From: Tony Lindsey Subject: Mac*Chat#106 Mac*Chat#106/08-Mar-96 ====================== Welcome to Mac*Chat, the weekly electronic newsletter for everyone interested in using a Macintosh computer professionally, no matter what their situation or profession. See the end of this file for further information, including how to get a free subscription. How to contribute financial donations to Mac*Chat: Donations are gratefully accepted, to help defray the costs of putting-out one of the fastest-growing newsletters on earth. Checks may be mailed to Tony Lindsey, 3401-A55 Adams Ave, San Diego, CA 92116-2429, or for info on electronic funds-transfers, send e-mail to and put the word "Donations" into the Subject line. Any [comments in brackets] are by Tony Lindsey. Highlights Of This Issue ------------------------ I uregently post the news about System 7.5.3 in this "bonus" issue (since it got dropped somehow from yesterday's issue), we hear where to download tax forms from the U.S. IRS, we hear about some very interesting Mac-centric Web sites (and one extra just for the heck of it), and Powerbook-owners get even more goodies. Topics: Highlights Of This Issue Editor's Notes Corrections System 7.5.3 USA Tax Forms Available Online Interesting Web Sites Powerbooks Again Legalisms Free Subscriptions To This Newsletter Editor's Notes -------------- By Tony Lindsey Well, I feel pretty silly - Somehow, when I sent-off issue #105 yesterday, the most-important article got left-off. The news about System 7.5.3 is too important to leave for another week, so I'm rushing out a "Bonus Issue" for everybody's enjoyment. You may notice I snuck even more PowerBook info at the end of this issue, so if you don't like it or need it, please ignore it - Don't send me nasty letters! Corrections ----------- [In issue #103, Baron Sekiya mentioned that Pioneer was making Mac clones...] By: Leon Pereira As I understand it, Pioneer does NOT manufacture Mac clones. They produce entertainment control centers/modules based on the PowerMac motherboard. System 7.5.3 ------------ [In issue 104, I asked about System 7.5.3, which has been delayed quite a bit. Many readers sent me info, but I think the following official Apple text says it best. This was forwarded to me by a Faithful Reader, and I added a non-800-contact-number for my readers outside the USA:] On March 11, 1996, Apple is announcing System 7.5 Update 2.0, which is a comprehensive set of system software enhancements designed for all Macintosh computers. This important update offers new functionality, as well as enhanced system performance. And it significantly improves the overall reliability of Macintosh and MacOS-compatible computers running System 7.5, 7.5.1, or 7.5.2. There are many important changes reflected in this update: some affect all Macintosh computers; others are specific to certain models. One example of the former is that all Macintosh computer users should see a performance boost while the Finder is copying large numbers of small files-particularly when copying to and from file servers. More specifically, this update has several additional PowerPC-native system software components that should yield noticeable performance improvements on Macintosh computers with a PowerPC processor. Perhaps one of the most significant new features that this update will deliver is one version of System 7.5 (officially known as System 7.5.3) which will run on every Macintosh, from the Macintosh Plus to currently shipping systems. You can now even create a universal System Folder that can be used on all currently supported Macintosh MacOS-compatible computers. This allows you to set up a single external hard disk or removable-media drive that can boot-up everything from a Macintosh Plus to a PCI-based Power Macintosh 9500. In response to requests from customers and developers, System 7.5 Update 2.0 also contains a number of system reliability improvements, such as: a reduction in the occurrence of Type 11 errors on Power Macintosh computers; corrections to the General Controls control panel to eliminate conflicts with some third-party products; and proper handling by the Installer of control panels and extensions disabled using the Extensions Manager. From a communications standpoint, System 7.5 Update 2.0 integrates a new version of Open Transport (version 1.1) which offers better performance on high-speed networks, broader support for dial-up connectivity to TCP/IP networks and the Internet, and new support for most 68030, 68040, and NuBus Power Macintosh computers. With the introduction of the Macintosh System 7.5 Update 2.0, Apple is providing loyal Macintosh users with an enhanced operating system environment that features increased performance and added capabilities-while significantly increasing overall