HDTenEightyP/NetNews huggingface dataset:
From: uerics@mcl.ucsb.edu (Eric D. Shepherd)
Newsgroups: comp.sys.apple2
Subject: Re: Sorry about raising false hopes...
Date: 12 Nov 92 00:49:20 GMT
Article-I.D.: mcl.uerics.721529360

How depressing.  I was planning to buy it myself.  I still mean to buy
Space Ace, but funds are a bit short right now. :(

- Eric S.

--
Eric D. Shepherd                   | Apple II Alliance Charter Member
InterNet: uerics@mcl.mcl.ucsb.edu  |           ACM Member
FidoNet:  1:206/2713 Eric Shepherd | Programming Law #1: "When in
AOL:      Sheppy                   | doubt, rewrite from scratch."
Newsgroups: comp.sys.apple2
From: tbc@netcom.com (Mike Garvey)
Subject: Re: ATTENTION high-speed modem users!
Organization: Netcom - Online Communication Services (408 241-9760 guest)
Date: Thu, 12 Nov 1992 02:29:02 GMT

Paul "The Oggman" Parkhurst says that the cable he mentioned in his "HST
Speed" articles (described below) neatly sidesteps this problem with the
CTS signal and the HSKi line; this cable basically uses the GPi line to
support the CTS signal. Is it possible that more software (PT3, METAL,
ProLine/ModemWorks, GNO's drivers) be modified to work with this cable?
 
Apple IIGS to Modem - Flow-control
 
IIGS (DIN-8)    Modem (DB-25)
-----------------------------
  1 (HSKo)  ------>  4 (RTS)
               |
                --> 20 (DTR)
  2 (HSKi)  <------  8 (DCD)
  3 (TxD-)  ------>  2 (TxD)
  5 (RxD-)  <------  3 (RxD)
  7 (GPi)   <------  5 (CTS)
  4 (GND)   <----->  7 (GND)
               |
  8 (RxD+)  <--

Note: I have added the extra connections to pin-4 (RTS) at the modem and
pin-8 (RxD+) at the serial port. Paul's cable originally didn't include
these connections (in fact, he's had a problem with connecting pin-8) but I
included them in keeping with the design of other Apple II modem-cables
(i.e. InSync's) which indicate that these signals should be connected.

(Wanders off mumbling something about so what do y'all think?)

Be seeing you...
-- 
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
=  The Black Cursor (c) & TM  -=-  Sysop: Valhalla -- an Ogg-Net BBS  =
=  Internet: tbc@netcom.com   -=-  (415) 221-4370  300-14,400bps 8N1  =
=  GEnie: TBC   "No sir, I don't like it." - The Ren and Stimpy Show  =
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
Newsgroups: comp.sys.apple2
Subject: .hqx Files
From: hdgarner@acs.harding.edu
Date: 12 Nov 92 19:16:34 -0500
Reply-To: hdgarner@acs.harding.edu
Organization: Harding University

Does anyone know if there is a program for the IIgs that will extract '.hqx' files. I am pretty sure it is some kind of Mac format, but I cannot find out much more about it. Is it anything like stuffit ('.sit')? If it is I could use Shrinkit. Any help you could provide would be appreciated.
Newsgroups: comp.sys.apple2
From: joko@well.sf.ca.us (Joe Kohn)
Subject: Re: ThunderScan
Organization: Whole Earth 'Lectronic Link
Date: Sun, 8 Nov 1992 21:39:49 GMT

In article <93qVTB1w165w@cyberden.uucp> fmlin@cyberden.uucp writes:
>John,
>
>I do remember Vitesse claimed their scanner is the "only" one that 
>supports WestCode's InWords.  I also remember for the ThunderScan to be 
>InWords compatible, you'll have to purchase a "update" kit from Vitesse, 
>which gives you a new controller and software.  It went for about $80.
>
>Correct me if I'm wrong.
>
>
>__________________________________________________________________________
>   |       /         |\
>   | H E   \ Y B E R |/ E N            [ fmlin@cyberden.uucp ]


WRONG!!

Vitesse did claim that there's was the only scanner that worked with
InWorks, but that claim was only accurate for a short while. WestCode was
able to secure a Quickie when they first came out, and went to work writing
InWords for it. The second they finished that, they went to work on a
LightningScan compatible version, and finished it about 60 days later.

It didn't take any money to update to the Lscan version, and it didn't take
any additional hardware. All it took was a phone call to WestCode.

