Volume 5, Number 11                                 14 March 1988
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    |                                                 /  \          |
    |                                                /|oo \         |
    |        - FidoNews -                           (_|  /_)        |
    |                                                _`@/_ \    _   |
    |        International                          |     | \   \\  |
    |     FidoNet Association                       | (*) |  \   )) |
    |         Newsletter               ______       |__U__| /  \//  |
    |                                 / FIDO \       _//|| _\   /   |
    |                                (________)     (_/(_|(____/    |
    |                                                     (jm)      |
    +---------------------------------------------------------------+
    Editor in Chief                                       Dale Lovell
    Editor Emeritus:                                   Thom Henderson
    Chief Procrastinator Emeritus:                       Tom Jennings
    Contributing Editors:                                   Al Arango

    FidoNews  is  published  weekly  by  the  International   FidoNet
    Association  as  its  official newsletter.  You are encouraged to
    submit articles for publication in FidoNews.  Article  submission
    standards  are contained in the file ARTSPEC.DOC,  available from
    node 1:1/1.

    Copyright 1988 by  the  International  FidoNet  Association.  All
    rights  reserved.  Duplication  and/or distribution permitted for
    noncommercial purposes only.  For  use  in  other  circumstances,
    please contact IFNA at (314) 576-4067. IFNA may also be contacted
    at PO Box 41143, St. Louis, MO 63141.

    The  contents  of  the  articles  contained  here  are  not   our
    responsibility,   nor   do   we   necessarily  agree  with  them.
    Everything here is  subject  to  debate.  We  publish  EVERYTHING
    received.



                            Table of Contents

    1. ARTICLES  .................................................  1
       Some Thoughts on Standards  ...............................  1
       PC-SIG CD-ROM On-line 24 hrs  .............................  3
       GIZLIB....A QUICK BASIC DELIGHT  ..........................  5
       IDEAS FOR A NEW -AND BETTER- FIDONET  .....................  9
       LT-286 A Superb Replacement For An XT Motherboard  ........ 11
    2. COLUMNS  .................................................. 15
       Let's YACK about The Programmer's Dictionary  ............. 15
    3. NOTICES  .................................................. 23
       The Interrupt Stack  ...................................... 23
       Latest Software Versions  ................................. 23
    FidoNews 5-11                Page 1                   14 Mar 1988


    =================================================================
                                ARTICLES
    =================================================================

    Thom Henderson, 107/528-520/1015
    System Enhancement Associates, Inc.


                        Some Thoughts on Standards

    If the FTSC ever publishes a standard  on  how  to  do  echomail,
    ARCmail,  FOSSIL  drivers,  etc.  I'll  pay  attention,  but am I
    supposed to make a big deal out of any random group that meets at
    a wide spot in the road?

    There  are  at  present  something  like three thousand sysops in
    FidoNet.  Probably three hundred of  them  either  now  do,  have
    done,  or  intend  to  do  network  software  -- and nobody knows
    exactly which three hundred.  No,  we don't really intend to keep
    all  three  thousand  (or  even  three hundred) informed of every
    little change that we  may  or  may  not  make  to  every  little
    program,  nor do we expect them to keep us informed.  In  theory,
    at least, this is why you have a standards committee.  We have no
    objection  to  providing input to said committee on any technical
    topic that it may wish to consider,  but I don't see how  SEA  or
    anyone else is bound to do any more than that.

    If  you  let your standards committee do what it was meant to do,
    then you will reap the benefits.  But if you  hobble  it,  thwart
    it,  or forbid it to act,  then you will be (are) at the mercy of
    the natural "market forces" in your network.

    An excellent current example of this is  echomail.  None  of  you
    will  allow  your  standards committee to establish any standards
    relating to echomail.  Thus you are all at the potential mercy of
    any developer who comes up with a new wrinkle, twist,  or feature
    that  might be in demand,  even though it may break your existing
    systems.  An actual example from your past  is  the  whole  Yahoo
    experiment,  which  broke  many  systems in the name of perceived
    features.  Fortunately that is behind you now,  but many  of  you
    have yet to assimilate the lessons of it.

    I've  gotten  a  few  people  upset  by referring to FidoNet as a
    "mature technology".  Those of you who would dearly love to "play
    games" with  the  protocols  (like  the  late,  unlamented  Yahoo
    experiment)  rail at that designation,  but in few (if any) cases
    have I been allowed to explain.  By "mature" I mean that it is no
    longer solely (or even mainly) a province of the hackers.  Few on
    your network either know or care how the stuff  works.  All  they
    care  about  is  that  it does.  And THAT is the true strength of
    your network, if you would only realized it.  A percent or two of
    performance,  or a widget or two that maybe three  out  of  three
    thousand  will  use,  is  of little import compared to the mighty
    throng to whom your network is a powerful tool for COMMUNICATION.
    It is for them that Tom Jennings,  Randy  Bush,  Ben  Baker,  and
    myself saw the need for a standards committee,  because for THEIR
    FidoNews 5-11                Page 2                   14 Mar 1988


    needs stability is more important than widgets.

    -----------------------------------------------------------------

    FidoNews 5-11                Page 3                   14 Mar 1988


             The IEEE Port CD-ROM at 1:107/233  516-757-9469


         As of March 16th 1987, the entire PC-SIG  705 disk library
    of public-domain and shareware programs is on-line at the IEEE
    Port (1:107/233).  This has been done through the sponsorship of
    the Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (IEEE) which
    has provided a Philips CM 100 CD-ROM player and the PC-SIG Disks
    1-705 CD-ROM.

         We have established a somewhat convoluted procedure for
    gaining access to the over  700 directories on the PC-SIG CD-ROM
    disk.  This process is described below and is also readable on-
    line at The IEEE Port.

