Date : Mon, 19 Dec 1988 09:35:54 EDT
From : <SAGE@LL.ARPA>
Subject: CP/M Magazines
I was in the process of preparing my own response to the news that Kaypro
was discontinuing Profiles Magazine when I saw Ric Lewallen's very
flattering comments about The Computer Journal. (Thank you, Ric. I have
tried to contact you directly, but DOCKMASTER and LL only rarely agree to
talk to each other.)
A great many of us who are still active 8-bit Z80-compatible computer
enthusiasts have chosen TCJ as our medium of communication. It has been
around for many years but was almost entirely unknown. I have been writing
a regular column on the Z-System (an advanced CP/M-compatible operating
system replacement) for about two years now. Several issues back, Bridger
Mitchell -- author of such spectacular programs as BackGrounder,
DateStamper, JetFind, and DosDisk -- began a regular column on advanced CP/M
topics.
Beginning with the issue due out any day now, a new dimension will be
added. Rick Charnes, who has a charming writing style and who, unlike
Bridger and me, is a non-programmer, will be starting what will probably be
a regular column on application issues. He will describe how he milks every
bit of available performance out of programs and operating system
facilities. Personally, I don't really care much what Rick writes about --
his writing is just so enjoyable I would read about any topic. I
particularly remember a delightful piece recounting the woes that befell him
after eating chop suey within splatter distance of his keyboard.
Anyway, TCJ is already a really nice magazine for people interested in
8-bit computing, and I expect it will continue to improve as we build the
circulation and continue to build up the editorial staff. I should add that
it does not cover 8-bit stuff exclusively. There is a little bit of MS-DOS
and MAC stuff as well, and there are articles on other machines, like the
National 32032. Some articles deal with generic issues, such as programming
languages (I think a regular series of column on Modula-2 will be
appearing).
Ric Lewallen mentioned my Z-Node in Newton, MA at 617-965-7259. It is
available via the MABOS PC-Pursuit outdial. One extra fact you might need
to know is that there is an initial connect password. The prompt -- the
name of the Dynamic Debugging program in CP/M-2 -- pretty much gives it
away. It is there mainly to keep the not-so-serious types away. In case
you are not a programmer or use CP/M-Plus (which comes with the SID debugger
instead), the program is DDT. Once you are on the system, it is completely
open. There are no private messages (except to the sysop), and the file
area is immediately accessible. By making extensive use of the Z-System's
aliasing facility, almost any reasonable form of any command will work on
the system. For example, you can locate files using FILE, FIND, FINDF,
FINDFILE, WHEREIS, WIS, etc. They all invoke the same FF.COM program. We
try to make it as easy to use as possible.
On entering the operating system, you will see a message offering callers
a $2 discount on new subscriptions to TCJ when the order is left on the
board (the command is ORDER). Sage Microsystems East, sponsor of the Z-
Node, wants to do its part to built up TCJ.
A little additional information on what is happening with Profiles. It
is my understanding that current subscribers will be offered two
alternatives. The MS-DOS people will be able to have their subscriptions
switched over to a specific one of the regular DOS magazines (I don't know
which it is). CP/Mers will be able to join the Kaypro Group of the Boston
Computer Society at a one-time reduced membership fee. That group, known as
BOSKUG, actually supports many computers. My BCS CP/M group, the BCS
Osborne group, and an independent Morrow group have all merged into the
original BOSKUG. Since both Kaypros and Osbornes come in MS-DOS flavors as
well, the group has both CP/M and MS-DOS subgroups. I am now the director
of the CP/M subgroup.
BOSKUG is a very nice, small, friendly group. If you are in the greater
Boston area, you should stop by some time at one of the meetings. As our
national membership expands, we will be making a major effort to serve the
needs of people who cannot attend our meetings by offering a variety of
services in addition to meetings. The BOSKUG magazine, called the KUGEL, is
quite nice, with a good mix of material -- less technical than TCJ, more
emphasis on software reviews and news. Kaypro has donated its most powerful
computer to serve as a new, multi-line BBS system. It will be operating
from my house (that will make three BBS lines and two voice lines in one
little house -- hope the telephone pole can support all those wires -- hope
the phone company has that many wires).
--- Jay Sage