EvangeList Digest Wednesday, March 11 1998 Volume 01 : Number 1120
In this issue:
?? - Database and Mac Only Web Hosting ?? - Document Extensions PR - Stone Design and Caffeine Software Deliver the Enhanced Licenser Tidbit - Killing Windows PR - Association of Macintosh Trainers Tidbit - Software for the Blind Job - Production Artist (Alameda, CA) ?? - 'Bully Cursor' Software? PR - CWCVS 1.0 Released PR - CWProjector 2.0 Released ?? - Geometric Surface Area Application
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Date: Wed, 11 Mar 1998 02:10:47 -0000 From: EvangeList <evangelist@apple.com> Subject: ?? - Database and Mac Only Web Hosting
This request is from:
nitai, <nitai@mactrade.ch>
We are a Mac reseller here in Switzerland ( <http://www.mactrade.ch> ) and are planning to go for web hosting for some important customers. Now, we would like to make this web hosting a special one, exclusively only Mac servers. Our plan is to allow our customers to run their FMP and 4D databases on our webservers, since no ISP allows this.
The question is if anybody has ever set up such a setting with FMP and 4D? If so you would mind sharing your knowledge with us so that we can provide such a service to the Mac customers in Switzerland.
I work in a environment of around 12,000 computers comprised of approximately 65% PCs and 35% MACs. There have been a number of rumblings about standardizing desktop systems to PCs. The rumblings are based upon interoperability (if this is even a word) issues and the problems of sharing data across platforms. To be honest, our users have problems sharing data over the same platforms, but this is considered an "educational issue".
Anyway, getting to the heart of the problem, we find that naming of documents is the number one cause for problems. Specifically, the three letter application extension placed at the end of the name (ie Word = naming their documents with these extensions, but were hoping that there might be a system extension or utility that would aid our users in doing this. We mainly use Microsoft Office and would be thankful to Microsoft for adding this extension in the Save As dialogue box, but have received no confirmation from them that this will happen in the near future. Does anyone know of an extension to do this (ie append the proper extension in the Save As/Save dialogue window)? Any leads you could send our way would be certainly appreciated.
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Date: Wed, 11 Mar 1998 02:10:49 -0000 From: EvangeList <evangelist@apple.com> Subject: PR - Stone Design and Caffeine Software Deliver the Enhanced Licenser
Keyword: Becoming an AppleDeveloper
This announcement is from:
Katie Graunke, <katie@stone.com>
Long time NeXTSTEP/OpenStep/Rhapsody developers, Stone Design Corp, makers of Create(TM), and Caffeine Software, makers of TIFFany(TM), announced today that their acclaimed Licenser Kit has been updated and improved, and future upgrades of the kit are free at least until the year 2001.
The Licenser Kit allows developers to quickly add the level of copy-protection security they require, including the following, combinable options for generating restricted usage:
* Tie license to user name * Tie to host ID (now including Windows 95/NT!) * Create floating network licenses * Allow as many users as desired * Have unlimited number of licenses on a network * Add licenses on the fly (cumulative licensing) * Automatically unlicense if application is moved or copied * Generate expiring licenses for "full strength" demos * Automatically track the licenses currently in use on the network * Fully customizable through subclassing and interface files * Only you, the Developer, knows the encryption code for your apps * Full source for License Generation app included * Royalty free * Free upgrades at least until 1/1/2001
The Licenser Kit has been in development and testing for over five years by Caffeine Software and Stone Design, and is the choice software protection solution for all the top Rhapsody developers, including Anderson Financial Systems Inc., P&L Systems Ltd., OneStep Solutions Plc., Jenike & Johsanson, Inc., Robert Vasvari, and other not yet publicly disclosed Rhapsody and YellowBox developers.
"We're delighted to have such a simple and reliable way to provide cross platform security for the Mesa spreadsheet," said Malcolm Crawford, Marketing Manager at P&L Systems.