There was an "update kit" that turned a Lsan into a Quickie. Since both
scanners use the exact same Omron 1600 scan head, Vitesse would sell you an
interface card and the Quickie software...thereby making your LightningScan
a Quickie. Sort of.

I own both a Quickie and LightningScan, and still much prefer the
LightningScan for scanning photographs.

Unfortunately, ThunderWare just sort of gave up on the II market.

Joe Kohn
Newsgroups: comp.sys.apple2
id <m0mpRwM-0000VZC@crash.cts.com>; Wed, 11 Nov 92 15: 57 PST
	id <kb56208@pro-nsdapple.cts.com>; Wed, 11 Nov 92 15: 36 PST
From: glennl@pro-nsdapple.cts.com (Glenn Levine)
Subject: Re: Spreadsheet available?
Organization: ProLine [pro-nsdapple] - North San Diego Apple Users Group
Date: Wed, 11 Nov 92 15:35:36 PST


In <1992Nov11.145808.5004@ra.msstate.edu>
mrr1@Ra.MsState.Edu (mark r rauschkolb) writes:

>	Is there a PD ore Shareware spreadsheet available for the apple2?
>I've been looking through ftp sites and haven't seen any, but I don't
>know a name to be looking for.
>
>Thanks
>
>Mark
>mrr1@ra.msstate.edu
>
>
>

I am the 5.25 dom librarian for a user group and the club had one called
Better Way Calc.  I will upload it for you
From: ncp@gnh-cathouse.cts.com (Neal Pitts)
Newsgroups: comp.sys.apple2
Subject: Re: Disk drive sticktion(?)
Date: 9 Nov 92 13:36:20 GMT
Distribution: world
Organization: The Internet
X-Unparsable-Date: Sun Nov 08 92 at 15:04:39 (EST)

My $0.2...

I had heard many IIci Quantums internals had a problem with sticktion and
Apple shipped a ROM update to fix the problem; the ROMs used a bigger startup
voltage or something to really wake the heads up (or something like that).

NCP
----------------------------------------------
ncp                   ncp@gnh-cathouse.cts.com
                      ncp@gnh-starport.cts.com
----------------------------------------------
Newsgroups: comp.sys.apple2
Subject: Re: StyleWriter
From: <TJK111@psuvm.psu.edu>
Date: Fri, 6 Nov 1992 09:54:20 EST
Organization: Penn State University


In article <1992Nov5.231236.7193@vela.acs.oakland.edu>,
mkheintz@vela.acs.oakland.edu (Michael Heintz) says:

>>I just bought a StyleWriter, and AWGS & GWIII cannot print to it correctly.
>>GWIII cannot print in 360 dpi and AWGS & GWIII both loose full justification
>>at 360 dpi. Graphics & text are misaligned. What gives? Would a Deskjet be
>>better?  Is it the driver? Any updates? Any help appreciated.

>You either don't have enough memory to render the image correctly at 360dpi,
>or you don't have the right size fonts in your */SYSTEM/FONTS directory.

I have 4 megs on a C.V. Tech memory card.

>An easy solution to the memory problem would be to upgrade to at least 2 MB
>from any reputable mail-order company.  Quality Computers comes to mind, but
>there are other places with cheaper prices.

>If you don't have the right sized fonts, try Pointless because then you will
>be able to use fonts in all different sizes.  Pointless generates the font
>you need, up to 255pt.

>You need a font that is four times the size of the font on the screen for
>printing to the StyleWriter.  If you are printing 12pt, you will need a copy
>of the same font (with matching family ID, too) in 48pt.  Either you put this
>other font in the font subdirectory, or you get Pointless because Pointless
>will generate the 48pt font on-the-fly.

I have Pointless.

The driver for the StyleWriter is at fault. It's even mentioned in the new GS+

>Michael Heintz, Oakland University - Rochester, Michigan
>InterNet:  mkheintz@vela.acs.oakland.edu
>BITNET:    mkheintz@oakland.BITNET
Newsgroups: comp.sys.apple2
id <m0moGsZ-0000C6C@crash.cts.com>; Sun, 8 Nov 92 09: 56 PST
	id <k834143@pro-acsd.cts.com>; Sun,  8 Nov 92 09: 29 PDT
From: glennl@pro-acsd.cts.com (Glenn Levine)
Subject: Re: Disk drive sticktion(?)
Organization: ProLine [pro-acsd] Apple Corps of San Diego
Date: Sun, 8 Nov 92 09:22:46 PDT



