                     On Disk Monthly's
                         Issue #75
     *    *    *    M  A  I  L  B  A  G    *    *    *

                          ASK ODM
                          -------

Have you published a program in the past that might fill the
following requirement: a log with four to six headings
across the top. Headings to be filled in by the user.
Headings to be in some kind of box. Vertical lines top to
bottom to separate entries. No lines between entries. User
can add, change or remove entries anywhere at any time.

If it exists in your files, I am a customer for it. May I
hear from you?
                                  Arthur Guy
                                  Madera, CA

RESPONSE: You're describing a user-configurable spreadsheet
or database. We haven't published any programs that meet
every one of your requirements, but Personal Calc, a
full-featured spreadsheet published on issue #43, might meet
some of your needs. It's a good, solid spreadsheet, but it
does have horizontal lines between records. You don't say
what you wish to do with the program you describe. Do you
need to be able to sort your data or have the program do
calculations? If not, you could create your own "log" using
a page layout program such as Aldus PageMaker--my personal
favorite--that allows you to create tables of information.
If you own Windows, there's a "new" program that I heartily
recommend--FileMaker Pro by Claris. This database is
entirely user configurable. You can: name the fields;
determine field types, headings and lengths; determine the
sort order; design layouts; import and export data, etc. It
isn't cheap, but you can organize anything with this
program.

                        *    *    *

I know that on one issue you sent me a paper telling me that
one program should not be used. I believe that was Kill Dir
or something like that. Could you tell me which one it was?

You mentioned a Print Shop program in the Mailbag. I'm
wondering if it is a newer one. I have New Print Shop and
Print Shop Companion.

I would like your input about what you would do. I have a
computer that needs a new motherboard. I can get a 386dx-33
64 cache, upgradable to 256K for $169.00, a 386dx-40 (same
as 33Mhz) for $179.00 or a 486sx-25 for $229.00.

I have Windows 3.1 but don't want to install it because with
3.1 I have to uninstall to get the files back. I wrote
Microsoft, but haven't received an answer. Do you know
anything about the new 3.1? Maybe you know some of what's
different and new about it.
                                  John D. Higbee
                                  Stillwater, MN

RESPONSE: Yes, Kill Dir is one of two programs that we sent
warnings out about. The other was Tax Assist on issue #65,
which was reissued on issue #66. Those of you who have
recently bought back issues don't have to worry. Those
issues were "remastered" shortly after the problems
occurred.

There is a new Print Shop program called Print Shop Deluxe.
However, I wouldn't call it an update to New Print Shop.
It's a whole new concept. While it will allow you to
"import" New Print Shop's bitmapped images, Deluxe's own
images are object-oriented (not bitmapped). Your Deluxe
creations may be exported as EPS (encapsulated postscript)
and placed in a page layout program. Page layout programs
such as Quark XPress allow you to generate color
separations that a professional printing company can
transform into a beautiful printed piece.

We feel the 386dx-40 is probably the best deal. We use that
system here at On Disk Monthly. It should do everything
you want and need it to do.

I don't really understand what problem you're having with
Windows 3.1. I used 3.0, then upgraded to 3.1 by following
the install procedure and had no problems. There was no need
to delete my files or to reinstall them, though I did back
up my system before making the upgrade and recommend that
you do the same. Windows 3.1 preserves your 3.0
system-information settings and your upper memory setting,
and maintains existing Program Manager groups and any
drivers that weren't supplied by Windows. See your "Getting
Started with Microsoft Windows" (3.1) booklet, pages 3-6,
for upgrade information and install procedures.

                        *    *    *

I have several things I would like to mention. First, I
would like to encourage the idea of creating higher
resolution programs. I have a Super VGA screen and would
like to see it put to use. Second, a subscriber mentioned a
screen saver on issue #56. Although I didn't join until
four issues ago, a screen saver would be a great thing to
have. The only good screen savers I've ever seen are always
for Windows. Maybe you could make some DOS-compatible ones.
Speaking of Windows, please don't make ODM a Windows-only
product.

A disk jacket program would be great! I have a phobia of
using labels in my printer though, so keep it simple. Are
there disk labels available for dot-matrix printers?