system software reliability. To take advantage of the Macintosh System 7.5 Update 2.0, you'll need an Apple Macintosh or Powerbook with at least 4MB of RAM (8MB required for PowerTalk and QuickDraw GX); or a Power Macintosh computer with at least 8MB of RAM (16MB required for PowerTalk and QuickDraw GX). Open Transport requires an Apple Macintosh or Powerbook with at least 5MB of RAM ; or a Power Macintosh computer with at least 8MB of RAM. System 7.5 version 7.5, 7.5.1, or 7.5.2 must be already installed on the system being updated. System 7.5 Update 2.0 is available electronically: and on most on-line services (American On-line, CompuServe, AppleLink, and eWorld). Customers in the U.S. can also order the update on a CD or floppy for $13 by calling <800-293-6617>, ext 984. or <408-987-7000> ------- By: Randy Chevrier Kyle's System 7.5.3 Info Page supposedly covers all the rumors of System Update 2.0. According to MacCentral, "Kyle provides the latest information available about the new software release in a simple and easy to read format and we would highly recommend that you seek further information there." I think MacCentral is the greatest place to get daily news on Apple third party vendors, software update notices, and other Mac news. Their breaking news page is my Home page in Netscape. They will have 3 to 10 daily Mac news headlines; even on weekends if the news warrants. Their site is very efficient. For example you will find all of one day's stories on one page rather than each article taking up a separate page. They will also give a quick overview of a subject and provide links to the site with ALL the vital information for those who want to pursue it. They now have their own domain name and they seem to be running their site solely on the love of Macs. ------ By: Stephen Froehlich System 7.5 Update 2 is big (14 disk images). Unfortunately it won't be available strictly as System 7.5.3 (like on a complete set of disks or on a CD-ROM) for a couple of months. This is codenamed Unity and is taking some time for some reason. Oh, one other biggy. Apparently the new System will no longer load all of the unnecessary code when opening programs like MS Word et cetera. They say it will cut the double-click to ready to work time on MS Word ~60%. I'll see it when I believe it, but if that's the case, I might actually be able to install Word 6.0 on my machines. USA Tax Forms Available Online ------------------------------ [This is the time of year that around half of Mac*Chat's readers are gathering their tax information. These older messages are in response to Toby Moore's request for PDF-formatted (readable on any computer-system) IRS forms in issue #75.] ------ By: Harry B. Abramson, Virginia Regarding Toby Moore's query on PDF-formatted tax forms in Mac*Chat #75, schedules, forms, pubs, and instructions are available from the Department of Treasury's home page at: This page also permits you to download the Adobe Acrobat Reader if needed in order to view and print the tax forms. -------- [Philip had more to say about the Web site:] By Philip Suh The files are bulky (usually around 130K) and buried in long directories with DOS type filenames, but if you know what you're looking for, it's not too bad. This site was very handy since I live in Japan. Even with the longish download, it was better than being put on hold by the IRS office at the Embassy. ------- By Wayne Ingalls If you don't have a web browser, you can visit the IRS ftp server: and pick up the forms you want. My own experience was that it is much easier to visit the www pages first to figure out which forms you want then go to the fedworld server to ftp them. If you're interested in other government info, there's lots of it in the pub directory on fedworld. ------- By: John McVey [John had more to say about the ftp site:] The index to all files is contained in 00_index.txt. There are approximately 650 forms and publications in the list - it appears to be quite complete. Unfortunately, the file name format used in the listing has different capitalization from that of the actual file name - use all lower case alpha characters when 'getting' a file. The files are bin-hexed, but unstuffed. Interesting Web Sites --------------------- By Tony Lindsey I recently received a press-release from some people who have created a new Mac-centric Web site. I get a LOT of press-releases, but I decided to actually follow-through and check this one out: I found it to be very useful and worth visiting. I found well-explained goodies there I had never heard of before. It's refreshing to see a "best-of" listing of shareware titles that actually explain WHY you would want to download them. It seemed a bit like the "pre-filtering" I supply with Mac*Chat's information. The site is