In <1992Nov7.204232.9079@wl.com> schultp@wl.com (Paul Schultz) writes:

>In article <blaby.721125727@sfu.ca> blaby@fraser.sfu.ca (John Edward Blaby) writes:
>>sknkwrks@sonny-boy.cs.unlv.edu (Scott Alfter) writes:
>>
>>>Odd, all this talk of stiction and 3.5" drives...I always thought
>>>stiction was the exclusive problem of Seagate 5.25" drives.
>>
>>Nope..It is a problem with Quantum 105 as well. It just happened to me
>>tonight of all things. We had a major powerfailure here and the bbs
>>and drive were down for about three hours.
>>
>Can someone tell me exactly what is "stiction".  I have an older Seagate
>ST277N drive (circa 1987) and on rare occasions it won't come up to
>speed and the drive LED flashes a number of times.  When I power down and
>re-boot, it usually goes away.  Is this STICTION??
>
>Paul Schultz
>schultp@wl.com
>
>-- 

I have a Segate 3.5 st137n  harddrive and have had the same problem
I also was getting stickion to a point were the drive would not work.
Now it works but I it still sticks on first boot but works fine 
the second boot.  Stickion is where the drive head sticks to the drive
platter.
Newsgroups: comp.sys.apple2
From: bazyar@teal.csn.org (Jawaid Bazyar)
Subject: Re: GS/OS Printing and Ghostscript
Organization: Colorado SuperNet, Inc.
Distribution: na
Date: Thu, 12 Nov 1992 23:43:49 GMT

philip@utstat.uucp (Philip McDunnough) writes:

>There is a PD program called Ghostscript which takes Postscript
>files and outputs them to a variety of printers. Is this available
>for the GS? If it were, would the LaserWriter Postscript driver 
>for the GS support colour printing?
> 
>Ghostscript outputs to virtually every printer around. It would be
>a viable solution to those wanting inexpensive colour printing to
>say an HP Deskjet 550C and many others.

  Give us a rest, man! :-)  So far, I've got (in the queue):

troff
lcc
TeX
perl
awk

and now Ghostscript. Will it ever end? :-)  Now I _really_ need that 486
(and ORCA/C 2.0 &/or lcc).

Seriously, though, Ghostscript is pretty darn big.  I'll take a look at it
sometime, though.

-- 
 Jawaid Bazyar              |   Ask me about the GNO Multitasking Environment
 Procyon, Inc.              |   for the Apple IIgs!   
 bazyar@cs.uiuc.edu         |   P.O Box 620334
 --Apple II Forever!--      |   Littleton, CO 80162-0334   (303) 933-4649
Newsgroups: comp.sys.apple2
From: behrenss@Informatik.TU-Muenchen.DE (Soenke Behrens)
Newsgroups: comp.sys.apple2
Subject: Re: What is Bison?
Date: 8 Nov 92 21:23:25 GMT
Organization: Technische Universitaet Muenchen, Germany

sander@carroll1.cc.edu (Scott Anderson) writes:

>achauhan@warsaw.math.macalstr.edu (Amrit Chauhan) writes:
>>What exactly is Bison?
>Well, it is a vi type editor that runs much slower than stevie under gno.
>BTW this should be in csa2gno.

Nonsense. Bison is a parser generator. And it runs under both ORCA and GNO.

Flex was ported by Jawaid, I might give it some minor tweaks.

Soenke
 -- 
===========================================================================
More than silver, more than gold, I need   !    behrenss@informatik.
electricity. I need it for my dreams.      !    tu-muenchen.de
(RACTER)                                   !  FIDO: 2:246/13 Soenke Behrens
From: uerics@mcl.ucsb.edu (Eric D. Shepherd)
Newsgroups: comp.sys.apple2
Subject: Re: How to convert sounds to sound resource files?
Date: 6 Nov 92 18:30:27 GMT

Re: white splotches in update-needing areas

I agree -- one of the most annoying visual problems in the System Software
is that when the print dialog disappears, the system doesn't bother to
update the screen before starting to print, so the entire time you're
printing, you're staring at this big white space in the middle of the
screen.  Very stupid looking.  Makes me think I'm using a ** shudder **
Mac.

- Eric S.

