Re: [Ql-Users] Punters
In message [EMAIL PROTECTED], [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes Hi Malcolm, Not entirely frazzled the old brain then ( in the heat )... ? ... :-) Not any more than usual I'm afraid - I tend to always be frazzled these days. ;-) So, some more articles on machine code could be on the way ... ? I envy you the visit ... Ancient Egypt has always been a favourite period of mine. I was never there myself, but I do so enjoy the monuments and such like - most impressive. Umm ... and I thought time travel was nothing for a fellow like you ... :-) I do a project at school which uses the background research on a tumbler style lock that the Ancient Egyptians invented - made from wood - which is closely identical to the modern tumbler lock - Yale type lock. I've either seen it or a replica some years back - nothing new under the sun is there? Nope ... :-) . especially the hot sun in Egypt . A main difference is that they didn't invent the use of the spring inside the lock. Who needs a spring when you have gravity? Indeed, exactly what they did employ as a force of nature. -- Malcolm Cadman ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.q-v-d.demon.co.uk/smsqe.htm
Re: [Ql-Users] QL on a stick
In message [EMAIL PROTECTED], Darren Branagh - Kingfisher Club [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes I used to work for CMS Peripherals here in Ireland and I recall Roy having dealings with them in the UK too. They make the disgo and Busbi USB Sticks on sale in Dixons and PC World etc. 128Mb Sticks are obsolete now in PC terms so if they had any left in stock I'm sure I could get a few at bargain prices. I still have a few good mates there and could get them at near to cost. Is there any interest? Hi Darren, Nice to hear you back on this list again ... :-) It would be worth getting hold of the USB 128MB Sticks if you can get a bargain bundle of them. I already have a 512MB and now a 2GB one, yet one dedicated to the QL would also be fine. PS - If you can listen to Radio 4 on Mondays around 9.45AM there is a certain Irish musician reading his Autobiography. -- Malcolm Cadman ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.q-v-d.demon.co.uk/smsqe.htm
Re: [Ql-Users] Commercial QL Games
In message [EMAIL PROTECTED], Bill Loguidice [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes I believe that Rich Mellor has the best information on QL games, as well as Sinclair computer games generally. Look up : http://www.rwapadventures.com/ Hey all. Is there a master list somewhere of commercial QL games released? Someone mentioned that the Magnetic Scrolls stuff was available for the QL, which I never realized. I have only a few entertainment applications and they're not necessarily of the highest quality. = Bill Loguidice, Managing Director Armchair Arcade, Inc. http://www.armchairarcade.com A PC Magazine Top 100 Website = ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.q-v-d.demon.co.uk/smsqe.htm -- Malcolm Cadman ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.q-v-d.demon.co.uk/smsqe.htm
Re: [Ql-Users] QL on a stick
In message [EMAIL PROTECTED], Darren Branagh - Kingfisher Club [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes Yes, bringing in more QL users would be a good outcome . I assume that Quanta are considering distributing the CD-ROM. Although, if Darren can get hold of some very cheap USB Sticks, then no reason why it cannot still be a QL on a Stick too. I'll second that with a very loud voice. This is one of the many things I love above Dilwyn. He never,ever does anything half heartedly, if he agrees to do something, its done 100%. As his websie proves, and the lastest QL on a Stick project too. Well done Dil. I hope it helps to bring back a few former (and maybe even new) QL users into the fold. Darren. Dilwyn Jones wrote: The web page with information about QL On A Stick is now online: www.dilwyn.uk6.net/qos/index.html Nice piece of work that, Dilwyn! A round of applause, please, gents and ladies. Per Thanks Per. -- Malcolm Cadman ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.q-v-d.demon.co.uk/smsqe.htm
Re: [Ql-Users] Commercial QL Games
In message [EMAIL PROTECTED], Bill Loguidice [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes Clip * Eventually this game code was compiled into an intermediate code called ELTHAM (Extra Low Tech Highly Ambiguous Methodology or alternativly Extra Low Tech Highly Ambiguous Metacode). * The ELTHAM code implemented a subset of the 68000 machine code. It was executed natively on ST, Amiga, QL, Macintosh and emulated on the other systems. The virtual machine used up to 64k. On 8 bit machines they used virtual memory mechanisms. On the C64 non-active pages were held on the floppy disc. Only read-only pages were swapped. Hi Bill, I actually work in a town in South-east London, called Eltham ... :-) -- Malcolm Cadman ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.q-v-d.demon.co.uk/smsqe.htm
Re: [Ql-Users] Website QLvsJaguar moved to a new host
In message [EMAIL PROTECTED], Urs Koenig (QL issues) [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes Hi Urs, A nice site design emerging ... very Black ... :-) Hi all Last week my ISP shut down the webs erver which was the host for my website. In the meantime I found another place to host my site. My personal website QLvsJaguar can now being reached here: http://www.qlvsjaguar.homepage.bluewin.ch/ Users please update your bookmarks, webmaster please update your link-pages. Best regards...Urs (coWo) QL forever... -- Malcolm Cadman ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.q-v-d.demon.co.uk/smsqe.htm
Re: [Ql-Users] macros
In message [EMAIL PROTECTED], Dilwyn Jones [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes Hi Dilwyn, I did something similar to what you aiming at some years ago now with recording the actions for controlling a robotic arm. I used an array - DIM statement - to store the keys being pressed, using different letters on the keyboard. Inside the program, the key presses were then converted to a binary number to output to the robotic arm. In this way, a user was able to input a sequence of their own choosing to drive the device. Once stored, this could be repeated over and over again. Another extension would be write the information to a file, and then be able to read it in again at some later time. I'm looking to write a little utility to record keypresses as macros, if necessary assigning them to a hotkey or altkey for later use. Some processes mean repeated strings of keypresses, so it may be handy to record these keypresses and replay them later with an alt or hot key to avoid typing the same commands repeatedly. Anyone have any idea how best to go about achieving this? -- Malcolm Cadman ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.q-v-d.demon.co.uk/smsqe.htm
Re: [Ql-Users] QL Today apology
In message [EMAIL PROTECTED], gwicks [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes Hi Geoff, I get my copy posted direct from Jochen, which arrived a couple of days ago. I can say that the issue is a good read, as always ... well done to everyone for keeping up such a good standard. The QL Today team would like to apologise to our UK subscribers that we have been unable to keep our promise to deliver issue 2 shortly before Christmas. Although the magazine was ready at the end of November it was not possible to print the UK copies immediately. These are now at the printers and will be shipped to the UK tomorrow. We hope you will receive your copy early in the New Year, Best Wishes, Geoff -- Malcolm Cadman ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.q-v-d.demon.co.uk/smsqe.htm
[Ql-Users] Portable computers - experiences
Hi, What are users experiences with portable computers ? Specification ... reliability ... features, etc . -- Malcolm Cadman ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.q-v-d.demon.co.uk/smsqe.htm
Re: [Ql-Users] Portable computers - experiences
In message [EMAIL PROTECTED], Bill Loguidice [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes Ah ... very interesting you should say that Bill, this does seem to be a trend that a lot of people are adopting now. Giving greater flexibility. Can you say more about the Tablet ? Which is yet another variation in itself. I was hesistant to do that too, but I've been using my Gateway Tablet PC as my primary PC for the past few months now and haven't looked back. When I bought it about a year ago I pretty much maxed it out, so it's not like I'm missing out on anything in regards to speed or features. Plus, it allows me to be anywhere in the house, which is important when you have a 3 and a 1 year old running about. My main desktop has remained untouched in the office in my basement for quite some time now. The only thing I haven't tried on the laptop as of yet is digital video production, but I have to do that soon anyway, so we'll see (there's no reason why it won't work just fine doing that). I really don't see much of any reason to be on a desktop for me anymore anyway, as I primarily game on consoles (most of what I enjoy on a PC runs just fine on a non-gamer maxed system) and I can do all my typical computer stuff just fine on my Tablet and then some (writing, development, etc.). I have a networked all-in-one printer and wireless everything, with everything else on plug-in-on-demand USB as well, so there are no issues with needing to be tethered in one specific spot. = Bill Loguidice, Managing Director Armchair Arcade, Inc. http://www.armchairarcade.com A PC Magazine Top 100 Website = -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of P Witte Sent: Monday, January 28, 2008 11:44 AM To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: Re: [Ql-Users] Portable computers - experiences Malcolm Cadman writes: Hi, What are users experiences with portable computers ? Specification ... reliability ... features, etc . Depends what you want to use it for. Desktop replacement, just playing about, or as a travelling companion. I have a tiny 2 year old FujistuSiemens Lifebook P7100 with a 10.4 screen. Its slow (1.2GHz, single core) and doesnt pack a lot of RAM (512Gb). But I use it everywhere and for everything! Its great! Only problem is that its physically rather fragile and non-waterproof! Id be loathe to have a portable computer as my only computer. Come to think of it, I wouldnt have any computer as my only one. Per -- Malcolm Cadman ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.q-v-d.demon.co.uk/smsqe.htm
Re: [Ql-Users] Portable computers - experiences
In message [EMAIL PROTECTED], Wolfgang Lenerz [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes Hi Wolfgang, How exactly did you get Linux to co-exist with Windows XP ? Hi Malcolm What are users experiences with portable computers ? Hi Malcolm I presume that you'll get replies like mine: I have an Asus A 6000, not sure og the exact make in that range, about 2 years old now (I think). All I can say is that it works. I recently installed Linux on it in addition to XP. There again, it works, Linux recongnized the wireless not work card without any problems. However, I do have the same slow/repeating cursor problem on it (QPC under wine) as others here on this list, problem I don't have on my main machine at home. I'm not sure this will help you a lot, though. Wolfgang -- Malcolm Cadman ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.q-v-d.demon.co.uk/smsqe.htm
Re: [Ql-Users] Portable computers - experiences
In message [EMAIL PROTECTED], Tony Firshman [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes Thanks, Tony. Portables do not seem to be as reliable as they used to ... probably because of cheaper manufacture to meet an increasing specification. I have an Acer 233 on loan from work, and the screen on that failed when I recently returned it for an update. I was then simply given the use of another one. Which I can now configure with software myself although it is based on a mirror of the work network with Windows XP. And, as you say, the old 386 / 486's just keep on going ! Malcolm Cadman wrote: What are users experiences with portable computers ? Specification ... reliability ... features, etc . Compaq Presario X1000 60GB HD (upgraded to 120GB) 512MB ram 1.6 GHz Centrino 1680 x 1088 15.1 widescreen Issues (in 3 years): Original Fujitsu HD problems, but disk still in use in USB backup AC inverter for screen tubes failed. £21 far east replacement. Key IDs wear off Toshiba P100 200GB HD 1440 x 900 17 widescreen 2GB ram 2.1GHz dual core Gb network Very very high current consumption (120W) but battery lasts a respectable 2.5 hours 3 standard R/W DVD Digital video Issues (in one year) . Replacement motherboard and graphics card under gtee . Replacement of nasty orange cover with another nasty orange one (cracked) . Some keys now unreadable - but not replaced when they did gtee work! . Supplied media centre XP very slow. Replaced with std XP (by me). . Sound card not supported by Ubuntu Linux- but *everything* else worked. Must check to see if the known problem is resolved. I guess you will not want to know about my AST 386-25 that is still working! That was used to design my first pcb projects. Tony -- Malcolm Cadman ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.q-v-d.demon.co.uk/smsqe.htm
Re: [Ql-Users] Portable computers - experiences
