Acorn News Service Newsletter
Issue: 158 (16 May 2004)
Featured site this issue: http://www.iconbar.com/news/wakefield2004/report.html
General News
Wakefield Show reports
New ANS web site
ANS webmaster Stephen Courtney has designed an attractive new web site for
the new ANS domain name, ans.org.uk.
The new ANS web site <http://www.ans.org.uk/> provides information about
ANS and easy access to all the back issues, as well as a convenient
summary of the latest software updates from the ANS Filebase and news
from Drobe.
You can search ANS issues right back to the first edition (February 1998),
and view newsletters in the original plain text or HTML versions. The
current issue can always be found at <http://www.ans.org.uk/archive/now>.
You can also quickly subscribe to or unsubscribe from the various editions
of ANS using the web form at <http://www.ans.org.uk/subscribe> (which will
be confirmed by e-mail).
The site uses only valid HTML and aims to be accessible to everyone. There
will be permanent redirection from <http://www.acornusers.org/ans/> to the
new site but, for quickest access, links should be updated to use the new
address <http://www.ans.org.uk/>. The ans.acornusers.org e-mail addresses
should continue to be used for mailing list commands.
The web site was designed to allow the addition of translations and easy
selection of different languages. Volunteers to translate the limited text
of the web site (excluding the back issues archive) into languages other
than English would be appreciated, if you can help please e-mail
<ans@acornusers.org>.
ANS Filebase updates available in RSS format
Details of ANS Filebase updates are now available in RSS (Really Simple
Syndication) format at:
<http://filebase.acornusers.org/filebase.rss>
This can be used to include news of software updates in other web sites
(at it is on the main ANS site) or on your desktop using RSS compatible
software.
The ANS Filebase is a frequently updated database of RISC OS software with
useful features such as e-mail notification of software updates. There are
currently 831 software entries and 149 registered members.
<http://filebase.acornusers.org/>
More information about RSS can be found at:
<http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss>
The ARM Club CD: 50 magazines for a fiver
The ARM Club is offering a special CD to everyone, containing all 50
issues, to date, of Eureka magazine, with full colour illustrations and a
complete index. It also includes the contents of all the magazine discs
plus the bonus of some extra software previously sold by the Club - all
for GBP5.
You can buy the CD direct, post free, from: CD Offer, The ARM Club,
Merton Court, 38 Knoll Road, Sidcup, Kent DA14 4QU.
<http://www.armclub.org.uk/>
RISC OS web developers mailing list
There is a new mailing list for RISC OS users who develop web sites on
their RISC OS computers, to subscribe e-mail:
<riscosweb-subscribe@smartgroups.com>
<http://www.smartgroups.com/groups/riscosweb>
New book: Programming with the RISC OS Toolkit
A new book for RISC OS programmers called "Programming with the RISC OS
Toolkit" is now available for GBP5; any profits will go to the Packaging
Project.
The RISC OS Toolkit (RTK) is a class library for developing RISC OS
application programs in C++. It was first released in September 2003,
since when its capabilities have been gradually enhanced.
From the beginning the RISC OS Toolkit has been supplied with a
comprehensive on-line reference manual. This contains all of the
information needed to use the toolkit but is not the ideal way to learn
about it. 'Programming with the RISC OS Toolkit' is intended to fill this
gap. A working knowledge of C++ is assumed.
The toolkit itself is free (LGPL) software. It may be downloaded from
<http://www.sagitta.demon.co.uk/riscos/> or through the RISC OS Packaging
Project.
Free support is available through a public mailing list. If private e-mail
support for the toolkit is preferred, this can be provided at a cost of
GBP20 per year (profits to the Packaging Project, no charge for Open
Source projects or bug reports).
Commercial News
Castle launches limited edition Panther
Castle Technology Ltd have announced the immediate availability of a new
limited edition IYONIX pc, the Panther.
