 
NEWS BITES 
~~~~~~~~~~ 

          >>  THROBBING MODEMS -- ROMANCE IS ON THE LINE  <<

   Throbbing Modems, a new book by Joshua Baby, is a how-to guide to 
finding romance and adventure through the computer. "The Information 
Superhighway is allowing millions of people to not only correspond, but 
also to fall in love with each other through the use of their keyboards. 
The growing popularity and curiosity about cybersex phenomena make 
Bagby's new breakthrough instructional guide an essential and timely 
one." Bagby takes audiences through the Internet with advice on meeting 
online, handling gender differences, nurturing intimacy, "turning 
cyberlove into reality," and coping with hazardous personalities and 
situations. 

                                 -=*=-

         >>  HIGH-TECH GADGET HELPS YOU "BEAT THE BUSIES"  <<

   Technology Arts announces the release of PowerDialer<TM> ($249), the 
"world's fastest way to automatically redial busy numbers." PowerDialer 
repeatedly dials busy telephone numbers as quickly as the telephone 
company can process the calls -- as fast as 25 times per minute. When 
busy signals or "all circuits are busy" recordings are encountered, 
PowerDialer immediately hangs up and tries again. When PowerDialer 
encounters either a ringback or speech, meaning that the call has gone 
through, an alarm sounds to signal a successfully completed call.
   Also available from Technology Arts is the Ring n' Route<TM> 
($44.95), a gadget that lets your modem have its own phone number 
(separate from your voice number) on a single telephone line. Ring n' 
Route enhances the telephone company's Distinctive Ringing service by 
selectively routing or blocking specific ringing patterns to telephones, 
fax machines, answering machines and modems. Auto-answering devices such 
as modems, answering machines and faxes cannot tell the difference 
between the distinctive ringing patterns. They will each attempt to 
answer the line simultaneously. Ring n' Route prevents this by 
"listening" to the ringing pattern and passing the call to the 
appropriate attached telephone device. Ring n' Route connects in series 
and can be easily set to pass one of the four possible ringing patterns 
to the desired telephone or service.
   Technology Arts, (800) 600-1778 or (617) 642-8422. 

                                 -=*=-

            >>  HOW TO DO BUSINESS IN THE PACIFIC RIM  <<

   World Access Corp. offers a selection of 60- to 90-minute video 
seminars on doing business in Pacific Rim countries (each country gets 
its own tape): China, Hong Kong, Indonesia, India, Japan, South Korea, 
Malaysia, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand and Vietnam. Each tape sells for 
$119.95, or the entire set can be purchased for $999.95. Also included 
with the videos are market profiles, business and cultural tips. World 
Access Corp., (617) 235-8095. 

                                 -=*=-

                    >>  26GB ON YOUR DESKTOP  <<

   Cybernetics has announced the immediate availability of the CY-20P, 
an optical disk library that can store 26GB of data on 20 disks. 
Featuring the "fastest optical disk drive on the market," the CY-20P 
provides a 2.2MB/sec read rate and an average seek time of less than 
18.9 milliseconds. The drive can read and write 1.3GB, 1GB and 650MB 
disks, in both erasable and WORM formats. Cybernetics, (804) 833-9000. 

                                 -=*=-

               >>  HENRY FORD COMES TO THE NET  <<

   Want to take an armchair tour of the Henry Ford Museum? Check it out 
at

   http://hfm.umd.umich.edu

   The Henry Ford Museum Online site is unique among other World Wide 
Web museum sites in that it provides users with historical content and 
programs rather than just information about on-site offerings. The 
Showroom of Automotive History, for example, will highlight automobiles 
from the museum's collection of 300, representing a substantial 
contribution to the auto industry through design, production, 
engineering and other unique qualities. 

                                 -=*=-

                    >>  DON'T FORGET TO BLINK  <<

   Do long hours at the computer leave you with burning, irritated eyes? 
That gritty, sandy sensation you attribute to eye strain or fatigue may 
actually be just a symptom of dry eyes. Studies have shown that blinking 
decreases during computer use, reducing tear production. Unfortunately, 
most people ignore their dry-eye symptoms or mistakenly assume that 
their eyes are red and irritated because of eye strain or fatigue. 
Cosmetic eye-drop preparations (which contain vasoconstrictors), 
eliminate redness but do not restore moisture, says Dr. Alan L. Shabo, 
clinical professor of opthalmology at the Jules Stein Eye Institute. "In 
fact, long-term use of vasoconstrictors can actually cause a 'rebound 
effect' in which patients experience increased redness and dryness; for 
some people, these products even become addictive."
   Here are some tips to beat dry eyes at the computer:

   [] Break up your computer time. Five-minute breaks every hour can 
ease the impact of the constant glare.
   [] Use an anti-glare filter on your monitor.
   [] Use a desk lamp to illuminate your computer area, or invest in a 
screen to reduce the harshness of fluorescent lights.
