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April 1, 1996

Apple Computer Buys IBM Corp

In an unprecedented move Apples new Chairman Dr. Gilbert F. Amelio, has ordered that Apple Computer Inc. use all its cash reserves to purchase controlling interest in Big Blue. Ignoring the $700 Million dollar quarterly loss, Amelio ordered the liquidation of all available assets. Kicking in $200 million dollars of his own money, and $350 million from ex Apple Co-Founder Steve Jobs, Apple was able to purchase 1,801,800 shares or 29% of Big Blue.

The hostile takeover gives Apple the size and positioning to attempt to wrestle control of another large computer company. Reportedly Microsoft will be the next target in Apples acquisition spree. By taking control of its competitors Apple opens itself up to action by the US Justice Department, antitrust suits and monopoly lawsuits. Jobs, whose interest has been long rumored in regaining Apple Computer, has been involved in negotiations with Amelio at Apple as well as with Bill Gates of Microsoft Corp.

Jobs will assume the roll of President and Chairman of the board was quoted as saying "In order to regain profitability, Apple needs to go back to its roots". He was also quoted as saying "We will be moving our Western Campus into my garage, where we will create the next generation Macintosh, a closed architecture box".

In related news Netscape has purchased AT&T, America on Line, Prodigy, and Compuserve and General Motors. Netscape is offering unlimited access t o the internet, to all of the on line services members, all AT&T customers as well its current customers base, for just $0.99 per year. They claim that they will make up the losses by the sheer quantity of users. Netscape is also offering a free Cadillac to all its current and new customers. Have a great April Fools Day!

Apple Releases Slew Of New Telecom Software Updates


On March 29 , Apple released revised set of Telecom software for Apple Express Modem and
Geoport Telecom Adapter as well as Telecom 2.3.3 for PC Card Modemsfor PowerBooks. Here is a run down of the new software.

Apple is recommending Telecom 2.3.3 software for use with the new System 7.5.3 /update 2.0.

The software is reccomended for the following PowerBooks.

PowerBook 160, 165, 165c, 180, 180c, using an internal Apple PowerBook 14.4 Modem Card.

PowerBook Duo 210, 230, 250, 270c, 280, 280c, 2300c, using an internal Apple PowerBook Duo 14.4 Modem.

PowerBook 520, 520c, 540, 540c (with or without PowerPC processor upgrade), using an internal Apple PowerBook Express Modem II Card.

The software is reccomended for the following computers using internal modems.

LC 575, Macintosh Quadra, LC, Performa 630, using an internal Macintosh Express Fax/Modem (for the United States and Japan only).

The software is reccomended for the following desktop systems with GeoPort Adapters:

Centris 660AV, Quadra 660AV and Quadra 840AV. Power Macintosh 6100 series, 7100 series, 7200 series, 7500/100, 8100 series,8500/120, and 9500 series.


The Apple Telecom (and Telecom PC Card) software is available from America Online, CompuServe and from here, as well as a text description of the software here.

Apple and Motorola Launch Joint Education Software Development Program in China


Apple Computer International Ltd. and Motorola, Inc. today announced joint strategies' to develop the PowerPC market in China, with a significant focus on education. The companies strategies underscore their commitment to helping China by providing the tools to develop its own resources and achieve its goal of building a world-class software industry.

The two companies will focus on developing the Chinese market through strategic relationships with members of the Chinese hardware and software industries. Also, Nanjing Power Computing Ltd., Motorola Computer Group's joint venture with Panda Electronics Group in China, will start
production of MacOS compatible PowerPC desktop systems later this year.

"Motorola's manufacturing capabilities and strong brand awareness in China, coupled with Apple's recognized leadership role in the education market, uniquely position us to grow PowerPC technology and the Mac OS in this globally influential developing market," noted Dr. Kenneth Kin, Vice President and Director of Asia Pacific/Japan Operations for Motorola Computer Group."We are committed to increasing Mac OS market share growth and to offering more supplier choice for Chinese users in education and at home."

"PowerPC microprocessor-based Macintosh desktop systems running the Mac OS are uniquely suited to serve the Chinese market in the education and consumer areas," said Robin Abrams, Managing Director of Apple Asia. "We are delighted to be working with partners like Motorola and the Chinese government as part of Apple's drive into the education market in China."