--
Eric D. Shepherd                   | Apple II Alliance Charter Member
InterNet: uerics@mcl.mcl.ucsb.edu  |           ACM Member
FidoNet:  1:206/2713 Eric Shepherd | Programming Law #1: "When in
AOL:      Sheppy                   | doubt, rewrite from scratch."
Newsgroups: comp.sys.apple2
Subject: Re: ProSel
From: cxdb14@wsuhub.uc.twsu.edu (RANDY)
Date: 9 Nov 92 23:30:44 CST
Organization: Wichita State University, Wichita, Ks

In article <1992Nov8.221851.18979@fawlty.towers.oz.au>, johnmac@fawlty.towers.oz.au (John MacLean) 
> Next question: Are there any launchers, including ProSel, that can do the
> same sort of thing on an 8-bit Apple //.
> This could be done by storing the data file name in some area of memory,
> such as $200 for example, and then running a .SYS program that knew to
> look for it there.
> I think I'm pushing my luck - but any takers?

The thing you're talking about is already defined - it's called the system
program startup file protocol. It only works with system programs set up for
it. Here's how you do it:

1. The first instruction must be a jmp instruction, so $2000 must contain $4C.
2. After the jmp, two $EE's are used as a signature. These are at $2003
   and $2004.
3. The next byte contains the length of the path buffer. This is at $2005.
4. Starting at $2006 is a buffer with length corresponding to the value in
   $2005. Your selector stores an ASCII string preceded by a length byte
   starting at $2006.

A good example of a system program which supports this protocol is BASIC.

Not all selectors are set up to specify a startup file. The standard quit code
does not for example. Whenever you set an application to be run from 8 bit
prosel, you can specify a startup path to be used. Command shell style program
selectors like ECP8 let you specify a path on-the-fly.
 
> John MacLean.
-- 
Randy Shackelford   cxdb14@wsuhub.uc.twsu.edu
From: greis@csd4.csd.uwm.edu (Gayla Ann Greis)
Newsgroups: comp.sys.apple2
Subject: Re: DOS 3.3 Launcher
Date: 5 Nov 1992 22:10:37 GMT
Organization: University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee
Reply-To: greis@csd4.csd.uwm.edu
NNTP-Posting-Host: 129.89.7.4
Originator: greis@csd4.csd.uwm.edu

From article <1992Nov4.205722.3994@aw2.fsl.ca.boeing.com>, by prl3546@aw2.fsl.ca.boeing.com (Philip R. Lindberg):
> From article <1992Nov1.225110.24955@fawlty.towers.oz.au>, by johnmac@fawlty.towers.oz.au (John MacLean):
>> Just a post to say I'm quite disappointed in the response to my DOS 3.3
>> Launcher program.

>> I'm curious if people out there using DOS 3.3 Luancher, or if I'm just
>> wasting my time.
>> Any comments?

> Please don't see slow response as no interest.  You're not wasting your 
> time.  The more companies that drop out of the Apple II the more the
> demand will be there for people like you fill the gap.

John, I've replied and replied, by vn return paths never seem to go through.
I think most importantly - even if people don't have DOS3.3 stuff still
around - is a method of creating a new file system, without creating a new
file system. If I am correct, you use a disk image of the DOS disk, and
intercept all 3.3 type calls to it. Perhaps this might be one way to
bundle a UNIX OS under ProDos? A special FEx could move things in and out
of this "suitcase", and GNO could be told to limit it's access to only
this special partition. (Or the SuperUser could have full access, because
then you don't need access bits)

I would say, no, you're not wasting your time if you're willing to share
your techniques and aren't heart-set on creating a super-wonderful Dos3.3
launcher. (Which it may well be, but I haven't used it yet not having
any useful 3.3 stuff)
From: thompson@UMDSUN2.UMD.UMICH.EDU (cis 455)
Newsgroups: comp.sys.apple2
Subject: "Finder needs 300k"
Date: 5 Nov 92 17:34:26 GMT
Distribution: world
Organization: The Internet

I've also gotten this message trying to launch the Finder from GNO.  I traced
it to a bug in GNO's patch to OpenResourceFile (which is fixed in GNO 1.1).
I've also had it on rare occasions by itself for no apparent reason and have
never quite tracked it down.
Newsgroups: comp.sys.apple2
From: David.Empson@bbs.actrix.gen.nz
Subject: Re: Apple II SuperDrive card, Apple Catalog
Organization: Actrix Information Exchange
Date: Fri, 6 Nov 1992 07:44:33 GMT

In article <1992Nov5.041401.7962@wl.com> schultp@wl.com (Paul Schultz) writes:
> 
> Try this phone number which was posted by one of the Apple people a
> few days ago!  (800) 795-1000.