"When we ported PasteUp and WriteUp to OPENSTEP and Rhapsody, we wanted a licensing solution that would run without modification on all supported platforms," said Gregory H. Anderson, Founder and CEO of Anderson Financial Systems. "Adding the Licenser Kit support was quick and easy, because it was written by people who really understand how this kind of programming works."
"We have been impressed with the expeditious manner in which they have listened to our ideas and incorporated them into the kit," said David Andrew Knight of OneStep Solutions Plc.
Added to this release is a network license monitoring system that permits users to see who is using the same application, which is very helpful when all of the licenses are already in use. The people using the licenses and the machines they are using them on are automatically listed in the Licenser Kit panel.
Another new feature is the ability for a software house to have licenses generated for one application that can be used in another application, but not vice-versa. This comes in handy when developers offer a "pro" product along with a "companion" application, for example.
"Experience proves that with sensitive code like license generation software, you only want to invest in the best product," said Ralf Brunner, Chief Cryptologist of The Licenser Kit. "Comprehensive solutions to protecting code from piracy and tracking licenses can takes years of development and coding expertise. Caffeine Software and Stone Design are committed to helping professional developers bring their products to the market, and the Licenser Kit can make it happen very quickly."
The Licenser Kit is available now for Rhapsody Developer Release, Apple YellowBox for Windows, OpenStep 4.x, OpenStep Enterprise for Windows and NT, and NeXTSTEP. Unlike competing products, The Licenser Kit supports network floating licenses, where a license can be installed on the network and shared by all users, which gives the developers better copy protection control and is extremely end user friendly. The floating licenses are well suited for site licensing. Moreover, the Licenser Kit enables users to purchases an initial number of floating licenses, and later increase this number using the Kit's cumulative license strategy. Of course, expiring (timebomb) licenses can be generated on the fly by the developer for fully functional demonstrations.
The Licenser Kit offers unlimited module licensing, meaning that each license can be set to enable any number of functionality sub-sets, such as differentiation between pro-version or basic-version, or to switch on and off individual modules.
For more information about the Licenser Kit, please visit www.stone.com or call Stone Design at 505-345-4800 during regular business hours. The Licenser Kit has an introductory price of $1995, and developers can use the Kit for all the applications they produce in-house on a royalty-free basis.
The Licenser Kit is your key to the timely release of Rhapsody/Yellow Box applications.
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Date: Wed, 11 Mar 1998 02:10:54 -0000 From: EvangeList <evangelist@apple.com> Subject: Tidbit - Killing Windows
Keyword: Advocacy, Windows Daymares
This tidbit is from:
Blaine Cross <blainecross@yahoo.com>
Hold tight as you read the article by Loyd Case, "A Tale of Tech Support: Or, How I Learned to Kill Windows 95 in Order to Save It" in the April 1998 edition of _Computer Gaming World_. Marvel at the tenacity of these Windows 95 users, struggling to improve system performance. Be amazed by the convolutions required to simply reinstall this unstable OS. Here's a true tale of terror. Check it out at:
<http://cgw.gamespot.com/column/3312.html>
From the scary first paragraph: "It's early January as I write this, and with the coming of a new year, my thoughts turn to New Year's Resolutions, housecleaning, taking down the holiday decorations and reinstalling Windows 95...."
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Date: Wed, 11 Mar 1998 02:10:44 -0000 From: EvangeList <evangelist@apple.com> Subject: PR - Association of Macintosh Trainers
This announcement is from:
J.J. Davies, <namt@aol.com>
Originally formed in 1991, we are pleased to announce the re-establishment of The Association of Macintosh Trainers (AMT) <http://www.cyphernet.com/amt>. The association is an international network of Apple Macintosh computer trainers, instructors and educators, representing 20 nations and growing fast, that provide Macintosh computer support. The purpose of the organization is to make Macintosh computer support easily accessible and available to anyone anywhere in the world, while working to improve upon the quality of Macintosh training. Assistance from the membership is easily accessible to computer users through the AMT web site; <http://www.cyphernet.com/amt/members/members.html>.