I also have a question for Alfred Westbrook of Ball Ground,
GA. I, too, have a Panasonic KXP2123 with the color option.
I would like to know how I can get it to print in color. It
will only print in the color I set it in. For example, it
will print multi-color documents in only one color. HELP! I
spent all this extra money for color, and it doesn't even
work.
                                  Juliet Brice
                                  Miami, FL

RESPONSE: You probably won't see any SVGA stuff real soon.
Why? A full-screen SVGA graphic is almost 1 megabyte
(uncompressed) in size, which wouldn't even fit on one of
our 720K issues of ODM.

The program you mention, Abstract Art II is a program that a
reader would like to see turned into a screen saver. The
only screen saver we've ever published is Blank-It! (#43), a
text-mode only screen blanker. You see so many Windows
screen savers for a reason. The Windows screen saver only
has to worry about one mode--graphics. Creating a screen
saver for DOS that would work in both text and graphic modes
would require many months of development...if it's even
possible.

The jacket-making (sleeve) program you mention is on this
issue. It is not a label-making program. But, yes, you can
buy tractor-feed disk-size labels for your printer. Look at
your local computer store or in mail order catalogs.

When using a color printer you must first set your printer
to "color" mode. See your manual to make sure you are doing
this correctly. However, if your program does not support
your printer, you may not be able to print in color--even
though your printer is fine. Look in your program's manual
for a list of the printers that it supports. If your printer
is listed you may need to call your printer manufactuer for
technical support. If your printer is not listed, you may
wish to call the software company to see if there is a
program update that supports your printer.

                        *    *    *

Can you tell me the secret of using individual ODM programs?
I do not want to load up my hard disk with complete copies
of the entire ODM disks in order to have a few of the
programs immediately available.

I am having and have had for some time, difficulty using
copies of individual programs--either using DOS 5.0's copy
command or the copy process contained on ODM. This
difficulty dates back to the issues of the 1990s, at which
time I wrote several letters concerning copying the program
"Chaganitzu." I am now using a ZEOS 386SX computer with a
64MB hard drive and 4MB of RAM. The hard drive is loaded to
about 80 percent capacity with Windows 3.1, Word for
Windows, etc.

I have no difficulty copying and running entire ODM disks
from the GO command, and some of the programs (e.g. CDIR and
DIRTREE) from the DOS prompt. However, when I try to run
FINAGLE by itself (from the original disk or a copy on my
hard disk), my computer "hangs up" and requires rebooting
and starting from scratch before anything will run. I would
appreciate a reply, either with a letter or a solution to my
problem in your Mailbag.
                                  Jack W. Herbstreit
                                  Boulder, CO

RESPONSE: We only recently discovered why a handful of other
subscribers have experienced the same problem. I strongly
suspect that your computer has an Adaptec controller card.
Without getting technical, let me just say that your card
apparently utilizes interrupt 60 as a data area instead of
as a pointer, which most software expects. You need to
"reset" your card. Call our technical support line, your
computer dealer or manufacturer, if you aren't up to making
this change yourself, or if you would like a more technical
explanation for this problem.

                        *    *    *

In the Mailbag on issue #74, Mr. Lance Compton of Duncan,
B.C., expressed a desire for a metric conversion program.
You stated you would put his wish in the things to do file.
Way back in July 1989, issue #33 contained a TSR program
called "Convert." In October 1990, issue #48 contained a
program called "Convert!." So, you don't have to do what has
already been done. I personally like the program on issue
#48. I like to keep TSRs to a minimum so I have my RAM to
run active programs.
                                  Warren E. Paul
                                  Gmunden, Austria

                        *    *    *

You said you would consider a weights and measures
conversion program. Please think bigger. Consider a
comprehensive conversion program, including weights,
measures, time periods, linear measure, etc. There are
several of these available on shareware, but they tend to
be too expensive for those of us who only use them once in a
great while.