What about those of us who are outside the US?  0800 numbers don't work.
-- 
David Empson

Internet: David.Empson@bbs.actrix.gen.nz    EMPSON_D@kosmos.wcc.govt.nz
Snail mail: P.O. Box 27-103, Wellington, New Zealand
Newsgroups: comp.sys.apple2
From: joko@well.sf.ca.us (Joe Kohn)
Subject: Re: Out Of This World: demo available ?
Keywords: Out Of This World, demo
Organization: Whole Earth 'Lectronic Link
Date: Sat, 14 Nov 1992 01:01:21 GMT

In article <UBV831G@minnie.zdv.uni-mainz.de> kapffer@Informatik.Mathematik.Uni-Mainz.DE (Matthias Kapffer) writes:
>I've just tried the demo of the Macintosh version of Out Of This World; does
>somebody know if a demo of the IIgs version is available ?


Not yet there isn't. But there could be soon. The programmer did just have a
baby this week (well, actually, it was Mrs Burger Bill), so it might be a
little while. But, Interplay does plan to release an OOTW demo.

Joe Kohn
Newsgroups: comp.sys.apple2
id <m0mnwtW-0000c8C@crash.cts.com>; Sat, 7 Nov 92 12: 36 PST
	id <k743751@pro-nsdapple.cts.com>; Sat,  7 Nov 92 12: 09 PDT
	id <k747455@pro-storm.cts.com>; Sat,  7 Nov 92 13: 10 CST
From: bill@pro-storm.cts.com (Bill Long)
Subject: Re: AppleSoft Basic Question
Organization: ProLine [pro-storm] -- Dallas, TX -- 214/644-5113
Date: Sat, 7 Nov 92 13:03:36 CST

In <1992Nov7.142913.12126@magnus.acs.ohio-state.edu>
jbush@magnus.acs.ohio-state.edu (J Eric Bush) writes:

>The way to list the BASIC file to a text file under ProDOS / BASIC.SYSTEM is:
>
>0 POKE 33,33:?CHR$(4)"OPEN LISTFILE":?CHR$(4)"WRITE LISTFILE":LIST 1-65535

What does the POKE do? I've never had to do that.

-B.L.

Internet: bill@pro-storm.cts.com          | GEnie: bill.long
    UUCP: crash!pro-storm!bill            |  Pro-Storm -+- Dallas, TX
  Bitnet: bill%pro-storm.cts.com@nosc.mil | 12/2400 baud - 214/644-5113
Newsgroups: comp.sys.apple2
From: jmk3@crux2.cit.cornell.edu (Jay M. Krell)
Subject: Re: DOS 3.3 Launcher
Organization: Cornell Information Technologies
Date:  8 Nov 92 02:59:57 GMT

>From: ltchean@rambutan.iss.nus.sg (lim thye chean)
 
>BTW, a question to game player out there,
 
>What is your favorite DOS 3.3 game?
 
Perhaps Lords of Conquest. It was written with Paul Lutus's GraForth DOS and
runs under the almost-DOS 3.3 GraForth DOS.
 
 
  --Jay, jay.krell@cornell.edu

Newsgroups: comp.sys.apple2
id <m0mol1x-0000skC@crash.cts.com>; Mon, 9 Nov 92 18: 08 PST
	id <k964532@pro-nsdapple.cts.com>; Mon,  9 Nov 92 17: 55 PST
	id <k964404@pro-storm.cts.com>; Mon,  9 Nov 92 17: 53 CST
From: bill@pro-storm.cts.com (Bill Long, Sysop)
Subject: Re: DOS 3.3 Launcher
Organization: ProLine [pro-storm] -- Dallas, TX -- 214/644-5113
Date: Mon, 9 Nov 92 17:24:57 CST

In <jmk3.721191597@crux1.cit.cornell.edu>
jmk3@crux2.cit.cornell.edu (Jay M. Krell) writes:

>>What is your favorite DOS 3.3 game?
> 
>Perhaps Lords of Conquest. It was written with Paul Lutus's GraForth DOS and

Oh yeah, I remember that game! I _loved_ that game! :)

-B.L.