Joint Software Developer Program

Apple and Motorola are cooperating in a joint education software development program to spur the development of curriculum software tuned to the needs of Chinese teachers and students in primary and secondary schools. Apple plans to work with the National Center for Audio-Visual Education to create multimedia-rich resources, such as text, clip-art, video and music, for use in teaching a wide range of subjects, including social sciences, languages, mathematics and Chinese culture. Separately, Apple is working with several universities that specialize in training teachers, including the Eastern China Normal University in Shanghai, to set up centers to instruct teachers on how to create curriculum software on Macintosh computers. With the resources and easy-to-use development tools, the teachers will be able to create "courseware" specifically
targeted at China.

"At Apple, we believe teachers are the best developers for curriculum software," said Vincent Tai, General Manager of Apple China. "We are confident that China's teachers will quickly adapt the multimedia resources to create compelling learning solutions for use in the classroom." Motorola and Apple will both contribute to the software development program by providing PowerPC microprocessor-based Macintoshes for content development, as well as development training and support.

"China represents a huge educational PC market opportunity - in 1995, there were more than 200 million Chinese children between the ages of five and 14," said Dr. Kin. "The Mac OS is the world's preferred platform for learning, and Panda will be able to support the low-cost education
and home markets with systems assembled in Nanjing."

Motorola's Computer Group (MCG) reiterated today that Nanjing Power Computing Ltd., its joint venture with Panda Electronics Group in China, will start production of Mac OS compatible PowerPC desktop systems later this year. The move follows last month's announcement of MCG's agreement with Apple Computer, Inc. to license the Mac OS operating system. This licensing agreement applies to version 7.5.x and includes access to the next major release of the operating system. MCG is the first licensee to be able to sub-license the Mac OS with its motherboards and private-label systems to the OEM marketplace. Motorola will sell, support and service Mac OS compatible PowerPC desktop systems, positioning MCG as a premier supplier of PowerPC platforms.

In China, this will benefit computer customers by providing them additional sources for Mac OS compatible systems, and a broader range of feature-set, price, support and distributed choices. It also provides China's growing Mac OS software developer community with an exciting business opportunity for existing as well as for new markets.

The Motorola licensing agreement is another step in Apple's transition to a broadly open licensing model. Since it first announced its intention to license the Mac OS in September 1994, Apple has committed itself to creating a successful business opportunity for its licensees and has followed a two-phase strategy. In the first phase, Apple has focused its efforts on a relatively small number of licensees, in order to provide them with the level of technical support they needed to successfully
implement Apple's proprietary hardware design.

Apple is now moving into the second phase of its licensing strategy, made possible by the availability of the PowerPC Platform specification. This open hardware architecture based on the powerful PowerPC RISC microprocessor enables an open, flexible licensing model. The PowerPC
Platform is a set of specifications that defines a unified personal computer architecture and brings the combined advantages of the Power Macintosh platform and the standard PC environment to both system vendors and users.

The announcement is another strong sign of the industry momentum and the unique technological potential of the PowerPC microprocessor, jointly designed by the Apple, IBM, and Motorola alliance.

March 31, 1996

Fighting Ignorance with Facts

From the Houston Chronicle column 3/31/96 By Bob Levitus

I don't want you to get the wrong idea -- 90% of my columns will be about cool products and using your Mac (or Mac Compatible) effectively and efficiently. But this one isn't. With the drubbing Apple has received recently in the business press, I wanted to take this opportunity to give you some ammunition to use when your friends say nasty things about our venerable computer and operating system.

Before we begin, let me give credit where it's due: every fact in this week's column was culled from Apple Fellow Guy Kawasaki's fantastic EvangeList electronic mailing list. If you like the stuff and want to see more of it, every day, for free, become a subscriber to EvangeList by sending an e-mail message to listproc@abs.apple.com. Include the words SUBSCRIBE MACWAY and your real name in the body of the message. Soon your electronic mailbox will be filled with tons of good news about your favorite operating system.

And now, without further ado (and with apologies to Mad magazine's Don Martin and his snappy comebacks to stupid questions), here are some choice things to say to your friends when they' are disrespectful of your choice of operating system.

If someone tries to tell you it's more expensive or harder to support the Mac, snicker and sneer, "An extensive survey of technical support costs for corporate computing just completed by Gartner Group Consulting Services finds no incremental cost for companies supporting dual platform
computing (Apple Macintosh and Windows-based PCs) vs. the cost of supporting Windows alone. The study also confirms consistently lower Macintosh support costs." Call 800-232-9335 for a copy of the report.

If someone says anything along the lines of "nobody buys Mac anymore," "Apple can't build 'em in quantity," "Mac sales are declining," or "Apple's going out of business," wave these Macintosh sales figures for the past 11 years in their face and say "Does that look like a company going out of business to you?"