Also, for some reason, no one has ever offered the
"ultimate" screen saver program, though I think it would be
easy to do. After a user specified period of inactivity, it
would execute any moving graphic program (such as the many
fireworks programs available) that the user has on his hard
drive. I have at least 10 programs that I'd like to use
alternately in this manner. Can it be done? Please!
                                  George E. Woolfson
                                  Lowell, MI

RESPONSE: I actually added the program idea to my
"Subscriber Want List," which means YOU want it and that
we'll consider it. Sometimes your ideas aren't feasible or
even possible. This one's worth a second glance if it is
done as Mr. Woolfson suggests. However, his screen saver
idea isn't practical. There's the mode problem--text vs.
graphics--as well as the memory problems involved in
invoking this "screen saver" while in another program.
Hey, thanks for your suggestion!


                          LETTERS
                          -------

I was reading a Mailbag letter on issue #74 that mentioned a
jacket-making program. Big Blue had a sample disk about
three years ago that included a jacket program. I found a
lot of use for it (5.25" disks only) as I could list the
files on the disk on the front of the jacket. I thought that
I should probably pass it on. I'm not sure whether or not
they had it copyrighted.

I am a first-time subscriber, and my boss and I really like
a lot of the programs. I've been able to "capture" the
picture images (clip art) I like for future newsletters
that I put together for Evans & Sutherland's Easter Region
field engineers. Thanks for all the great stuff.
                                  Mary Donthnier
                                  Union, OH

RESPONSE: "They" (as in Big Blue) are us! Yep, we're the
same company and it's the "same" product. Jacket was a
popular program. Jacket II will be, too. Enjoy!

                        *    *    *

I did very much enjoy my first issue of On Disk Monthly.
Enclosed are two copies of the report card--one from myself
and one from my wife. I do like the idea of the report
card, but feel that I have to explain my answers more fully.

Both my wife and I enjoy the game of Exclusion. We did put
it on our hard drive and plan to enjoy it well into the
future. We did notice that high scores are changed when the
game was repeatedly played. I was unsuccessful in "clearing"
the scores from the command line.

I liked Directory Tree because it was able to give me the
percentage of a disk that was used. I also like the print
out of the tree, which I use to label my floppy disks. I
have not fully explored the Net Worth program, but I am very
interested in it. I will be using it in the future.

My wife found that the game of Finagle was too much a game
of chance and not of skill. We are not into "poker hands"
and wish some greater need to reason out the games'
solution. Word-Up! on the other hand was above our
intellectual level as 90 percent of the words were totally
unrecognizable to us. I never did learn how to change the
colors or the extensions on the Color Directory program. I
felt that the instructions or "lack of" instructions were
frustrating. Even if I could have gotten the program to
work properly, I do not feel that I would have much need for
such a utility.

I do not have a graphic print program that is compatible
with your Print Shop Images. Can you advise me as to the
graphic programs that are on the market in which your PS
Images will work?
                                  Richard G. Walker
                                  Madison, WI

RESPONSE: You probably think the scores keep changing in
Exclusion because each puzzle has its own high score file.
The only way you can "clear" scores in this program is to
edit each puzzle file in a word processor. Do not delete
these files--they also contain each puzzle. I personally am
addicted to Finagle--it's like Tetris with cards. Your wife
may not have liked it because it does not have a "solution."
It's an arcade-style game in which you play as long as
possible to score the most points possible. You derive
satisfaction from these types of games by beating yourself
(your previous score) rather than by solving a puzzle.
Word-Up! is a regular feature on ODM. It's harder some
months than others. Hang in there.

Color Directory was "finished" late in the game. It should
have had the same type of interface as ResiCalc (this issue)
does, but there wasn't time. This really is a useful
program. I hate doing a DIR and having to read every file
name to find the name of the file I want. Color coding
works. How to use this program: 1) At the DOS prompt type
PATH, then press Enter; 2) Copy CDIR.EXE into one of the
subdirectories listed as being in your path; 3) Go to that
directory and type CDIR /C to access the CDIR settings
screens; 4) Choose your settings, remembering that the
highlight color relates to the files you wish to highlight
(mine are "red"), then press F10 to save your settings; 5)
Press Esc to return to DOS; and 6) Type CDIR from any
subdirectory containing files and see your files stand out!