   [] Avoid wearing contact lenses for extended periods when in front of 
a computer; contact lenses tend to increase the chance of dryness.
   [] Position your monitor so that you are looking down at it (this 
decreases the exposed surface of the eye, helping to retain moisture. 

                                 -=*=-

   >>  BIG, BAD WOLF FINALLY GETS TO TELL HIS SIDE OF THE STORY  <<

   You heard it here, folks. You can find out what really happened the 
day the wolf met those three little pigs in Reader Rabbit's Reading 
Development Library, a line of interactive books featuring multiple 
perspectives. As one of three character perspectives, the wolf helps 
children appreciate that there are many sides to every story. The 
Reading Development Library titles (MSRP $45 each) are published by The 
Learning Company, (800) 852-2255. 

                                 -=*=-

             >>  HOW TO BACK UP A 1.68MB FLOPPY DISK  <<

   Users who receive Windows 95 on floppies will be in for a shock when 
they try to make backup copies of their disks -- they can't, says Max 
Dunn of Micro Design Systems. According to Dunn, Windows 95, as well as 
many other Microsoft products, are being distributed on a new 1.68MB 
format that Microsoft is calling the Distribution Media Format (DMF). 
The extra capacity is achieved by placing 21 sectors on the disk rather 
than the usual 18. The problem with this format is that normal DOS 
utilities like DISKCOPY, COPY and XCOPY cannot access the three extra 
sectors -- and this serves as a form of copy protection. For a fee, 
Microsoft will sell you backup disks.
   But Micro Design Systems has another way: FixFlop, its memory-
resident program that allows the normal DOS copy commands to work with 
the 1.68MB format. "Users are legally entitled to make backup copies of 
their program disks," explains Dunn, "and FixFlop allows them to do 
that."
   Dunn has generously made FixFlop available to all Internauts at these 
addresses:

   http://www.msd1.com/msd1
   ftp.msd.com  in the pub/msd1 directory

   Shareware versions of Micro System Design's disk-copy program, 
DiskDupe, has also been enhanced to support the 1.68MB format.
   Micro System Designs, (408) 446-2066. 

                                 -=*=-

   >>  PACKARD BELL, TANDY LEAD LIST OF WORST COMPUTER RESELLS  <<

   Taylor Bond, whose Computer Renaissance store has become a sales 
volume leader for new and used computers, says the worst computers for 
resale value are "all models of Packard Bell and Tandy." He won't buy 
them for resale. Which computers have the best resell value according to 
Bond? Macintosh Powerbooks (all models), Compaq/IBM/Toshiba 486 
notebooks, Gateway 486 desktop systems, the Macintosh SE/30, and the 
Macintosh Color Classic. 

                                 -=*=-

                    >>  HOTELS IN YOUR HOTLIST  <<

   Yes, even hotel chains are coming to the Net. Promus Hotels has 
announced it is the first major hotel company to set up Web sites for 
its hotel properties: Embassy Suites, Hampton Inn and Homewood Suites. 
With your Web browser you'll be able to view hotel layouts, see what a 
standard room looks like, and be given contact information. You aren't 
able to actually book a room through the site -- yet. Promus has that in 
the works. The addresses:

   http://www.promus.com/embassy.html
   http://www.promus.com/hampton.html
   http://www.promus.com/homewood.html 

                                 -=*=-

               >>  OFFICIAL SALVADOR DALI WEB SITE  <<

   Where else would you expect to find free wallpaper (for your 
computer) featuring flies, melting clocks and Salvador Dali's image? 
From the Salvador Dali Museum of St. Petersburg, Florida, of course! 
Check it out and grab some cool wallpaper at:

   http://www.highwayone.com/dali/ 

                                 -=*=-

         >>  FROM GUITAR TO MIDI -- NO KEYBOARD REQUIRED  <<

   On the one side there's the guitarist. On the other side is a MIDI 
sequencer. Now Twelve Tone Systems and Lyrrus bring the two together. 
Beginning this fall, the G-VOX Bridge Windows driver will be bundled 
with specially marked packages of Twelve Tones' Cakewalk music software. 
Using the G-VOX Pickup and Belt Pack, Bridge allows a user to record a 
MIDI sequence directly into Cakewalk by playing an electric or acoustic 
guitar. Twelve Tone Systems, Inc., (617) 926-2480. 

                                 -=*=-

                   >>  BROWSIN' FOR A CRUISIN'  <<

   Windjammer Barefoot Cruises has announced the opening of its World 
Wide Web site on the Internet, making it the first major cruise line to 
establish its own Internet presence. If you want to smell the sea salt 
in the air, and feel the wind in your hair, point your browser to 
http://www.windjammer.com 

                                 -=*=-

      >>  CUSTOM SOFTWARE DELIVERED TO YOUR INTERNET ADDRESS  << 
 
   Ensemble Software of Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, has come up with a new  
way sell custom software solutions -- over the Internet. A prospective  
customer travels to Ensemble's World Wide Web home page,  
http://www.ESISolutions.com, then submits a request for custom software  
using an online questionnaire. Ensemble Software programmers will start  
work on the program and deliver it to the customer's e-mail address. 