Macintosh Sales 1984-1995 1984 - 300k units
1985 - 200k units
1986 - 300k units
1987 - 560k units
1988 - 890k units
1989 - 1.12 million units
1990 - 1.28 million units
1991 - 2.09 million units
1992 - 2.50 million units
1993 - 3.31 million units
1994 - 3.85 million units

1995 - 4.50 million units
While it may be true that Apple hasn't figured out how to make a profit on all those sales, the fact is the Mac grows more popular every year. And with an installed base of over 20 million satisfied users, there's no chance of the Mac disappearing, at least not in the foreseeable future.

If someone tries to convince you that PCs are faster than Macs, shout, "No way! The latest Power Macs and clones with PowerPC 601 and 604 processors are the fastest desktop machines in the world. These machines, ranging from 75 to 120 MHz clock speed (not including the 132 and 150MHz systems now available), were shown in independent testing by Competitive Assessment Services (CAS) to be significantly (up to 44%) faster than Pentium machines (not to mention the old 486s) running at identical clock speeds and using the same amount of RAM and cache.

And finally, if someone tries to tell you there's no software for the Mac, say, "Nothing could be further from the truth. According to the Software Publishers Association, sales of applications for the Mac grew faster than PC application sales in 1994. There are more than 6,000 Macintosh programs on the market today, and more than 500 of those are Mac-only. Most major software companies develop and release two or three parallel versions of their software: One for Mac, one for Windows, and (in dwindling numbers) another one for DOS."

So there you have it -- all the ammunition you'll need to turn your less-informed friends around. Don't be too mean to them just because they are misguided, and finally, don't forget to subscribe to Guy Kawasaki's excellent EvangeList.

Bob LeVitus is the director of evangelism for Power Computing Corporation, a contributing editor for MacUser magazine, and the author of 18 computer books.

Brossoco System Announces Voyant 3.0


Brossco Systems Incorporated today announced Voyant 3.0 for Macintosh, an integrated tool set for data analysis and decision support with SQL databases. Voyant's feature set is designed for end users and decision support analysts at all levels of the organization that need immediate access to complex information. Voyant provides a complete solution for work group and departmental level
decision support and data analysis problems.

New Feature Highlights

Voyant 3.0 is available in three different versions: Designer, Analyst, and Runtime. The Designer is targeting the professionals who build reporting systems and databases for others. The Analyst version is for users building reporting systems, but who do not modify the structure or contents of the database. The Runtime version can be deployed for managers and end users who utilize reporting systems built by designers or analysts. Aggressive runtime pricing makes deployment cost effective.

Voyant connects to databases using standard client-server middleware. Version 3.0 adds Sybase OpenClient support to the existing support for Oracle SQL*Net and Data Access Language DAL.

Voyant 3.0 adds support for query documents. A query document has a graphical query builderallowing users access to row-level data in the SQL database very flexibly. A query document also serves as a database tool for creating new tables and views from multiple tables and can be used as the basis for defining complex report objects.

With Voyant 3.0 the reporting systems can be saved with Local Data Storage, so that they can be viewed and browsed without on-line access to the SQL database, thus eliminating network traffic. This also allows deployment of reporting systems for those mobile or remote users, who do not have dial-in access. With inexpensive Runtime copies, Voyant reporting systems with Local Data Storage also serve as an effective way to distribute information to others as presentation-quality reporting systems.

Price and Availability

Voyant 3.0 is available now for Macintosh and Power Macintosh. The Designer version is priced at $1,295 and includes 5 free runtime licenses. The Analyst version is priced at $995 and also includes 5 runtimes at no charge. Additional Runtimes are available in at $495 per 5 licenses.

Upgrades from earlier versions of Voyant to version 3.0 are free for registered users.

Free evaluation copies are available for download from Brossco Systems' website For inquiries send e-mail .

Moody Investment Downgrades Apple

Moody's Investors Service on Tuesday became the second ratings agency to downgrade Apple Computer Inc.'s debt to the status of a junk bond, affecting $305 million in long-term debt.

The New York rating agency said it **30,000**expects Apple's sales, profits, cash flow, and liquidity will be under ''severe pressure for the next 12 to 18 months as new management seeks to make needed internal changes to restore profitability and bolster the company's competitive position in the IBM-compatible dominated personal computer industry.''

Moody's downgraded Apple Computer's long-term debt rating to Ba2, a speculative category,
from Baa3, an investment grade rating. The rating agency kept the Ba2 long-term debt rating under
review for possible further downgrade.

In January, Standard & Poor's lowered its rating Apple's senior debt to BBB from BB-minus, a
category that is considered speculative. About $300 million was affected in that action.

