EvangeList Digest Saturday, February 21 1998 Volume 01 : Number 1099
In this issue:
?? - Chords Recognition Trainer Tidbit - HFS+ Figures $$ - Educational Internet Software PR - New Release of HandyMan PR - New Version 2.1.5 of ASTARTE M. Pack PR - Test Pilot Online Testing/Survey Software ?? - YWCA Based Software ?? - Bryce 1.0 Help Needed ASAP PR - LanBox-LC II Software Bundle 1.2 Followup - Apple Seedlings Continues to Grow Fwd: Evangelist announcement - garage.com tshirt
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my wife is studying to become an opera singer and therefore has to learn to recognize chords in all their possible variations. In school, a chord is played on the piano and she has to tell which one it was (let's say g7, third form).
Because it is rather expensive to employ a piano player for exercising it would be great to have a software which plays a chord randomly, lets the user input his guess and then tells him what chord it was.
If there is such a software available for the Mac (at a reasonable price), this could be an argument for many of the singing students to get a Mac instead of a Windoze box. Most of them don't have any computer at all because they have no real reason to get one.
Any comments and suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
I needed to free up some room on my 1 GB drive so I could install MS Office 98 when it comes out. After removing as much junk as I could, I was still disapointed in how much free space was available. I took the plunge and reformatted my hard drive as an HFS+ drive. However, I was unhappy with the fact that the cluster size when you reformat is 4k. The latest MacWorld had an blip about "PlusMaker" <http://www.alsoftinc.com> which formats the drive with the smallest cluster size available for your hard disk. In my case this was 0.5k. I made notes of the varrying amounts of data my different folders took up and wrote them down.
I wasn't sure if anyone would be interested in these numbers, but here they are:
Free on HD 258.5 329.6 348.4 Gained Space 71.1 89.9
I am in no way affiliated with Alsoft, but was very impressed with their product. All folder sizes were gathered via the "Get Info" command.
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Date: Fri, 20 Feb 1998 02:10:48 -0000 From: EvangeList <evangelist@apple.com> Subject: $$ - Educational Internet Software
Jack Goodman, <jackgoodman@guidanceassociates.com>
NetGuider, Inc. the publisher of NetGuider(tm) Internet software for schools is pleased to offer Evangelist subscribers a great value on the following NetGuider programs:
U.S. History: FDR, the Great Depression and the New Deal Literature: Mark Twain and the Art of the Novel Guidance/Health: Say "No" to Smoking and Alcohol Career Education: Getting a Job in the Real World
Each program comes with 5 Macintosh student disks and 1 Macintosh teacher's disk, plus 30 student workbook portfolios. NetGuiders are designed to filter and focus the Web onto specific subjects in the K-12 curriculum. All you need to run a NetGuider is a Macintosh with a web browser and an Internet connection.
These products regularly sell for $99.00. They are available to Evangelist subscribers at the special price of $49.95 while supplies last. Email <info@guidanceassociates.com> or call 1-800-431-1242.
If you can surf the web, you already know how to use a NetGuider!
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Date: Fri, 20 Feb 1998 02:10:57 -0000 From: EvangeList <evangelist@apple.com> Subject: PR - New Release of HandyMan
This announcement is from:
Bert Wynants, <bert.wynants@innet.be>
There is a new release of HandyMan. Version 2.0.1 was released today.
HandyMan is a Control/Desktop/Extensions Strip Launching Module.
It is designed to allow quick and easy access to applications, Control Panels, Desk Accessories, Folders and other documents stored on your Macintosh, without having to navigate through several "Finder Windows" or through a multi-layered, hierarchical Apple menu.
It works by clicking on icons installed in a floating window, or dropping documents onto them. This approach is much handier than aliases that are on the desktop because the floating windows that contain the icons can never be covered by windows. HandyMan also requires a lot less desktop space than the same number of icons on the desktop.