AMT also provides resources for obtaining training materials, a speakers bureau where Macintosh experts can be found for conferences and workshops, contact information to become "certified" with particular software companies and a newsletter, "The Dialog Box"; all of which can be found on the AMT web site.
We also welcome links to our web site; <http://www.cyphernet.com/amt>. The Association of Macintosh Trainers can be contacted through Jimmy J. Davies, President.
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Date: Wed, 11 Mar 1998 02:10:52 -0000 From: EvangeList <evangelist@apple.com> Subject: Tidbit - Software for the Blind
This tidbit is from:
Walt Reid, <WaltReid@aol.com>
Concerning typing blind... My friend is one of thousands who use a product originated by Berkeley Systems and now upgraded and supported by ALVA. The product is called outSPOKEN and it allows the blind, visually impaired, and learning disabled computer user to access the graphical user interface of the Macintosh. Imagine that...the most visual of operating systems usuable with audible tools! Not only does outSPOKEN give audio feedback from what appears on the screen, it also allows the user to navigate without a mouse.
It was one of the first software only screen reading solutions that runs on "normal" computers. Prior to that, the user had to invest either in a proprietary solution or purchase software and connect extra hardware to a PC.
While I am not associated with the company that supplies outSPOKEN, I have assisted my friend in those times when sighted assistance is required (though not often). It is an elegant piece of software that mostly takes advantage of the Mac Interface without ever having to see the screen. My friend has his installed on his powerbook for maximum portability. More information can be found on the outSPOKEN web page at:
<http://www.aagi.com/docs/oSM_desc.html>
Although they now have a version for windows, it was available for Macintosh first and exclusively for a long time. Friends don't let friends buy PCs!
Walter Price <waltreid@aol.com>
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Date: Wed, 11 Mar 1998 02:10:56 -0000 From: EvangeList <evangelist@apple.com> Subject: Job - Production Artist (Alameda, CA)
This job announcement is from:
Roberta Payawal, <robertap@netopia.com>
Title: Production Artist Job Number: #98022 Location: Alameda, CA
Position Summary: Produce and design a variety of corporate collateral utilizing Mac production and design programs.
Qualifications:
jump in the process of a project.
Contact Us:
For immediate consideration, complete our online application at www.netopia.com/corp/jobs or email resume to: <employment@netopia.com> or fax to: 510-814-5022 or mail to: 2470 Mariner Square Loop, Alameda, CA 94501.
About Us:
Netopia, Inc., formerly Farallon Communications, develops, markets and supports complete, easy-to-use, plug-and-play Internet connectivity products and real-time collaboration software for all platforms. The Company's products are designed to increase the productivity and efficiency of Internet, Intranet and LAN users that may not have access to sophisticated technical support. Netopia's Internet/Intranet products include its high-speed Internet routers; its Timbuktu Pro remote control software that enables real-time, peer-to-peer collaboration on the Internet, Intranets and LANs; and its Netopia Virtual Office software, an interactive web office for PCs. Farallon, a division of Netopia, markets LAN networking solutions, including its EtherWave family of products that enable users to easily and cost-effectively create Ethernet networks with or without a hub.
I'm looking for a peice of software that may not exist yet. If it does, great! If it doesn't, is anyone up to the challenge?
See, the advent of Drag and Drop was great. Drag things here and there, between windows, &tc. That's great, really.
BUT here's a problem:
I work in Illustrator a lot. Illustrator has a lot of floating palettes. Many times these floating palettes will get in the way of things, particularly when you want to drag a piece of artwork out of the way or want to move them to a certain position only to realise you CAN'T because there's a little palette in the way and the selection snaps back!!! *grrr!*
It would be nice if there were an extention (for Illustrator or, better yet, a control panel [as I'm sure there are other applications that give people the same frustrations) that would allow your cursor to 'bully' the window around.