In message [EMAIL PROTECTED], David Tubbs [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes At 17:19 27/01/2008 +, you wrote: Hi, What are users experiences with portable computers ? Hi Malcolm That is a very broad question, can you narrow it ? Frankly I don't think I would want one of today's offerings - if you are thinking of getting on I can give you a number of caveats. Could be easier by phone rather than in novella form. Hi David, Twas meant to be vague ... :-) I am thinking of getting one equipped with Wi-fi for internet connection, so any thoughts would be welcome. Knowing the knowledge of this users group. -- Malcolm Cadman ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.q-v-d.demon.co.uk/smsqe.htm
Re: [Ql-Users] Portable computers - experiences
In message [EMAIL PROTECTED], Wolfgang Lenerz [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes Hi Malcolm, How exactly did you get Linux to co-exist with Windows XP ? No rocket science there. I reduced the space needed for XP on the disk (it came configured with 2 partitions + 1 hidden one, with recovbery files on it, which I junked pretty quickly, since it aso came with CDs/DVDs with drivers). I did this under windows itself, though. Then I popped in a DVD that I got after downloading burning the corresponding .iso file from the Suse website. The DVD is bootable and just goes into the opensuse setup routine. It sees the free space, proposes a sensible confiiguration (one swap partition, one for the root directory and one for the home directory, whilst leaving the windows ones alone) and installs linux. That's it. Pretty anticlimatic, I thought. Everything works, even the hotkeys to make the screen brighter/dimmer. Umm ... that does seem anticlimatic ... :-) ... you mean the Linux installation just detects what space it has the potential to use and just installs itself there ? -- Malcolm Cadman ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.q-v-d.demon.co.uk/smsqe.htm
Re: [Ql-Users] Portable computers - experiences
In message [EMAIL PROTECTED], Stephen [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes Hi Stephen, Are you using another portable machine now ? You are right about the external hard drives, which have become both large in data size and relatively low in price. Which one are using ? Tony Firshman wrote: Malcolm Cadman wrote: A lot of people are moving to having a portable computer as their only computer, and abandoning the desktop versions. I use mine not just for convenience, but so that I can have all my data (including email) wherever I am. Agree - I used my Dell Inspiron 5150 for about three years as my main machine at home until the hard-disk crashed quite thoroughly. There must be other faults as the keyboard has been misbehaving slightly for six months and I can't even boot an Ubuntu live CD now. Fortunately I bought an external HD six months ago and had taken daily backups of my important data. -- Malcolm Cadman ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.q-v-d.demon.co.uk/smsqe.htm
Re: [Ql-Users] Portable computers - experiences
In message [EMAIL PROTECTED], Tony Firshman [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes Malcolm Cadman wrote: A lot of people are moving to having a portable computer as their only computer, and abandoning the desktop versions. Just for the convenience of use and not really occupying any desktop space, as they can be used on the lap and generally moved around. A friend of mine who has the Sky TV and Broad band package, uses a portable for the Broad band access. I use mine not just for convenience, but so that I can have all my data (including email) wherever I am. My backup is my old notebook, and I aim to be able to use it at a moments notice. I don't actually use a desktop at all for hands-on work. All the desktops are unattended machines. The Tosh laptop is the most powerful machine I have. Tony Indeed, having everything available on the go is real use for portables. Although, from your previous report the Tosh machine has not been that reliable as a piece of kit. -- Malcolm Cadman ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.q-v-d.demon.co.uk/smsqe.htm
Re: [Ql-Users] Portable computers - experiences
In message [EMAIL PROTECTED], Norman Dunbar [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes Thanks, Norman. A really good review of your experiences. I have just had a portable PC reconfigured as a mirror of the system at work - with Windows XP and some M$ software, and PhotoShop CS. Although I can now add my own software installs too. Previously I had it configured as a mirror that was restricted use only, because it had an awful program called SIMS that we have to use for administration work. My own experiences with Laptops are as follows : Sony PCG-FR315S laptop, 512 MB RAM and a P4 processor running about 2.3 GHz. Can't remember when I got it, it was around 2003, no later than December 2003. Running Windows XP (Only for work) and Linux - for everything else. Mandrake of various flavours, then Suse 10.0, 10.1, 10.2 and now 10.3. Worked well for ages then one day, restarting after an overnight shut down, a message no Operating System found Hmmm. A quick look around with Knoppix showed that the hard disc (Hitachi Travelstar 60 GB) had died horribly in its sleep. New Samsung 80GB drive fitted, restored Windows from the CD, repartitioned, reinstalled Linux. All well and good again. Recently, the keyboard expired - usual thing, some keys not working. Impossible to get one, Sony UK advised me to contact my local dealer, local Sony Centre didn't bother to reply. No more business for them then! Tried all over, but no spares to be had. Finally found one on eBay but was outbid at the last moment. Found another and clicked on 'buy it now'. Easy to fit and it has worked ok since then. I'm happy. This laptop has been all over the country for years and lived in the boot of my car at times too. Only problems have been the above, battery life is abysmal - but it was in those days. Oh, plus it's a heavy b*gger!! Runs Oracle 10g databases on Linux and Windows (well, it did!) quite happily - and that's what I do for a living, so that is most useful. I'm considering whether or not it's worth adding another 512 MB of RAM. I suspect it might well be. Cheers, Norman. -- Malcolm Cadman ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.q-v-d.demon.co.uk/smsqe.htm
Re: [Ql-Users] Portable computers - experiences
In message [EMAIL PROTECTED], Norman Dunbar [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes Hi Norman, That is really helpful. I will take the risk at some time of setting up a dual boot system. As you say Windows XP first, then a Linux distribution to follow. An article on this in QLToday would be useful to other users too. Evening Malcolm, Umm ... that does seem anticlimatic ... :-) ... you mean the Linux installation just detects what space it has the potential to use and just installs itself there ? Most Linux distributions these days happily locate an empty partition on your disc, and prompt you to install there. However, you do get other options such as : * Wipe the entire hard disc and use all of it. * Resize the Windows partition and use the freed space. My last install was the former - due to Windows eating my Linux root partition. Now gone forever on this laptop! My first ever install was a dual boot with Windows 98. I had to defrag the windows D drive to get all the free space at the end. Then the installer allowed me to resize the Windows partition non-destructively. I then installed Mandrake 7 (I think) into the freed up space. They advise you run Windows chkdsk after that just to be sure. The best way to dual boot with any flavour of Windows is simply to make sure Windows is installed first - hopefully leaving you with a free partition or otherwise. Regardless, Linux will cope. Doing it the other way around is fraught with danger. Windows, all versions, believes it has a god given right to be the only OS on the computer, and doesn't bother to note that you may already have data - it takes over the entire drive without so much as a by your leave. Windows XP is also redesigned to make dual booting much much more difficult, so, best advice is this : * Run XP or 2000 rather then XP. * Install Linux last of all - it's easier and linux accepts that other OSs may exist. Have fun. Cheers, Norman. -- Malcolm Cadman ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.q-v-d.demon.co.uk/smsqe.htm
Re: [Ql-Users] Portable computers - experiences
In message [EMAIL PROTECTED], Norman Dunbar [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes Hi Norman, Your emails are quite readable with Demon's Turnpike. Although you could just remember to put a few space lines every now and again to aid the display layout style. Hi David, As a single paragraph yours is unreadable. I imagine it would be! However, I sent it from the web interface at work and my copy here in Thunderbird (on Linux) reads perfectly as a number of paragraphs and indeed, looks remarkably similar to that which I sent. I shall forward myself at work (Outlook) a copy from my online sent items to see what it looks like. What email client do you use? Does anyone else have difficulties reading my previous email? I shall forward you a copy from Thunderbird privately. Let me know what you receive please. I'm puzzled. Cheers, Norman. -- Malcolm Cadman ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.q-v-d.demon.co.uk/smsqe.htm
Re: [Ql-Users] (no subject)
In message [EMAIL PROTECTED], [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes Hi Norman, Welcome to the list. I am sure that you will find it both fun and rewarding. Yes, expansions to the basic black box QL do make a big difference - like Trump Card, Gold Card and Super Gold Card. Each is progressively more capable, and more expensive. All are now only available as second hand, as they are no longer manufactured. Depending where you live, you should also try to get along to a User Group meeting. For example, we at the London QL and Quanta Group have a lot of QL equipment available. Also look up Rich Mellor's web site, for a regular list of QL items for sale. Hello Everyone! As a long term QL fan, I thought it was about time I joined this list. I was wondering, can anyone help me. Is this the sort of thing I need to beef up my QL? http://uk.nine.ebid.net/perl/auction.cgi?auction=1200854907-28140-23mo=auction ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.q-v-d.demon.co.uk/smsqe.htm -- Malcolm Cadman ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.q-v-d.demon.co.uk/smsqe.htm
Re: [Ql-Users] (no subject)
In message [EMAIL PROTECTED], [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes Hi Norman, Yes, it is worth having a Trump Card, if you cannot get the Gold Card or Super Gold Card - which are hard to find now. We, at the London QL Quanta Group recently had a Trump Card available, although we are now using it ourselves for the Group ... :-) It gives access to 768K memory, with the largest version, and floppy disk drives. Although, only with DD disks with the standard EPROM at the time. I believe the EPROM can be upgraded. I used a Cumana ExpanderRAM for many years, which gave 512K + 128K = 640K, and DD disk access. You could also look out for expansions like this. There were several types on the market. Which all neatly fitted in to the expansion slot on the side of the QL. Yet making the QL a lot longer in length on a desktop. All of these still used the QL's 68008 main processor. The big advantage of the Gold Card / Super Gold Card is that they have a replacement 68000 processor to speed things up too. Thanks for all your advice, guys. I missed the Gold Card auction :( but I have seen this one http://uk.four.ebid.net/perl/auction.cgi?auction=1200854905-28140-8mo=auction for a Trump Card? I can see it isn't as much of an uprade as the Gold Cards, but is it worth having? Cheers, Norm -- Malcolm Cadman ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.q-v-d.demon.co.uk/smsqe.htm
Re: [Ql-Users] qubide
In message [EMAIL PROTECTED], Dilwyn Jones [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes Hi Dilwyn, It seems like you may be booting SMSQ/E from elsewhere, to get it to start OK. Have you got it in RAM or ROM somewhere else on the machine ? As you know, a WIN DRIVE is just a large file held on a hard disk, so if it its not being read then hard drive is not being seen. Help! When I power up my Minis-QL (Aurora/Super Gold Card/Qubide) the opening screen where the rom versions etc are printed with the F1 Monitor/F2 TV prompts, I get a message saying this is not a Qubide partition. But it starts up SMSQ/E and my boot program OK. Any attempt then to DIR WIN1_ gives a Not Found error. Seems strange it'll start up SMSQ/E and my boot program then WIN1_ magically vanishes. Is this likely to be a dying hard disk? Or does anyone have any other suggestions? -- Malcolm Cadman ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.q-v-d.demon.co.uk/smsqe.htm
Re: [Ql-Users] TFS
In message [EMAIL PROTECTED], Tony Firshman [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes Hi Tony, Good to hear that. Yes, I have read the correct QL Today report. As the saying goes ... the rumours are greatly exaggerated ... :-) I haven't seen Quanta but I gather it says I have left the QL scene. I haven't! Read QL Today for the true position. I have so much work on that I have simply stopped advertising. My turn-around for sales/repairs is quite long, and I therefore think it unfair to advertise a poor service. Hopefully I will have time to make appearances at shows. Tony Firshman -- Malcolm Cadman ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.q-v-d.demon.co.uk/smsqe.htm