   Those not looking to buy will find the Ensemble home page full of  
interesting features, including: a new, free application every month;  
tips and techniques on software, hardware and programming; and links to  
other places on the net.  
 
                                 -=*=- 
 
             >>  PRODIGY SPORTS A MORE "WEBBISH" LOOK  << 
 
   The Prodigy online service has adopted a new look: its sign-on  
screen, and other screens within, resemble World Wide Web pages. This is  
a conscious effort on Prodigy's part to integrate its internal service  
with its Web browser. The mail system has also been upgraded, allowing  
multimedia attachments (for sending files to other Prodigy users). For  
users who don't initiate the update by going "Jump: New Prodigy Center"  
by August 9, 1995, the service will update you automatically at sign-on.  
 
                                 -=*=- 
 
   >>  ACADEMY OF TELEVISION ARTS & SCIENCES LAUNCHES WEB SITE  << 
 
   The Academy of Television Arts & Sciences will launch its own World  
Wide Web site on the Internet -- http://www.emmys.org/ -- on Thursday,  
July 20, 5:40 a.m. PDST to coincide with the live announcements of the  
nominations for the 47th Annual Primetime Emmy Awards competition. The  
Web site will initially contain the prime-time Emmy nominations along  
with awards information (facts about past winners, rules, deadlines,  
trivia, etc.) and details on the Academy's many activities and programs. 
   During the 47th Annual Primetime Emmy Awards (to be broadcast Sunday,  
September 10, 8 to 11 p.m. EDT/PDT on FOX), viewers at home will be able  
to access an interactive guide to the show, containing the same photos  
and information as in the program given to audience members attending  
the ceremony. In addition, the Academy's Internet guests will have  
access to historical Emmy Awards information and photographs, and may be  
privy to some behind-the-scenes surprises from backstage. 
 
 
                                 -=*=- 
 
      >>  ARDIS SUPPORTS MOTOROLA'S NEW WIRELESS MODEM CARD  << 
 
   On July 18 ARDIS announced it is the first two-way wireless data  
communications network in the United States to support Motorola's  
Personal Messenger 100D PCMCIA Type II wireless modem card, which just  
became commercially available. Using the nationwide services offered by  
the ARDIS network, Personal Messenger 100D card users can wirelessly  
send and receive electronic mail, send faxes, access applications and  
information, and update and query databases. ARDIS, (708) 913-1215.  
 
                                 -=*=- 
 
>>  ARTISOFT REDUCES PRICES & SIMPLIFIES LANTASTIC SERVER OFFERINGS  << 
 
   Artisoft, Inc., announced on July 3 that it has simplified the  
package offering for its award-winning LANtastic Dedicated Server  
software, and reduced the pricing. The server product line now consists  
of a LANtastic Dedicated Server v1.1 package for 2 to 10 users, priced  
at $649; LANtastic Dedicated Server add-on licenses for 5, 10, 25 and 50  
users beginning at $339 (MSRP) for a five-user version; and an upgrade  
from CorStream (TM) server v1.0 to LANtastic Dedicated Server v1.1 at  
$299 (MSRP). The LANtastic Dedicated Server is built on Novell's 32-bit  
NetWare 4 technology, "yet maintains the LANtastic system's ease of use  
that helped make LANtastic the network of choice for small businesses of  
two to 100 users." The revised options and new pricing are effective  
immediately. 
   "We've reduced the number of package options for our LANtastic  
Dedicated Server family from 15 to six, while continuing to offer the  
same scalable, high-performance solution for growing LANtastic v6.0 and  
Power Suite networks," said Artisoft Vice President of Worldwide  
Marketing Bill Peterson. "We believe the simplified server family will  
be easier for our distributors and reseller partners to stock and for  
Artisoft to produce and maintain. This reduces production and sales  
costs, which can be passed to our customers through very affordable and  
competitive pricing." 
   Artisoft, (800) 233-5564 or (520) 670-7100.  
 
                                 -=*=- 
 
             >>  SHEDDING LIGHT ON PALMTOP COMPUTERS  << 
 
   Thanks to the newly introduced PCL 300 Palmtop Computer Light  
($29.95) from ASF Associates Ltd., low-light situations are no longer an  
obstacle to mobile computer users. the PCL is a portable light that ends  
screen visibility problems common to all hand-held computers with non- 
backlit displays. The compact, lightweight, collapsible unit evenly  
illuminates your display, keyboard and entire work area. It comes with  
an adjustable clip and fastening system that is designed to hold any  
palmtop computer, pocket organizer or handheld video game. The PCL uses  
AA batteries. It is packaged with four spare Ektron bulbs, two clear and  
two red for night vision; a DC vehicle adapter with a high-low dimmer;  
and a soft travel case. ASF Associates, (800) 771-3600.  