Apple posted a $69 million loss in the first quarter of 1996 and has already warned investors it
expects more red ink in the current quarter stemming from a corporate restructuring program and a
recent round of computer price cuts aimed at reducing bloated inventories.

MacPPP version 2.5

MacPPP version 2.5 is now available for download!

Many important changes have been incorporated, including Virtual Memory, PowerBook, faceless
background app and After Dark compatibility, along with misc. fixes for various third party Internet
utilities and improved error handling. All AICK version 1.0 customers should upgrade to MacPPP version 2.5. You can download it here.
March 30, 1996

Breaking the Speed Limit

Chip maker Motorola w ill begin producing faster and faster PowerPC processors including the new 603e. Speeds will be bumped to 150-, 166- and 200-Mhz, and finally there have been reports of Apple (in 1997), will reportedly begin using 225- and 250-MHz 604e processors.

Ross Ely, Apple product line manager for Power Macs, said that this year, "200 Mhz is certainly
the goal. If the yield and volume allows it, we'll certainly ship it to customers," cautiously adding that Apple is now "conservative" with its estimates for fear of inventory backlog problems.

There were earlier reports that Motorola and IBM will ship a PowerPC 603ev, but Motorola said that the "ev" was a "internal code name for faster versions of the 603e". Motorola said the 603 compares most directly to Intel Corp. Pentium, while the 604 is most similar to the Pentium Pro. Recent reports said Intel is working on Pentium Pro speeds up to 266 Mhz.


March 29, 1996

Netscape ReleasesChat 2.0b6

Netscape has released Netscape Chat 2.0b6. You can download it here.

Pierian Spring Software Releases CampOS

Pierian Spring Software announces the new release of CampOS Math, which develops problem-solving skills and builds confidence in using mathematics. This discovery-based program encourages students to investigate mathematical concepts and develop methods and strategies for problem-solving in a 3D real-world environment. It allows teachers to easily integrate the program into the classroom in a variety of ways such as a whole class discussion, cooperative learning groups, laboratory settings, or individualized instruction.

In designing the CampOS Math program, the standards set by NCTM (National Council of Teachers of Mathematics) for grades 5-8 were utilized to ensure that the program would break the barriers of rote memorization of facts and algorithms. The program focuses on rich mathematical content against a backdrop of historical artifacts and portraits of famous mathematicians.

Among the many topics covered in the program, it includes interactive devices that help students with fractions, primes, percents, ratios, and many more unique illustrations of mathematics.

Using the Digital Chisel, a multimedia authoring tool, teachers and students can create supplementary projects, presentations, reports, and tests that can be attached to any screen within the existing software. Teachers can now build customized math lessons down to the smallest detail.

Pierian Spring Software is a Kodak and Apple Education Solutions Provider whose mission is to help teachers teach and students learn.

BMUG is selling System 7.5 Update 2.0
Must be a BMUG Member to Order


Tired of trying to download System 7.5 Update 2.0? Tired of trying to get through to Apple for the update? Apple's backlog is several weeks long, thousands of Macintosh owners have had to wait to get their hands on the biggest update to the Mac OS since System 7.5.

As a registered Macintosh User Group, BMUG, the Berkeley Mac Users Group, is permitted by Apple to distribute software updates to our members.

They currently have System 7.5 Update 2.0 available on either CD-ROM or floppy disk. The price for each is $12 plus tax ($12.99) which includes shipping and handling within the United States.

The CD-ROM also includes the 29 megabyte BMUG Essentials folder, including FirstClass BBS client software for connecting to Planet BMUG and BMUG Boston. Stuffit Lite, various graphic viewers, QuickTime movies, and several software demos can also be found in the folder.

To comply with Apple's conditions for distribution of this software update, we can only sell the CD to BMUG members. The advantages of membership are listed below.

You can order System 7.5 Update 2.0 from BMUG by phone or fax at:

(510) 549-2684 Voice Office
(800) 776-2684 Voice 800 line
(510) 849-9026 FAX

If you're local to Berkeley, you can stop by the office at 2055 Center Street (between Shattuck and Milvia). The office is open 9am-5pm, Monday-Friday.

If you are sending check or money order, the mailing address is: BMUG, 1442A Walnut St., #62, Berkeley, CA 94709-1496. To have it shipped include your M/C or VISA with expiration date. Please spell out names and addresses and leave a daytime phone number. If you need System 7.5 Update 2.0 on floppies, it's the same price. Just let us know.

eWorld Gone But Not Forgotten

An unofficial Farewell to eWorld Site has been set up by Raymond Kam, you can visit it and share your (fond?) memories T Here is a quote from the site "Thanks to eWorld, we have realized a dream: a friendly place where
people from around the world can meet each other, virtually. A place
where strangers become friends.