Now... Maybe something exists, if so, please tell me!! And, I'm not a programmer, and I don't really have the time to learn, but it seems like this kind of thing could be possible:
Track the cursor.
If the cursor pauses over a window that cannot be dragged into for x clock ticks, then the software either (a) nudges the window out of the way, or (b) temporarily makes the window disappear.
If the cursor pauses over a droppable window, it will not 'bully' the window.
If the cursor pauses over a droppable window and you want to 'bully' it out of the way, you can hold down a modified key of your choice and 'super bully' it into going away.
It's probably dreaming, but, is there anything like this? Better yet, is anyone interested in developing something like this??
I'd appreciate any comments/questions.
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Date: Wed, 11 Mar 1998 02:10:59 -0000 From: EvangeList <evangelist@apple.com> Subject: PR - CWCVS 1.0 Released
Keyword: Becoming an AppleDeveloper
This announcement is from:
Richard Wesley, <hawkfish@electricfish.com>
Electric Fish, Inc. announces the release of CWCVS 1.0, a shareware version control plugin for Metrowerks CodeWarrior, which allows you to use the public domain CVS client MacCVS for version control without leaving the CodeWarrior IDE.
CVS is a widely used POSIX-based version control system and CVS clients are available on many platforms, including the Macintosh, making it a reasonable choice for multiple platform development. CWCVS allows Macintosh developers to use CVS with CodeWarrior without arcane command line arguments or scripts.
Version 1.0 features include:
Basic support for update, submit, log, status, diff, add and remove for individual files; Basic support for update, submit and tag for the entire source tree; Implementation of the Rename operation; Locking of files by default; KClient support for use with Kerberos; Customizable environment variable settings;
CWCVS also comes with CWProjector, a Projector version control plugin.
CWCVS is available now at:
<http://www.electricfish.com/hawkfish/CWCVS/>
Electric Fish, Inc. is a software company based in Seattle, Washington.
For more information, contact Richard Wesley, <mailto:hawkfish@electricfish.com>
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Date: Wed, 11 Mar 1998 02:11:01 -0000 From: EvangeList <evangelist@apple.com> Subject: PR - CWProjector 2.0 Released
Keyword: Becoming an AppleDeveloper
This announcement is from:
Richard Wesley, <hawkfish@electricfish.com>
Electric Fish, Inc. announces the release of CWProjector 2.0, a shareware version control plugin for Metrowerks CodeWarrior, which allows you to use MPW's Projector for source control without leaving the CodeWarrior IDE.
CWProjector provides an easy to use source-code control system, at minimal cost, using established technology from Apple. It is well suited for individuals and small organizations which want the benefits of source-control with a minimum of hassle and expense.
Version 2.0 includes the following new features:
Advanced dialogs for customizing options; Automatic database creation during Add and Connect; Checkout of any version; New Properties/Status commands; New Comment command for changing Checkout comments; Customizable Finder Labels; New default options for various commands; CodeWarrior look-and-feel for the dialogs; Various bug fixes and improvements;
CWProjector also comes with CWCVS, a CVS version control plugin.
Electric Fish, Inc. is a software company based in Seattle, Washington.
for more information, contact Richard Wesley, <mailto:hawkfish@electricfish.com>
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Date: Wed, 11 Mar 1998 02:11:10 -0000 From: EvangeList <evangelist@apple.com> Subject: ?? - Geometric Surface Area Application
This request is from:
Brad Mitchell, <bradm@enternet.com.au>
I have been looking for a program that will work out the surface area of
various different shapes. We are a small business that coats polystyrene foam with a thin layer of polyeurethane foam that is then used for architectural moldings. The problem we have is we find it extremely hard to price the molds because they can have different geometric shapes on each moulding. Any lead for some sort of software that calculates surface area on a user defined shape would be most appreciated. I would be willing to pay for such a program.
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End of EvangeList Digest V1 #1120 *********************************