very graphic-rich, so I had to wait a bit with my elderly IIci, but that was counter-weighted by the site's VERY Mac-positive attitude. The folks who put it together seem sincere about making the world a better place for Macintosh fans. Their site is still a bit rough around the edges, but they seem eager to make improvements, based on the feedback I've given so far. From what I hear, they will be adding special features that seem to set this site apart from any others, so watch it for future developments. I'll also mention changes as they come up. There's a lot of promise here. ----- By Keith J. Bona Check out the Publications Resource Guide website: It seems to cover everything you or any other business would need for doing business on the Internet or in the communications industry. ------- By Trevor Inkpen The Complete Conflict Compendium (C3): The C3 is a database of Macintosh software and Extension conflicts, and their solutions. There are over 350 conflicts currently listed, and growing daily. We receive conflict reports from the Macintosh community at large, and rate the conflict reports according to the detail of the report, if it is verified by software manufacturers, how many reports we receive about the same problem, etc. Software developers should see our open letter There are also a Macintosh Survival Guide and Tips for the beginning Mac user on our site. We have links to Mac*Chat in the C3 site. The C3 is a volunteer effort by Quill Services Ltd., a Macintosh consulting firm in Victoria BC Canada. Conflicts are a way of life on the Macintosh. Even though Apple controls the hardware, incompatibilities between software and specific Mac models are all too common. You can search this unique database by either hardware or software; find your configuration, and discover what problems have been reported, their symptoms, and cures proven by fellow Mac owners. If you don't have a Mac, don't bother; if you support Macs, you need to be here. - The PCI / Shareware Compatibility Survey - The File Type and Creator Database (Ilan Szekely's listing of file Type and Creator codes put onto the Web - over 7500 entries, also downloadable as an application or a text file and FileMaker Pro template) The Complete Conflict Compendium grows by contributions from Macintosh users who have isolated software conflicts. Please take the time to visit the C3 site - to solve a conflict problem that you have or to contribute your hard-won knowledge. Powerbooks Again ---------------- [I know, I PROMISED everybody I'd lay-off with the Powerbook tips and info, but the goodies just keep on rolling in...] ----- By Andrew Kim Powerbook physical security I see many people talking about their Targus, or similar, carrying cases for their PBs. I work for Brown University's Police Department and have seen many laptops disappear over recent years, and the occurrences are increasing (including two 5300 this year!). Being a Mac user since 1988 myself, our department has been helping students and staff with computer security. Here are three tips which I think anyone with a Powerbook, or even a desktop Mac, should consider: 1) Do not buy a laptop carrying case. This is a veritable radar blip for potential larcenies. These thefts can occur from open office areas, classrooms, airports, and vehicles. We have arrested criminals who have followed people with these cases and waited for an opportune moment to grab them. A carrying case tells anyone who sees you that you have an expensive piece of sleek hardware on your person. Larcenies are often crimes of opportunity - someone may not have premeditated thoughts of stealing, but when presented with a tempting target, may decide to break with social norms and take the item. We recommend using a backpack, satchel, gym bag, or any other nondescript tote. I know that leather carrying cases are very popular. I also know many colleagues who would not wish to be seen carrying anything less. Still, this is the simplest and most effective piece of advice I can offer. Think about it - and you can spend that extra $80 or so on other Mac goodies! 