For more info or downloads: <http://www.club.innet.be/~ind0836/mac/HandyMan.html>
changes: * Corrected misspeled Alfabetic in Alphabetic (thanks Douglas Kruschen). * Fixed automatic update problem with Control Strip and Desktop Strip. When dragging an HandyMan Item in a container on the strip (trash, folder) it did not do an automatically update of the icons. * Moved hardcoded Empty Trash string to the resources for translation. * Special Drop and Launch code for MacLinkPlus. You can add MacLinkPlus convertors to the strip now. (Warren Rogers) * Fixed a problem with the French Catalog. (Venant-Henri Ouedraogo)
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Date: Fri, 20 Feb 1998 02:11:07 -0000 From: EvangeList <evangelist@apple.com> Subject: PR - New Version 2.1.5 of ASTARTE M. Pack
This announcement is from:
ASTARTE GmbH, <chris@astarte.de>
ASTARTE releases M. Pack 2.1.5. the professional MPEG compression software for MacOS. This update supports QuickTime 3.0 and includes some bug fixes.
<http://www.astarte.de/text/softwaree/mpack>
If you have any questions or comments, please contact ASTARTE at:
Email: <info@astarte.de>. Fax: ++49-721-853862 Internet: <http://www.astarte.de> __________________________ Digital Guy Sez:
And the winner for the shortest press release this year (so far)... :-)
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Date: Fri, 20 Feb 1998 02:11:09 -0000 From: EvangeList <evangelist@apple.com> Subject: PR - Test Pilot Online Testing/Survey Software
Keyword: Market by market, Education
This announcement is from:
Malcolm Duncan, <wmd@purdue.edu>
Purdue's BioMedia Center for Instructional Computing is releasing a new computer program to help teachers put the power of the Internet to work in the classroom. Test Pilot, is a new application that lets teachers quickly and easily design surveys, tests and tutorials for delivery to students using Internet technology. Formerly, this process was a long, ardurous one requiring teachers to learn programming, often in two completely different computing languages. Now thanks to the software developed at the Center, creating a test and using a computer to record and score the questions and answers is a simple point and click process.
According to Center associate director Malcolm Duncan, author of Test Pilot, "it really opens up the use of computers for instruction. Now a teacher or professor can take a list of questions and have a computer on the Internet automatically generate a quiz for their students. The quiz can consist of randomly selected questions and since a computer is used, a student's answers can be immediately evaluated. The student gets their grade as soon as they turn in their work." Students can even work on tutorials from their home computers with a connection to the Internet.
Purdue BioMedia Center director, Dr. Clark Gedney notes that they've had over 350 people testing the software from locations all over the world. It has generated quite a stir on the Internet. According to Gedney, "Thanks to the new emerging Java cross-platform computing standard, we were able to deliver a solution to our users that will run on nearly every computer in use today. The software runs on Apple's MacOS, on Windows, on UNIX, you name it." Schools and companies from Austria to Australia have been eagerly testing it. Center members have been gratified by the number of corporations interested in Test Pilot for use in industrial, managerial and clerical training.
The release of Test Pilot marks the realization of a long held dream for Duncan. "I thought about writing something like Test Pilot a couple of years ago but never seemed to find the time. Working in the Department of Biological Sciences' BioMedia Center has given me the opportunity to develop the software tools needed to help teachers use computers more effectively in their instruction." Indeed, Biological Sciences and a number of other departments at Purdue are looking at Test Pilot to assist in teaching university level courses. One testament to its power and security is that it was used to deliver an online final exam last semester.
Colleges and universities aren't the only schools to benefit from this new program. Elementary and high schools are actively using Test Pilot for their teaching. Duncan says, "We've had people e-mailing me for weeks now to get the final release version of Test Pilot. A lot of people will be happy when we start shipping it."