 
                                 -=*=- 
 
             >>  BEHIND THE SCENES AT DELPHI INTERNET  << 
 
   Delphi has made big noises about bypassing its competitors  
CompuServe, Prodigy and America On-Line with an expanded service, new  
content, graphical Internet access, and a new multimedia interface  
coming this fall. Toward the goal of improving and expanding content,  
Rupert Murdoch (head of Delphi Internet -- and the FOX network --  
through the parent company The News Corporation) has named Anthea Disney  
Editor-in-Chief Worldwide of the News Corporation's Delphi Internet  
Services. To come to Delphi, Disney will be leaving her job as editor- 
in-chief of TV Guide. 
   Named "Best Editor of 1992" by Advertising Age, Disney was credited  
with revitalizing TV Guide, bringing a sharper, more provocative edge to  
America's largest weekly magazine. Disney's arrival at Delphi signals  
the importance The News Corporation places on its online service and  
recognition of the importance of superior editorial content. 
   "To date, the content developed for this emerging online medium has  
been largely lacking in editorial sophistication," said Dr. Alan Baratz,  
CEO, Delphi Internet. "As we prepare to launch our new service in the  
fall, it is our goal to deliver refreshing and engaging content that  
sets new standards for creative and editorial excellence. With her  
extensive experience in providing informative and entertaining editorial  
content for one of the nation's most widely read publications, Ms.  
Disney will drive us to this goal."  
 
                                 -=*=- 
 
     >>  MONTHLY NEWSLETTER MAPS OUT THE INTERNET FOR LAWYERS  << 
 
   According to GoAhead Productions, the world's largest law library is  
available to everyone, 24 hours a day, virtually for free -- but most  
attorneys don't even know it exists. The Internet provides free access  
to such valuable research resources as the United States Code, SEC  
filings and law-firm memos. The expertise required to keep up with the  
daily-changing network is now being provided by "The Internet Lawyer"  
newsletter, a new publication from GoAhead Productions. Legal eagles  
looking for more info may contact GoAhead Publications at (904) 371- 
3191, or by e-mail: aadkins@freenet.ufl.edu.  
 
                                 -=*=- 
 
       >>  STUDY REVEALS WE'RE BECOMING MULTI-PC HOUSEHOLDS  << 
 
   According to TECH/TRACK's on-going survey of technology in the  
American home, almost one out of three American PC households now owns  
more than a single personal computer system today -- some 8.6 million  
households. 
   "Ownership" defined by TECH/TRACK means actual personal property, on- 
site at the time of interview; this avoids the skewing of figures  
acquired from potential "double-tracking," since the parameters  
eliminate office-borrowed portables or PCs (4.6% of households) as well  
as the PC that was purchased and is away at school with a child (3% of  
households). 
   By the end of 1995's first quarter, 29.8 million American households  
owned PCs, up from the last 1994 quarter's total of 27.3 million. U.S.  
Census Bureau's estimate of 96.39 million households was used throughout  
the study. Some 2.6 million PCs were purchased; average price was $1841;  
aggregate sales bolstering the economy were $4 billion. 
   Other quarter's end information regarding household technology  
ownership include: 
 
             88%   VCRs 
             33%   Hand-held portable cellulars 
             63%   Answering Machines 
              6%   Copiers 
 
   A second trend related to peripherals was noted in the study. They  
are less likely to be purchased as "extra" add-ons to the PC; rather,  
they are offered by the marketer as a more complete package that often  
includes mouse, modem, CD-ROM and a color monitor. 
   While home PCs are used for "personal" activities such as home  
finance, other important uses performed in the PC household include  
general business applications for a small office/home office,  
education/reference, data inquiry, e-mail and work brought home from an  
office. 
   TECH/TRACK monitors approximately 30,000 randomly selected households  
per year. The current database of more than 40,000 in-depth interviews  
reflects TECH/TRACK's nearly two years of information gathering service.  
 
                                 -=*=- 
 
        >>  INTERNET TOUR GUIDE AND RESOURCE -- ON CD-ROM  << 
 
   Odyssey ($49.95), a CD-ROM tool, is part tutorial, part reference  
source, part simulator and part access software. It enables users to: 
 
   [] learn about the Internet through any of 10 interactive tours,  
          which contain more than 90 minutes of audio and video help,  
          and more than 2000 screens and popups; 
   [] answers questions about the Internet through its hyperlinked  
          reference and glossary; 
   [] simulate and rehearse site explorations before wasting time and  
          money online; and 
   [] take the Internet plunge and start exploring. 
 
   MindQ Publishing, (703) 938-3579, or e-mail info@mindq.com  
 
                                 -=*=- 
 
    >>  FREE NEW CD-ROM REFERENCE FOR SCIENTISTS AND ENGINEERS  << 
 
   On July 12 National Instruments announced a free new CD-ROM reference  
containing instrumentation information for engineers and scientists  
building test, measurement, process monitoring and control applications.  