Finally, we produce Print Shop images for use with
Broderbund's Print Shop and New Print Shop. You may also use
them with ODM's Print Shop Utilities 5.0 (#71). You will
also receive .PCX format graphics (alternates with Print
Shop). You may use these in most paint programs, most
desktop publishing programs, and several popular word
processors--such as Word Perfect and Microsoft Word.

                        *    *    *

Having been a long-time subscriber to Loadstar (the
Commodore monthly disk), when my adult daughter got her PC I
immediately sent her a gift subscription to On Disk, feeling
that this is the best source of a variety of software for
her. Now I, too, have a PC and I have just received my first
issue. We like your efforts, but boy do you have a long way
to go to live up to the standards I have come to know with
Loadstar. Loadstar: average 12 programs, plus more articles.
ODM: average 5 programs, plus only two articles.

MENU - Does a fancy, colorful menu add to the content of the
product? Not for me. A menu is just a way to access the
program. Black and white words are fine. A key press is
better than a mouse. For a menu or a utility, simple color
is all I need. The space you save could be used for
programs.

PROGRAM MIX - Keep the mix of utilities and games and
graphics. This is what I subscribe for. Most of the
utilities I have seen here and on other disks are not needed
with DOS 5.0, but some are good. I like the idea of the
Color Directory. I will use the Print Shop Images with Print
Shop and .PCX graphics with Word Perfect. Dedicated database
programs are somewhat useful, if one happens to need that
subject. Games are the main reason I subscribe. I use my
computer for business, word processing, database files, but
mainly to relax and unwind with a game. I'm not big on word
games or adventure games, but graphic puzzle games really
grab me.

Don't duplicate programs! I will order back issues to get
the programs I missed when I get a catalog, but it isn't
fair to repeat programs. Remember, with every issue there is
a large percentage of subscribers who can't use anything on
that particular disk. When you repeat a program that was
of no value to begin with, you are losing that person
again. Who needs duplicates?

I am going to miss Loadstar and the excellent job that
Fender Tucker does with it. I never would have changed
computers if I didn't need to bring work home. I thought
that ODM would be bigger and better. Fancier is not better.
Content is what counts.
                                  Marilyn Buck
                                  Piscataway, NJ

RESPONSE: The average ODM executable size is about 70-75K.
When you do a little math you quickly see why ODM doesn't
contain 12 programs like Loadstar does. And we've purposely
kept the number of columns low to be able to include as many
programs as possible. Do a "dir" on our recent issues and
you'll see they don't have a "K" to spare. Our graphics
programs do have both CGA and EGA graphics. They don't
contain VGA and SVGA graphics. Why? We'd have even less room
for programs.

We don't "duplicate" programs. We do fix bugs in very
popular previously published programs (but only publish them
on special issues like #75). We also update programs--new
features, a new interface, new functions, a complete remake
and more. Why? Compatibility problems, new printers to
support, bugs, subscribers requests, etc. Every software
company believes in updating a good thing. So do we. Memo
Writer 2.0 and Jacket II are good examples of this process.

Finally, keep in mind that ODM and Loadstar aren't "clones"
of each other. Each has its own staff, own personality and
its own program format. ODM's format includes programs for
each department listed above the program name in our menu:
Feature of the Month, ArtWare, CustomWare, GameWare,
HomeWare, and OfficeWare--plus articles and Just for Fun.

                        *    *    *

I really don't expect you to print this. However, I will go
ahead and address this to the Mailbag anyway. I understand
your situation in attempting to satisfy everyone's "desires"
in software, coupled with the problem of trying to meet all
the different hardware capabilities. I'm sure that a
subscriber with Super VGA, mouse, sound card, etc., would
like to see ALL the software in this format, but one must
be realistic, and able to recognize that there are those
who do not have the hardware capable of running programs
written entirely to those standards.

You are doing an excellent job in creating software that
covers such a wide range. But I do have a couple of
complaints to make. If ODM is going to continue to use this
title, they should comply with what it implies. That is, to
make SURE that every subscriber receives an issue of ODM
EACH month. My second complaint concerns your untimely
effort to provide a "Tax Assist" program this year, but if
it is to follow a time table similar to last year, it will
be completely useless to those of us who wish to resolve our
differences with the IRS prior to April 15th.