The atmosphere of this friendly community was made possible by
eWorld's pioneers and its members. Now that eWorld will soon be history
(but not its spirit!). It would be nice if we all share our eMemories here.

You can freely post and read messages."
In related news eWorld is giving all its current members 20 free hours on AOL if they switch thier membership.

The Strongest in The World?
Netscape (3) Atlas Preview Release 1


Netscape has released an early beta version on an upcoming Netscape Navigator release. Called, " Netscape Navigator Atlas", this new package includes a bunch of new features and benefits, including support for Open Transport, Internet Config, and table cell background colors (which has been supported in Microsofts Browser).

It appears that a number of the changes (as per the release notes) "Atlas" curiously do not appear to be included in the Macintosh version, (we will be testing Atlas in the weeks to come and will report our results back to you).

Netscape Navigator Atlas Preview Release 1 will expires this coming July15, 1996. Let us know if you have any experiences with Atlas. Download the Macintosh version of Netscape Navigator Atlas Preview Release 1 here.

Optima System Release Semi-WYSIWIG Web Editor


PageSpinner by Optima System has a semi-WYSIWYG HTLM Editor for Macintosh. It supports both HTML 2.0,parts of HTML 3.0 plus several Netscape extensions and is useful for both the beginner and themore advanced Web author.

The editor gives you quick access to often used formatting and also supports interactive help with
AppleGuide and an HTML Assistant to help you create your own HTML pages

PageSpinner also includes support for the latest Web technologies such as: Embedded Objects, Autoload of HTML files, Text Colors, Limited JavaScript, FormFile Uploads...

Cool editing options!
  • Uses size, style  and colors to highlight the different tags
  • Convert Mac Text to HTML
  • Drag and drop text editing in multiple windows
  • Handles text files larger than 32K
  • Select text, background and link colors using the Color Picker
  • Supports the ISO.8859-1 character set, so you don't need to use &ugly; ISO Latin-1 entities when typing characters with ASCII codes over 127
  • Search and Replace text
  • Lockable tags
  • Quick keyboard access to Textscrap with 10 entries
Flexible and helpful!
  • Gives you help in creating several different types of pages from scratch
  • Includes many examples on how to make different kinds of HTML pages
  • Uses a flexible non modal HTML Assistant Window instead of modal dialogs handle the more complicated tags and options
  • Clearly marks HTML 3.0 and Netscape tags using icons
  • Stationary aware
  • Cares about the environment!
  • Sends your page to your preferred HTML browser for a preview, with a single click
  • Sends your page to for a preview to one of 6 different Web browsers
  • Pop up menu give quick access to paste your Netscape bookmarks, or links in your custom Bookmark file
  • Supports Internet Config
  • Easy launch of GIF-, Imagemap-, Text-, RTF-converters and other tools that helps you compose and maintain your HTML pages
  • Easy launch of Netscape, Mosaic, Internet Explorer, Anarchie, Fetch, Eudora and other
  • Internet applications that helps you access the Web
MacOS version 7.1 or later, 2.5 Mb of disk space, 1800 Kb minimum of free RAM, Minimum CPU: 68020, (68040 or PowerPC recommended when editing large files) Color or Grayscale capable Monitor, 640 x 400 pixels or larger. MacOS version 7.5 recommended for use of AppleGuide and Drag and Drop.

Easy WYSIWYG VRML for Web Pages


Virtus has released 3-D Website Builder is the easiest WYSIWYG way to create the coolest "Virtual World" site on the Web without programming. Unlike flat HTML pages, VRML Worlds created with 3-D Website Builder allow visitors to walk through your site and virtually see where they're going and where they've been. This life-like spatial quality makes it easier and more exciting for visitors to navigate without getting lost among hundreds of flat pages. In addition, a 3-D World is several times more efficient than a flat Web page since each 3-D room has at least six 2-D surfaces to place content. Also, with Virtus' patented technology, a well architected Virtus virtual world is often as fast to access over the Internet as a graphical 2-D Web page--nearly eliminating the bandwidth constraints usually associated with on-line 3-D virtual reality.

With 3-D Website Builder you can design your own virtual store, create a virtual family photo hall of fame, give the press access to your virtual press room, allow your distant family to take a virtual walk-through of your new house, encourage visitors to tour your virtual trade show, invite exploration of your virtual 3-D campus and more.

Features:
  • Ease of use -- Intuitive drag-and-drop graphical user interface makes creating and editing 3-D Web sites fast, easy and fun.