Test Pilot is being demonstrated this week at the Hoosier Science Teachers Association Conference in the Indianapolis Convention Center. If you want to find out more about Test Pilot, information is on the Internet at: <http://biomedia.bio.purdue.edu/>
You can reach the BioMedia center through e-mail to: <wmd@purdue.edu> or via mail or phone to:
BioMedia Center for Instructional Computing Lilly Hall of Life Sciences Purdue University W. Lafayette, IN 47907 (765) 494-6610 (765) 494-0876 FAX
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Date: Fri, 20 Feb 1998 02:11:06 -0000 From: EvangeList <evangelist@apple.com> Subject: ?? - YWCA Based Software
This request is from:
Bill Martin, <bmartin@pixi.com>
The District Director of the DOE here, is also on the Board at the local YWCA. Currently, the Y does not have an installed platform of computers, and are planning on installing a server, network, and peripherals, as soon as they find a software package that will track and manage the activities of the YWCA.
My problem: I cannot find any Mac solutions. Any suggestions? Any currently active Y members or staffers who are currently using any such Mac software? Anyone interested in writing this kind of software??
I would hate to lose this bid, just because there is no Mac solution in software. I've thought of FM Pro, but frankly, am not adept at programming.
Please respond directly to me. <bmartin@pixi.com>
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Date: Fri, 20 Feb 1998 02:11:00 -0000 From: EvangeList <evangelist@apple.com> Subject: ?? - Bryce 1.0 Help Needed ASAP
This request is from:
ryan, <cornwell.14@osu.edu>
I'm in a real bind. I need to re-render some old Bryce 1.0 images in hi-rez, but I've run into some unexpected snags.
I had enough forethought to save a copy of my old Bryce 1.0 app/associated files, but the render settings are kinda screwy now. If anyone remembers, Bryce 1.0 had several different render size ratios, including a custom. In order to render at high rez, you had to additionally choose a radio button that would allow you to choose at which size you wanted to render with what ratio. For example, you could choose a ratio of 640 x 480, and then click a radio button for 1:1 (640 x 480), 1:2 (1280 x 960), etc. If you wanted a hi-rez picture, you had to render it at the largest size possible, then sample it to 300 dpi in photoshop.
The problem I'm running into is this: The radio buttons for rendering at hi-rez are all greyed out. You simply cannot touch them. Additionally, I have found that using the custom ratio only allows you to render at the maximum size of the screen. My highest screen resolution is 1024 x 832, which equals a 2 x 3 image when sampled to 300 dpi. I need 5 x 7, or at least 3 x 5.
I don't know if it's because of some new system conflicts or what....this software is 3 or 4 years old. I have tried it under System 8.1 and 7.5.2, and neither works. I'm going to track down Sys 7.0 and see if that does anything...I just don't know if it's a system software problem or if it's the app that corrupted (in which case I'm in bad shape, because I don't have those floppies anymore). Maybe it's something else causing the problem. I just don't know.
and just to be clear, No, you can't import previous version's files into the newer Bryce apps (2.0 and 3D).
If anyone can offer any advice, I'd be very grateful.
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Date: Fri, 20 Feb 1998 02:11:11 -0000 From: EvangeList <evangelist@apple.com> Subject: PR - LanBox-LC II Software Bundle 1.2
Keyword: Market by Market, Entertainment
This announcement is from:
Fokko van Duin, <fokko@cds.nl>
MAASSLUIS, NL - CDS advanced technology bv announces the release of the LanBox-LC II software bundle version 1.2. The free upgrade enhances all three major components of the bundle (LanBox-LC II firmware, LCedit II lighting editor and the LCtools maintenance program) and adds several new examples for developers.
The LanBox-LC II is a 250 channel DMX lighting controller with a built in sequencer and transition manager. Lighting programs can be activated through MIDI, serial port and LocalTalk. The LanBox-LC II is used by MIDI artists (musicians, theater acts and sound engineers), alternative lighting professionals, theme parks (yes, They use it), magicians, and many other creative minds all over the world.
Among the new features is the 20 DMX frames per seconds update rate. "This effectively doubles the speed of the LanBox-LC IIs build in sequencer, so the transitions will run more smooth and reaction to external triggers is faster."
The MIDI capabilities are also expanded. "Users have requested a selectable MIDI receive channel and a faster response to MIDI messages. The new firmware delivers both."
