Scully and Bill Gates discussed a joint venture with the technology. Currently Data Access Language is being developed by company called Acrylis, Inc. and appears to be an outstanding product. With the departure of Intersolv, Access/DAL as it is now called, looks to be a solid product with perhaps the most impressive database support of any driver developer, Mac or Windows. In my own personal test, I have found it be extremely fast, simple to install, and very compatible with MacOS 8.5. Additionally, this product is architecturally easier to implement and allows direct access to the database without the need for a middle-tier NT server. If any one is in the search for a robust and comprehensive ODBC solution, give Acrylis a good look:
<http://www.acrylis.com/>.
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Date: Tue, 15 Dec 1998 00:16:16 -0800 From: The EvangeList Mailing List <evangelist@apple.com> Subject: Tidbit - New Office Suite For LinuxPPC
This tidbit is from:
<mailto:"tph@rmi.net (Tom Harrington)">
I haven't seen any mention in these parts yet, but there's about to be a new office suite for people who run Linux on their Macs. Applix makes the Applixware office suite for Windows, NT, Unix, and Linux systems. Until now, the Linux version has been for Intel and Alpha systems only. But soon it'll be available for LinuxPPC as well.
I don't think they'll mind my quoting from their platform-support page:
Linux for PowerPC
OK it's official!! Thanks to all of you that wrote to us expressing your interest in Applixware for Linux on PowerPC the port is in progress. We're aiming to have the product available in time for MacWorld Expo (Jan. 4 1999). If you're planning on attending the show it's likely that we'll be there in conjunction with the LinuxPPC folk. Check back here for port progress...
I've never used Applixware, but it appears to be an excellent and full-featured office suite. Linux Journal gave it a pretty positive review recently. I expect I'll be one of the "early adopters" when the LinuxPPC version arrives. :-)
Applix is at <http://www.applix.com;> Linux-related details are at linux.applix.com.
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Date: Tue, 15 Dec 1998 00:16:12 -0800 From: The EvangeList Mailing List <evangelist@apple.com> Subject: Tidbit - Macs On Felicity Redux
This tidbit is from:
Lee Stanford <mailto:"lee@partnersandsimons.com">
Just saw the message about the major role Macs played on Felicity last week. That message described the first Mac-related scene, but there was another, even-better scene later on:
(this is paraphrased from memory)
Him (after a long awkward silence between the two): "I can't believe you bought a PC." Her:"But PCs have come a long way. They're almost as easy to use." Him: "That's because they ripped-off the Mac operating system."
Who would think you'd ever hear dialogue like this on a show about teens coming-of-age in college.
By the way, Felicity is an excellent show - on par with My So-Called Life. I urge people to check it out. On the WB network Tuesdays at 9 pm. Check your local listings.
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Date: Tue, 15 Dec 1998 00:16:09 -0800 From: The EvangeList Mailing List <evangelist@apple.com> Subject: Tidbit - Mac Based Point of Sale System
This tidbit is from:
Martin Vlaskamp <mailto:"compcons@gil.com.au">
GardenWay Nurseries had been looking around for a Point of Sale system for some time. They grudgingly went ahead and purchased a Dos based server and cash register system. The owners could not get it to work and lacked the specialist knowledge to pursue it any further. So their Point of Sale system was put into the 'too hard' basket.
Trevor, the owner of the business, purchased his first Mac and loved its user-friendliness which allowed him to be creative in his business. Some time later he found out about ProBe, a Mac based Point of Sale system. Cautiously he invested in two more Macs, each with barcode scanner and docket printer, started printing his own barcode labels on a Laserwriter and a week later he got rid of his two cash registers.
Since then, GardenWay has become a role model in the industry. They tripled their turn-over and are using 14 Macs for all kind of jobs from employee time recording to the restaurant software and also 4 PoS terminals. They even featured in an Apple video 'In Business with Macintosh'. ProBe has supplied all the information they required to make the business a success.
More information about ProBe is available on <http://www.probesoft.com>
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Date: Tue, 15 Dec 1998 00:16:04 -0800 From: The EvangeList Mailing List <evangelist@apple.com> Subject: Tidbit - iMac In Australian Soap
This tidbit is from:
Charlotte Carey <mailto:"carey@sharl.co.uk">
A couple of days ago while working/watching TV at home, a very popular (in the UK) Australian soap opera came on. "Home and Away" which is watched by some 12 million mainly School Kids, students, at home mothers and people working from home, is set in a surfing town somewhere on the coast of Oz.