  • Supports VRML standard -- Supports shading, in-line objects, textures, levels of detail, WWW anchor and more.

  • FREE Virtus Voyager -- The world's first cross-platform VRML browser, Virtus Voyager, is included FREE with each package (a $29.95 value). Works as a helper application or as a plug-in with popular HTML browsers such as Netscape Navigator, Oracle PowerBrowser and others.

  • FREE Virtus Galleries -- Includes six professional 3-D clipart galleries (valued at $39.95 each -- worth almost $240) with over 500 pre-built objects. Also includes sample 3-D Web templates with HTML links, images and more!

  • Special Bonus -- Includes exclusive virtual reality worlds such as Virtual Las Vegas, Washington D.C., Undersea World, and more!

  • Graphic Converter -- Graphics program to convert BMP and PICT to GIF and JPEG. Supports VRML standard -- supports shading, in-line objects, textures, levels of detail, WWW anchor and more.
3-D Website Builder exports to VRML and includes a major feature subset of the award winning Virtus WalkThrough Pro ($495 SRP) with an easier drag-and-drop interface and six of the Virtus Galleries worth over $240--all for an anticipated street price of only $99.

March 28, 1996

Bryce Coupe by Chris Livingston

MetaTools Unviels Bryce 2 (The Sequel)

MetaTools, Inc. Bryce 2, the next generation of its highly-acclaimed, award-winning 3D landscape and terrain generator. Reinvented from the ground up, Bryce 2 takes 3D environmental design to an
unprecedented level. Bryce 2 delivers visually stunning worldly scenes and materials that can be
used for beautiful backgrounds and digital artwork for CD-ROM content, World Wide Web page
design, game development, multimedia design and printed materials. Bryce 2 will ship by the end
of March 1996.

Paramount to Bryce 2 is its next generation user interface, designed by MetaTools' Senior Science
and Design Officer, Kai Krause. The new interface gives users real-time feedback on every aspect
of their scene, whether they want to preview rendered effects or the entire scene, or preview all or a
portion of their wireframe model. Multiple render modes, including flat shading, preview rendering
and patch rendering, and easier-to-use editing controls, such as automatic bounding boxes around
objects that give users direct resizing and rotation controls, provide incredible imaging capabilities.

"The new features and enhancements are thoughtful additions that will make working in Bryce 2 a
joy," said Susan Kitchens, author of The Bryce Book. "The new Terrain Editor, with its 3D
preview, brush and edit tools, is superb. Plus there are a host of seemingly minor enhancements,
which, when added together, make for a package that is far more intuitive and powerful. Kai and
the development team have paid careful attention to the detail of the creative process of Bryce, and
the result will be welcome to computer artists everywhere."

Hundreds of new presets and shapes (primitives), including an organic rock generator, textures
and materials, and specialized clouds, water and grounds are included. New camera controls,
including pan and dolly combinations, real-time banking, focal controls and a tripod mode that
allows the camera to rotate on its own axis, give users an unlimited view to their scene. New light
sources include radial lights, parallel lights, spot lights, slide projectors that allows users to project
an imported PICT image and more.

For full control over complex images, users can fly through their wireframe model, select and
group families of objects and quickly save views using memory dots. Smooth, anti-aliased
wireframe vectors show users more details about an object's properties. Wireframe objects can cast
shadows to give users more control over placement. In addition, wireframe objects have
continuous variable real-time depth cue, to help users understand the spacial relationships of the
objects in their scenes.

Hidden, but easily accessible "plop-up" menus offer users numerous controls unique to an object
directly from the wireframe model, rather than from the menu bar. Users can input numerical
values using the plop-up menus as well. A transparent annotation layer gives users a red marker
that can be used anywhere on the screen, providing an excellent method to point out details in a
scene when teaching, creating snapshots for printed materials or discussing scene elements with
others.

Bryce 2 will be available through MetaTools dealers and distributors worldwide by the end of
March 1996 for a $299 suggested retail price in the United States. Registered users of Bryce 1 may
upgrade to the new version for $99, plus appropriate shipping charges. System requirements
include a Macintosh Quadra with a floating point unit or a Power Macintosh and a minimum of 8
Mb RAM. A 24-bit color display and 16 Mb RAM are recommended.

Is there a Fly in Your Coffee?

The Symantec AntiVirus Research Center (SARC) has developed the first native-Java virus scanner for Java applets sent over the Internet. Additionaly SARC has designed an in-house automation technology . This technology can be used to analyze, replicate, detect and define a large subset of the most common computer viruses.

