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"From a saved backup. . ." |
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"From a saved backup. . ." |
Keep it Going. |
| In this column I hope to foster communication and support for 8-bit and ST computer owners... presenting a positive and directive approach. This will help to strengthen the users group base and encourage the executive element. |
| If you have a question you would like me to answer, or a topic you would like to see covered; send me an Email! |
| I am sick and tired of people telling me the Atari ST is a dead computer. The PC-XT is dead, the PC-AT is close to its demise, even the PC-386 is showing signs of age. With the speed and power of the PC-486 and PC-Pentium (not to mention the PowerPC) developers are leaving these dinosaurs behind. NOT SO WITH THE ATARI ST! Atari developers are still producing new Atari software that runs very well on the Atari 1040ST c. 1985. While I have added a hard drive (20MB) and a memory expansion board (4MB), my Atari ST is doing fine. I still use the orginal Atari mouse. I got a cordless mouse, but after changing the batteries once too often (I use it a lot), I came back to the original... it just feels right. Its a good computer. And it is ALIVE and WELL. |
| I have a few friends that have computers. Most of them have Atari computers (because I met them at the Atari Boise Users Group). A few have other computers. I often get into discussions about computers. I get a lot of interesting answers when I ask what they DO with their computers. The Atari owners tend to use it daily. I get the response "I rarely turn it off." On the other hand those owning other computers usually scratch their heads and then list the programs they own (often with pride). They don't actually use any of them, except one or two. They write letters, or teach their kids typing. They have an encylopedia on a CD-ROM that they have not used since the day the set up the CD-ROM. |
| Granted, there are a lot of computer owners (of other computers) that really do use them for more then just writing letters or playing games. Some of us (including myself) use them in our jobs. But using the computer in the home isn't done the way the TV advertisements would have us believe. |
| For example two of my friends are in a similar line of work. They are sub-contractors. One is a plumber and the other is an electrician. The plumber has a PC-compatable and the electrician has an Atari ST. Neither have computer aptitude. Both are mechanical and handy with hardware tools. Both bid projects and bill for services. Both have a list of clients and suppliers. Both work long hours. And both bought a computer to help them do their business better. The plumber created a bid sheet in a Lotus Works spreadsheet. Very impressive spreadsheet. But when I last checked, it was easier to use a encil, paper, and a calculator. He has Intuit's Quicken for his finances. But the last I checked, his wife was using it for her household checking account. |
| On the other hand, the electrician is using CARDFILE for keeping track of his accounts, K-spread for doing bid sheets, and ProText for writing letters, (not sure what he uses for billing). He also uses an Atari finance program to keep track of his expenses. He has Warp9 and a host of utilities. He also uses a Computer Aided Design (CAD) program to design wiring layouts for his projects. Based on these examples, I learned that the Atari is not just easier to learn and use; it is less expensive to operate. The supporting hardware and operating system cost a lot less then other computers, and the application software is reasonably priced for the average person. |
| The recent developments of SCSI connections via the DMA port or parallel port allow the Atari ST to use CD-ROMs, tape drives, large hard drives, and other SCSI devices. The Atari also leaped into the multi-tasking arena with NeoDesk 4 and Geneva by Gribnif. These products provide a 3-D user interface with mutlitasking in a windowed environment. Other similar products are surfacing from Europe, like the Magix desktop and others. Amazingly, these products run on an Atari ST. |
| As you anticipate the future of Atari, look at the top-flight developers. Programs are being developed that get the job done. A recent advertisement on TV made the statement that there were only two types of computer choices. Not so. The Atari is THE computer choice of many of us. We arn't just die-hards, we know when we have a good thing and we use it. My MICRON Pentium 90MHz PCI computer in most every way is superior and more innovative (in 1994) then my Atari 1040ST of 1984, but I still gravitate to the ease of use and solid productivity of my Atari. |
| It seems that I continue to hear comments, here and there, from other
users that the Atari ST is still a good computer. Here is a letter I received
recently from the Internet:
Hello, I got your address from the AEO magazine. I am the owner of an Atari 1040ST for the second time. The first time was when it was new and just introduced to the market years ago. A couple of years later I sold it for $300 after paying over $1000 for it new and bought a 386 IBM clone which led to my current fully loaded 486-66 multimedia PC. I had to get the ST though for 2 reasons; 1. Nostalgia & 2. It was only $50. I cleaned it up and it looks new and, after replacing the mouse, works like new. [Note: I took the liberty to delete portions of this letter. Kevin also asked for some information and a newsletter to be sent to him. I will be responding to him via the Internet, as well as, sending him an ABUG Newsletter. Any user groups in the San Diego area? Please drop me a note and I will put you in contact with Kevin. - RBW]. Thank you. Kevin Stiles |
Another strong point the Atari computer has going for it is the Atari
owners and, predominately, the user group. There have been many efforts
over the years to bring user groups together. There are small and large
associations of user groups across the nation. One way to keep in touch
with other groups is through sharing newsletters. I would like to discuss
both of these areas in AEO during 1995. If your user group is connected
to another by some loose or close tie, please drop me Email (see methods
below). Also, if your user group exchanges newsletters (or would like to),
send me your exchange address in an Email message. I will publish it in
a future issue of AEO.
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| Until next time. . . |
You may contact Ron on the Internet. or view his Atari web page . |