Re: [Ql-Users] Micro Peripherals Disk Interfaces
In message [EMAIL PROTECTED], Rich Mellor [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes Hi, Assuming that all 3 are completely identical ... that is no circuit / component differences. It could be that the IC socket on the one that is not responding needs a clean up, as different pins on the upgrade EPROM may be active than that previous with the original. Apart from this, I cannot think of anything else to try. I have 3 x v5.1 MicroP disk interfaces which all work fine using the original EPROM. However, two of them will work with the QFLP upgrade EPROM. The last one steadfastly refuses to read a disk with the QFLP upgrade EPROM inserted. Does anyone have any ideas why? I have looked at the boards - the odd one had some additional wires added - removing these made no difference. It still works fine with the original ROM. Now there's a puzzle -- Malcolm Cadman ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.q-v-d.demon.co.uk/smsqe.htm
Re: [Ql-Users] qubide
In message [EMAIL PROTECTED], Dilwyn Jones [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes Quite correct (ahem) I'd forgotten the romdisq was there :-( OK ... I am glad that you found the source ... :-) The hard disk is dead though. It won't reformat via the qubide, though I haven't tried installign it elsewhere yet. I haven't tried Norman's suggestion of dropping it though will no doubt resurface to report on that one soon! With the hard drive installed a light tap - reasonable force, though not as drastic as dropping it - on the drive can work to unstick the head. There seems to be an electro-magnetic sticking point that develops on some hard drives over time. I have one such drive on an old WIN95 machine. Also, try it on another computer machine if you can. Or use one of those external IDE connectors to a PC. Sometimes, just the process of taking out the IDE connector and the power cable; and then reattaching can have an effect. ( Just check that the IDE connector is the right way, if it not keyed ). If you do get it working, you can then recover the stored information to another device. Once the data is not precious, you can then go on to either using it with caution, or try reformatting and reinstalling software. -- Malcolm Cadman ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.q-v-d.demon.co.uk/smsqe.htm
Re: [Ql-Users] qpc2 and asus eee
In message [EMAIL PROTECTED], Dr M. Hanias [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes Hi Michael, What is he performance like ? I just install qpc2 on asus eee with windows xp It runs perfectly A portable QL Michael -- Malcolm Cadman ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.q-v-d.demon.co.uk/smsqe.htm
Re: [Ql-Users] Turbo Help Please
In message [EMAIL PROTECTED], [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes Hi, Are you sure that every IF statement has an END IF ? Particularly when nested loops and conditions are coded. I know that Turbo does insist on correct syntax, without any shortcuts that the BASIC parser may sometimes accept. Which is all to the good, as it prevents an errors occurring later in the compiled code. Am trying to compile a program with turbo 5.06. I am getting a codegen error message Duplicate Label line 9480. Line 9480 contains only END IF of a properly constructed IF END IF expression. Duplicate Label is not mentioned in the manual as a codegen error report. Can anyone clarify what the error means exactly? Thanks Duncan -- Malcolm Cadman ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.q-v-d.demon.co.uk/smsqe.htm
Re: [Ql-Users] qpc2 and asus eee
In message [EMAIL PROTECTED], Mike Phillips [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes Hi, I was wondering what the actual performance of QPC2 is like when running on WIN XP on the Asus PC ( which has Linux flavour as a basic OS ). I have QPC2 running on a PC with WIN XP ... so, just what is the comparison. May be those trying this out can write an article for QL Today or Quanta magazines ( or both ) ... ? April 21, 2008 Malcolm, Qpc2 must be on the QL mailing list. I haven't received a mailing list yet, but I'm sure I will get to it sometime. -Mike Phillips Date: Sat, 19 Apr 2008 18:40:12 +0100 To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: Re: [Ql-Users] qpc2 and asus eee In message [EMAIL PROTECTED], Dr M. Hanias [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes Hi Michael, What is he performance like ? I just install qpc2 on asus eee with windows xp It runs perfectly A portable QL Michael -- Malcolm Cadman ___ -- Malcolm Cadman ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.q-v-d.demon.co.uk/smsqe.htm
Re: [Ql-Users] Turbo Help Please
In message [EMAIL PROTECTED], [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes In a message dated 23/04/2008 19:59:57 GMT Daylight Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: Are you sure that every IF statement has an END IF ? Particularly when nested loops and conditions are coded Hi Malcolm, I am fairly sure that they do it is one of the first things I looked for. Duncan Hi Duncan, Now that I have seen the coding extract, I can see that you do have a matching IF and END IF. However, you also have a FOR loop within the IF statement as a whole, so this could be where the error is being thrown up. I do my FOR loops like this ( the long way ) FOR num%=1 TO 6 READ an_option$(num%) END FOR num% Which is what you have done too. 9472 FOR i=1 TO scrolls 9474Dev_Scroll_down 9476IF dv_start=1 :END FOR i 9478 END FOR i 9480END IF Although you may be better using the EXIT i, rather than as END FOR i I also always use integers for loops with Turbo, so i% rather than just i I use REPeat and END REPeat conditions as the main condition mode, which allows any number of IF and END IF conditions to be set up as well inside that. Always use EXIT from a REPeat. Which may achieve what you are intending to do much better, and allows for elegant looking coding. In addition I find that the SELect ON num% and END SELect again gives an elegant listing with endless options from the value of the variable. Another thing to do is to make any variables LOCal to a PROCedure, which avoids confusion when using i or i%. I hope this helps. -- Malcolm Cadman ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.q-v-d.demon.co.uk/smsqe.htm
Re: [Ql-Users] qpc2 and asus eee
In message [EMAIL PROTECTED], Tobias Fröschle [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes Malcolm Cadman schrieb: In message [EMAIL PROTECTED], Mike Phillips [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes Hi, I was wondering what the actual performance of QPC2 is like when running on WIN XP on the Asus PC ( which has Linux flavour as a basic OS ). I have QPC2 running on a PC with WIN XP ... so, just what is the comparison. May be those trying this out can write an article for QL Today or Quanta magazines ( or both ) ... ? Malcolm, I haven't seen your questions answered for some time now. So I'll give it a try: Today,I threw linux from my eeePC's disks and replaced it with you-know-what only for one single reason: QPC - uqlx on linux is fine, but it doesn't come near QPC. To your question: I have QPC running on two boxes now: - a 1.8G FSC laptop with 2GB RAM - the eeePC, expanded to 1GB RAM To my astonishment: There's not much of a difference - QPC on the eeepc feels just like on the big laptop. I didn't try, however, with the original half gig. So, nothing to bother regarding speed. Regards Tobias Hi Tobias, Thanks for the report back. It does seem that the eeepc is becoming a useful basis for running alternative OS's on. Any chance of you writing something about your experiences for either QL Today or Quanta magazine ... or both . ? -- Malcolm Cadman ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.q-v-d.demon.co.uk/smsqe.htm
Re: [Ql-Users] OT - WIN98 request
In message [EMAIL PROTECTED], Ralf Reköndt [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes Hi Ralf, That remains an option, of course ... :-) From: Malcolm Cadman I have a WIN98 CD Second Edition, and a WIN98SE CD. The first one is ok, but migration doesn't work properly. You better should install from scratch! Cheers...Ralf -- Malcolm Cadman ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.q-v-d.demon.co.uk/smsqe.htm
Re: [Ql-Users] OT - WIN98 request
In message [EMAIL PROTECTED], David Tubbs [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes Hi David, I could do that ... the installation is genuine. I just haven't had a web browser operative recently as M$ Explorer has developed some problem or other ... :-( I have now gone over to the Opera browser, again. Hi Malcolm, Have you tried Microsoft, could well be there still. You might have to use a genuine instalation in order to be able to collect, probably would not need to be the 98 in question. They are getting fussy about pirates. At 19:10 28/04/2008 +0100, you wrote: Hi, I need a copy of the WIN98 Upgrade CD. I have WIN98 on an old Pentium I PC, with a version installed as - Windows 98 4.10.98 I have a WIN98 CD Second Edition, and a WIN98SE CD. Yet neither of these are recognised by this computer, to upgrade. I need the upgrade to recognise and install for a wifi connection. The computer is requesting the WIN98 Upgrade CD, for this version of WIN98. This way, I will not have to wipe all the contents and start again. Can anyone help ? -- Malcolm Cadman ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.q-v-d.demon.co.uk/smsqe.htm -- No virus found in this incoming message. Checked by AVG. Version: 7.5.524 / Virus Database: 269.23.5/1400 - Release Date: 27/04/2008 09:39 ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.q-v-d.demon.co.uk/smsqe.htm -- Malcolm Cadman ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.q-v-d.demon.co.uk/smsqe.htm
Re: [Ql-Users] Asus EeePc
In message [EMAIL PROTECTED], P Witte [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes Hi Norman, Interesting all of this ... just shows that given a challenge there is still someone prepared to experiment with computer equipment ... :-) Norman Dunbar wrote: Evening all, What you should have is: * tiny fingers * sharp eyesight Not Vista then! :-) This little number seems to be a nurd's delight. Vista's bin dun: http://www.modaco.com/content/asus-eee-pc-http-www-eeeasy-com/261965/ins talling-vista-on-the-eee-ive-done-it-and-it-works/ Per ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.q-v-d.demon.co.uk/smsqe.htm -- Malcolm Cadman ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.q-v-d.demon.co.uk/smsqe.htm
Re: [Ql-Users] Asus EeePc Benchmarks
In message [EMAIL PROTECTED], P Witte [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes Hi Per, It seems like you are the geezer to do a good review of the eeePC and its capabilities for the QL magazines ... :-) I guess yall must be slavering after those benchmarks. Well, although theres no harm in slavering a bit, in the interests of public service, Ive just gone and sampled them. Here are the results of my endeavours: (If your email client messes up my nice table, just cut and paste the text into your favourite plain text editor) eee Comparative Benchmarks 20080512 1 2345 | eee | NB | PC | QXL | SGC/Au| # C68 Dhrystone v2.1 ms/DS | 47| 24|10.6| - |- | DS/s | 21,115| 41,632| 93,985| 8,892| 5,000| VAXmips| 12,018| 23,695| 53,492| 5.1|- | # GCC Dhrystone v2.1 ms/DS | 37| 19| 8.5||| DS/s | 26,724| 53,419| 118,204||| VAXmips| 12,018| 23,695| 53,492||| # Bogomips v1.4 bogomips | 28 | 58 | 165 | | 13.8| 1) eee PC, 4Gb Surf, nominally 900MHz, but possibly only 6-700MHz, running the standard Linux, latest Wine and QPC2 2) Notebook, 1.2GHz, 600MHz FSB, WXP 3) PC, 2 Core duo, 2.66GHz, Vista 4) QXL 20 MHz under W98 DISP_UPDATE 1,0 (D Santachiara, 28/08/1999) 5) SGC/Aurora/24MHz/4Mb/SMSQ/E2.90/Cache on (JG P Witte, March 1999) 9 years ago it seems we were happy to put up with a fraction of the speed of the eee PC! Per ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.q-v-d.demon.co.uk/smsqe.htm -- Malcolm Cadman ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.q-v-d.demon.co.uk/smsqe.htm
Re: [Ql-Users] I want a NEW QL
In message [EMAIL PROTECTED], Tony Firshman [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes Yes, an interesting typo ... may be such a Card would do everything ... :-) Roy wood wrote: Hi, I have some QLs, Minerva, and a Super God Card. My God, that sound like the ultimate card - I want one (8-)# Tony -- Malcolm Cadman ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.q-v-d.demon.co.uk/smsqe.htm
Re: [Ql-Users] Intro: max Pugno
In message [EMAIL PROTECTED], Massimiliano Pugno [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes Hi, Worth a look at adding some extra hardware to your existing QL ... and get back to using it again. Also, try the QL Emulators ... look up on the www. Greetings, I'm a new user in this list, and I would like two drop a few lines to say hello. I'm italian (40 y.o) and I used my QL extensively at the university (for two dimensional array calculus, as a sort of matlab). I rememer spending countless hours on SuperBasic in that wonderful, pioneering era. I still have my QL, even if, at the moment is unused. I do hope to have the time, in the future, to take it out and to put it back to work. Max P.S. I apologize about my mistakes in English ;-) -- Malcolm Cadman ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.q-v-d.demon.co.uk/smsqe.htm
Re: [Ql-Users] I want a NEW QL