The Panther houses an IYONIX pc motherboard in a modern, sleek, black,
full ATX case (w: 200mm, h: 440mm, d: 510mm) that has a host of high
quality features such as:
- Room for up to 11 drives (4 x 5 1/4", 7 x 3 1/2")
- Streamline black front with mirror front panel
- Temperature gauge (sensor customer sited)
- Front panel with swing door, power-on, reset, USB and audio
- Thumb-screw access
This limited edition Panther features XScale processor technology with
ultra fast 200MHz DDR RAM, PCI expansion, UDMA100 hard drives, Gigabit
networking, PC style graphics card, USB connectivity, full software suite
etc. The Panther is able to display a wide range of screen resolutions, up
to 2048 x 1536 pixels and benefits from virtually silent operation due to
the low power XScale processor. This top-of-the-range IYONIX pc features a
massive 512MB of RAM, 120GB hard drive and a 52 speed CD re-writer. The
Panther limited edition RISC OS computer is available now for GBP1399 plus
delivery (current IYONIX pc offers also apply).
<http://www.iyonix.com/>
ArtWorks 2.2 released
ArtWorks 2.2 introduces ClipView, the most powerful new feature since the
introduction of transparency in 2002. It adds dynamic clipping to the
impressive portfolio of graphical effects and tools available in ArtWorks
(three transparency types, multi-column text areas, native JPEG support,
dynamic hatching and user-defined pattern-fills, dynamic blends, envelopes
and perspectives, SVG export, Sprite/TIFF/GIF export and many more).
By applying a ClipView you can clip any collection of objects (shapes,
text, sprites, JPEGs, etc., even other ClipViews) to any shape. The
enclosed objects are displayed like being viewed through a window defined
by the shape (or, in other words, the shape is filled with the objects).
You can find a feature list and a screenshot of dynamic clipping at:
<http://www.mw-software.com/software/artworks/aw2features5.html>
ArtWorks 2.2 upgrade from ArtWorks 2.1 costs GBP30 or EUR40, for new users
the price is GBP169 or EUR235. For details of upgrades from other versions
see <http://www.mw-software.com/paying.html>.
One of the strengths and unique features of ArtWorks is the fact that its
files can be displayed and printed by so many other RISC OS applications
thanks to AWRender, the ArtWorks renderer module. AWViewer 1.70 includes
detailed instructions to enable Impression Style or Publisher, running on
the Iyonix under Aemulor, to make use of AWRender 1.70 to display ArtWorks
files. Versions of EasiWriter/TechWriter Pro with ArtWorks support have
also been developed.
Printed manuals for ArtWorks 2 are available for GBP17.50 from
<http://www.riscosdocs.com/>.
Aemulor Pro brings RISC OS classics to the Iyonix
With the release of Aemulor Pro many classic software titles are now fully
playable on the latest 32-bit XScale hardware.
Aemulor Pro includes all the features of Aemulor, and adds many new
emulation features along with over 50 different compatibility improvements
and bug fixes; all of which results in a vast increase in the number of
applications which can be run on the Iyonix PC. New features include:
- Support for low-bpp (2/4/16 colour) screen modes which are not provided natively by the NVidia graphics card. Many games and some desktop applications (notably Sibelius) require these screen modes.
- 26-bit sound module support (voice generators, linear handlers, channel handlers and schedulers)
- 26-bit filing system support (eg CFS, LanMan98FS, WebFS, Win95FS)
- Simple emulation of the Archimedes (VIDC/IOC) or Risc PC (VIDC20/IOMD) hardware which is directly accessed by some games.
- Altered memory map and hardware configuration is presented to 26-bit code that expects certain addresses and controllers.
- 26-bit task window allowing *commands to be issued to 26-bit modules running under Aemulor.
- "Tasks" window showing all the applications running under Aemulor, their emulation mode and their memory usage.
- ARM3 emulation for really old games which do not work on a Risc PC.