         The files listed below are file requestable 24hrs from
    1:107/233.  They are the ARCed Tables of Contents of the various
    disks.  Note that because all these files are ARCed you are
    required to first download each of them to your own disk and
    unARC them.  Once you have done this, you may search for
    occurrences of any particular string in the Tables of Contents
    with one of these commands:

                        DFIND "string"
                        FFIND "string" outfile.nam


         where "string" is the value for which you wish to search.
         DFIND will display the results directly on the screen,
         whereas FFIND will write the output of the search to a disk
         file which you may  subsequently search manually with  an
         editor or list program.


                       Index to PC-SIG Disks 1-705
                       ===========================

      P001-100.ARC  Table Of Contents for disks 1 through 100
      P101-200.ARC  Table Of Contents for disks 101 through 200
      P201-300.ARC  Table Of Contents for disks 201 through 300
      P301-400.ARC  Table Of Contents for disks 301 through 400
      P401-500.ARC  Table Of Contents for disks 401 through 500
      P501-600.ARC  Table Of Contents for disks 501 through 600
      P601-700.ARC  Table Of Contents for disks 601 through 700
      P701-705.ARC  Table Of Contents for disks 701 through 705
      PC-BIBLE.ARC  Table Of Contents for The Bible (King James Vers)
      FIND.ARC      Batch commands to search Table of Contents files

      SEALINK.ARC   SEAlink 1.13  Excellent protocol to use for batch
                                  downloading.



      * * * *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  * * * *

                  PC-SIG LIBRARY - Disk Access Procedure
    FidoNews 5-11                Page 4                   14 Mar 1988


         When you log on to the IEEE Port (300/1200/2400) (no pre-
    registration is required) type "F" from the main menu to get to
    the files area.  The procedure to select which particular disk is
    started in area 16 by typing "F".   You will be given a menu that
    looks like this:



     Enter   I - To get information on what files and programs are
                   available.
             D - To get information on addressing a particular disk
                   from the PC-SIG Library and then to select a disk.
             S - I've seen it all before, let's just select a disk!
             C - Explain the use of SEAlink protocol for downloading
                   a disk.

             Q - Quit.

    I highly recommend option "C" for those who do not use SEAlink in
    some form or another.  It will save you a lot of time and typing.

         Since you have the instructions here type "S" to select the
    disk you wish to DL from.  You will be prompted to enter the
    number of the PC-SIG disk you wish to access.  Type the numbers
    as three whole numbers (i.e.  to select disk 49 type "049").  You
    will then be informed that you selection has gone thru and to
    proceed to files area 99.  In order to actually the access the
    PC-SIG disk that you selected you will have to transfer to file
    area 99.  This area does not appear in the list of areas
    maintained by OPUS; that's OK, just use the A99 to go there
    anyway.  Area 99 area will be pointing to the PC-SIG disk you
    select.

         Before OPUS will let you in to area 99 you must enter the
    access code "PCSIG".  Although you won't be able to use the F(ile
    List) command here, you will be able to use the R(aw Directory)
    display to see the names of all the files on the selected disk.
    You may then download any file(s) as you normally would from any
    file area, the only difference being that you will be DLing from
    a subdirectory of the CD-ROM.

         Usually there is a file named DISK###.TXT on each PC-SIG
    disk so if you select disk 694, use the T(ype) command to list
    out DISK694.TXT and get a descriptive file listing of the
    selected disk.

         I run SEAdog 4.11 on top of Opus 1.03a on an original IBM XT
    with 2 ST 225s.  A Zoom Short 2400 baud modem (internal) and a
    Philips CM 100 CD-ROM Player.  If you have any questions or
    suggestions I am reachable at 1:107/233.  As DLing disks from the
    CDROM can be quite expensive over the phone line, I am more than
    willing to fill any disk that is sent to me with whatever disks
    you request.  Please include return postage.
    -----------------------------------------------------------------

    FidoNews 5-11                Page 5                   14 Mar 1988


    By Gene Coppola 107/246

        Some VERY Exciting things are happening to GLIB and
    its loyal users!

    I.  What's New

        The first and most obvious is the size of GLIB 1.4!
    The library now has 90 routines available for use including
    COMPLETE mouse and DOS level file control. This is about
    50% more than in GLIB 1.31 and puts it on a par with some
    of the expensive commercial libraries.  And, many of the
    GLIB routines run adequately under OS/2!

    A. FUNCTIONS in Assembler!

        This allows you to evaluate a subroutine as an
    expression or assign the result in fewer lines of code!
    For example:
        OLD:   CALL exist("foo.bar", ExistFlag)
               IF ExistFlag THEN
                 .. <statements>..

        NEW:   IF exist("foo.bar") THEN
                 .. <statements>..

        This lends itself to a number of advantages: code
    is smaller, more easy to read, makes more sense and so
    forth. All it requires is a simple DECLARE statement at
    the start of your code. Even this is made simple with the
    GLIB14.INC file you should have.

    B. DOS Level File Functions:

        GLIB 1.4 now supports complete file access via DOS
    Functions. In so doing, you can completely avoid those
    annoying runtime errors by letting DOS return you an error
    code, rather than an error!

    C. Mouse support.

        We now have a considerable number of routines
    added for mouse support, including cursor control, mouse
    work area restrictions, mouse sensitivity (Mickey Factor).
    These have been tested on the new Micro-soft (dove bar)
    mouse, the Logitech mouse and the Mouse Systems mouse.
        All seem to work fine except the Mouse Systems seemed
    to need a explicit call to set the cursor mask, so we
    have one which is called MSETCSR.