In message [EMAIL PROTECTED], Andy Barber [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes Yes, we can all remain hopeful - of a Super God Card - this could be the way the supreme being operates too ... :-) Sod the Internet, I want a Super God card! Communicate with anyone/everyone instantly; write compile software before I can even think I need it: Give it to me now. Regards Andy I have some QLs, Minerva, and a Super God Card. Regards Roy In message [EMAIL PROTECTED], Andy Barber [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes I want a NEW QL! I need the latest version of Minerva I need TK2 I need loads of win1_ I need loads of RAM Can I use the old PC monitor keyboard in my lock-up? Any suggestions how much will it cost? Regards Andy Barber Mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Tel: +44 20 8402 3385 ~ Mobile +44 791 883 4739 ~ Fax: +44 705 069 5845 __ Sent from Yahoo! Mail. A Smarter Email http://uk.docs.yahoo.com/nowyoucan.html ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.q-v-d.demon.co.uk/smsqe.htm -- Malcolm Cadman ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.q-v-d.demon.co.uk/smsqe.htm
Re: [Ql-Users] I want a NEW QL
In message [EMAIL PROTECTED], Andy Barber [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes Pentuim 1' s are fine for this use ... although P2's and P3's are even better, as Linux likes RAM and speed too. UQLx may be the way to go to try and link up with TCP/IP. In theory, a network could be set in this way. Has any succeeded with this approach ? Thanks to all who have replied to this thread. I have decided that I'll get my old Pentium 1 computer out of my Lock-up, Format the HD, Install Ubuntu Linux, emulate the QL on that machine. I have the QL Emulators' CD, which has TK2 on it, has it also got Minerva on the CD as well? Now what I would like to know is how does QDOS/SuperBasic interface with the Linux TCP/IP ports, are their any Internet related QL programs existing, (Browser, Mail, News, RSS, FTP, etc.)? Regards Andy Barber -- Malcolm Cadman ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.q-v-d.demon.co.uk/smsqe.htm
Re: [Ql-Users] I want a NEW QL
In message [EMAIL PROTECTED], Roy wood [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes Well you started on fun email thread ... even if inadvertently ... :-) Actually I was prompting the next manufacturer of QL interfaces with a new agenda. I like the idea of a Super God Card, although, given my atheistic convictions I suspect it does not exist. In message [EMAIL PROTECTED], Malcolm Cadman [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes In message [EMAIL PROTECTED], Tony Firshman [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes Yes, an interesting typo ... may be such a Card would do everything ... :-) Roy wood wrote: Hi, I have some QLs, Minerva, and a Super God Card. My God, that sound like the ultimate card - I want one (8-)# Tony -- Malcolm Cadman ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.q-v-d.demon.co.uk/smsqe.htm
Re: [Ql-Users] I want a NEW QL
In message [EMAIL PROTECTED], Geoff Wicks [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes - Original Message - From: Malcolm Cadman [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Wednesday, June 18, 2008 7:26 PM Subject: Re: [Ql-Users] I want a NEW QL In message [EMAIL PROTECTED], Geoff Wicks [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes Umm ... well, Geoff, may be the little devil himself ...?... :-) Actually given your mention of devils and Wolfgang's QDEVil, I suggest a price of 666 Euros would be appropriate, Best Wishes, Geoff Of course ... then who could refuse such an offer ? ... :-) -- Malcolm Cadman ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.q-v-d.demon.co.uk/smsqe.htm
Re: [Ql-Users] My New QL
In message [EMAIL PROTECTED], Andy Barber [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes Hi Andy, The Windows way is better supported for QL emulation. With WIN 95, you will need to get Direct X installed ( although I can't remember which version goes with WIN 95, around about Ver 8 ? ). You will also need to get the upgrade for WIN 95 : W95ws2setup Which is a Win32 Cabinet Self-Extractor file. All of these are available on Microsoft web site - which has recently been very much improved in its support for the older versions of Windows flavours. It is now very helpful. My experience has been with QPC2 - commercial software - on Pentium I PC's - and it works just fine. You do not need a large hard drive either. I would also recommend keeping the WIN drives, needed by the Emulator, at around 200Mb to 300Mb. Any larger, and they are then slow to load. This is because they are in fact one large file. So, better to have more than one WIN drive, each at a reasonably small size, rather than just the one very big one. External drives - like ZIP drives, etc - are also useful, as WIN drives can be put on them too. I use an external 250Mb Zip drive to transfer data around to different PC's, when required.. QPC2 set up is easy. The supplied file installs itself, with a shortcut icon for the Program on the Windows desktop. You can configure it to run as Window, under Windows, and hence multi-task with any other PC software that my be running. Or allow it to take over the PC host entirely. It uses SMSQ/E as the OS, not QDOS. Format a hard drive, - WIN - to a suitable size, following the instructions. Then install your software, as you wish. QPC2 sees all the hardware devices available - flp, DOS drive(s), CD-ROM's, etc. I use QDT - the QL Desktop - which has folders and file launching abilities with just one mouse click; once you have invested the initial time in setting it all up. I also use Dilwyn's QTrans on the file handling side, because it is so easy to use and well implemented. Thanks for all your replies. Being an atheist, I'm not going for the Super God Card, fine though it sounds! I'm getting my old Pentium 1 out of storage will emulate from that PC. I want an RJ45 card for it to connect to my Intranet, any suggestions? Should I emulate the QL with Win 95, or Linux on this PC? If Linux, should I remove Win 95, to free up the disk space? (I can't remember how big the HD is but it must be small, as it is so old!) How do I remove Win 95 all data AND then install Ubuntu? What is the Linux QL emulator called? (OK the answer is in the thread above but I ask for completeness.) Regards Andy Barber Mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Tel: +44 20 8402 3385 ~ Mobile +44 791 883 4739 ~ Fax: +44 705 069 5845 __ Sent from Yahoo! Mail. A Smarter Email http://uk.docs.yahoo.com/nowyoucan.html ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.q-v-d.demon.co.uk/smsqe.htm -- Malcolm Cadman ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.q-v-d.demon.co.uk/smsqe.htm
Re: [Ql-Users] Hi Resolution Colour Graphics on a Standard QL?
In message [EMAIL PROTECTED], Dilwyn Jones [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes (no mc.stat register and probably timing issues too). And Jan says on his website it might not work on anything faster than Sandy SuperQBoard interface, so no Gold Card, no Super old Card :-( Oops...variation of Super God Card ;-)) Indeed ... the old Card must be the one that came before the God Card . -- Malcolm Cadman ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.q-v-d.demon.co.uk/smsqe.htm
Re: [Ql-Users] Hi Resolution Colour Graphics on a Standard QL?
In message [EMAIL PROTECTED], Roy wood [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes In message [EMAIL PROTECTED], Malcolm Cadman [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes In message [EMAIL PROTECTED], Dilwyn Jones [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes (no mc.stat register and probably timing issues too). And Jan says on his website it might not work on anything faster than Sandy SuperQBoard interface, so no Gold Card, no Super old Card :-( Oops...variation of Super God Card ;-)) Indeed ... the old Card must be the one that came before the God Card Ah no, the old Gods were in black and white - as in Cecil B de Mille ... And old testament too . although they knew how to fun in them days. -- Malcolm Cadman ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.q-v-d.demon.co.uk/smsqe.htm
Re: [Ql-Users] MESS - was Hi Resolution Colour Graphics on a Standard QL
In message [EMAIL PROTECTED], Dilwyn Jones [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes Hi, If this does get sorted, and has the right potential, then maybe it could be made available on a CDROM at some time. Well there is the MESS emulator found at: http://www.mess.org/ Its seems highly unstable at the moment, but it does aim to emulate all the hardware correctly. Malcolm I've downloaded this and the sheer number of files makes its name appropriate. It claims to support QL alright, but in the documentation I can't find reference to howto configure it for QL. Anyone managed to do this and if so HOW? e.g. I can't find what system name to use for a QL. Or am I missing something fundamental? Warning, for those with no broadband, the binaries are 14MB or so, the sources (which contains the docs) are also about 13MB. Dilwyn Jones -- Malcolm Cadman ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.q-v-d.demon.co.uk/smsqe.htm
Re: [Ql-Users] MESS - was Hi Resolution Colour Graphics on aStandard QL
In message [EMAIL PROTECTED], Dilwyn Jones [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes Hi, Well done, Dilwyn. A hero getting that far ... There has been talk for some time about the possibility all of the different Operating Systems being able to be run on just the one machine. I guess this is someway towards that. Well there is the MESS emulator found at: http://www.mess.org/ Its seems highly unstable at the moment, but it does aim to emulate all the hardware correctly. Malcolm Well, I've got so far with this - here's what I found so far, in case anyone else wants to try this ql emulator (well, ql is one of huge number of systems it emulates - over 250 in all!). MESS stands for Multiple Emulator Super System, which is based in turn on MAME, Multiple Arcade Machine Emulator, and uses the same software engine, but is for home computers and video game consoles rather than arcade game systems. -- Malcolm Cadman ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.q-v-d.demon.co.uk/smsqe.htm
Re: [Ql-Users] QPC and WIne
In message [EMAIL PROTECTED], Marcel Kilgus [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes Wow ! ... Sherlock Marcel is already on case ... :-) Actually I was going to write something about this yesterday, too. Wine 1.0 has been released a week ago and my tests so far were pretty promising. It worked very well, even though I was only able to check it out from work over a remote connection, i.e. the PC running QPC was 10km away! Still it was fully usable and responsive, keyboard entries being no problem at all. So I suggest anybody who wants to run QPC under Linux should check out the final 1.0 Wine release. By the way, using Wine I discovered a problem with the QPC_WINDOWSIZE routine, I suggest to not use that command until I do the next release, at least under Wine. It's a pretty tricky bug and under Windows the situation might be just a tad different as to not be a problem at all. Cheers, Marcel ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.q-v-d.demon.co.uk/smsqe.htm -- Malcolm Cadman ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.q-v-d.demon.co.uk/smsqe.htm
Re: [Ql-Users] Sprites for Games
In message [EMAIL PROTECTED], Ralf Reköndt [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes Hi, There is a program called sprted - Editeur Sprit - version 1.20. I don't know the author ... as it is giving insufficient resolution error when I try it on my system. Yes, Super Sprite Generator. I still have the version 4 on microdrive. But do not know, if this will load and run... Cheers...Ralf From: Norman Dunbar Sent: Monday, July 21, 2008 9:46 PM Subject: Re: [Ql-Users] Sprites for Games I think Digital Precision did something with sprites years ago. Can't remember the name though - or if it was included in the DP 'Package' that was created just before Freddy packed it all in. Dilwyn is bound know - he is the font of all knowledge! -- Malcolm Cadman ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.q-v-d.demon.co.uk/smsqe.htm
Re: [Ql-Users] sub-£100 notebook
In message [EMAIL PROTECTED], Richard Kilpatrick [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes Hi Dilwyn, I have just bought the October issue of PC Pro magazine, and Asus, who make the Eee Pc have a massive 12 page advertising booklet within it. So, they do a very wide range of products. In the notebook ( mini-laptop ) PC range the lowest priced is the Eee PC 4G - with an Intel Mobile processor, Linux OS, 7 ( 800 x 600 ) display, 512Mb memory, 4GB SSD - priced at £169.36 RRP ex VAT. So, a sub-£100 notebook is still a way off, as yet. The highest priced in the notebook PC range is the Eee PC 1000 - Intel Mobile Atom 1.6Ghz processor, Linux OS, 10 ( 1024 x 600 ) display, 1024Mb memory, 40GB SSD - priced at £314.04 RRP ex VAT The equivalent model with a standard 80Gb hard drive is priced at £297.02 RRP ex VAT. The rivals in this market are starting to appear. Like the new MSI Wind U100 - Intel Mobile Atom 1.6Ghz processor, Windows XP OS, 10 ( 1024 x 600 ) display, 512Mb memory, 80GB hard drive - priced at £281 RRP ex VAT. The other mini-laptop already available is the Acer Aspire one - Intel Mobile Atom 1.6Ghz processor, Linux OS, 8.9 ( 1024 x 600 ) display, 1024Mb memory, 8GB SSD - priced at £196 RRP ex VAT. Thus, it is probably better to think of a sub-£300 or sub-£200 potential price range for these smaller portable computers at present. Although, that is around 2/3 rds to a 1/2 the cost of well specified regular portable PC. The mini-laptops have the smaller size for even greater portability, yet not as well as specified as standard portable PC. However, they do have features like wi-fi, USB ports, and Ethernet, etc. I guess, with the right effort and software, a QL system emulator will run on many of these mini-laptops. On 4 Sep 2008, at 10:42, hitchies wrote: Thanks Richard for your informative and helpful machine assesments. However, about (8GB) SSD... I am ignorant! SSD = Solid State Disc. Smaller, more expensive per GB, and slower - but very hard to break. The primary drawback of a machine with a smaller one, is that upgrading it will be very expensive and difficult. For experimentation and most applications, I prefer HD equipped models in theory; in practice, mine are all SSD equipped because they're the models most available. Richard ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.q-v-d.demon.co.uk/smsqe.htm -- Malcolm Cadman ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.q-v-d.demon.co.uk/smsqe.htm