Currently there is no Java virus but there is a possibility that a virus could be written that attacts
your machine over the Internet. Due to JavaÕs portability, a virus sent over the internet could easily spread over many different computer platforms. Symantec says it will make the AntiVirus technology available at the first sign of a Java virus threat.

CD Collection Includes 800 "Web Ready" Clip Art

Web Masters of the world can rejoice, Little Men Studios has released the "World's Largest Collection of Custom-Designed Web-Ready Art" .

The collection of over 800 pieces of Web clip art includes a plethora of ready-to-use textures, buttons, bars, gradations, and arrows. Each **23869** piece of Web Art can be placed into Web pages without first being manipulated with an image-editing program. Most of the art in the collection is under 25K.

Amelio's Issues Statement on Q2 Outlook

Following his first seven weeks as chairman and chief executive officer of Apple Computer, Inc. Dr. Gilbert F. Amelio issued a statement today discussing his assessments of the Company's business situation and financial outlook for the second fiscal quarter which ends March 29, 1996.

"After my first couple of months on the job, I feel that it's time for me to provide an update on Apple," said Dr. Amelio. "As has been widely noted, the market for personal computers is unsettled.

"We find ourselves facing three major challenges. First, we anticipate that revenues and unit shipments will be substantially below the levels of last year's second quarter. Secondly, the slowdown in sales relative to our initial forecasts will contribute to sizeable charges related to inventory valuation adjustments. Finally, as we've mentioned before, we will incur significant restructuring charges in order to realign the company for the future.

"These factors will contribute to an anticipated second fiscal quarter net after-tax loss of around $700 million, more than half of which will be related to inventory write-downs and about a quarter of which will be related to restructuring charges. The inventory write-downs and restructuring charges are critical first steps in orchestrating the comeback of the Company.

"I'm confident at this point that I know what the problems are and that they are fixable. The strategic and operating plans we are currently developing will enable us to build upon Apple's fundamental strengths and competitive position, reinforce our customer appeal, and realize the company's long-term earnings potential. We plan to aggressively address these issues and take the necessary corrective actions. We will begin to articulate our plans by early May.

"I'd also like to add that I'm greatly encouraged by the expressions of support I've received over the past two months from thousands of Apple customers, business partners, developers, and employees around the world who share our commitment to successfully meeting our current challenges and achieving a great future."

Adobe Hosts 2 Day Internet Conference 1996


Adobe Systems will be hosting "The Adobe Internet Conference". They will be bringing together many of the world's foremost experts on WWW for two days. The conference will be focused on in-depth sessions, discussions, and tutorials. Additional topics will be image preparation and interface design, the latest insights into Web browsers including helper apps and plug-ins. The Adobe Internet Conference will build on existing skills in page layout and design, translating that expertise to the tools for creating Web pages.

You can find additional information and schedules of the conference on Adobe's WWW Site.

The Microsoft Network Welcomes Customer 1 million


Microsoft Corp. announced thatyesterday they have registered the one millionth customer. The Microsoft Network registration exceed Microsofts goal by four months. MSN is the third largest online service behind CompuServe and America Online.

In related news Apples eWorld will be bidding a fond farewell at the end of March.

Apple Chairman Gil Amelio Issues Statement On 2nd Q

Following his first seven weeks as chairman and chief executive officer of Apple Computer, Inc., Dr. Gilbert F. Amelio issued a statement today discussing his assessments of the Company's business situation and financial outlook for the second fiscal quarter which ends March 29, 1996.

"After my first couple of months on the job, I feel that it's time for me to provide an update on Apple," said Dr. Amelio. "As has been widely noted, the market for personal computers is unsettled.

"We find ourselves facing three major challenges. First, we anticipate that revenues and unit shipments will be substantially below the levels of last year's second quarter. Secondly, the slowdown in sales relative to our initial forecasts will contribute to sizable charges related to inventory valuation adjustments. Finally, as we've mentioned before, we will incur significant restructuring charges in order to realign the company for the future.

"These factors will contribute to an anticipated second fiscal quarter net after-tax loss of around $700 million, more than half of which will be related to inventory write-downs and about a quarter of which will be related to restructuring charges. The inventory write-downs and restructuring charges are critical first steps in orchestrating the comeback of the Company.

"I'm confident at this point that I know what the problems are and that they are fixable. The strategic and operating plans we are currently developing will enable us to build upon Apple's fundamental strengths and competitive position, reinforce our customer appeal, and realize the company's long-term earnings potential. We plan to aggressively address these issues and take the necessary corrective actions. We will begin to articulate our plans by early May.

"I'd also like to add that I'm greatly encouraged by the expressions of support I've received over the past two months from thousands of Apple customers, business partners, developers, and employees around the world who share our commitment to successfully meeting our current challenges and achieving a great future."