    D. OVER FORTY new routines !!!

    DAYOFYR  -  Gets current day of the year (1- 366).
    DLIGHT   -  Trigger a floppy disk light on.
    FCOPY    -  Copy a file, as quickly as DOS.
    FCREAT   -  Create a new file, returning a File handle.
    FidoNews 5-11                Page 6                   14 Mar 1988


    FEOF     -  Set file pointer to the end of a file.
    FOPEN    -  Open a disk file, getting a DOS file handle.
    FUNIQ    -  Create a unique/temporary file.
    FWRITE   -  Write a string to a file opened with a DOS handle.
    GETCH    -  Allow input from predefined string.
    GET/SET FATTR -  Get, set or reset file attributes.
    GET/SET DRV   -  Get or set the default drive.
    INCR / DECR   -  Replicate 2 TURBO BASIC functions
    INSON/INSOFF  -  Toggle insert state on or off
    KBLOOP   -  Old routine with syntax change.
    LASTDRV  -  Return last logical drive on the system
    LCOUNT   -  Count the number of lines in a file QUICKLY.
    LNAMEF   -  Swap names to last-name-firstformat.
    MCSRINC/MCSRDEC -  Decrement mouse cursor flag
    MCSRON/MCSROFF  -  Mouse cursor on or off.
    MGETXY    -  Get mouse cursor location
    MLONG /MNORM  -  Set / reset mouse Mickey Factor.
    MPRESS    -  Get number of mouse button presses.
    MRELEASE  -  Get number of mouse button releases.
    MSETXY    -  Set mouse cursor location
    MSETXRNG / MSETYRNG: Define/limit mouse work area.
    MTYPE     -  Test for mouse existence.
    PGETCH    -  GETCH with cenetered prompt.
    RINSTR    -  Returns LAST position of a char in a string
    READSCRN      -  Quickly read a string from the CRT
                     at current location
    SYSTIME   -  Return system time as integers.
    TFRMAT    -  Old routine with slight syntax change
    VFNAME    -  Test to see if it is a valid filename.
    VIDOFF    -  Turn CRT off.
    VIDON     -  Turn CRT back on.

        These are just the NEW routines listed above!

    E.  Top QB Libraries Team Up Commercially!!!

        An agreement has been reached between Roy Barrows
    of Project X Development Group and myself to merge our two
    respective QuickBASIC libraries and market them under PROJECT
    X's QBTOOLS/2.1.

        By adding about 80% of the routines in  GLIB (the
    balance being duplicates) to QBTOOLS/2 as well as an
    additional 14 or 15 I wrote up just for the occasion, the
    number of callable routines in QBTOOLS/2.1 soars to
    over 220!

        This is not a decision I made lightly.  There were
    once 4 BBS distributed QB add on libraries and this is the
    last to move to the commercial arena. After very careful
    examination, it became clear that QBTOOLS and Roy ARE the
    type of product and person that I have no compunction
    about becoming associated with. QBTOOLS is quite genuinely
    innovative and Roy is a gifted programmer, one look at
    OSG (Screen Code Generator) will confirm that!

    FidoNews 5-11                Page 7                   14 Mar 1988


        With over 220 routines, at $69.95, QBTOOLS is
    undoubtedly the best value for the dollar in after market
    add on libraries at only .36c per routine!  But money is
    not the only factor, because with QBTOOLS you get 220
    WORKING routines.

        Not only that, but you get a couple of the most
    innovative QB developers utilities including OSG,
    the Object Code Screen Generator, a source code
    formatter and a library manager.

        GLIB release 1.40, to be released Saturday Feb 6,
    1988 will be the final BBS type release of GLIB. About
    70 of the 90 routines including the FieldEditor, have
    already been ported to QBTOOLS/2.1 and I will continue
    to develop routines for the QBTOOLS/2.1 library.

        The only conversion involved is to rename the
    routines into longer more descriptive names characteristic
    of the QBTOOLS/2.1 library. This means GLIB users who pick
    up QBTOOLS/2.1 will suffer a minimum of upgrade shock and
    still benefit from the many, many more routines available
    in QBTOOLS/2.1.  We will also be including an ALIAS file so
    that longtime users of GLIB can use QBTOOLS with the
    new/long names or the old/short names.

        While there will be no further releases of
    InfoSoft's GLIB or DLIB, USERS who register their copy will
    be eligible for a 50% discount on QBTOOLS/2. This offer is
    good only on the 2.xx releases of QBTOOLS since GLIB could
    remain on BBS everywhere forever. We reserve the right to
    alter, modify, extend or revoke this offer upon the release
    of version 3.0. So, once you get QBTOOLS at $39.95, your cost
    plummets to a paltry .18c per routine.  But, you don't
    get the discount by reading this but by registering your copy
    of GLIB 1.4.

        PLEASE!

        o DO NOT attempt to register GLIB with PROJECT X, use
          the mailer enclosed to register GLIB, and your name
          will be forwarded.

        o If you do NOT register GLIB, you do NOT get the
          special 50% discount on QBTOOLS.

        o DO NOT call Project X for GLIB support.  I support
          GLIB via The Information Booth at 316 684 8744.
          After Feb 10, 1988 I will also be in a position to
          support or answer questions on QBTOOLS.


          Finally, I want to thank my beta testers Harry Hodson
    Gene Coppola and Don Hawkinson for allowing themselves and
    their machines to become guinea pigs at times.

    FidoNews 5-11                Page 8                   14 Mar 1988


        Thank you for your support,

        Gizmo Mike
        The Information Booth
        316 684 8744

        GLIB14.ARC is available on 107/246 for F/R or download.