The Windows-compatible "Instrupedia" is more comprehensive than a  
product catalog by including application notes, user solutions,  
demonstration software -- and examples and tutorials covering  
instrumentation software and GPIB, VXI, serial and data-acquisition  
(DAQ) hardware. Instrupedia will be available in the third quarter of  
1995. Scientists and engineers can use Instrupedia to determine hardware  
and software requirements when building completely new computer-based  
instrumentation systems or upgrading existing systems. 
   National Instruments, (800) 433-3488, (512) 794-0100,  
info@natinst.com, or http://www.natinst.com/.  
 
                                 -=*=- 
 
 >>  EARLY DEVELOPMENT OF DIGITAL VIDEODISC HINDERED BY FORMAT WAR  << 
 
   Based on industry-wide census surveys and inferring from the history  
of the VCR, InfoTech has concluded that the digital videodisc's adoption 
rates will be hindered. The next generation of optical media will be  
launched in 1996 amid a likely standards war between two rival formats,  
Multimedia CD (MMCD) from Sony/Phillips and Super Density CD (SD) from  
Time/Toshiba -- unlike today's CD-audio and CD-ROM technologies, which  
benefited from a single standard from their inception. In a speech at  
the REPLtech Intl. meeting in June, InfoTech chairman Ted Pine cautioned 
that a format war will dampen adoption rates of both linear and  
interactive applications -- digital videodisc (DVD) and high-density  
CD-ROM (HDCD-ROM) -- by causing consumer uncertainty and raising prices. 
   "Lack of standardization is a major problem for DVD," Pine said,  
"Because the rivals must not only compete with each other, but with a  
new videotape format that will be introduced concurrently: digital  
videocassette (DVC)." Under the assumption that both rival DVD formats  
come to market, InfoTech forecasts a U.S. installed base of 1 million  
for DVD by year-end 1988. DVD adoption will underperform the initial  
adoption rate of CD-audio, but will surpass the VCR, which did not  
achieve a 1-million U.S. installed base until its sixth year of  
availability, owing in part to the protracted VHS/Beta controversy. "The 
forecast for DVD during its initial five years is higher than either VCR 
or laser videodisc, because the demand for home video is now  
well-established," Pine explained. 
 
                                 -=*=- 
 
         >>  CD-ROM "YELLOW PAGES" OF INTERNET ADDRESSES  << 
 
   For Internet users who want access to the "latest and most complete  
list of Internet addresses," Microforum announces its new Internet  
Connection ($19.95). Combining an advanced, user-friendly menu system  
with "the most comprehensive list of Internet addresses available  
today," the Internet Connection is an invaluable tool for both the  
novice and experienced net surfer. Its menu system allows users to  
search for an address and then access it via a one-step connection  
provided in the software. It's available in floppy-disk and CD-ROM  
versions. 
 
                                 -=*=- 
 
  >>  MSI INTRODUCES FIRST AFTERMARKET COMM PROGRAM FOR WINDOWS 95  << 
 
   Mustang Software plans to ship the industry's first aftermarket  
online communications program for Windows 95 -- QmodemPro for Windows 95  
version 2.0 -- in conjunction with Microsoft's release of Windows 95,  
scheduled for August 24, 1995. QmodemPro offers the consumer a wide  
array of features, including file transfers, terminal emulation, TAPI  
and OLE 2.0, all using full 32-bit multithreaded technology. It will  
cost $69 for upgraders (only $49 if the order is placed by September  
30), and $129 for first-time QmodemPro users. 
   Mustang Software, sales (800) 999-9619, voice (805) 873-2500, BBS  
(805) 873-2400, World Wide Web: http://www.mustang.com, telnet:  
 
                                 -=*=- 
 
 >>  TACTILE, TALKING WINDOWS 3.1 TUTORIAL FOR VISION-IMPAIRED USERS  << 
 
   DOS-based computers have been accessible to visually impaired users  
through screen access software for over a decade. Now popular  
graphics-based programs are revolutionizing the workplace and classroom. 
Inadvertently, this type of software, with its icon-based environment,  
shuts the doors of opportunity for blind computer users. "So, what do  
you do when the doors of accessibility have been closed? You open a  
window." 
   Opening Windows ($49.95), an instructional kit from the American  
Printing House for the Blind, will acquaint visually impaired computer  
users with Windows 3.1, the pictorially attractive software package that 
most users access by pointing and clicking a mouse. Until recently, the  
graphical menus in Windows 3.1 made it impossible for a blind person to  
use the environment, but Opening Windows reaches out to this audience  
with easy-to-follow information provided in three formats: 11  
silk-screened reproductions of computer displays, an audio cassette on  
4-track, and a 3-1/2-inch disk with practice files. 