Classic titles which can now be played on an Iyonix PC include: ArcElite,
Bug Hunter, Cannon Fodder, Chuckie Egg, Conqueror, Cycloids, Darkwood,
E-Type, Gods, Heretic, Holed Out, Interdictor, Mad Professor Mariari,
Paradroid2000, Sibelius 7, Sim City 2000, Spheres of Chaos, Tanks and the
list goes on...
Full details of all the changes, additions and bug fixes in Aemulor Pro
can be found in the release notes in the product documentation section on
the Aemulor website, along with a new manual. You can also download a time
limited but fully featured demo version of Aemulor Professional.
<http://www.aemulor.com/>
Aemulor Pro costs GBP99 plus VAT. Existing users of Aemulor can upgrade to
Aemulor Pro at the discounted price of GBP35 plus VAT if they upgrade
within one month. Future users of Aemulor, and existing users who upgrade
after one month, will be charged the full upgrade price of GBP49 plus VAT.
DrawWorks XL available, Iyonix and Adjust compatible
A brand new version of DrawWorks, DrawWorks XL, is now available. It is
fully Iyonix compatible and has been tested on RISC OS Adjust. In fact,
the 'cut down' version, DrawWorks XE, is supplied with VirtualRPC-Adjust.
DrawWorks XL has a variety of new features, including a Library tool, a
tool to split up large Drawfiles, export and import PNG format graphics
(separate from the RISC OS Select tool so works on any version of RISC OS)
and you can now design your own toolbars containing the tools you most
frequently use.
DrawWorks XL comes will a full colour 70 page printed manual as well as
online help and an always ready on screen manual. As well as DrawWorks XL
the CD contains three other major iSV applications, all of which are now
Iyonix compatible:
- Mr Clippy - Clip art manager with nearly 2500 pieces of clip art.
- Dr Fonty - Outline font designer/editor.
- Typography 2500 - A massive collection of high quality fonts.
DrawWorks XL costs GBP49 including VAT and UK carriage. DrawWorks XE,
which has recently been updated to make it fully RISC OS Adjust (as well
as Iyonix) compatible, is available for download from the APDL web site
<http://www.apdl.co.uk/freware.htm#dwxe>.
Qercus (Acorn User / Acorn Publisher) binders
New Qercus binders are available in dark blue with the Qercus logo in gold
on the spine. The binders will match previous Acorn Publisher binders but
will hold 14 copies of the magazine, so Qercus readers will have a spare
string for notes and indexes whilst Acorn Publisher readers will have room
for two years' issues including two annual special issues of Qercus.
Binders cost GBP8.95 each inc UK postage. Until the end of May new
subscribers starting their subscription with issue 268, and ordering a
binder at the same time, will receive their first issue free, ie UK
subscription + binder = 49.95 + 8.95 = 58.90 for year's subscription from
issue 269 with issue 268 free.
Orders should be sent to "Finnybank Ltd" 30 Finnybank Road, Sale, M33 6LR
or by phone to 0161 969 9820. Cheques or cards can be accepted.
<http://www.qercus.com/>
Advantage Six announce the A75 range
Advantage Six Ltd are pleased to announce the A75 range of ruggedised
ARM-based computers.
Measuring less than 1.75" x 8.5" x 10" (44mm x 214mm x 250mm), and housed
in a pure orange (RAL2004) steel enclosure for safety and visibility, the
A75 is designed to withstand the rough-and-tumble of industrial life. It
can be transported without fear of damage. Two A75s can be fitted side by
side into a standard 1U high 19" rack, or it can be used as a stand-alone
unit.
The A75 series feature an ARM7500FE processor with on-board video, PS/2
keyboard and mouse ports. Running RISC OS Adjust or Linux, the A75 is
envisaged as a "Rapid Solutions Development" system. The A75 is the first
ARM-based machine to integrate a custom build of Embedded RISC OS Adjust
(4.39). The A75 is available to OEM customers, direct from Advantage Six.