Re: [Ql-Users] Fw: 25th+AGM news
In message [EMAIL PROTECTED], Tony Firshman [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes Dilwyn Jones wrote, on 03/09/2008 19:57: This is advance notice of a special event Quanta will be holding to celebrate the 25th Anniversary next year. I hope that announcing it this early will help QLers everywhere to make advance arrangements to attend the event. Dilwyn Jones == QUANTA ANNOUNCEMENT 25th Anniversary Workshop and AGM Saturday April 18th and Sunday April 19th 2009 I am probably singing in Venice that weekend (8-(# Tony On Gondola, no doubt ... :-) -- Malcolm Cadman ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.q-v-d.demon.co.uk/smsqe.htm
Re: [Ql-Users] sub-£100 notebook
In message [EMAIL PROTECTED], Dilwyn Jones [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes I cn get the EEEPC for less than the prices you quote, but I would have to buy in batches of 10-20 to get the discounted price. I am not sure if there is a mrket for this type of thing. What do you think. Derek Not really - individuals may buy one if it fulfils a particular need for them, but I don't really think there's a market for them unless someone can convince us that a hard-disk-less computer running a (older?) form of linux with WINE and QPC2 is worth the effort. One or two people seemed to be happy with an Asus Eeepc (well, got QPC runing on it anyway), and I happened to see the article in Computeractive about a sub-100 pounds notebook which Richard seems even less happy than Computeractive about (The Elonex One). When new things like this come out, we should look at them since the combined cost of a Eeepc, WINE and QPC2 is a cheaper QL compatible (with benefit of Linux for those who like or use Linux) than any future QL compatible hardware is likely to be. I'm not into Linux myself, so these devices are of no interest to me, but in my role as news editor I like to get discussion going about these things in case there's something in it for us as QLers. Hi Dilwyn, With most of these mini-laptops the Linux OS is usually the supplied one. Although they can be used with Windows XP. I guess that the to market price is lower when using an Open Source OS like Linux. Although, it is not free. -- Malcolm Cadman ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.q-v-d.demon.co.uk/smsqe.htm
Re: [Ql-Users] sub-£100 notebook
In message [EMAIL PROTECTED], Derek Stewart [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes Hi Derek, The RRP is only a guide, and obviously these products become available at lower prices after a while. I dunno if there is a market for the Eee PC amongst QL users . Yet, these mini-laptops are an interesting market. I guess that we will all get one at some time. Because we are always interested / fascinated by any new technology that is around. I bought a Risc Station palm top, some years ago now, with 8Mb SSD, and I was impressed by what it could do natively. As well as running a Z80 emulator, to play Spectrum games. Only a BW display though. Another purpose has been for reading books converted to an electronic format, and available to download off the internet for free. Hi Malcom, I cn get the EEEPC for less than the prices you quote, but I would have to buy in batches of 10-20 to get the discounted price. I am not sure if there is a mrket for this type of thing. What do you think. Derek Malcolm Cadman wrote: In message [EMAIL PROTECTED], Richard Kilpatrick [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes Hi Dilwyn, I have just bought the October issue of PC Pro magazine, and Asus, who make the Eee Pc have a massive 12 page advertising booklet within So, they do a very wide range of products. In the notebook ( mini-laptop ) PC range the lowest priced is the Eee PC 4G - with an Intel Mobile processor, Linux OS, 7 ( 800 x 600 ) display, 512Mb memory, 4GB SSD - priced at £169.36 RRP ex VAT. So, a sub-£100 notebook is still a way off, as yet. The highest priced in the notebook PC range is the Eee PC 1000 - Intel Mobile Atom 1.6Ghz processor, Linux OS, 10 ( 1024 x 600 ) display, 1024Mb memory, 40GB SSD - priced at £314.04 RRP ex VAT The equivalent model with a standard 80Gb hard drive is priced at £297.02 RRP ex VAT. The rivals in this market are starting to appear. Like the new MSI Wind U100 - Intel Mobile Atom 1.6Ghz processor, Windows XP OS, 10 ( 1024 x 600 ) display, 512Mb memory, 80GB hard drive - priced at £281 RRP ex VAT. The other mini-laptop already available is the Acer Aspire one - Intel Mobile Atom 1.6Ghz processor, Linux OS, 8.9 ( 1024 x 600 ) display, 1024Mb memory, 8GB SSD - priced at £196 RRP ex VAT. Thus, it is probably better to think of a sub-£300 or sub-£200 potential price range for these smaller portable computers at present. Although, that is around 2/3 rds to a 1/2 the cost of well specified regular portable PC. The mini-laptops have the smaller size for even greater portability, yet not as well as specified as standard portable PC. However, they do have features like wi-fi, USB ports, and Ethernet, etc. I guess, with the right effort and software, a QL system emulator will run on many of these mini-laptops. On 4 Sep 2008, at 10:42, hitchies wrote: Thanks Richard for your informative and helpful machine assesments. However, about (8GB) SSD... I am ignorant! SSD = Solid State Disc. Smaller, more expensive per GB, and slower - but very hard to break. The primary drawback of a machine with a smaller one, is that upgrading it will be very expensive and difficult. For experimentation and most applications, I prefer HD equipped models in theory; in practice, mine are all SSD equipped because they're the models most available. Richard -- Malcolm Cadman ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.q-v-d.demon.co.uk/smsqe.htm
Re: [Ql-Users] sub-£100 notebook
In message [EMAIL PROTECTED], Richard Kilpatrick [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes Hi Richard, Esus seem now to be pushing the 900 series and the latest 1000 series in their new advertisements. Which are obviously more capable. So, that is why the 700 series is being discounted. The Eee and Aspire One are leading the marketplace with good value products; these should definitely be looked at - the Eee 701 is now £150 ex. VAT. Richard -- Malcolm Cadman ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.q-v-d.demon.co.uk/smsqe.htm
Re: [Ql-Users] sub-£100 notebook
In message [EMAIL PROTECTED], Richard Kilpatrick [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes Hi Richard, Thanks for detailed explanation - below. There is no doubt that these devices are an interesting development that we will all get involved with. The 1.6 Ghz Atom processor is an example of that. On 5 Sep 2008, at 19:52, Malcolm Cadman wrote: In message [EMAIL PROTECTED], Richard Kilpatrick [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes Hi Richard, Esus seem now to be pushing the 900 series and the latest 1000 series in their new advertisements. Which are obviously more capable. So, that is why the 700 series is being discounted. It's just natural price erosion. It's not being discounted, it's being reduced in price as the competition and technology improves. Asus' model range was always intended to be more than just the 700 series, but a more capable 700 would be an upgrade; the 900 and 1000 are 9 and 10 screen variants. They have yet to upgrade the 7 model to a 1.6GHz CPU, but that's probably because they're judging the marketplace to see if having a 7 variant is worthwhile when the form factor is not really significantly smaller (the keyboard dictating the smallest usable chassis for what they see this market wanting). What is significant is that the Eee 701 is the same price as the Maplin/Elonex Onet netbook device, but instead of insufficient RAM/ SSD space to handle modern applications, it's quite a handy little device and capable of running XP (the XP shipping with various SCCs is not drastically crippled, it's just XP Home - however, many users prefer to install an 'nlite' installer packaged version of XP with non- essential and cosmetic aspects removed. Bear in mind that XP was developed when 4GB HDs in laptops were commonplace, it's more than capable of surviving on a 2GB or 4GB machine. It's the size of the applications and the media we work with that presents the real issue with storage). All of these machines bar the Elonex derivatives are full PC hardware. The 1.6GHz Atom CPU is perfectly capable of running fairly serious apps; I have a device called a FlipStart which is a 5.6 1024x600 display based pocket PC, with a Pentium-M CPU at 1.1GHz and Windows XP. I've used Adobe CS3 on it, Lightroom and even played World of Warcraft on it, despite the meagre 512MB RAM. The Atom is certainly comparable with that CPU, though I've yet to test Lightroom's performance on one of the Atom based machines. The original 900 with 900MHz CPU is no more capable than the 700. It simply has a larger screen and SSD. Richard -- Malcolm Cadman ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.q-v-d.demon.co.uk/smsqe.htm
Re: [Ql-Users] sub-£100 notebook
In message [EMAIL PROTECTED], P Witte [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes Hi Per, I think that you are right. The mini-laptop devices are interesting, yet still developing in capability ... which is changing all the time. Which is why the MSI Wind U100 has been seen as a successor / rival to the Eee PC range. After using the eeePC 701 for a while, I gave it up as too limiting for my purposes. The battery life is crap, the fan whirres incessantly because the thing produces far too much heat. It also seems stupid to put up with a 7 screen when the box is more like 10. So all in all, after the initial rush I find I need something a little more sophisticated to get by on the move whilst having a real PC at home. The 901 seems a lot more promising but theyre still flogging the inferior 900s here, so itll have to wait. On the other hand, a couple of hundred ££ more will get you a real sub notebook.. Per -- Malcolm Cadman ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.q-v-d.demon.co.uk/smsqe.htm
Re: [Ql-Users] sub-£100 notebook
In message [EMAIL PROTECTED], Richard Kilpatrick [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes Hi, I think that Richard has put his finger on it here ... where is the value ? The price point of a mini-laptop has to much lower than a standard laptop, the latter are now offering good value at the lower end of the price range circa £300 to £400. It is though going to be interesting what will get produced in the coming one or two years as this sector of the market expands further. At present, the Acer at around £229 seems the best value and be very useable as a portable, dual platform, etc. Reports say that it is a bit noisy in operation, and has an odd arrangement of the touchpad control. Hence, the other rivals of the Eee PC new top end models, and the MSI Wind; are a bit more slick, yet more costly. You get wireless networking, bluetooth and ethernet with many of these models too. Therefore rivalling the specification of a standard laptop. Does anyone know the specification of the Intel 1.66Ghz Atom ? Is it a RISC based chip, from the collaboration with the Cambridge based RISC company ? Also, the Atom name, was once used for a British made computer called the Acorn Atom - back in 1980's . the era of the first QL machines too. On 6 Sep 2008, at 19:47, Dilwyn Jones wrote: From what you've said, it seems that the cheaper systems aren't much good for regular use. What about someone like me who has an occasional need for a portable QL away from home, where weight and small size might be important? Or would I be better off (even for occasional light use) to save my pennies and wait until I can afford a more expensive machine? Or would you go as far as to say that I'd be better off with a traditional laptop PC? The Acer is £199 with 8GB and £229 with 120GB. It's 1024 x 600, 1.6GHz and fully capable of running Windows XP or various flavours of Linux. What I'm saying is that for the saving for the very cheapest machines - £169 for the Maplin, or the Eee 701 - the Acer represents the genuinely lowest price point you will get something useful at. The 800 x 480 screen on the 701 is limiting for modern web browsing (though I reckon it would be fine for an emulated QL environment; it looked fantastic running Atari 800 emulators), the Maplin's insanely limited CPU (not just performance, but third-party support) - for the sake of a £40 saving? Not worth it. Likewise, if you wanted to add a memory card, the Acer has an SD card slot to expand the built in storage AND a memory card reader; and buying SD cards for the Maplin to go from 2GB to 8GB would eat up a reasonable amount of the cost saving too. The instant you cross into the £300 needed for the MSI Wind or upmarket Eee models, then you can get a dual core 13 laptop from Currys or elsewhere for £280ish. Unless you REALLY want the tiny form factor, it's not worth the effort. I certainly don't think you should save your pennies if all you want is occasional light use and are already interested in this class of machine; I just think you should not spend more than £200 (I count the extra £29 for the 120GB version of the Acer as a very cheap extra memory card I'd have bought anyway - it's less than I paid for the no- name brand 16GB SDHC card I use) and should get the absolute best specification you can for that money. The Elonex One - the mooted £100 laptop - is more interesting as the One+ with 256MB RAM and 2GB SSD, but it's still 800 x 480, 300MHz weird 'barely supported' CPU, and in that form costs £119. Another few quid for a decent capacity SD card, and you're into 1.6GHz Atom territory. Commodore brand have just announced one, too. It's £325, which is already insane given the current marketplace, and uses of all things the VIA C7-M CPU, which is basically a Cyrix. Anyone who remembers Cyrix back in the Pentium days will already have shudders running down their spines, but the truth is, the C7-M is chosen for battery life; Intel have leapfrogged them AND don't need to cripple the CPU's performance to do it. Richard -- Malcolm Cadman ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.q-v-d.demon.co.uk/smsqe.htm