   American Printing House for the Blind, (800) 223-1839 or (502)  
 
                                 -=*=- 
 
   >>  AUTOMOTIVE MARKETING AND ADVERTISING ON THE INTERNET  << 
 
   The Reynolds and Reynolds Company (NYSE: REY) has acquired the assets  
of Dealer Internet Services Corp. (DISC) of Lynnwood, Washington. With  
DISC's DealerNet (TM) service, automobile manufacturers, dealers and  
other auto-related industries can market their vehicles and services  
directly to consumers over the Internet. According to Marty Rood,  
developer of DealerNet and president of Rood Nissan/Volvo in Lynnwood,  
DealerNet has 21 dealer subscribers located in six states -- and has  
tracked over 1.5 million consumer inquiries. 
   Today DealerNet, a World Wide Web site, has nearly 4500 pages of  
information from 45 car companies, and Reynolds intends to increase this 
as the service expands to meet the needs of a national audience. Once  
accessed, DealerNet creates a Virtual Showroom (TM) for each  
participating manufacturer, dealership and auto-related company.  
Consumers and browsers can research information on specific vehicles,  
including their availability within a specific region or dealership.  
With its multimedia capabilities, DealerNet will allow users to view  
full-color brochures and full-motion video of vehicles and related  
products, discover available options and even search available dealer  
inventory. The service also features two-way communication between the  
dealer and the consumer, allowing for quick follow-ups to inquiries. 
   The URL address for DealerNet's home page is http://www.dealernet.com 
 
                                 -=*=- 
 
               >>  A"PEEL"ING FLOPPY DISK LABELS  << 
 
   It's just about impossible to peel off a floppy disk label once it's  
stuck, so it's not uncommon to see "recycled" floppy disks with multiple 
layers of labels. Polka Dot Products has a solution -- the Polka-disc, a 
label that comes off as easily as it went on -- making way for the  
next-generation label. A sample packet of 10 Polka-disc labels can be  
ordered by sending $1 check or money order to: Polka Dot Products, 4232  
Colfax Ave. South, Minneapolis, MN 55409. 
 
                                 -=*=- 
 
        >>  REMEMBER, ONLY YOU CAN PREVENT FOREST FIRES  << 
 
A public-service announcement from the USDA Forest Service: 
 
   Smokey is counting on you to follow the rules for safely burning  
debris: 
 
    [1] Check local laws on burning. 
    [2] Don't burn on dry, windy days. 
    [3] Clear a 30-foot circle around debris before lighting fire. 
    [4] Keep shovel, rake and water nearby. 
    [5] Don't leave fire unattended by an adult, even for a minute. 
    [6] Consider alternatives to burning: composting, recycling, or  
          hauling to a landfill. 
 
                                 -=*=- 
 
         >>  CRAFTING AN IMAGE WITH CUSTOM STATIONERY  << 
 
   A new system of classic stationery and software templates from Avery  
is designed to help home-based and small-business owners create a  
customized, professional image without leaving their offices. The  
system, called Communique ($24.95), acts as a design partner, enabling  
users to try different graphic looks before making a final design  
decision. Using a PC and  laser printer, sales and marketing materials  
can be produced quickly. The new line will be available in August 1995  
at computer stationery and office superstores nationwide. 
   Avery Dennison, (800) 462-8379 or (909) 869-7711. 
 
                                 -=*=- 
 
           >>  PROTECT YOUR WORK FROM INFRINGEMENT  << 
 
   Far too many people make the mistake of failing to protect their  
intellectual property. Only through copyright registration can you  
secure maximum protection for your computer programs, books and other  
creative works. Copyright registration conclusively establishes the  
validity of your copyright. Copyright Wizard ($99), a program from  
Transcender Corp., helps you register your copyright with the U.S.  
Copyright Office by leading you through the creation of Form TX (which  
must be used to register most literary works, including computer  
programs, fiction, nonfiction, advertising copy, catalogs, songs, poems, 
etc.). When you're finished, the program prints a completed,  
ready-to-file Form TX on your HP LaserJet-compatible laser printer. 
   Transcender Corp., (615) 726-8779. 
 
                                 -=*=- 
 
         >>  FOUR NEW BOOKS FOR "COMMUNICATING" PLAYERS  << 
 
   Do you like to play games where you can get your modem involved?  
BradyGAMES has four books you might want to check out. Each costs $19.99 
and has 300+/- pages. 
 
    []  MUDS: Exploring Virtual Worlds -- covers all types of MUDs  
          (MultiUser Dungeons); includes in-depth information on 25 of  
          these text-based Internet virtual worlds, and offers a  
          directory of more than 100 others. 
    []  Gaming on the Internet -- covers real-time/online games,  
          including combat MUDs, role-playing, flight/space combat,  
          board games and war games. 
    []  BradyGAMES Hard-Core Online Gamer's Guide -- a gaming reference  
          covering all major online services. The book is organized by  
          games rather than by online services. Includes info on where  
          to find each game and basic rules applicable for all services. 
    []  Head-to-Head Modem Gaming -- an extensive source of tips and  
          strategies for mastering the best games that offer modem play:  
          Wing Armada, DOOM, Corridor 7, Legions, Rise of the Triad and  
          more. 