Contact <thea75@advantagesix.com> for further information.
<http://www.thea75.info/>
<http://www.advantagesix.com/>
32 bit Sleuth OCR now available
A 32 bit and Iyonix compatible version of the Sleuth OCR software package
is now available.
The new CD contains both Sleuth 2 and Sleuth 3, and costs GBP49 including
VAT and UK carriage. Upgrades are available from the previous APDL
ProAction CD version for just GBP19. For a limited period upgrades from
the Beebug (floppy disc) version are available for GBP29.
Upgrade prices include VAT and UK carriage and you must return your
original CD/discs with your order.
<http://www.apdl.co.uk/>
Grapevine 2 conversation/communication software
Grapevine allows you to communicate online with friends, family members,
colleagues and so on. Not only can you have conversations with them
online, but you can send/receive files, link out to web sites etc.
Grapevine uses common protocols, meaning that your friends can be using
other types of computer (eg Microsoft or Mac).
These methods of communication tend to be fragmented, with some people
using one service, some people using another and so on. Grapevine draws
several of these protocols into one application, making life for RISC OS
users easier. Grapevine 2 supports IRC communication, MSN instant
messaging and ICQ.
Grapevine 2 is a major new release, expanding and extending the software
in almost every area. The single biggest new feature is support for ICQ
communication, in much the same way as the existing MSN mode.
The multi-user facilities (for different family members) have been
extended, allowing each user to have fine control over their IRC/MSN/ICQ
facilities, including advanced things such as macros, auto-joining
channels etc.
GV2 is now also 26/32bit compatible and has been tweaked in a number of
ways to ensure compatibility with Virtual Risc PC. GV2 will work on any
RISC OS 3.5 and higher machine, including RISC OS Select, Adjust and
Iyonix RISC OS 5.
Grapevine 2 costs GBP29 inclusive of VAT and UK delivery.
<http://www.rcomp.co.uk/>
Serial Port Podules & Kinetic upgrades
The Fourth Dimension has recently managed to acquire some rare RISC OS
upgrades, and is offering:
- Triple serial port podules for GBP70
- Kinetic 64MB upgrades from GBP200
- Kinetic 128MB upgrades from GBP230
- Kinetic 256MB upgrades from GBP290 (requires RISC OS 4.39)
The above are refurbished units and come with a three month warranty.
Prices include GBP100 part exchange allowance for RO4 and a StrongARM
card. Part exchange allowance for RO4 or StrongARM card only: GBP50.
Kinetic upgrades are supplied with RISC OS 4.04. If you have RISC OS 4.39
then 4.04 is not supplied and it is counted as a GBP50 part exchange.
A quantity of Asynchronous Serial Port Podules which support up to
3Mbits/second are also available. They can not be used in its current form
with most serial devices (modem, Pocket Reader etc.) which are synchronous
but anyone interested in buying one to evaluate (Sources for a RISC OS
driver are included) can purchase one for GBP10.
<http://www.cjemicros.co.uk/4d/>
First Steps with RISC OS book
First Steps with RISC OS will be available in two series (RISC OS 4 or 5)
which will cover in a clear format the basics of RISC OS; explaining how
to use common RISC OS applications (such as Draw, Paint, etc), how to
configure your machine, installation of memory, and other items along
similar lines. The first part of the series for RISC OS 4 and RISC OS 5 is
identical, explaining the basic principles of the desktop, getting started
with RISC OS and initial configuration.
To get either the RISC OS 4 or RISC OS 5 stream will cost GBP12.99 plus
postage (at GBP2 in UK, GBP4 for Europe or GBP6 for Rest of World). Please
state which version you require when ordering. To order, visit:
<http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=8105329511>
R-Comp software updates
- UniPrint 1.50
UniPrint allows users to utilise the printing capabilities of Microsoft
systems to print to almost any printer, direct from RISC OS. New
versions of all three UniPrint family members (UniPrint VA/PCcard,
UniPrint regular, and UniPrint deluxe) are now available, adding support
for printing to Microsoft shared network printers, VirtualRPC-Adjust,
updated configuration software and various other enhancements. The
upgrade will cost GBP10 to help cover on-going development costs.