    -----------------------------------------------------------------

    FidoNews 5-11                Page 9                   14 Mar 1988


    Pablo Kleinman
    Node 368/101

                  IDEAS FOR A NEW -AND BETTER- FIDONET
                      (Let's make some changes...)

           Time goes by and the FidoNet grows faster every day.
    I don't think that, when creating the Fido Bulletin Board System,
    Tom Jennings knew he was starting something this big.
           I have read lately some articles, where sysops express
    their disagreement regarding the way things are going right now,
    specially with IFNA.
           Some sysops chose to form another, parallel net (like
    Ryugen Fisher, for example), some others just expressed their
    disappointment.
           Thru this article, I want to give you my opinion, and to
    present you a new idea, a new idea that also contains new
    concepts.
           I think something MUST BE DONE, before it is "too late".
           The FidoNet nodelist has already 3000+ members, in all the
    5 continents of the world, in about 30 countries. FidoNet has
    become a totally INTERNATIONAL network, rather than an "American
    one with some nodes overseas".

           THE NEW IDEA I WANT TO PROPOSE IS THE FOLLOWING:

           One "FidoNet Association" is created for each of the 4
    zones (I'm assuming that Latin America will be Zone 4).
           These associations may vary in their internal
    organization, since each zone's requirements and neccesities are
    very different.
           When they are finally established, each designates 3
    members to take part on the International FidoNet Council, that
    is finally formed by those 12 representatives of the 4 zones.
           Each zone has the right to have the Presidency of the
    Council for 6 months a year (each has the right to preside over
    the council once every two years).
           The Council's President must be one of the 4 representatives
    sent by the zone who designates him/her, and has the right to vote
    twice when there is a tied vote.
           The International Council is in charge of various things,
    like designating the International Technical Coordinator, setting
    the technical standards (either directly or by naming a
    "technical committee"), publishing the Net's official newsletter,
    and establishing the Net's basic international rules.
    Comprehensive rules are established by each zone's association.
           The International Council also acts as a "supreme
    tribunal" for interzonal disputes. Any disputes within a zone are
    to be arbitrated by the zone's association.
           The Zonal FidoNet Associations are to be TRANSPARENTLY
    DEMOCRATIC, which ensures the democratic qualities of the
    International FidoNet Council, as well as of the net itself.
           The Zonal Associations have the right to name the
    coordinators for all the networks, regions as well as the zone's.

                I HOPE YOU'LL HELP SHAPE THIS IDEA:
    FidoNews 5-11                Page 10                  14 Mar 1988


           I personally think this concept still needs to be shaped
    up. The "main idea" puts a special emphasis in democracy,
    as well as on each sysops' right to determine their coordinators,
    authorities and delegates to the main International Council.
           I would like everybody to participate in the development
    of this new idea, to ensure it's representability of all the
    sysop's wishes.
           Please, send mail to node 368/101 (soon-to-be 800/1) with
    your opinions.
           If FidoNet's and IFNA's current authorities consider
    this idea feasible, an echomail conference could be created to
    ensure everybody's participation on the development of this
    new idea.
           Thank you for taking the time to read this article, and
    thanks to IFNA for maintaining a publication where everyone can
    express oneself freely.

                                    Pablo Kleinman (368/101)
                                     Buenos Aires, Argentina

    -----------------------------------------------------------------

    FidoNews 5-11                Page 11                  14 Mar 1988


    Recently I saw an ad for an LT-286 replacement XT
    motherboard. The price was so low, ($249) that I just
    had to order one.

    I expected to receive a real piece of garbage, but since
    it comes with a 30 day money back warranty, I felt I had
    nothing to lose. The LT-286 is also covered by a 2 year
    warranty as well.

    What I received was a nice surprise. The motherboard
    came packed securely in anti-static plastic, packed with
    peanuts in a heavy shipping container designed to hold
    the motherboard, the manual, and additional memory or
    co-processor chips.

    Upon examination, I found a well designed circuit board
    with no last minute jumpers soldered in. The memory chip
    sockets are placed as far as possible from the 80286
    chip to avoid heat problems.

    This board has been designed to replace the motherboard
    in an XT or clone, and has several features not seen in
    any other replacement board.

    The following VLSI components and subsystems are on the
    motherboard as received and tested.

    1) Intel 80286 microprocessor.
    2) Intel 82284 8Mhz clock generator.
    3) Intel 80287 co-processor (optional).
    4) Intel 8237-5 4 channel DMA controller.
    5) Intel 8255A-5 parallel interface.
    6) Intel 8253-5 timer.
    7) Intel 8259A interrupt controller.
    A) 32k of Read Only Memory, optional to 64k.
    B) One Megabyte of high speed, parity checked RAM.
    C) High performance NO WAIT STATE bus controller.
    D) 16 bit system bus to XT IO bus interface.

    My only complaint with the design is the placement of
    the 80287 chip socket. You will need to remove the
    motherboard to install the 80287 chip at a later date.

    Unlike an XT motherboard, this board has multiple data
    buses. This is the key to understanding the astounding
    speed this board produces. The LT-286 incorporates
    several distinct data buses.

    A) A fast 16-bit bus for the 80286 CPU and 80287 chip.
    B) A fast 16-bit system bus for onboard RAM and EPROM.
    C) A moderately fast 8-bit bus for onboard I/O.
    D) A slow 8-bit expansion bus for offboard I/O.

    The onboard RAM and I/O devices are clocked at the full
    80286 speed using the 16 bit bus. The expansion bus
    interface is clocked at a slower 4.77 Mhz rate. This
    FidoNews 5-11                Page 12                  14 Mar 1988


    zero wait state system runs many times faster than its
    clock speed might suggest to the casual observer who
    naively compares computers by their clock speed.