Internet: bill@pro-storm.cts.com          | GEnie: bill.long
    UUCP: crash!pro-storm!bill            |  Pro-Storm -+- Dallas, TX
  Bitnet: bill%pro-storm.cts.com@nosc.mil | 12/2400 baud - 214/644-5113
From: tony@ersys.edmonton.ab.ca (Tony Turner)
Newsgroups: comp.sys.apple2
Subject: BBS Software
Date: Sun, 08 Nov 92 20:17:47 MST
Organization: Edmonton Remote Systems #1, Edmonton, AB, Canada

--> Our Apple II user group; Edmonton Apple Group Learning Experience:
    (E.A.G.L.E) wishes to set up a BBS for the members. We've had a GS
    & a Supra Modem 2400 donated for the cause - now we're looking for
    a BBS software package. We'd prefer not to use GBBS, because there
    are so many local 'hackers' who have run some version or another &
    know it too well (to our possible detriment). So we're looking for
    something different/current/stable. We'd appreciate it if we could
    get the addresses of some of these other BBS packages that are out
    there for the Apple II line. Thanks for any assistance in this...
 
    =B=Y=E= -Tony Turner. E.A.G.L.E. disk/magazine librarian. Edm,Alta.
 

Tony Turner              tony@ersys.edmonton.ab.ca 
Newsgroups: comp.sys.apple2
From: irsman@iastate.edu (That Ian Guy)
Subject: Re: GEnieLamp
Followup-To: comp.sys.apple2,comp.sys.apple2.advocacy
Summary: Scott G.'s patented flame-on-otron has gotten out of hand
Keywords: words which summarize the content
Organization: Bone-rollers International, Toronto, Canada
Date: Fri, 13 Nov 1992 17:06:50 GMT

In article <1dvrivINN4o2@gap.caltech.edu> toddpw@cco.caltech.edu (Todd P. Whitesel) writes:
>Sigh... Scott, would you be happier if it was shrunk and posted to c.b.a2
>instead? I honestly don't see how it is such a horrid violation. If anything,
>it's got more information density than a lot of threads on this group!!

Indeed.  Including this thread (heh heh heh).  Personally I think it should
just continue to be posted, since Scott is obviously the only person whom
it offends.  I personally look forward to seeing it because of all the useful
stuff in it.

>Todd Whitesel
>toddpw @ cco.caltech.edu



-- 
        Ian Schmidt: irsman@iastate.edu or aol.com, BITNET: twbv4@isuvax       
  "I will choose a path that's clear: I will choose free will." - Neil Peart
   Ask me about the GS<>IRC demo...better yet ask daveh@ccwf.cc.utexas.edu!
From: 90taobri@BLUFFS.SCAR.UTORONTO.CA (TAO BRIAN T)
Newsgroups: comp.sys.apple2
Subject: Re: Need Help With Apple History Lesson
Date: 6 Nov 92 15:37:05 GMT
Distribution: world
Organization: The Internet

The following revelation escaped Gregory Ross Thompson's lips:
>
>Can you run
>Mathematica on your II or GS?  No.  Can you run Frame Maker?  No.  Can
>you do heavy-duty circuit simulation on your GS?  No.

    No, but that doesn't invalidate the Apple II(*) as a great computer.
Your average "home hobbyist" has no need for Mathematica, FrameMaker,
SQL databases, fast C++ compilers, etc., etc.  I'll sit myself down in
front of a friend's NeXTstation if I want FrameMaker, or I'll walk over
to the school to use Mathematica on the RS/6000's.  Both provide better
solutions than using a 486 for those tasks, but it doesn't mean the 486
is a bad computer either.

>Well, hey, do you hear people saying: "Wow, I sure as hell wish I had
>a CM-5 on my desk."  I don't.

    I say that all the time.  ;-)

>Face the facts.  What's the latest spec?  Every 3 years,
>processor speed doubles?  Something like that.

    If you believe Bob Cringely, it's every 18 months (cf: "Accidental
Empires").

>As schemes like the Alpha's superscalar/superpipeline
>architecture become proven, they will appear in desktop machines.  Is
>that bad?  No.  It's good.

    I think James Hague's original proposition was that people these days
are too caught up in the rapid pace of bleeding-edge technology.  Why do
some individuals (your "average home user") feel compelled to drop a few
C-notes every year to put the fastest CPU under the hood?  Not everyone
needs (or wants) to run Mathematica, AutoCAD, Studio 3D, etc. at home.
You don't need a 486 to type a letter to Aunt Martha either.
--
Brian T. Tao    =*8-) | ::::::::> 90taobri@chasm.scar.utoronto.ca <::::::::
Dept. of Exobiology   | :> taob@r-node.pci.on.ca : taob@terranet.cts.com <:
University of Toronto | "Though this be madness, yet there is method in't."