Well the other day some of the 'kids' were in the 'surf club' and they were discussing trying to win a new computer and how many raffle tickets they would need to buy. Although the type of computer was not mentioned - in the background was an A1 poster of an iMac!!
Anyway this was a main story line in the show and kept being mentioned throughout. Unfortunately I have been in the office the rest of the week so I haven't seen who won it or whether the iMac box is/was ever shown.
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Date: Tue, 15 Dec 1998 00:16:01 -0800 From: The EvangeList Mailing List <evangelist@apple.com> Subject: Tidbit - Gotta Love It
This tidbit is from:
Steve wisotsky <mailto:"wisotsky@pacificnet.net">
The December issue of Inc. Magazine has a Y2K article that is a must read. I've put part of it on the web at <http://www.mooreshop.com/y2k.html> If your company is one of those with Y2K problems, or is contemplating switching to the "Dark Side", let them read the article.
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Date: Tue, 15 Dec 1998 00:16:07 -0800 From: The EvangeList Mailing List <evangelist@apple.com> Subject: Tidbit - Lighten Up Your Life!
This tidbit is from:
Edward Goss <mailto:"egossaim@neca.com">
From: Edward Goss, <egossaim@neca.com>
Announcing the availability of "The On-Line Joke Book - Volume 4", a compilation of clean jokes and stories received on-line by Edward Goss - <egossaim@neca.com>. Created in the DOCMaker format, OLJB Volume 4 can be read by any Mac System 6.08 or later. Published twice yearly, The On-Line Joke Book is free, and you can join a mailing list for future editions. Start your day with a good joke! Download Volume 4 from my friends at The Macintosh Discovery Club at: <http://www.tmdc.8m.com> OLJB 4.0 is also available from Info-Mac and its mirrors and Shareware.com <http:/www.shareware.com>
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Date: Tue, 15 Dec 1998 00:15:55 -0800 From: The EvangeList Mailing List <evangelist@apple.com> Subject: $$ - Screen Gear Holiday Offer
This special offer is from:
"Lance D. Hagans" <mailto:lhagans@kuentos.guam.net>
*** I'm offering Screen Gear for only $10 through January 1, 1998 ***
Screen Gear is a screen saver and simple presentation tool. Screen Gear takes a folder of images, movies and sound files and turns them into an elegant slide show fading one file into the next while playing narration, music or both. It's simple to use!
To get your copy and additional information go to <http://www.screengear.com.gu/>.
Grab a copy for yourself and another copy as a Christmas gift for a friend!
*** IMPORTANT: To get the special price, go to <http://order.kagi.com/?M3>***
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Date: Tue, 15 Dec 1998 00:15:58 -0800 From: The EvangeList Mailing List <evangelist@apple.com> Subject: ?? - Web CGI and Counters
This tidbit is from:
Doug <mailto:"dpwarner@piedmont.net">
All faithful Mac users far and wide,
I beseech ye all in a time of turmoil and crisis. In accepting a new job as a webmaster, I have been beset on all sides by ravenous beasts wanting to be given their web pages and their touch-ups immediately.
Not that this doesn't come with the job, but I'm curious about a few things. My predecessor, a PC user (boo hiss), had a rather nifty program that could be fed any form that he designed in HTML, then convert all fields involved into a CGI coded form. Nice trick huh?
Well, I feel challenged to meet them head on with my own software solution. So, if there are any software or web site developers that know of a mac-based program that can create CGI code from HTML forms, please let me know.
Also, if anyone would be so kind, could you direct me to the best web site for java script applets, like say, counters and the like?
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Date: Tue, 15 Dec 1998 07:17:38 -0800 From: Guy Kawasaki <Kawasaki@garage.com> Subject: PR - iDisc (monthly Macintosh CD-ROM magazine)
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Lucas S. Roebuck Digital Cactus 760-723-5207 lucas@digitalcactus.com
December 15, 1998
DIGITAL CACTUS ANNOUNCES IDISC CONTENT PARTNERS Premiere issue goes to press for Macworld Expo SF 99
Fallbrook, Calif. ã The momentum for iDisc, the new monthly Mac CD-ROM Magazine, continues to build as iDisc developer TwIN Media Group (TMG) and publisher Digital Cactus send the first issue off to press for distribution at Macworld Expo San Francisco 1999. The two companies will be giving away 10,000 copies of the premiere issue from the Digital Cactus/The Mac Report booth (#307).
"We are very proud of the incredible content that we are going to be delivering on iDisc," said Jacob Roebuck, president of TMG and producer of iDisc. "The response from the Mac developer community has been phenomenal."