 
   BradyGAMES, (800) 428-5331. Web site: http://www.mcp.com/ 
 
                                 -=*=- 
 
     >>  FUTURUS INTERCHANGE DELIVERS YOUR INTERNET E-MAIL  << 
 
   Would you like a hassle-free way to hook your network to the Internet  
for e-mail? Would you like your own domain name? Futurus Corporation  
delivers the goods by making it easy to hook your mail server up to  
their site; they'll even register your domain name for you. This is for  
e-mail only, but everyone in your company can have an individual  
address. Plans range from $39.95 a month (3 hours of mail-transfer time; 
suitable for small sites up to 25 users) to $99.95 a month (allowed 12  
hours of mail-transfer time; suitable for sites of up to 100 people). 
   Futurus, (800) 678-5390. 
 
                                 -=*=- 
 
   >>  FOR ONLY $33 PER MONTH, ANYONE SET UP SHOP ON THE WEB  << 
 
   TechMall announces it is now accepting tenants for its Internet World  
Wide Web electronic mall -- starting at only $33 per month. The price is 
low because TechMall uses a "production line" process. Prospective  
tenants fill in a printed form to indicate the text they want, and the  
formatting they'd like. Then they submit the form together with slides  
or photographs to be included. TechMall converts the information into a  
professional-looking Web page. The tenant does not have to know anything 
about the Internet or computers to put his or her business online -- and 
soon be advertising and accepting orders over the net. 
   Tenants can simply put their contact phone numbers on their page, or  
have interested visitors fill in an online form for more information --  
or to place an order. TechMall offers encrypted transactions to protect  
credit-card numbers and other sensitive information. Information  
requests and orders can be submitted to tenants via e-mail, fax or U.S.  
mail. 
   TechMall can be reached on the World Wide Web at  
 
          http://www.techmall.com 
 
   Information can also be obtained by calling (800) 949-MALL, or  
sending 
 
                                 -=*=- 
 
         >>  ADAPTEC SHIPS ITS FIRST WIRELESS I/O PRODUCTS  << 
 
   Adaptec, a leader in input/output (I/O) technology, announced on July  
19 that it is shipping its AIRport (TM) infrared (IR) adapters. AIRport  
products make file transfers and file synchronization simple by  
eliminating the need for cables or floppies, a feature appealing to  
mobile professionals who need simple notebook-to-desktop connections.  
Infrared ports are becoming standard on most notebook computers as a  
means to communicate with other PCs and many popular peripherals. 
   Adaptec's first two IR products, the AIRport 1000 (MSRP $89) and  
AIRport 2000 (MSRP $119), are designed to comply with the Infrared Data  
Association (IrDA) specifications, ensuring compatibility with all  
devices meeting the IrDA standard. The AIRport products have  
data-transfer rates of up to 115K bits/second (eight times faster than  
14.4Kbps modems) and transmission ranges of up to 2 meters depending on  
power options. 
   The AIRport 1000 kit includes an IR adapter to upgrade a notebook  
that 
does not already have an IR port built-in. It snaps directly onto the  
serial port to provide an IR link to desktop systems, printers, and any  
other IR-equipped devices. The AIRport 2000 kit includes an IR port  
adapter for a desktop PC. Another kit, the AIRport 2500 ($189) bundles  
the two adapters, allowing users to upgrade both their desktop and  
portable PCs. 
   All the AIRport products use a custom lens that doubles the typical  
operating range. They also include TranXit (TM) for Windows 3.1, a  
file-transfer and synchronization program from Puma Technology. 
   Adaptec, (408) 945-8600. Web site: http://www.adaptec.com. 
 
                                 -=*=- 
 
  >>  "PLAN 9 FROM BELL LABS" LOOSED UPON UNSUSPECTING WORLD!  << 
 
   On July 18, AT&T announced that Plan 9 (TM), a new computer operating  
system from AT&T Bell Laboratories, is now available for research and  
educational use. The Plan 9 operating system, named for the  
science-fiction cult movie "Plan 9 From Outer Space," was designed by  
the inventors of UNIX (which was created 25 years ago at Bell Labs). The 
product, including source code, is available for $350. The full kit  
ships with a CD-ROM, four floppy disks and two manuals. According to  
Paul Fillinich, marketing manager for AT&T Software Solutions, "Plan 9  
is not in competition with UNIX or Windows. It's a small, powerful  
system designed from the start to work in today's distributed, networked 
computing world." The Plan 9 operating system currently controls the  
computer that maintains parts of the Bell Labs World Wide Web service. 
   Harcourt Brace & Co. is handling the distribution. For info and  
orders, call (800) 462-8146 or (415) 943-4076. 
 
                                 -=*=- 
 
>>  IS ANYONE MAKING MONEY MARKETING THEIR BUSINESSES ON THE WEB?  << 
 
    That's the question of the decade. For those who want to market on  
the Web but don't know where to begin, Future Communications Systems  
offers a $59 package called The Internet Marketing 101 Video/Software  
Suite. The two-hour videotape, along with the Windows multimedia  
program, is intended to teach people how to market on the Internet. The  
information is presented by "people who have successfully marketed"  
online. 