Re: [Ql-Users] sub-£100 notebook
In message [EMAIL PROTECTED], Richard Kilpatrick [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes On 7 Sep 2008, at 17:24, Malcolm Cadman wrote: Does anyone know the specification of the Intel 1.66Ghz Atom ? Is it a RISC based chip, from the collaboration with the Cambridge based RISC company ? Also, the Atom name, was once used for a British made computer called the Acorn Atom - back in 1980's . the era of the first QL machines too. Hi Malcolm, The Intel Atom is essentially an x86 architecture machine with 512K cache and 45nm fab; it consumes 2.5W and supports hyperthreading; dual core designs are possible. My Acer isn't the HD model, and it's not noisy in operation. The Eee 701 used the fan more often. Some Acer models were flashed with a buggy BIOS that caused the fan to remain on when not required, this may have affected some reviews. The Acorn Atom predated the QL by 3 years and was one of the last computers marketed to the mainstream as a kit. Nice bit of hardware, too, for the era. Richard Hi Richard, Ah ... I can see why it being used for this application. So, the Acer is fine in operation, then ? I think that I may even have an Acorn Atom somewhere, because I was given a lot of old Acorn / Archimedes equipment not too long, by a friend who was re-locating. -- Malcolm Cadman ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.q-v-d.demon.co.uk/smsqe.htm
Re: [Ql-Users] sub-£100 notebook
In message [EMAIL PROTECTED], Andy Barber [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes Also, the Atom name, was once used for a British made computer called the Acorn Atom - back in 1980's . the era of the first QL machines too. The Atom was a fine machine, with a fast (if unusual) basic. *#*Snip#*# I though it ran BBC Basic, which was inferior but similar to SuperBASIC? BBC Basic was ... is ... capable of being very structured. With a lot of hooks in to the hardware side of the processor being used. I prefer SuperBASIC, though, for its elegance, if used that way of course. -- Malcolm Cadman ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.q-v-d.demon.co.uk/smsqe.htm
Re: [Ql-Users] (no subject)
In message [EMAIL PROTECTED], Ben Hazelwood [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes Hi Ben, Correct list. These machines do come along at times, although relatively rarely offered for sale. Good luck. Hello, apologies if this isn't the correct list for this query, I'm curious if anybody has a working q40 or q60 (mainboard ide/io card) for sale at a reasonable price. Regards ben -- Malcolm Cadman ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.q-v-d.demon.co.uk/smsqe.htm
Re: [Ql-Users] sub-£100 notebook
In message [EMAIL PROTECTED], Dilwyn Jones [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes Also, the Atom name, was once used for a British made computer called the Acorn Atom - back in 1980's . the era of the first QL machines too. The Atom was a fine machine, with a fast (if unusual) basic. *#*Snip#*# I though it ran BBC Basic, which was inferior but similar to SuperBASIC? BBC Basic was ... is ... capable of being very structured. With a lot of hooks in to the hardware side of the processor being used. I prefer SuperBASIC, though, for its elegance, if used that way of course. I remember sending endless long sequences of VDU code bytes to the video hardware, a kind of poke except that you were sending register values. VDU 23,8202;8,4,2,1. (random numbers only!) Does that bring back memories Malcolm? And is the Archimedes basic anything like BBC Basic? Then I remember the Z88 also used BBC Basic, though the big hardware differences meant most basic programs with any degree of hardware access stood little chances of success. I also have vague memories of writing programs in COMAL for a while, which was also like an even more structured BASIC. Yes, the VDU command is one of the powerful commands that give direct access to processor and video features. I used BBC Basic a lot for computer control software, because there is a built in User Port to access external devices, via an interface board of some type. The Archimedes series has BBC Basic built in too, with more features. Then the RISC OS series followed on afterwards. COMAL and FORTRAN were the commercially used programming languages.; and are still used I believe for a lot of legacy work. Not sure about new programming projects though. Now that Visual basic, Visual C, Java, etc, have become widely available. Basically ... :-) ... once you have the feel of the Basic syntax and structure it is relatively easy to use any successive version that comes along. -- Malcolm Cadman ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.q-v-d.demon.co.uk/smsqe.htm
Re: [Ql-Users] sub-£100 notebook
In message [EMAIL PROTECTED], Derek Stewart [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes And you can get a BBC Interpreter for the PC... Derek I used to use a very good one for the 186, 286 and 386 early PC's, as this was the easiest way to do computer control projects at the time. I don't know what is available now for Win 95/98, Win XP, Vista, etc. -- Malcolm Cadman ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.q-v-d.demon.co.uk/smsqe.htm
[Ql-Users] London QL Quanta Group Meeting - September 2008 - cancelled
Hi, The Meeting of the London QL Quanta on Sunday 14th September 2008 is to be cancelled. Normal service should then resume in October 2008. -- Malcolm Cadman ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.q-v-d.demon.co.uk/smsqe.htm
Re: [Ql-Users] London QL Quanta Group Meeting - September 2008 - cancelled
In message [EMAIL PROTECTED], Andy Barber [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes Hi Andy, That would be great ... :-) You do not have to be a member of Quanta to attend. An interest in the QL is sufficient, and the wide world of computing, etc. The venue is the Borough Welsh Chapel, at 90 Southwark Bridge Road, London SE1. Which is not far from London Bridge station, or the Borough underground station. Also on bus routes. Free car parking is available a little further round on Southwark Bridge Road. Cyclists are welcome. We meet in the basement, which is known as the School Room. The building is very prominent, as a landmark, with interesting architectural features - external and internal. The timing is from 2.00pm to 6.00pm, on the second Sunday of every month. Yet excluding August and December ( hence a summer break and a winter break ). So, 10 meetings a Year. If you need any other information, then just get in touch. I'm not a member but would like to attend, Where do you meet? Regards Andy Barber Mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Tel: +44 20 8402 3385 ~ Mobile +44 791 883 4739 ~ Fax: +44 705 069 5845 - Original Message From: Malcolm Cadman [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Thursday, 11 September, 2008 18:09:28 Subject: [Ql-Users] London QL Quanta Group Meeting - September 2008 - cancelled Hi, The Meeting of the London QL Quanta on Sunday 14th September 2008 is to be cancelled. Normal service should then resume in October 2008. -- Malcolm Cadman ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.q-v-d.demon.co.uk/smsqe.htm
Re: [Ql-Users] London QL Quanta Group Meeting - September 2008 - cancelled
In message [EMAIL PROTECTED], Andy Barber [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes Hi Andy, Nope ... :-) . the next Meeting is the second Sunday in October, so the 12th October 2008. No problem with the T-shirt ... :-) Sometimes, we do get second user Spectrum stuff too. So is that 21-09-08? If so I'll be wearing the Spectrum T-shirt! (OK it's close cut my second teeth in programming!) Regards Andy Barber - Original Message From: Malcolm Cadman [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Monday, 15 September, 2008 19:34:44 Subject: Re: [Ql-Users] London QL Quanta Group Meeting - September 2008 - cancelled In message [EMAIL PROTECTED], Andy Barber [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes Hi Andy, That would be great ... :-) You do not have to be a member of Quanta to attend. An interest in the QL is sufficient, and the wide world of computing, etc. The venue is the Borough Welsh Chapel, at 90 Southwark Bridge Road, London SE1. Which is not far from London Bridge station, or the Borough underground station. Also on bus routes. Free car parking is available a little further round on Southwark Bridge Road. Cyclists are welcome. We meet in the basement, which is known as the School Room. The building is very prominent, as a landmark, with interesting architectural features - external and internal. The timing is from 2.00pm to 6.00pm, on the second Sunday of every month. Yet excluding August and December ( hence a summer break and a winter break ). So, 10 meetings a Year. If you need any other information, then just get in touch. I'm not a member but would like to attend, Where do you meet? Regards Andy Barber Mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Tel: +44 20 8402 3385 ~ Mobile +44 791 883 4739 ~ Fax: +44 705 069 5845 - Original Message From: Malcolm Cadman [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Thursday, 11 September, 2008 18:09:28 Subject: [Ql-Users] London QL Quanta Group Meeting - September 2008 - cancelled Hi, The Meeting of the London QL Quanta on Sunday 14th September 2008 is to be cancelled. Normal service should then resume in October 2008. -- Malcolm Cadman ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.q-v-d.demon.co.uk/smsqe.htm
Re: [Ql-Users] WIN files with QPC2
In message [EMAIL PROTECTED], George Gwilt [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes Hi, Does the recent article in QL Today, by Dilwyn Jones, cover this ? Entitled Relative Path Names and QL Emulators. Using the DOS command of ..\ - where the - dot dot backslash - takes you to the root directory of a device. So, if your WIN1_ is kept in the root directory of the C Drive, then ..\QXL.WIN would define WIN1_ is in the QPC2 Configuration window. If your WIN3_ is still called QXL.WIN by default, but is held somewhere else, then you can use ..\Somewhere\QXL.WIN to define where WIN3_ is in the QPC2 Configuration window. He also suggests making use of WIN_DRIVE and DOS_DRIVE commands. So, the same WIN3_ could be assigned as WIN_DRIVE 3,'..\Somewhere\QXL_WIN' ( Note : The use of the single quotes ). He then goes on to describe using UNC ( Universal Naming Convention ) to specify the location of resources on a local network. The format is \\server_name\shared_resource\path_name Suppose your other machine - server_name - is Computer2. It can then be accessed by \\Computer2\mydocs\Example.doc You have to make the other computer a shared resource to do this. On a PC, with WIN XP, you do all this from My Network Places. Just read through the Help files to assist how it is done. It is very useful, too, for sharing a portable PC with a main desktop PC. For QL Emulators, Dilwyn also goes on to describe in the article how to do something similar with QL2K and QEMULATOR. When I put my QPC2 onto a stick I had to define where WIN1 to WIN3 were. The definition depended on what letter each host machine decided to use for the stick. This was no problem. However I have tried without success to define a WIN file across a PC network. Does anyone know how to do this? Or indeed to be able to see any file across such a network. George ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.q-v-d.demon.co.uk/smsqe.htm -- Malcolm Cadman ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.q-v-d.demon.co.uk/smsqe.htm
Re: [Ql-Users] Has QL Today lost half its readers?