I also have a suggestion to make. How about a simple
tutorial section (column) in each issue? Something on DOS
commands, etc. Possible, two articles--beginner and
intermediate. Everyone could benefit from this, including
those of us who "think" we know enough.
                                  Gary Kilna
                                  Caseyville, IL

RESPONSE: I can assure you that ODM will continue to support
everyone--even if supporting you means creating separate
products. Don't worry. You're right, we are behind. We got
behind on our mailing schedule (set for the 7th, 8th or 9th
in each month) several issues ago. We have not been able to
make the time up as quickly or as easily as we had hoped. We
now have a plan in action that should work to get us, and
YOU, back on schedule. You won't be receiving a tax program
from us this year, I'm afraid. We ARE offering a third party
tax program through the Marketplace. You mentioned last
year's untimely effort. First of all, we don't think we've
ever published a really good tax program, and no one
currently on staff is "qualified" to design one. Second, the
best tax programs reflect any changes in tax laws and are
"certified" by the IRS as a vehicle for doing your return.
This requires a lot of planning. We think you deserve a
really good tax program. That's why we intend to hire an
expert to do a great tax program for you at the end of this
year.

                        *    *    *

My subscription only goes back to issue #63, but I am
impressed. I have gotten more usable graphics, for example,
from your disks than from some of my commercial programs,
including both PC Paintbrush (works with .PCX clip art) and
New Printshop (Print Shop images). My Wordstar will use .PCX
graphics, and I convert the Print Shop I receive from you
(from Printshop to New Printshop format) with the utility I
received from you (Print Shop Utilities 5.0 on #75).

Don't drop the games. I have limited time for computer
games, and yours are quick and easy to play. I did have a
problem with the mouse on Klondike2, but hey, nobody's
perfect. It is, however, the only problem I have ever had
with one of your programs. Except, of course, for the disk
my granddaughter stapled in the jacket.
                                  William Estes
                                  Lansing, NY

RESPONSE: Call your mouse manufacturer for the latest
version of your mouse driver. Earlier versions of mouse
drivers do not recognize the 320 x 200 VGA mode that
Klondike2 utilizes.

                        *    *    *

In regards to some reader feedback from Sharene Matsumoto of
Pepeekeo, HI, I would like to relate some information and
correct some minor details in your response on the GeoWorks
graphic format. Namely, GeoWorks uses a proprietary vector
graphic format in their PC/geos line of programs. It is not
similar to GEM bitmaps.

I have found that PCX 'Rangler (#70) works very well in
preparing .PCX bitmaps for import into GeoWorks Pro.
GeoWorks Pro allows the direct import of .PCX, TIFF, and
Quattro Pro images via the scrapbook appliance or GeoDraw
program as long as you crop individual images into separate
files. I prefer the Scrapbook, since it allows organization
of images and includes comment fields in a reasonable
compact format.

On to converting New Print Shop images to the GeoWorks
environment. The easiest method I have found requires two
shareware products. The first is NPSTOIMG.ZIP from Richard
Duim, 4402 New Britain Common, Santa Ana, CA 92704. It
carries a $20 registration fee and can be downloaded from
the GeoWorks Forum of America On-Line or directly from the
author. This utility converts all formats of Print Shop
images into IMG format.

Since GeoWorks does not convert IMG files yet, an additional
shareware product is required: Graphics Workshop 6.1H. This
program accurately converts a vast number of different
formats to any other format by the use of resources. It also
allows various modifications to the bitmaps, such as
cropping and dithering. It's available from Alchemy
Mindworks, PO Box 500, Beeton, Ontario, Canada L0G-1A0 for a
$40 registration fee.
                                  Bernard Courant
                                  Wellsville, NY

                        *    *    *

I would like to see the paint program you are planning
support Tandy's 16-color CGA monitor (CM-5), so that I could
edit .PCX images to use in the New Print Shop. Since you
aren't planning a conversion program, why don't you tell
your subscribers that the New Print Shop Companion will
convert .PCX and several other formats to the New Print
Shop, once they have been edited and/or sized. It will
convert the eight colors that the New Print Shop will use.
                                  Barbara V. Gray
                                  Mentone, AL

RESPONSE: The paint program that is under development even
as I write this supports down to the 4-color 320 x 200
graphic resolution level. Unfortunately, Tandy 16-color is
unique to that one computer platform and would require
special graphics and programming, so we have no plans to
support it. Thanks for the Companion tip!