    My old board (a dual speed NEC V20) was only able to
    accomplish at best a 1.7 on Norton's SI while the LT-286
    registers a 7.7 using the same test.

    Using the new Landmark Speed Test the LT-286 registers
    an 8.8 reflecting the extra speed due to zero wait state
    operation.

    The second reason the LT-286 is so fast is the fact that
    it incorporates a built in disk cache system. When the
    motherboard is fully populated with 1 Megabyte of RAM
    the excess RAM above 640k is used for the disk cache.
    This is a true read/write cache. The only disadvantage
    to this feature is that it takes 8k of main memory. The
    cache can be turned off by changing jumpers on the
    motherboard or by software methods.

    The BIOS is dated September 7, 1987 and displays a
    Copyright by Wave Mate. It is nice to have a recent BIOS
    for a change. It shows that the designers of the LT-286
    are regularly updating their product.

    Before installing the LT-286 make sure you back up any
    hard disks you have installed. Some controllers are very
    sensitive to CPU timing and will require you to format
    again, after you install the LT-286.

    Don't take this statement the wrong way! After I
    installed the board and did a complete format I had no
    problems with the hard disk or the controller.

    Installing the mother board took me about 15 minutes,
    and it should not take you much longer. The longest time
    was spent transferring the RAM chips from my old board.
    The chips sockets on the LT-286 are well designed, but
    it takes considerable effort to insert the RAM chips.
    These sockets certainly will never allow a chip to jar
    loose, and are probably also used in the TEMPEST grade
    system the designers produce.

    The new motherboard was an EXACT fit, and installed with
    no problem what so ever, even though it went into a
    clone and not a pure IBM XT.

    A complete printed manual was included, with an updated
    supplement, but there were no instructions included for
    do-it-yourself installation.

    All the connectors were where they belonged and if you
    inspect the connections BEFORE you remove your board
    you should be able to replace it with no problems. Since
    the LT-286 comes with a 30 day money back warranty and I
    FidoNews 5-11                Page 13                  14 Mar 1988


    run a multi-user bulletin board, the best way to burn in
    this board was to run the BBS on it. So I set up the BBS
    and let it run. I have had no problems to date, and the
    board runs cool and performs well.

    I have had no problem with any software I own. I tested
    the LT-286 with all the standards, including Lotus 123,
    dBase III+, Paradox, Professional Write, and Wordstar.

    Even heavily protected software like PC-TECHNICIAN ran
    with no problems. Due to the fast speed some protected
    software might not run. However since all the major
    software packages are no longer protected, this should
    not present a problem.

    Just to check I installed Lotus from my master disks
    with no problems. dBase III+ also installed with no
    problems. Vault and Prolock protected software installed
    with no problems I could see.

    Customer support is of primary concern, especially to
    someone who might not be comfortable with installing a
    new motherboard. I made up several interesting problems
    and called for technical support. In each case the
    technician was able to diagnose the problem and supply
    the correct answer. Each technician was knowledgeable
    and did not try and rush me off the phone. They spent as
    much time as was needed to work through each problem.

    The LT-286 is a fine product with a good design and good
    technical support. I recommend this to anyone who wants
    to upgrade their PC or XT to a 286 machine.

    In this version their are eight expansion slots which
    are 8-bit slots. This allows you to keep your old
    expansion boards and use them with the LT-286. My Intel
    Above Board, which is notorious for not working with
    high speed systems works quite well. The bus design on
    the LT-286 was designed to allow 8-bit expansion cards
    to perform just like they were still in an 8088 system.

    The LT-286 is really the baby in a fine line of new
    products. Several other motherboards are also available
    with both 8-bit and 16-bit buses, with clock speeds from
    7.2 to 12.5 Mhz.

    I would love to be able to test their top of the line
    16-bit 12.5 Mhz motherboard in my system.

    CTXT Systems, Incorporated founded in 1985, is the
    originator of the Lateral Technology Concept, an
    engineering philosophy based on technological hybrid
    optimization. First manifested in the Lateral Technology
    line of motherboards and desktop computer units, the
    ultimate expression of Lateral Technology arrived in
    1987 with their magnificent LTP-7 portable computer,
    FidoNews 5-11                Page 14                  14 Mar 1988


    incorporating many industry firsts in a unique package:
    a 14 inch diagonal 720x350 resolution gas plasma screen;
    three half-height storage devices (up to 160Mb internal
    hard disk drives available); seven full length expansion
    slots in an Angular-Bus design (patent pending); full
    size 84-key keyboard; a dozen brand new electronic
    features, all in a 15"x17"x7 1/2" format weighing only
    26 pounds thanks to the LTP-7's all TITANIUM chassis.

    CTXT Systems Incorporated is located at 9205 E. Alabama
    Avenue in Chatsworth, California. Their phone number is
    (818)-341-4227. Their FAX number is (818)-709-6907.

    If you call for information or to place an order please
    ask for Susan Selbrede, and please mention this article
    in FidoNews as your source of information about CTXT
    Systems.

    Susan is a very polite, well informed person who will be
    glad to help you with any questions you might have, or
    to take your order.

    -----------------------------------------------------------------

    FidoNews 5-11                Page 15                  14 Mar 1988


    =================================================================
                                 COLUMNS
    =================================================================

                                   YACK
                     Yet Another Complicated Komment

                           by Steven K. Hoskin
                       ( STEVE HOSKIN at 1:128/11 )

                 Episode 3:  The Programmer's Dictionary


         The  orginal  version of  this  that  I  ever  saw  was in a
    photocopied article from a  magazine  of  some kind.  I therefore
    have no clue as to whom I should be giving credit for the initial
    conception of this collection  of  fundies, but over the years my
    friends and I have added  to  this,  and this is one of the later
    versions of...