In message [EMAIL PROTECTED], Tony Firshman [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes Hi, My copy of QLToday arrived by post, direct from Jochen, on the 1st October 2008. Volume 13, Issue 1. So, I guess, just an oversight by Roy, this time ... Geoff Wicks wrote, On 5/10/08 19:29: Dear QL Today subscribers, Almost three weeks ago Jochen posted an email on this list about the shipping of the latest issue of QL Today. In it he mentioned problems with QBranch that meant we were unable to print and ship the UK orders: snip Please feel free to contact me privately if you wish to do so, Have made contact with Roy. He hasn't read ql-users for a long while, has been very busy and hasn't seen emails. He had forgotten about QL Today and will sort it out this evening. Tony -- Malcolm Cadman ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.q-v-d.demon.co.uk/smsqe.htm
Re: [Ql-Users] London QL Quanta Group Meeting - September 2008 - cancelled
In message [EMAIL PROTECTED], Andy Barber [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes Hi Andy, I don't have the full Post Code, yet the area is SE1. Just look up Southwark Bridge Road, SE1. I looked on Google Earth, and found a satellite photo of the area easily. Any problems, then give me a call on 020 8691 5780. Basically just head for London Bridge, as the major travel destination. The venue is not far from there. See you on Sunday ! What is the full Post Code so I can look it up on Multimap.co.uk? See you on Sunday, look for the Spectrum t-shirt! Regards Andy Barber Mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] T: +44 20 8402 3385 ~ M: +44 791 883 4739 ~ F: +44 705 069 5845. From: Malcolm Cadman [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Tuesday, 16 September, 2008 19:15:12 Subject: Re: [Ql-Users] London QL Quanta Group Meeting - September 2008 - cancelled In message [EMAIL PROTECTED], Andy Barber [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes Hi Andy, Nope ... :-) . the next Meeting is the second Sunday in October, so the 12th October 2008. No problem with the T-shirt ... :-) Sometimes, we do get second user Spectrum stuff too. So is that 21-09-08? If so I'll be wearing the Spectrum T-shirt! (OK it's close cut my second teeth in programming!) Regards Andy Barber - Original Message From: Malcolm Cadman [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Monday, 15 September, 2008 19:34:44 Subject: Re: [Ql-Users] London QL Quanta Group Meeting - September 2008 - cancelled In message [EMAIL PROTECTED], Andy Barber [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes Hi Andy, That would be great ... :-) You do not have to be a member of Quanta to attend. An interest in the QL is sufficient, and the wide world of computing, etc. The venue is the Borough Welsh Chapel, at 90 Southwark Bridge Road, London SE1. Which is not far from London Bridge station, or the Borough underground station. Also on bus routes. Free car parking is available a little further round on Southwark Bridge Road. Cyclists are welcome. We meet in the basement, which is known as the School Room. The building is very prominent, as a landmark, with interesting architectural features - external and internal. The timing is from 2.00pm to 6.00pm, on the second Sunday of every month. Yet excluding August and December ( hence a summer break and a winter break ). So, 10 meetings a Year. If you need any other information, then just get in touch. I'm not a member but would like to attend, Where do you meet? Regards Andy Barber Mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Tel: +44 20 8402 3385 ~ Mobile +44 791 883 4739 ~ Fax: +44 705 069 5845 - Original Message From: Malcolm Cadman [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Thursday, 11 September, 2008 18:09:28 Subject: [Ql-Users] London QL Quanta Group Meeting - September 2008 - cancelled Hi, The Meeting of the London QL Quanta on Sunday 14th September 2008 is to be cancelled. Normal service should then resume in October 2008. -- Malcolm Cadman ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.q-v-d.demon.co.uk/smsqe.htm
Re: [Ql-Users] London QL Quanta Group Meeting - September 2008 - cancelled
In message [EMAIL PROTECTED], Tony Firshman [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes Malcolm Cadman wrote, On 10/10/08 20:11: In message [EMAIL PROTECTED], Andy Barber [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes Hi Andy, I don't have the full Post Code, yet the area is SE1. Just look up Southwark Bridge Road, SE1. I looked on Google Earth, and found a satellite photo of the area easily. Any problems, then give me a call on 020 8691 5780. Basically just head for London Bridge, as the major travel destination. The venue is not far from there. See you on Sunday ! See my earlier message. Have none of you heard of Google (8-)# Tony Hi Tony, Nope ... what is this goggle thingy then ... ? . :-) -- Malcolm Cadman ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.q-v-d.demon.co.uk/smsqe.htm
Re: [Ql-Users] London QL Quanta Group Meeting - September 2008 - cancelled
In message [EMAIL PROTECTED], Tony Firshman [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes Andy Barber wrote, On 9/10/08 19:31: What is the full Post Code so I can look it up on Multimap.co.uk? You should have googled: http://www.london-se1.co.uk/places/welsh-chapel Interestingly, Malcolm misspells it on: http://www.mcad.demon.co.uk/lquan.htm as Borough Welsh Congregrational Chapel but Google corrected it. Tony Hi Tony, Well spotted ! That speeling mistook has been there for ages ! I need to remove the extra r . Actually, the venue Secretary prefers to have it called just the Borough Welsh Chapel. Which, I guess, is more modern. PS - The building is an architectural gem, for anyone interested in historic buildings. As is the surrounding area. Then, again, the Southwark area of London has many preserved features of interest. -- Malcolm Cadman ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.q-v-d.demon.co.uk/smsqe.htm
Re: [Ql-Users] London QL Quanta Group Meeting - September 2008- cancelled
In message [EMAIL PROTECTED], hitchies [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes Hi John, Nice one ... :-) ... I see that you wit has not deserted you ... even with all the rain ( in Wales ) . Combining Tony and Malcolm with my Welsh origins then - --- Borough Welsh Congregrational Chapel + PS - The building is an architectural gem, for anyone interested in historic buildings --- reminds me of a nearby galvanised steel constructed country chapel known locally as the Corregationalists! AveAgooDaye all of ye, John in Wales ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.q-v-d.demon.co.uk/smsqe.htm -- Malcolm Cadman ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.q-v-d.demon.co.uk/smsqe.htm
Re: [Ql-Users] London QL Quanta Group Meeting - September 2008 - cancelled
In message [EMAIL PROTECTED], Andy Barber [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes Hi Andy, Not too far from where I am. I will email you off-list on this. *#*snip#*# Sorry to hear about the long bus journey that you experienced. Where are you travelling from, anyway ? Bromley. I didn't see the timing in the thread. Afternoon on a Sunday? No way! Organize a sensible day time. I want to attend. I know we are all crazy, because we all like the QL. Sunday AFTERNOON is not on. ABSOLUTELY NO WAY in the AFTERNOON on a SUNDAY. I wasted over three hours on the bus to find the locked up place. Regards Andy Barber Mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] T: +44 20 8402 3385 ~ M: +44 791 883 4739 ~ F: +44 705 069 5845. From: Tony Firshman [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Sunday, 12 October, 2008 14:22:42 Subject: Re: [Ql-Users] London QL Quanta Group Meeting - September 2008 - cancelled Andy Barber wrote, On 12/10/08 14:15: Found the building today, with a ruck suck full of QL goodies I wanted looking at. I arrived at 11:00 found the place locked up! Looking at the thread, I now wonder why I went there at that time, as I can't see a time specified. When is the next meeting? BTW I'm still proudly wearing my ZX Spectrum t-shirt! Oh dear. It *was* in the thread: The timing is from 2.00pm to 6.00pm Tony -- Malcolm Cadman ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.q-v-d.demon.co.uk/smsqe.htm
Re: [Ql-Users] OK I was 3 hours early...
In message [EMAIL PROTECTED], Andy Barber [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes Hi Andy, Not to worry, it can happen to us all ... :-) What I could do now is to check around hire of the Hall that we use for the Group, and see if it is free on the Sunday morning for the next meeting - as a one-off. I will let you know about this. Regarding the Minerva ROM, Tony Firshman is the person to contact. If you are interested in any spare QL's, let me know. Also, disk drives, monitors, and other bits and pieces for the QL are in the London Groups varied collection. As well as manuals, books, etc. ... for the 12-10-08 meeting! :-( I have an AH QL but want the last Minerva ROM, (not the weather station gizmo.) TK2 + flp_ drive. Cost? Regards Andy Barber Mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] T: +44 20 8402 3385 ~ M: +44 791 883 4739 ~ F: +44 705 069 5845. ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.q-v-d.demon.co.uk/smsqe.htm -- Malcolm Cadman ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.q-v-d.demon.co.uk/smsqe.htm
Re: [Ql-Users] OK I was 3 hours early...
In message [EMAIL PROTECTED], Tony Firshman [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes Tony Firshman wrote, On 13/10/08 18:51: Andy Barber wrote, On 13/10/08 18:09: ... for the 12-10-08 meeting! :-( I have an AH QL but want the last Minerva ROM, (not the weather station gizmo.) TK2 + flp_ drive. Cost? I will have a dig around and see if I have a drive - well pair presumably. What interface have you got? Ah sorry - I dd not realise you sent the email to the group. Sorry I will leave it to Malcolm to answer. I am sure he has all the items you want. You will have to sacrifice your Sunday afternoon to collec them (8-)# Tony Hi Tony, Yes, I have replied to Andy. However, you should be able to assist with the Minerva ROM. -- Malcolm Cadman ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.q-v-d.demon.co.uk/smsqe.htm
Re: [Ql-Users] OK I was 3 hours early...