- WebsterXL update
Webster's continuing development and expansion allows the software to
grow and encompass more features, more web sites, more operating system
variants, and so on. This upgrade will be sent to existing customers
after the Wakefield show. Over the years, WXL has seen more free updates
and enhancements and new features than virtually any other RISC OS
application.
<http://www.rcomp.co.uk/>
LanMan98, Win95FS, PhotoFiler and CDROMFS go 32bit
To celebrate the Wakefield show this weekend, Warm Silence Software Ltd
will be releasing the long awaited 32bit versions of LanMan98, Win95FS,
PhotoFiler and CDROMFS. These versions will all run on both 26 and 32bit
machines, with any version of the C library.
Upgrades to the 32bit version cost GBP5 plus VAT. There is no need to
upgrade LanMan98, Win95FS or CDROMFS if you already have the latest 26bit
versions and do not have an Iyonix, as the 32bit versions are unchanged.
PhotoFiler now supports ArtWorks files.
- LanMan98 - a client for LanMan networks (also known as SMB, Samba and Microsoft File and Printer Sharing).
- Win95FS - allows RISC OS to access DOS formatted local discs.
- CDROMFS - CDFS replacement, allowing access to more modern CD formats.
- PhotoFiler - in-filer thumbnailing tool, this version adds support for Artworks files.
Descriptions of the software and changes are available at:
<http://www.wss.co.uk/>
Hubersn Software takes over CDBurn sales and support
Hubersn Software have agreed with Warm Silence Software to take over
future CDBurn sales as well as support for all CDBurn customers. All
enquiries regarding CDBurn should be now directed to hubersn Software.
CDBurn is the primary CD mastering software package for RISC OS. Initially
released at Acorn World 1997, it has been constantly developed for more
than 6 years now, continually adding new features and support for modern
writers. The latest developments include full 32bit compatibility, support
for the IYONIX pc and multitasking writing operation.
A slightly restricted version of CDBurn, CDBurn Lite, is currently bundled
with all CD-RW-equipped IYONIX pcs. Upgrades to the full version are
available at reduced prices.
For more information, please visit <http://www.cdburn.net/>.
Hubersn Software was recently founded by Steffen Huber to give a new home
to CDBurn. Developing software for many different operating systems,
hubersn Software draws from the vast experience of nearly 20 years of
programming.
<http://www.hubersn-software.com/>
VirtualAcorn software and hardware updates
- VirtualRPC-Adjust
A new version of VirtualRPC including RISC OS 4.39 (Adjust) is now
available. VirtualRPC is a software implementation of a Risc PC that
allows RISC OS to run on Microsoft Windows 2000 or XP. VirtualRPC-Adjust
will retail at the same price as the current VirtualRPC-SE, GBP169
including VAT. VirtualA5000 has been discontinued.
<http://www.virtualacorn.co.uk/>
- RCI announce RISCube Ultra machines
The RISCube Ultra is designed with three primary aims - top flight
performance, very low noise, and the usual RISCube style and looks. The
RISCube Ultra features include a AthlonXP 3200+ processor with 400Mhz
bus, 1GB RAM, 128MB fanless graphics card, and RISC OS Adjust, and costs
GBP999 including VAT and UK delivery.
<http://www.rcomp.co.uk/>
- Stuart Tyrrell Developments launch A6+
Running RISC OS Adjust on top of Microsoft Windows XP using the
VirtualRPC-Adjust emulator, the A6 range offers access to familiar
RISC OS applications using the latest version of RISC OS. The A6+
further improves the A6 range with a faster processor and memory, faster
large hard drive, more powerful graphics card and built-in 7-in-1 card
reader. Keeping the diminutive dimensions of the existing A6, the A6+
comes in a restyled case which includes front panel backlit LCD status
panel, and temperature sensitive cooling. For full specifications please
see the A6 web site.