2) Create a startup screen with your photograph and information on it. We have done this for several departments and their Macs (both desktop and PB) as well as a few students. Scan in a photograph of yourself or your company logo and add some text to it stating something like "This computer belongs to the person/department pictured to the left. If anyone else has this computer, be advised that it could be stolen. Please contact...". Possible information to add are : Name, work phone, social security #, serial number (as this may be scratched off the computer's exterior), and local police # (we've had students' Powerbooks recovered in Florida and Arizona, a long way from RI!). Take this info and make a startup screen for your computer. You can even make the file invisible in your system folder so it is not readily visible. This is an effective tactic because the majority of pawn shops really do not want stolen merchandise. Many pawn shop owners report suspicious items to authorities. If the thief tries to sell the computer privately, consider how you would feel if, upon examining a "used" computer, this startup screen popped up... 3) Create an invisible partition on your hard drive with the same information suggested in the above startup screen idea. Most thieves won't even erase the hard drive of a stolen computer - even if they do, they will most likely do so by dragging things to the trash. Even if they do this, if the computer is recovered, you can prove it belongs to you by mounting that partition and showing the information. You will need a hard drive utility like Apple's HDSC setup, Silverlining, APS Powertools, etc... Create the smallest partition you can (you only need to store a teachtext document and maybe a PICT resource if you include your picture) and store the information on this partition. Make it invisible and non-"automounting" and you have another safeguard. This can be done for desktop machines as well. The only snag of which I know is that this works with SCSI drives only, not the IDE drives Apple has been including in some recent releases (Powerbook 150 and the Quadra 630 come to mind). Does anyone know if there is a drive utility program for IDE drives? Hopefully, you never will have to test the efficacy of these methods, but they could help to keep your Powerbook in your hands only. ------- By Tony Lindsey I have the Powerbook 520, as you may know from previous issues. The 500-series Powerbooks have the ability to have either an additional battery on the left side, or an extra-cost accessory "Card Cage" that slips into the same space. This card cage allows you to snap little "PC-cards" into a slot, such as super-miniature hard drives, external-display cards (so valuable for software demonstrations on a big screen) and modems. See issue #103 for a list of nice ones that work well with Macs. You can also get PC-card Ethernet adapters, which are not needed for the 500's, since they have Ethernet built in - The 5300's need 'em, though. If you have a 500-series Powerbook (also referred to as the "Blackbird," which was its pre-release codename) and if you haven't bought a card-cage yet, now might be the time. The early PC cards were buggy, and the first two Revision A and B card-cages didn't have enough ability to read the vast majority of cards. The new Revision C card-cage is available now from Apple - Call your local Apple-authorized repair-tech and order Part Number M2995LL/C. It's much more compatible with a wider array of PC-cards out there. When the new Apple system software comes out with the newest portables (the ones following the 5300's later this year) then the picture should be even rosier. Apple wants Powerbook users to be able to plug in ANY PC card from any manufacturer and have it work, which has not always been the case. Nowadays, new PC-cards are coming out like crazy, since IBM-compatible computers and new Powerbooks from Apple are providing a nice, healthy market. The USA Department of Defense has made it mandatory that all newly-purchased computers have the ability to read PC-cards, so expect to see desktop model Macs with card-slots in the future. From what I read in MacWeek (03.04.96, page 37) Apple is determined to make PC-card compatibility with ALL cards a priority. It's time to give PC cards a try. ------ By: Dan Mitchell, Cupertino, CA I have a Duo 250. I don't want to carry around a bunch of extra stuff - that's why I got the smallest Powerbook available in the first place. So I do not own an external drive. So what do when trouble strikes and I'm out of range of my DuoDock and its floppy drive? For example, sometimes I'll run Norton Utilities and discover that there is a problem that requires Norton to run from an external disk. Fortunately the Duo can create and run from its own RAM disk. I keep a copy of a minimum System folder and Norton Utilities around that I can quickly unstuff and load into a RAM disk which I set up as the startup drive. Now I can restart the Duo and run Norton from the RAM disk and fix almost any problem. ------ By James Mitchell, Melbourne, Australia In Mac*Chat#104 you collated responses to the idea of buying a PB100 as a portable editor. If you really want to go to the cheap end of the market, it is possible to get a second-hand Amstrad NC100 notepad. These are a little throwback to the '80s, based on a Z-80, running off 4 AA batteries for about three months with a full-size keyboard and an eight line 80 character screen. They