                       The Programmer's Dictionary
                       ---------------------------

    Algorithm - New type of musical beat, known best for being hard
         to dance to.

    Analyst - The person who always has an answer.  See also,
         Son/Daughter.

    Argument - Unpleasant encounter with the instructor after mid-
         terms.

    Array - That which comes out of Buck Roger's gun.

    Assumed Decimal Point - Located two postions to the right of a
         programmer's current salary in estimating his own worth.

    BASIC - 1.  Adjective used to describe programs to give to
         rookies.  2.  Programming language once erroneously thought
         to be user-friendly.

    Backup - Action taken by a programmer when an accident is about
         to happen in front of his/her car.

    Batch - A small complaint.

    Binary - A program missing two program statements.

    Bit - The increment by which programmers slowly go mad.

    Board - Most common mental state of most programmers.

    Bucket - An item on a table that catches spare data.

    Bug - A small German car that runs rampid in your program.

    FidoNews 5-11                Page 16                  14 Mar 1988


    Bus - As in Greyhound or PDP, upon which all data commute to
         work.

    Byte - 1.  What computer science students do to their pencils. 2.
         An action that programmers teach their dogs to do to
         operators.

    C - A lie commonly told by novice programmers; "I see..."

    COBOL - Fraternity/Sorority mix party.

    CRT - An adjective that describes the way programmers talk to
         operators, i.e., "Why are you so curt to me?"

    Cable - Pay television for programmers and printers.

    Card Punch - Machine known in this day and age for making good
         note cards to write memos on.

    Card Reader - Woman who tells fortunes.

    Chaining - A method of attaching programmers to desks to speed up
         output.

    Checkpoint - The location from which a programmer draws his
         salary.

    Close - Description of the constant state of operator's minds.

    Comments - See Fixed Word Length.

    Common Language - The first thing a programmer must forget in
         order to be successful.

    Comp Sci Instructor - See also, God.

    Compiler - Program that continuously finds fault with your work.
         See also, Wife/Husband.

    Complex - Adjective used to describe problems to be avoided.

    Computer - Scientific Phenomenon; it is probably the only thing
         in this world that can understand a programmer.

    Computer Bank - Where your computer stores the money it embezzles
         when your accounting program has a "bug" in it.

    Concantonation - Catholic ritual performed once a year to bless
         programmers.

    Copyright - 1.  A hacker's self-invested authority to duplicate
         any software package on the market.  2.  Knowledge that such
         duplication has been performed properly

    Core Storage - A receptacle for the center section of apples.

    FidoNews 5-11                Page 17                  14 Mar 1988


    Counter - A device over which martinis are served.

    Cursor - Someone who Batches a lot.

    DATA DIVISION - Keypunch section.

    DIVISION - Partitions between offices.

    Data Base - Phrase commonly heard by the first base coach of a
         softball team made up entirely of programmers.

    Debugging Aids - 1.  Insecticides.  2.  Computer Science
         instructors.

    Decision Gate - What programmers use to choose which computer
         language they will use.

    Device Driver - Licensed vehicle operator.

    Digitizer - Machine that reduces physical objects to computer
         memory, just like in the movie TRON.

    Directory - Listing showing where everyone works.  See also, Dump
         List.

    Disk - Toy used by programmers with nothing better to do.  See
         also, Board, Frisbee.

    Disk Management - Sensible care of one's back.

    Disk Pack - The result of lifting too much weight over your head.

    Dummy Arguments - Discussions between operators.

    Dump - Slang term for the computer building  (i.e., Why do I
         spend so much time in this Dump?)

    Dump List - List of office branches in the computer building.

    ENVIRONMENT DIVISION - The people that scan your office for fire
         hazards and unhealthy deposits of smoke.

    Error - What someone else has made when he disagrees with your
         computer output.

    Execution - Punishment for programmers who do not follow the
         Standards Manual.  See also, Network.

    External Storage - Wastebasket.

    FORTRAN - Model train set up on the floor, usually HO scale.

    Fixed Word Length - Four-letter words used by programmers in a
         state of confusion.

    Flippy Disk - Side two of an LP record.
    FidoNews 5-11                Page 18                  14 Mar 1988


    Floating Control - A characteristic exhibited when you have to go
         to the restroom but can't leave the computer.

    Floating Point - The absolute limit before floating control is
         lost.

    Floppy Disk - The result of driving a Floppy Drive.

    Floppy Drive - A car with a flat tire.

    Flow Chart - A graphic representation of the fastest route to the
         restroom.

    Format - What you wipe your feet on before entering the computer
         building.

    Free - Obsolete expression.

    Function - What a program never does on the first run, seldom
         does on subsequent runs, and when it finally does, is a good
         indication that the program is obsolete.

    Function Key - Tool required to make a program work.  Commonly
         hidden in Bugs.

    GOSUB - Polite way for programmers to tell operators where to go.
         See also, Go To.

    Gigabyte - The little laugh that comes out of an operator's mouth
         when he/she bites his/her tongue.

    Global Variable - Internationally known Variable, such as Anita
         Bryant.  See also, Variable.

    Go To - Often used in conjunction with Biblical locations.  See
         also, fixed word length.

    Hacker - Someone who coughs a lot.

    Hard Disk - The result of much muscle-building work on one's
         back.

    Hard Drive - A car with solid rubber wheels.

    Hardware - Something that, if you play with it long enough, it
         breaks.  See also, Software.

    Head Crash - Last step before a computer Go To, usually executed
         by a programmer crashing his head against the nearest wall.