    "Companies going in blindly and using conventional marketing methods  
are in for an online marketing disaster. I see it every day," says  
publisher Marty Fox. "The Internet can be a goldmine, but only if you  
respect the culture and do it right." 
    Course topics include: 
 
    []  a guided tour of successful sites; 
    []  examples of successful marketing; 
    []  info on who's making money online; 
    []  info on how to set up and attract visitors to your Web site (Web  
          templates included) 
    []  a list of the 20 Web directories "you *must* list your Web page  
          in"; and 
    []  the "101 Best Web Sites." 
 
    Future Communications Systems, (516) 496-7121. E-mail:  
 
                                 -=*=- 
 
         >>  VIDEO CONFERENCING MODEM TO MODEM OR VIA SLIP/PPP  << 
 
    Future Communications Systems has announced the release of VideoVu,  
which enables Internet users to do live-action videoconferencing "at a  
fraction of the cost of other systems." It features shared workspace,  
video e-mail, teletype chat and file transfer. It can also be used to  
transmit live video as part of a World Wide Web page. 
    "The $75 product works with an ordinary Internet SLIP/PPP account or  
modem to modem. Both one-way and two-way video transmission is possible  
over the Internet or ordinary analog phone lines. VideoVu also works  
with Internet Phone, so long-distance and international calls with audio 
and video can now be made over the Internet for the price of a call to  
your local Internet access provider. To receive video no additional  
hardware is necessary. 
    "To videoconference with another Internet user, you simply enter his  
or her IP address instead of a modem number, and you are quickly  
connected and have a live video connection. If you wish to send video,  
VideoVu will work seamlessly with over 25 inexpensive video-capture  
boards." 
    Future Communications Systems, (516) 496-7121. Web page:  
http://totw.com/videovu.htm 
 
                                 -=*=- 
 
         >>  NYNEX INTERACTIVE YELLOW PAGES NOW ON THE INTERNET!  << 
 
    Want to be able to look up, at no charge, names, addresses and phone  
numbers of nearly every business in the northeast United States? Try  
 
            http://www.vtcom.fr/nynex 
 
for NYNEX Interactive Yellow Pages on the Web -- that's 2.1 million  
business listings, the equivalent of 280 Yellow Pages directories. The  
site also lets you link with more than 400 of those businesses via the  
web. People interested in linking their Web sites to the service may  
call (800) 35-NYNEX. 
 
                                 -=*=- 
 
           >>  OUCH! IS YOUR COMPUTER HURTING YOU?  << 
 
    It may be if you sit in one position too long, doing the same  
motions over and over. To help reduce the threat of repetitive strain  
injuries (including carpal tunnel syndrome), Bodysavers Systems has  
announced a $59.95 program/screen saver for Windows 95 that pops up an  
exercise reminder every two hours. It demonstrates a system of easy  
workplace stretches for relieving tension in the upper and lower back,  
neck, eyes, shoulders, hips, ankles, wrists and hands. Just follow the  
animated, onscreen model. Bodysavers Systems, (800) 618-2732. 
 
                                 -=*=- 
 
>>  MACROMEDIA ANNOUNCES FIRST AUTHORING PROGRAM FOR CD PLUS FORMAT  << 
 
    Imagine you're cruising home from work listening to the latest Eric  
Clapton album in your car's CD player. You wonder what the video looks  
like, so when you get home you pop the disc into your multimedia PC,  
which supports the new "CD Plus" format. Now your audio disc has become  
a CD-ROM disc that packs all kinds of extras. Maybe there's an interview 
with the artist there? Or the video you're hoping to see. Or a display  
of the lyrics that keeps up with the music, karaoke style. Or a  
multimedia retrospective of the author's career. 
    The enhanced, interactive CD format, developed by Sony and Philips  
Electronics, in association with Apple and Microsoft, is exciting news  
for music lovers -- and computer owners. It's also exciting news for  
companies that develop multimedia authoring software, like Macromedia,  
which publishes Director. In fact, Macromedia has announced a fall 1995  
release of its Director Enhanced CD Toolkit, which lets users create  
disks with "author once, play anywhere" technology. 
    Using Director Enhanced CD Toolkit, users can author the title on  
their platform of choice (Macintosh or Windows), and then let the  
software take care of translating it for distribution for these  
platforms: Windows, Macintosh, OS/2, enhanced CDs, the Internet, and  
even emerging interactive television networks. So far the Toolkit is the 
only cross-platform enhanced CD authoring program that complies with the 
Record Industry Association of America's new "Blue Book" specification. 
    Macromedia's partner in this enterprise is a company called ION, a  
leader in cutting-edge, interactive music technology. 
    Macromedia, (415) 252-2000. World Wide Web:  
 
          http://www.macromedia.com 
 
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