The statements herein concerning second quarter results are preliminary and are based on partial information and management assumptions. Apple will be prepared to discuss details of its actual financial results when it issues its second quarter earnings during the third week of April.

Except for the historical information contained herein, the matters discussed in this news release are forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. Potential risks and uncertainties include without limitation the effect of adverse publicity (including this announcement) on demand for the company's products; the effect of continued losses on the Company's liquidity; continued competitive pressures in the marketplace; the effect on inventory valuations of decreased demand and lowered prices; and the effect of any business restructuring actions. Further information on potential factors that could affect the company's financial results can be found in the company's Form 10-Q for its 1996 first quarter, filed with the SEC.

Apple Computer, Inc., a recognized innovator in the information industry and leader in multimedia technologies, creates powerful solutions based on easy-to-use personal computers, servers, peripherals, software, online services, and personal digital assistants. Headquartered in Cupertino,
California, Apple (NASDAQ: AAPL) develops, manufactures, licenses and markets solutions, products, technologies and services for business, education, consumer, entertainment, scientific and engineering and government customers in over 140 countries.

Apple Awarded Lifetime Achievement Award for Technology by Pacific Design Center

As evidence of its commitment to and impact on the design industry, Apple Computer was honored as one of "The Stars of Design" and was awarded a Lifetime Achievement Award for Technology by the Pacific Design Center, California's largest resource for the design and architecture professions. Apple became the first and only technology company thus far to receive a prestigious Lifetime Award which honors individuals or companies that have made significant contributions to the design profession.

"We're delighted to present Apple Computer with a Lifetime Achievement Award for Technology commemorating 20 years of innovative technology and industrial design excellence," said Andy Wolf, president of the Pacific Design Center. "There's no better computing platform than the Macintosh to empower designers to do their best work."

In addition to the Lifetime Achievement Award for Technology, Apple Computer has recently received the following design-related awards:
  • PowerBook 500 Series - ID Magazine Award, Silver Award - IDEA/Business Week Awards, 95 Design Innovation Award, 95 SMAU Prize (Italy), JIPDO Good Design Award (Japan), Chicago Athenaeum 1995 Good Design Award
  • QuickTake 100 Digital Camera - Best of Category, Industie Forum (Germany) -- Newton MessagePad 110 - 95 Design Innovation Award
  • Apple Design Powered Speakers I - Chicago Athenaeum 1995 Good Design Award
  • Apple Design Powered Speakers II - ID Magazine Award, Best of Category, Industie Forum (Germany)
  • Macintosh Quadra 605 - Best of Category, Industie Forum (Germany), Chicago Athenaeum 1995
Good Design Award
  • Performa 5200 - Top Ten Design of the Year, Industie Forum (Germany), Chicago Athenaeum 1995 Good Design Award
  • Color StyleWriter 2400 - Silver Award - IDEA/Business Week Awards, Best of Category, Industie Forum (Germany)
  • Shared Conceptual Model Process (Research exploration) - Best of Category ID Magazine, Gold Award IDEA/Business Week Awards
  • Personal LaserWriter 320 - Chicago Athenaeum 1995 Good Design Award
  • Performa 630, Chicago Athenaeum 1995 Good Design Award
  • AudioVision 14" Display - Chicago Athenaeum 1995 Good Design Award
  • Adjustable Keyboard - Chicago Athenaeum 1995 Good Design Award

March 27, 1996

Reuters Offers Free Trial "Business Briefing for Mac"

Reuters, the financial news company, has announced the release of Reuters Business Briefing for the Macintosh. Business Briefing gives you access to hundreds of newspapers, magazines and real-time news agencies.

The following is a list of features in Business Briefing:

  • Up to the minute news on: Business, Political, Sports, General, PR Newswire, Regulatory and the World.
  • Search on Countries, Industries, Companies, Topics, Sources and full-text, using Boolean coding in a unique easy to use Mac interface.
  • Access to news up to 5 years of history.
  • Search for the news and download them to your hard drive or floppy,avoiding excessive online time.
  • Can be used on stand-alone Macs, PowerBooks or networks connecting to Reuters around the world.
  • Articles from foreign papers translated into English and some original languages as well (if clicked). In a future version you will also be able to access the Reuters Picture Service and download our famous pictures in good quality.
Pricing on the Reuters Business Briefing for Macintosh v1.0 starts at $500 US for 10 hours/month online, network licenses available. Prices may vary in individual countries. Please be aware this is a service for professionals in the financial or regulatory business, meant to download articles and read/use them off-line.