                        *    *    *

I have just found time to go through issue #74. I have been
a subscriber since before issue #50 and have enjoyed most
issues very much. I particularly like the Print Shop images
and .PCX graphics, SOME of the games, and some of your
drawing programs, financial helpers and utilities. But...I
have had some problems, which I will lay out to you.

1) I can load Klondike2 from the DOS prompt, with no
problems. It appears to need too much RAM memory to load it
through PC Shell, and when I tried to load it using
DESQview, my computer tied up and had to be rebooted. Any
ideas as to the problem here?

2) I tried to use Certificate Creator before Christmas. The
help/instructions were inadequate, and I was unable to see
work in progress on the screen. I deleted Certificate
Creator from my hard drive and have given up on it.

3) I am a collector of bears (of all types from "real" bears
to the teddy variety). Would love to see an issue of all
kinds of bear images--either in New Print Shop or .PCX
format. Would like them to be simple enough to adapt for
use as a logo on stationery.

Also, I find your customer service to be excellent. I moved
last summer and three issues following the move got lost in
transit. When life got less hectic and I realized this, I
called your customer service people and they sent new
copies of all three very quickly.  You are doing great!
                                  Patricia Neel DuBois
                                  Blue Bear Services

RESPONSE: None of our games will run successfully through
one of the shell environments such as PC Shell or even
Windows. Why? Most games are as memory intensive as the
shell programs are and/or they attempt to use the same
interrupts. The two just don't mesh. Our upcoming games will
include detection routines for Windows, etc. You'll have to
run them from DOS, I'm afraid. You're right. Certificate
Creator is an older ODM program that needs some work and we
plan to redo it sometime this year. Bears? Sure. Why not?

                        *    *    *

I truly adore your issues. They always contain exactly what
I am looking for at that point. Your most recent issue (#74)
was just fabulous. I compliment you greatly on Net Worth
2.0--it helped me tremendously!

I do have a few requests: 1) In your terrific game of
Finagle, I was playing Varation #3 and was appalled to
discover that the Jokers are not eliminated when used as
a regular card. Of course, I understand that it may not be
used to complete a hand, such as four jacks and a joker, but
it did discourage me to find that five jokers did not
disappear. I just thought I'd let you know. 2) I have been
receiving your issues for a short while, yet I have not
found a word processor suitable for my needs. I would like
it if one of your future issues did contain one. 3) This is
not a complaint. It is simply to satiate my kids, who are
nagging at me to let you know what they feel. They told me
that your programs are "super-cali-fragi-listic-expi-ali
-docious." But I did realize they are upset. You see, they
are used to programs with more than 20 colors on an EGA
display. More colors and better graphics?

I want you and anyone else who reads this to know that
there are three complaints within hundreds and hundreds of
compliments that just won't fit on this paper!
                                  Toby Yoffe
                                  Lakewood, NJ

RESPONSE: The author's decision to make the jokers act as
"stoppers" in Finagle was, in my opinion, a good one. If the
jokers were wild, making hands would be much easier. And,
since you can't form a hand out of jokers either, you're
forced to:  A) Place them in hands that already have a
"winning" combination (like two pair or three of a kind) or
B) Discard them (if you're fast enough) by placing them to
the sides of the "well" near the top of the screen. To do
this, when you see a joker, press the right or left arrow
key and hold it down until the card comes to a stop and the
next one starts to fall. The jokers definitely factor into
your play strategy in Finagle.

So, you're looking for a word processor. We've never
published a "word processor" as such. There are so many
good, affordable word processors on the market that it
doesn't seem like a good "fit" for ODM. We did publish Edit
Meister, a full-featured text editor, on issue #72. If you
weren't subscribing then, you might want to order it and
check it out. I use it every day.

                        *    *    *

Letters used in ODM's Mailbag may be edited for length and
clarity. Please send your questions and comments to:
                        ODM Mailbag
    On Disk Monthly, PO Box 30008, Shreveport, LA 71130
