Little Bits
By Andrew Roughan
Copyright (c) 1996 Apple Users' Group, Sydney
Republished from Applecations, a publication of the Apple Users' Group, Sydney, Australia.
o Forrest Computer Pals for Seniors is a volunteer group which holds classes every day of the week to bring over 55s up to date with the world of computers. The group started in Forrestville and has since branched out through the northern beaches and will soon have a branch in the city. The group caters for all level of user and for all brands of computers. If you'd like more information, can assist with education, or would like to establish an affiliated group in your retirement village, contact Colin Ward (02)94511000.
o Those contemplating a ZipGSx v1.02 accelerator upgrade but daunted by the need for finding faster SRAM should contact Doug Pendleton. He is now offering SRAM modules that have been tested in ZipGS boards at various speeds. If you can't get his parts to work satisfactorily, he'll refund or exchange them for a 10% service charge. Requirements are: socketed oscillator, TAG DIP sockets capable of accepting 300 mil (narrow) SRAM, DATA DIP sockets capable of accepting 600 mil (wide) SRAM, and WDC 65c816-14 CPU chip. A good quality CPU cable and a range of oscillators is also highly recommended. Contact Doug.P@Genie.com
o For those with a need for speed, here's the latest totally unsubtantiated rumour about Gus, the Macintosh GS emulator: "When run on a 'top-of-the-line' PPC type machine, GUS runs at effectivly the same speed as a 50Mhz to 55Mhz Apple IIgs would, if such a beast existed." It makes the mouth water and the eyes pop out just thinking about it!
o The Apple II online community is fragmenting slowly as "flamers" take over the newsgroups. Anti-Piracy campaigners have been trying to close the Asimov FTP site, which holds disk images of copyright Apple II software, while Asimov supporters try to claim that their rights are greater than the copyright holder's. Unfortunately this bitter battle is causing distress amongst those who think that the newsgroup is not the place for such discussions. A reposting of the Frequently Asked Questions paper on Killfiles is sorely needed. Moderation would be a good idea too.
o Charles "Dr. Tom" Turley has announced a the formation of Unity Services - Apple II Worldwide User Group (US-A2WUG) with Founding Good Will Group Ambassador - Steve Wozniak (Honorary - Title). The group will exist on the internet with a web site and some form of yet-to-be-determined meeting and is based along the premise that any Apple II owner can be a member without payment. Members are requested to help each other when they can. Charles will be happy to give you an ear full. cturley@wco.com
o I question the need for a "group" when the currently existing Apple II newsgroups and websites should fill the need adequately. I guess what will eventuate is a moderated forum. This would be good for the online Apple II communtity except for the minor fact that Charles Turley will be the moderator.... I guess he has nothing else to do. Before exchanging email with Charles, perhaps you should be more informed?
http://www.ozemail.com.au/~kashum/turkey.html
o Microsoft have finally announced that they are no longer supporting some of their early software. On the list are such Apple II classics as Olympic Decathlon and The Applesoft Basic Compiler (TASC).
http://www.microsoft.com/SupportNet/SuppObsolescence.htm
o A new Infocom Z-code interpreter for the Apple IIgs is available for beta testing. Frotz GS is a desktop application which interprets the game data files which are available on Activision's Lost Treasures of Infocom, 'Collections', or Masterpieces of Infocom packages. Just move these files over from whichever platform and Frotz GS can run them. Contact day@cs.orst.edu
o The hot news from Genie is that there are four games about to be released for the GS. Wolfenstein 3D IIgs should be in wide beta now; Lemmings GS from Brutal Deluxe is nearing completion; the NinjaForce crowd have one in development; and Ryan Suenaga is claiming that there is a forth from an unnamed source. My Christmas stocking is going to be full this year!

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