    Head Thrashing - What programmers do when upset at operators. See
         also, Head Crash.

    Hexadecimal - High resolution trick, using a six-sided dot for a
         decimal point.

    FidoNews 5-11                Page 19                  14 Mar 1988


    Hierarchy - Chain of command.

    High Memory - State of mind a programmer is in when his/her
         program finally works properly.  See also, Function.

    High Order Language - See Fixed Word Length.

    IC - Lie commonly uttered by Computer Science students.

    IDENTIFICATION DIVISION - The security guards for your company's
         parking lot.

    Infinite Loop - See Loop.

    Initialize - First visual input devices appearing on infant
         programs.

    Input - Food, whiskey, beer, aspirin, etc.

    Interrupt - Usually the result of a Keypunch.  See also, Head
         Crash.

    Jump - 1.  Dangerous move commonly made by programmers to get to
         conclusions easier.  2.  Something programmers do when a
         program works.  See also, High Memory

    Jumper - 1.  Programmer with a working program.  2.  Suit worn by
         female programmers.

    Keyboard - A random series of keystrokes, usually either "asdf"
         or "l;kj", used when programmers are bored.

    Keypunch - Error solving technique used by many programmers,
         consisting of applying his fist to the teletype terminal.

    Laser Printer - Machine dedicated to producing blueprints for new
         and better Lasers.

    Last Pointer - Used by the Computer Science Instructor as
         deterence.  See also, Next Pointer.

    Light Pen - A pen commonly used by programmers because it is
         easier to use, due to its reduced weight.

    Line Printer - Machine that prints lines on blank paper.  Also
         known as Paper Shredder.

    Local Variable - Closet Variable.  See also, Variable.

    Logical Operator - Extinct Species.

    Logo - The way a survivalist programmer goes past a window when
         someone is shooting at him through it.

    Logorithm - Old kind of musical beat, best known for its lack of
         motion.
    FidoNews 5-11                Page 20                  14 Mar 1988


    Loop - See Infinite Loop.

    Low Memory - 1.  The characteristic a calculator exhibits when
         the battery is out of energy.  2.  Adjectival phrase
         describing most programmer's ability to remember.

    Machine Language - Grunts, groans, squeaks, shudders, etc.

    Macro - The last half of an expression of surprise; "Holy
         Macrol".

    Mag Tape - New scientific metallic adhesive strip that can be
         applied to the hubcaps of your car to make them look "cool".

    Mainframe - The portion of a film used to focus the projector.

    Mass Bus - A very large bus, sometimes a GMC motor coach.  See
         also, Bus.

    Memory Dump - Amnesia.

    Memory Extension Board - Review of a programmer's ability to
         remember.

    Mouse - Small creature that leaves tracks on a screen.

    Network - Punishment for programmers who do not write efficient
         code, where they are sent out to tie terminals together as
         hard labor.

    Next Pointer - The pointer designated by the Comp Sci instructor
         to be used when the Current Pointer breaks.  See also,
         Pointer, Pointer Stack.

    Open - Description of the constant state of operator's mouths.

    Operator - The person who always rips your program in half when
         removing it from the line printer.  See also, Inefficient.

    Output - See Floating Control.

    Overflow - That condition resulting from exceeding the Floating
         Point.

    Owner - The person who tells you when you can and cannot use the
         computer.

    PASCAL - Frantic shout by quarterback when throwing the football
         to an unaware reciever.

    PINBOL - Most widely used language.  Terminals often found in
         pool halls.

    PROCEDURE DIVISION - The office that tries to tell you how to do
         your job.  See also, Wife, Husband.

    FidoNews 5-11                Page 21                  14 Mar 1988


    Pointer - Used by computer science instructors to encourage
         students to behave.

    Pointer Stack - Arsenal.  See also, Pointer.

    Post Mortem Dump - Place for dead programmers.  See also, Dump.

    Programmer - Red-eyed mumbling mammal capable of conversing with
         inanimate objects.

    RAM - 1.  A mountain animal.  2.  Usual speed at which a
         headcrash is performed.

    RETURN - 1.  What some programmers never do when they "lose" it.
         2.  What some programs never do when they "Go West".

    RPG II - Artoo's little cousin.

    Run - Ritual feared greatly by programmers.

    Runaway Subscript - Delinquint member of your program's family.

    SNOBOL - What programmers throw at operators in the winter time.

    Scope - 1.  Thing programmers do to a new dump (See Dump).  2.
         Mouthwash for operators.

    Screen - Used in futile by programmers to try and keep bugs out
         of their programs.

    Significant Digit - Middle finger of either hand, commonly used
         by programmers while talking to operators.

    Sin - Not attending Concantonation services.

    Software - Something where, if you play with it long enough, it
         works.  See also, Hardware.

    Software Piracy - The act of stealing a programmer's bed.

    Squash Routine - Pre-planned execution of agile moves in an old
         British game.

    Stack - Favourite part on a female computer for male programmers.

    Standards Book - Instructions for driving stick-shift cars.

    String - Used to tie data together.

    Structured Programming - Contradiction of terms.

    TROFF - What pigs eat out of.

    TRON - What your mother or wife says when she's found a new suit
         for you, "Here's something I want you to TRON."

    FidoNews 5-11                Page 22                  14 Mar 1988


    TURBO PASCAL - New and powerful car, requiring a special diskette
         in order to legally drive it.  Commonly seen breaking speed
         limits when traversing Mass Buses.

    Tape - Sometimes used to chain programmers.

    Tape Drive - Best known for its ability to have lunch in the
         middle of reading the only copy of a source tape.

    Terminal - Status of most programmers, especially after the user
         sees the programs he/she has written.