went down to about $A150 ($US100) before going out of stock in late 1993. The serial port supports X-modem transfers at 9600bps to and from the Mac via a null-modem cable and a PCMCIA slot allows for up to 1Mb of flash RAM storage (which is a lot of plain text). The ROM-based word processor is not exactly WYSIWYG but it is advanced enough to support a basic scripting language and spell checker. If you're after the lightest, most portable, uncrashable, cheap device for editing plain text, I'd put it ahead of a Powerbook. ------ By: Jamie McCarthy [In issue #104, it was asserted that SuperClock slows down a portable Mac:] SuperClock installs an interrupt service routine on the 1-second interrupt. If you have it set to only display minutes, it just takes literally a few microseconds to run (enough time for ISR overhead and one or two traps). Totally and completely imperceptible. Even if it updates the seconds, it probably won't take over a few thousand microseconds: under one-tenth of one percent of the CPU's time. One percent at the _absolute_ most. If you don't trust me, run MacBench with and without it: Slowdowns or speed-ups of less than 10% aren't generally noticeable unless you're paying close attention, and if you're not looking for the speed change, your computer can slow down 40% to 50% before you even start noticing anything's wrong. Trust me, SuperClock has _zero_ perceptible effect. ------ By John Stevenson, Australia I thought you'd like to know that there is a shareware hack called Welcome Editor that allows you to change the Mac's startup message, so that instead of just saying "Welcome to Macintosh" it says "Welcome to John Stevenson's Mac" and then details like your name, phone number, email address etc. If you use Welcome Editor to change the welcome message then erase the app from your Mac it's very unlikely that a run of the mill thief could change it. Of course if I was in the Mac theft business I'd just wipe the hard drive and re-install the system on any machine I wanted to sell on, to make it less identifiable, so I don't really know how much good either of these ideas would do... [True, but it can be very difficult to do this unless you have EXACTLY the right tools and know-how - Have you ever tried to start-up a 5300-series with a diskette, an external hard drive or a CD-ROM? A System Folder that can start a 5300 is very hard to create on a diskette unless you have the know-how. I can do it, but most thieves wouldn't have a clue, and that's what you would need to do in order to format the hard drive.] Legalisms and Information ------------------------- Copyright 1989-1996 Tony Lindsey. The contents of Mac*Chat may not be republished, either in whole or in part, without the express permission of the editor. Small excerpts of Mac*Chat may be reproduced for personal use, or by nonprofit groups (such as Mac User Groups) if full credit is given, including this notice, how to subscribe, and how to make donations. Please contact the editor for any publication requests. This newsletter is intended purely as entertainment and free information. No profit has been made in return for publication of any of these opinions. Time passes, so accuracy may diminish. Publication, product, and company names may be registered trademarks of their companies. ----- This file is formatted as setext, which can be read on any text reader. I'd enjoy hearing your feedback and suggestions. Unfortunately, due to the massive numbers of messages I get every day, I can't guarantee a personal reply. Send all such messages to: Tony Lindsey 3401-A55 Adams Avenue San Diego, CA 92116-2429 Tips from readers are gratefully accepted. Please write them in a user-friendly way, and if you are mentioning an Internet site, please include a paragraph explaining why others should visit it. Mac*Chat back-issues may be found within any Info-Mac ftp archive at /info-mac/per/chat - For example: and read with any Web browser at Current issues may be found on the comp.sys.mac.digests newsgroup. Free E-Mailed Subscriptions To This Newsletter ------------------------------------- You may subscribe to Mac*Chat by sending e-mail to: The Subject line is ignored, so it can say anything. In the body of the message include the following line: SUBSCRIBE MACCHAT Your full name As an example: SUBSCRIBE MACCHAT Juliana Tarlton You will receive a nice long message explaining acceptance of your subscription, how to end it (if desired) and general listserv info. You will then automatically receive Mac*Chat in your e-mail box, for free, every week. ============== ____ ================================================== Tony Lindsey \ _/__ Free, weekly e-mailed Mac-oriented newsletter Mac*Chat Editor \X / ================= \/ =================================================