<http://www.thea6.info/>
- R-Comp Internet Suite for Virtual-RPC
The way Internet access and networking are implemented on VirtualRPC
means that traditional methods of internet access via RISC OS (eg RCI's
DialUp software) are no longer the right tools for the job. The suite
for VRPC comes on CD-ROM to ensure users can easily install it, and
updates all of the main applications to versions suitable for use with
VRPC. The suite costs GBP30 inc as an upgrade for existing users. This
price includes a manual describing its use on VRPC, and technical
support for VRPC users.
<http://www.rcomp.co.uk/>
PD/Shareware News
Updated software summary
- IscaFS v0.14
Read-only image filing system for accessing Linux ext2/ext3 image files
and hard disc partitions. This version fixes bugs in two-level cache
usage (cache A was not used at all), stale cache entries, and time/date
conversion code.
<http://home.pages.de/~mac_bacon/smorbrod/IscaFS/>
- NeXTBar v1.13
Application launcher. It can sit in either a horizontal or vertical
position with big or small buttons. or you can configure it to just sit
on the icon bar and work in a similar way to Menon. A new feature allows
you to define an Obey file which NeXTBar will execute after it has
initialised its buttons and/or auto-loaded any applications. The biggest
new feature is the addition of a web search facility which will allow
NeXTBar to automatically launch up to 20 different popular web search
engines simply by entering your required text. Shareware, free upgrade.
<http://www.vigay.com/software/nextbar.html>
- NurseW v2.3
A macro inserter for the Dr Wimp programming library allowing you to
insert functions and procedures at the click of the mouse, saving time
and avoiding annoying typos. Updated to complement Dr Wimp version 4.00.
<http://www.greywall.demon.co.uk/riscos/soft.html>
- PDF v3.00.1.14
A PDF (Adobe Acrobat) file viewer for RISC OS. The main changes are:
upgraded to xpdf 3.00; tweaked display of truetype and truetype based
type1c fonts as last the version broke some files; links containing ..
now work; copes with millennium bugged creation date; bug in predictor
stream which caused problems with compressed images fixed.
<http://www.pdf.iconbar.com/>
- QuickFiler v2.12
A utility which allows you to use many standard shortcut keys in
conjunction with the RISC OS Filer. Updated to cater for users with the
latest RISC OS v4.39 Adjust.
<http://www.avisoft.force9.co.uk/>
Club News
Upcoming meetings
- ROUGOL (London), 17th May - Castle Technology
<http://rougol.jellybaby.net/>
- BARUG (Bristol), 26th May
<http://www.barug.co.uk/>
- WROCC (Wakefield), 2nd June - Stuart Tyrrell, A6
<http://www.wrocc.org.uk/>
- EAUG (Essex), 8th June
<http://www.wattys.fsnet.co.uk/eaug/>
- LAUG (Liverpool), 8th June
<http://www.italia.co.uk/laug/>
- NKACC (Kent), 10th June - People's favourite web sites
<http://nkacc.roundel.net/>
- WAUG (Wessex), 12th June
<http://www.mfraz.freeserve.co.uk/waug/>
- DARC (Derbyshire), 14th June - John Vanags: Producing the newsletter
<http://www.darc-comp.org.uk/>
- RISC OS Expo 2004 (Netherlands), 19th June
<http://www.bigbenclub.nl/>
ANS Information
Contact ANS
How to send in news
To send in your news items simply e-mail <ans@acornusers.org>, or use the
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Also if you have an Acorn related announcements mailing list, feel free
to subscribe <ans@acornusers.org>.
How to subscribe to ANS
If you are reading this on the ANS web site, or have received a forwarded
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