Other new features include support for the very popular MAC 500, MAC 600 and MAC 1200 moving head fixures from Martin, support for 3 baudrates on the serial port (38400, 19200, 9600) and a whole range of new shortcuts in LCedit (copy/paste DMX values, store scene, select scene, etc.)
New examples include a LabView/serial port based lighting editor called LVedit.vi and a HyperCard based Jingle Machine. LVedit is a working lighting editor for the LanBox-LC II that runs on both Macintosh and Windows platforms, the Jingle Machine shows you how to synchronize lighting to QuickTime movies. Also new is a Director example for using the serial port and a MAX example for timeline MIDI control of the LanBox-LC II.
CDS advanced technology is located in Maassluis, The Netherlands and can be reached at +31 10 599 17 17, by email at <info@cds.nl>, or via the World Wide Web at <http://www.cds.nl/> or <http://www.lanbox.com/>
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Date: Fri, 20 Feb 1998 02:11:04 -0000 From: EvangeList <evangelist@apple.com> Subject: Followup - Apple Seedlings Continues to Grow
This follow-up message is from:
Erik J Barzeski, <erik@applewizards.net>
I would like to take this opportunity to express two thoughts, both relating to the Apple Seedlings website at <http://applewizards.net/seedlings/>.
First, I'd like to thank those that have contributed to this site. We've been able to post a new article each week since Apple Seedlings' inception, and we have several Evangelistas and Mac users to thank for this.
Second, I'd like to re-invite all Evangelistas to check out Apple Seedlings. Apple Seedlings offers a place for you, the average Mac user, executive, graphic designer, teacher, whatever, to say what's on your mind. We've had articles on Apple's advertising, the perfect Mac Palmtop, PCs in schools, and many other topics.
Please, stop by, and if you can, contribute a little something for thousands to read! Let your voice be heard.
Again, the URL is:
<http://applewizards.net/seedlings/>
Thank you.
Respectfully, Erik J. Barzeski
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Date: Sat, 21 Feb 1998 08:55:40 -0800 From: Guy Kawasaki <Kawasaki@garage.com> Subject: Fwd: Evangelist announcement - garage.com tshirt
This announcement is from:
Sam Decker, samd@thirdage.com
FREE T-Shirt Giveaway in ThirdAge.com Mac Chat
Join fellow adult Mac Users on <ThirdAge.com> this Tuesday evening, Feb 24, at 7pm (Pacific time) for "Mac Chat," <http://www.thirdage.com/rd/emevang/chat/>. where host Bob McKeever will be giving away (based on random winner selection) limited edition, pre-announcement t-shirts from <Garage.com> -- Guy's new, mystery company! (You can also buy a shirt from <http://www.garage.com>).
But don't just come for the shirt! Come chat about the Mac with Bob McKeever and other evangelistas. Find answers to your questions -- or provide answers for others! You can chat any time of the day in <ThirdAge.com> chat rooms, or start your own room.
If chat is not your thing, you can also post questions in the Mac User Group discussion or start your own topical discussion in <ThirdAge.com> Tech Central Forums. Or get tech tips and computer help in Tech Central by computer expert Adam Meyerson <http://www.thirdage.com/rd/emevang/tech.html>.
Also, stop by our database of 5,000 pages of FREE STUFF! You can browse and search a gigantic database of places to find discounts, bargains, and free stuff -- including places to find free computer help and discounts. <http://www.thirdage.com/rd/emevang/freestuff/>
What is ThirdAge.com? A new, FREE site for active adults featuring:
* 5,000 Pages of FREE STUFF * Daily News * Horoscopes * Computer Advice * Celebrity Guests * Discount Shopping * Personal Home Pages * Live Chat 24 Hours a Day * Discussion Boards * Interactive Polls * And much more!
ThirdAge.com - The Web...for GrownUps Click Here --> <http://www.thirdage.com/rd/emevang/>
___________________
garage.com is coming. Sign up for info at <http://www.garage.com>!
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End of EvangeList Digest V1 #1099 *********************************