    Text Editor - Employee of a local newspaper.

    Top-Down Structure - Impressive accidental coincidence when
         found.  See also, Structured Programming.

    Trapezoidal Rule - Country ruled completely by trapezoids.

    Underflow - Symptom of an impotent programmer.

    User - The person who never seems to be able to tell you what
         he/she wants from the computer.

    User-Friendly - Synonym for anti-programmer.

    Variable - Bi-sexual programmer.

    Vector - The first name of the lowest part of your operating
         system's memory.

    Voice Synthesizer - Device used by programmers to communicate
         with human beings.

    WATFOR - Statement frequently uttered by computer science
         students.

    WRITE Statement - Opposite of Wrong Statement.

    Word Processor - Machine that makes food out of old computer
         listings.

    -----------------------------------------------------------------

    FidoNews 5-11                Page 23                  14 Mar 1988


    =================================================================
                                 NOTICES
    =================================================================

                         The Interrupt Stack


    16 May 1988
       Digital Equipment Corporations Users Society Spring Symposium.
       Will be held May 16-May 20 in Cincinnati, OH.

    16 Jul 1988
       A new  areacode, 508, will  form in eastern  Massachusetts and
       will  be effective on  this date.  The  new area  code will be
       formed  from the  current  areacode 617.  Greater Boston  will
       remain areacode 617  while the  rest of eastern  Massachusetts
       will form the new areacode 508.

    25 Aug 1988
       Start  of the  Fifth  International  FidoNet Conference, to be
       held  at  the Drawbridge Inn  in Cincinnati, OH.  Contact  Tim
       Sullivan at 108/62 for more information. This is FidoNet's big
       annual get-together, and is your chance to meet all the people
       you've  been talking with  all this time.  We're hoping to see
       you there!

    24 Aug 1989
       Voyager 2 passes Neptune.


    If you have something which you would like to see on this
    calendar, please send a message to FidoNet node 1:1/1.

    -----------------------------------------------------------------

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    FidoNews 5-11                Page 24                  14 Mar 1988


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                     ______       |__U__| /  \//
                    / Fido \       _//|| _\   /
                   (________)     (_/(_|(____/ (tm)

           Membership for the International FidoNet Association

    Membership in IFNA is open to any individual or organization that
    pays  a  specified  annual   membership  fee.   IFNA  serves  the
    international  FidoNet-compatible  electronic  mail  community to
    increase worldwide communications.

    Member Name _______________________________  Date _______________
    Address _________________________________________________________
    City ____________________________________________________________
    State ________________________________  Zip _____________________
    Country _________________________________________________________
    Home Phone (Voice) ______________________________________________
    Work Phone (Voice) ______________________________________________
    Zone:Net/Node Number ____________________________________________
    BBS Name ________________________________________________________
    BBS Phone Number ________________________________________________
    Baud Rates Supported ____________________________________________
    Board Restrictions ______________________________________________
    Your Special Interests __________________________________________
    _________________________________________________________________
    _________________________________________________________________
    In what areas would you be willing to help in FidoNet? __________
    _________________________________________________________________
    _________________________________________________________________
    Send this membership form and a check or money order for $25 in
    US Funds to:
                  International FidoNet Association
                  c/o Leonard Mednick, MBA, CPA
                  700 Bishop Street, #1014
                  Honolulu, Hawaii 96813-4112
                  USA

    Thank you for your membership!  Your participation will  help  to
    insure the future of FidoNet.

    Please  NOTE  that  IFNA is a general not-for-profit organization
    and Articles of Association  and  By-Laws  were  adopted  by  the
    membership in January 1987.  The first elected Board of Directors
    was filled in August 1987.  The IFNA Echomail Conference has been
    established  on  FidoNet  to  assist  the Board.  We welcome your
    input to this Conference.

    -----------------------------------------------------------------

    FidoNews 5-11                Page 25                  14 Mar 1988


                    INTERNATIONAL FIDONET ASSOCIATION
                                ORDER FORM

                               Publications

    The IFNA publications can be obtained by downloading from Fido
    1:1/10 or  other FidoNet compatible  systems, or by purchasing
    them directly from IFNA.  We ask that  all our  IFNA Committee
    Chairmen   provide  us   with  the  latest  versions  of  each
    publication, but we can make no written guarantees.

    Hardcopy prices as of October 1, 1986

       IFNA Fido BBS listing                       $15.00    _____
       IFNA Administrative Policy DOCs             $10.00    _____
       IFNA FidoNet Standards Committee DOCs       $10.00    _____

                                                 SUBTOTAL    _____

                     IFNA Member ONLY Special Offers

       System Enhancement Associates SEAdog        $60.00    _____
       SEAdog price as of March 1, 1987
       ONLY 1 copy SEAdog per IFNA Member

       Fido Software's Fido/FidoNet               $100.00    _____
       Fido/FidoNet price as of November 1, 1987
       ONLY 1 copy Fido/FidoNet per IFNA Member

       International orders include $10.00 for
              surface shipping or $20.00 for air shipping    _____

                                                 SUBTOTAL    _____

                   HI. Residents add 4.0 % Sales tax         _____

                                                 TOTAL       _____

       SEND CHECK OR MONEY ORDER IN US FUNDS:
       International FidoNet Association
       c/o Leonard Mednick, MBA, CPA
       700 Bishop Street, #1014
       Honolulu, HI.  96813-4112
       USA

    Name________________________________
    Zone:Net/Node____:____/____
    Company_____________________________
    Address_____________________________
    City____________________  State____________  Zip_____
    Voice Phone_________________________

    Signature___________________________

    -----------------------------------------------------------------