"The content is going to be wonderful stuff to feed your Mac," said Spencer Lewis, an associate editor of The Mac Report. The Mac Report is one of many organizations adding editorial flair to iDisc. "Whether you have a Performa 6300, a new G3/333 or the ever-popular iMac, the iDisc will give you even more reasons to fire up your Mac."
The following companies represent a partial list of those whose content will be included on the iDisc.
Apple Donuts Bungie Chroma Graphics Clixsounds Discmakers Freeverse Software Gropius Productions and Mastering Home Movies Insider Software J. Allen Creative Live Picture MacCentral MacTreasures My Mac Magazine Nisus Software Organic Family PowerOn Software PricePulse PrimeMedia Squmish Media Group Story Bytes Terran Interactive The Mac Report Waves in Motion Webintosh
"I was excited to learn that the same people behind the weekly 'must-read' Mac Report are going to be providing a monthly CD. Power On Software will be providing trial versions of several products, including ACTION Files, the Eddy Award finalist for best utility of the year," said Bob Leeds, director of business development for Power On Software. "With iDisc's intro special price below $2.50 per month, this works out to be less than the toppings on the three monthly pizzas that you had to give up to get that iMac."
"Terran Interactive [The makers of Media Cleaner Pro] is thrilled to be part of the iDisc premiere issue," said Kristen Moeller, Creative Manager, Terran Interactive. "iDisc media-rich CD-ROM format will be a success for the Macintosh community."
Besides Mac applications, iDisc is the home of some original media content as well.
"I think it's a really great vehicle for artists, musicians, filmmakers, animators and software developers to get their stuff seen and heard," said Todd Howard of Organic Family, whose short film, "Strike My Key" appears on the premiere issue.
Todd Howard also worked with his brother Jesse Howard in composing original theme music for the iDisc serial adventure original, The Adventures of iMan.
iDisc will start shipping in January 1999. A one-year subscription (12 issues, U.S, and Canada) will cost $49.95, but those who subscribe before January 31, 1998 will pay only $29.95 as a special introductory offer. iDisc can be ordered at Macworld Expo, from the iDisc Website <www.idisc.com> or by calling 1-877-COOL-MAC.
Vendors, software creators, media companies and others who want to get their products on iDisc can do so by sending an email to info@idisc.com.
The Siloam Springs, Ark.-based TwIN Media Group, LLC, digital media studio is dedicated to having fun creating Websites, CD-ROMs and DVDs with powerful Mac hardware and caffeine induced creativity. They can be found on the Web at <www.blowyouaway.com>.
Fallbrook, Calif.-based Digital Cactus is a new media company focusing on finding better ways to publish using non-traditional media. Digital Cactus is best known for its flagship publication, The Mac Report. It can be found online at <www.macreport.com>. For more information, send email to info@digitalcactus.com.
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Date: Wed, 16 Dec 1998 13:21:34 -0800 From: The EvangeList Mailing List <evangelist@apple.com> Subject: Tidbit - EvangeList Posting - Macintosh 1992 Vs Macintosh 1999
This tidbit is from:
David Engstrom <mailto:"editor@macspeedzone.com">
We at MacSpeedZone (macspeedzone.com) every once in a while like to compare the newest and fastest Mac for which we have benchmark results to the oldest machine for which we have similar results. This time we compare the Quadra 900 (the high end machine of its time) to the fastest Mac you can buy today - and we have indeed come a long way!
We have also added the following information to the site:
*Interleaved Memory - What Is It And How Much Of A Performance Gain Can You Expect.
Apple uses BYTEmark to bolster it's claims that the G3 machines are twice as fast as the Pentium competition. Not all benchmark programs show the same thing. We compare SPEC95 to BYTEmark results for the G3 and comparable Pentium chips and ask you what benchmark program do you trust more.
*BYTEmark vs SPEC - Readers bite back and let us know what benchmark program they think is more effective
And the folowing articles:
*Macintosh Jargon - Cache, Compiler, Fragmentation and RISC Explained - - Robin Williams and Steve Cummings explain these terms in some depth
*Breaking The Speed Limit! - Instructions To Hotrod Your iMac To 300Mhz. Not for the faint of heart, but if you are adventurous and handy with a soldering iron you'll find this article interesting
*A G3 Card in the L2 Cache Slot? Vimage's Unique Approach To Upgrading The "Un-upgradable" - a review of the cache slot upgrades from Vimage
Links to this material can be found on the front page of the site (macspeedzone.com) - enjoy yourself. Also enter our hardware giveaway contest and win a Palm III organizer and Digital Camera!!
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End of EvangeList Digest V1 #1338 *********************************