In message [EMAIL PROTECTED], Tony Firshman [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes Malcolm Cadman wrote, On 13/10/08 21:46: Yes, I have replied to Andy. However, you should be able to assist with the Minerva ROM. Happy to as long as you don't have one for him. Tony Hi Tony, No, I don't have any Minerva ROM's. They are rare to come across in second user equipment. -- Malcolm Cadman ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.q-v-d.demon.co.uk/smsqe.htm
Re: [Ql-Users] The forgotten half
In message [EMAIL PROTECTED], George Gwilt [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes Has anyone in the non German group received the recent QL Today? I have not. Yes, received my copy some days ago. The delay is for those subscribed by QBranch, which is being sorted out I believe. Still, it is a good issue ... so worth waiting for. -- Malcolm Cadman ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.q-v-d.demon.co.uk/smsqe.htm
Re: [Ql-Users] The forgotten half
In message [EMAIL PROTECTED], Roy wood [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes Hi Roy, Speaking for myself, I can quite understand how this happened; and I know that you emailed to this List your intention to act on putting it right, a soon as you could. Which I sure that you have now done. I am saddened though, that you are considering closing QBranch down. You have always been such a reliable Trader and general QL supporter over the Years. As well as organising the Quanta Workshops at the Hove venue. Anyway, I do hope that we will not loose you altogether ... and good luck in whatever other ventures you are now involved with. Geoff, for someone so supposedly skilled in negotiation and communication you do a good job of stirring thing up. Yes I messed up here, in that I got too involved with too many things and forgot to follow up Jochen's email about sending the adverts to him and letting him know how many magazine were required for the next issue Some of this was due to pursuing a couple of customers who had not renewed or replied to renewal requests and I did not want to short order. As It was there were just too many things happening at once outside of the QL and I am not often home so I neglected to do it. Yes, I admit it was a mess. When all this blew up last week I acted immediately to get the order over to Jochen and find out how much he need for the issue to be printed and I transferred the money last week. He knows when he will get it because we do this all the time. The money has been out of my account for three working days and should be in his by tomorrow. As angry as you may have been you didn't try to call me or email me about it. QBranch does no business other than to deal with this magazine. I had intended to close it last year but I decided to carry it on. It is so far at the back of what I spend most of my time on these days that I still have not sent RWAP and invoice for some stuff I sold him three months ago. I apologise to the readers and the next issue will go much more smoothly My intention is to close QBranch forthwith but I will see out this volume of the magazine and sell off the remaining bits of QL stuff I have here. Really this was all very unnecessary, Geoff, but there you go. -- Malcolm Cadman ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.q-v-d.demon.co.uk/smsqe.htm
[Ql-Users] London QL Quanta Group - web page update
Hi, I have found some time, recently, to start updating the London QL and Quanta Group web page. A lot of new pictures have been added, as well as many minor changes. Can someone with a Broad band connection have a look, and let me know if all the images display well ? I downloaded the trial version of Terrapin FTP, from the Demon web site. Although it is easy to use, it appears to be temperamental about connecting to my site. So, I reverted back to WS_PRO FTP, which is essentially a DOS based interface that I have running on a 486PC with Win3.11 It is, though, easy to use and efficient. Yet, Demon's Server decided it would not co-operate any more, last night. Which seems to happen every now and again, depending on the traffic load. I have been using the latest edition of Opera web browser, as an off line Editor, to do the updating, because it allows an easy switch between the source and the display of the page. I am still working on the images to get a good file size, etc, so that download time is as quick as possible. The source images were taken on different digital cameras, at differing resolutions - which I haven't standardised, as yet. Although I know I have some software, somewhere, that can do that conversion for me. http://www.mcad.demon.co.uk/lquan.htm I have also begun a new web page for Retro Computing, to list hardware, books, etc, that are available. http://www.mcad.demon.co.uk/retro1.htm -- Malcolm Cadman ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.q-v-d.demon.co.uk/smsqe.htm
Re: [Ql-Users] The forgotten half
In message [EMAIL PROTECTED], Roy wood [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes In message [EMAIL PROTECTED], Malcolm Cadman [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes Speaking for myself, I can quite understand how this happened; and I know that you emailed to this List your intention to act on putting it right, a soon as you could. Which I sure that you have now done. Thanks for that. I was my fault and I admit it I am saddened though, that you are considering closing QBranch down. You have always been such a reliable Trader and general QL supporter over the Years. I have enjoyed running QBranch but a lack of any effort on the part of the writers and developers has made it uneconomic. It all costs money, the phone lines, and the extra bank accounts etc. .. As well as organising the Quanta Workshops at the Hove venue. Yes I have enjoyed all that too. Anyway, I do hope that we will not loose you altogether ... and good luck in whatever other ventures you are now involved with. Well it depends - I am a bit pissed with Geoff's posturing. After all this time he could have called me after all. Leaves a bad feeling somehow. Hi Roy, Well I hope that you will still be around, on occasions, at QL Events. I am hoping to try to do a Quanta Workshop, again, in 2009. Which has not been possible in 2008. Tony F, and yourself, were the guaranteed Traders that could be relied on to attend, even though you had both long since gone beyond making any profit. I have just put a photo of you from 2002, on my Quanta web site page, wearing a colourful shirt ... remember that . PS, I am bemused, sometimes, with how people express themselves on email. -- Malcolm Cadman ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.q-v-d.demon.co.uk/smsqe.htm
Re: [Ql-Users] London QL Quanta Group - web page update
In message [EMAIL PROTECTED], Marcel Kilgus [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes Malcolm Cadman wrote: I don't know what has happenned with the Quanta logo image, one of those odds things that it doesn't open now. As it was not changed. Many web servers are case sensitive when it comes to file names. In this case you refer to the logo as Quanta.gif in the HTML, but it should be quanta.gif. Marcel Hi Marcel, Yes, I had noticed that too ... thanks. -- Malcolm Cadman ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.q-v-d.demon.co.uk/smsqe.htm
Re: [Ql-Users] London QL Quanta Group - web page update
In message [EMAIL PROTECTED], Tony Firshman [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes Marcel Kilgus wrote, on 21/10/2008 09:19: Malcolm Cadman wrote: I don't know what has happenned with the Quanta logo image, one of those odds things that it doesn't open now. As it was not changed. Many web servers are case sensitive when it comes to file names. In this case you refer to the logo as Quanta.gif in the HTML, but it should be quanta.gif. Most I suspect are Linux (or Unix) based servers which will be case sensitive. I found my first ftp client also defaulted to converting filenames to lowercase. I now *always* use all lowercase - much safer. Tony Hi Tony, Yes, you are right ... I am now doing all the file names in lower case. It is confusing, because it accepts them as File ... rather than as file, and the File version automatically looks like file on the Unix based Server. -- Malcolm Cadman ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.q-v-d.demon.co.uk/smsqe.htm
Re: [Ql-Users] London QL Quanta Group - web page update
In message [EMAIL PROTECTED], Stephen [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes Clip The Chapel picture now doesn't show at all but the Quanta logo image is present in all its glory. As the smaller pictures are all rescaled on the page to 160x120px there is no need to retain the 640x480 size. It might be better to process the full images in IrfanView (using Resize/Resample) to reduce them to 160px width or 120px height whilst preserving the aspect ratio and leaving the larger dimension, then crop the excess off the latter (top/bottom or sides) to reduce to the desired 160x120px, still preserving the aspect ratio. It may be slightly easier to reduce to 165px width or 125px height in the first step to make the cropping to 160x120 easier, without having to start the cursor at the very edge of the picture. In this way the people pictured won't be stretched to appear so fat or skinny! Thanks, Stephen. Good advice again. Will that mean that they become a fixed size ? So, the right mouse click will not bring up the full image ; if requested by the user ? I have implemented your previous suggestion of going via a thumbnail image and an HTML link. Using the Irfanview software. I didn't know it had the feature ... :-) ... although I have used it for quite some time, I haven't really explored its features. I have made the Xmas Card at the bottom of the page a web link using the technique. The original image was at a very high resolution of over 4000 pixels in both height and width. Including that previously as a JPEG on the page has slowed down the loading of the whole page. I still haven't fixed the Chapel image, though. Off line, it all works perfectly, of course . -- Malcolm Cadman ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.q-v-d.demon.co.uk/smsqe.htm
Re: [Ql-Users] The forgotten half
In message [EMAIL PROTECTED], Geoff Wicks [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes - Original Message - From: Dilwyn Jones [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: QL-Users list [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Wednesday, October 22, 2008 2:27 PM Subject: Re: [Ql-Users] The forgotten half I'm so glad this has all ended in good humour, after the rather less than nice words which appeared here. Good job we can have the odd rattle fly out of the pram and still all remain friends :-)) One of the problems in the QL community is that all too often we think in black and white. This means we avoid problems and then when there is a difference of opinion it gets completely out of hand. Differences of opinion are healthy. I know many people don't like my attitude to Quanta but they often behave in ways that damage Quanta. Jeering like schoolboy bullies as happened two years ago or poison pen emails do no credit to Quanta. What I miss is good controversial debate. When you eventually get your QL Today, in what inevitably is a difficult issue for Quanta, you will find at the end of an article I have written: Logically as trading diminishes Quanta will become increasingly important for the survival of the UK scene. We need a vigorous debate on how to achieve this, Best wishes, Geoff OK. To kick the debate off ... how many people are regularly attending at Quanta Group local meetings ? I organise the London Group meetings, for example, and the attendance now is only a small handful, when it could still be ( even now ) a reasonable number. If the grassroots are not being supported, then the main plant will also suffer. So, do you attend at local meetings ... ? Even if only occasionally, then it would make a difference. I also store a lot of second user items - see my new Retro Computing web page - which makes these items available to people as the Traders are less present on the QL scene now. Commercial items, and new items, should still be provided via Traders. -- Malcolm Cadman ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.q-v-d.demon.co.uk/smsqe.htm
Re: [Ql-Users] Remote Assistance
In message [EMAIL PROTECTED], Dave Walker [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes Hi, From Dilwyn's description is does not seem that Log-Me-In is that easy to use. I would think, also, that his reference to the Anti-Virus will be allowing to pass through a Firewall. Dilwyn, The remote control facility is always available. For the first month they let you try out the items that are in the version you pay for as well such as remote printing, file transfer etc. I can tell you from experience that LogMeIn is less trouble than any of the other options. Not sure why your Anti-Virus should have been getting involved. I have used LogMeIn successfully with those who knew nothing about computers, and who were unable to get the Windows Remote Assistance to work. Dave -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Dilwyn Jones Sent: 22 October 2008 19:50 To: QL-Users list Subject: Re: [Ql-Users] Remote Assistance I would agree. I use LogMeIn regularly and it is very simple to set up. On 22/10/2008 17:02, Dave Walker wrote: You might want to look instead at the LogMeIn product as this does lot require that kind of special network setup. This is the latest incarnation of what many years ago was called PC Anywhere for those with long memories. The version of LogMeIn with basic remote control is free for private use. I have used it successfully with a number of friends who want remote support. It is easy enough to talk a user through downloading and activating their end as it is basically a case of following on-screen prompts. OK, I downloaded it and installed it. Not straightforward - all sorts of things went wrong, including my anti-virus taking a strong interest in preventing it doing what it was trying to, which may have been the cause of all the things which went wrong. If I understand properly, it works as a full version for a month then reverts to a receive-only mode, which (maybe I misunderstood) isn't what I wanted. Either way, it was extremely unclear what was happening half the time. For family members, I should be able to get to their routers to set the relevant access details and use standard remote assistance for that. I'll give this a try, as it seems a logically simple solution (trying to offer computer assistance by definition it has to be simpler to use than the problem it's meant to solve) but I usually end up throwing away this kind of software after early problems like this, on the basis that if they can't be bothered to make it a trouble free installation, the rest of the program won't be up to much. It might be easy for a software pro to use, but first impressions are very poor and I certainly would not like to talk anyone through this installation after all the things which went wrong here. -- Malcolm Cadman ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.q-v-d.demon.co.uk/smsqe.htm
Re: [Ql-Users] The forgotten half
In message [EMAIL PROTECTED], John Southern [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes On Wednesday 22 October 2008 19:53:14 Malcolm Cadman wrote: OK. To kick the debate off ... how many people are regularly attending at Quanta Group local meetings ? I organise the London Group meetings, for example, and the attendance now is only a small handful, when it could still be ( even now ) a reasonable number. If the grassroots are not being supported, then the main plant will also suffer. So, do you attend at local meetings ... ? Even if only occasionally, then it would make a difference. I also store a lot of second user items - see my new Retro Computing web page - which makes these items available to people as the Traders are less present on the QL scene now. Commercial items, and new items, should still be provided via Traders. NEMQLUG (North East Manchester) has about half a dozen every month attending from a pool of over a dozen. All are welcomed. Topics are varied. Food is excellent. We never quite finish what we intend (Note to self, we must transfer that database from the Aurora machines next time) and often ramble down interesting paths of computer problems. John Hi John, Good to hear that you have a good number of people attending in Manchester. -- Malcolm Cadman ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.q-v-d.demon.co.uk/smsqe.htm
Re: [Ql-Users] The forgotten half
In message [EMAIL PROTECTED], Geoff Wicks [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes Hi Geoff, That is all very reasonable ... :-) Obviously I want Quanta to exist as a central organisation, and to continue to exist. In fact we are very lucky that such an organisation was set up in first place, and continues to exist to this day. If you compare this to many other Computers of the vintage of the QL, then we are doing well to have such an organisation. Whilst updating my QL Quanta Group web page, I noticed that the link that I had to Sub Groups on the Quanta web site was broken - which I have now corrected. Yet no information was sent out about any changes that had been made to the web site. I also noticed that there is still an appeal on the Quanta web site to Sub Groups to organise a Workshop in the South of England for this Year. We, at the London Group have not been able to respond to this, due to our circumstances this Year. The other likely offer, from Roy Wood, at Hove, is also unlikely owing to his personal commitments. However, the London group do hope that we will be able to consider holding a Workshop in 2009. Yet, again, this is where the grassroots support is important. People have to turn out to show interest and support. The London Group have to charge a subscription, because we have to pay for the Hall hire charged. This is only £30 a year, or £1.30 a meeting ( with 10 meetings in a Year ). Yet, now, we have 4 or 5 members attending; so we are not reaching more that a half of the annual cost. ( Note : To myself, I must apply to Quanta, again, for an Annual Subsidy ). We don't mind at all if someone attends just for the odd meeting or two, during a Year. We are not even worried about a donation to our costs - yet people who do attend in this way always offer a donation. It is a part of the QL ethos ... :-) We do get a benefit that we are allowed to store all of our equipment at the Venue, and that I am trusted to have my own set of keys to access and to lock up afterwards. I am pleased that the Manchester Group has a much larger attendance base. Well done to them ! I think that you are right to highlight the black box users. How to reach them is a problem. I met a few who have been giving up their QL equipment - often stored in the attic - as a donation to the London Group. Often the remaining black box users do not have access to the internet, either. So, any easy contact route is closed off. Please discuss further . :-) - Original Message - From: Malcolm Cadman [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Wednesday, October 22, 2008 10:28 PM Subject: Re: [Ql-Users] The forgotten half Thanks to both Malcolm and John for their contributions. Quanta has a number of subgroups but we know very little about them and I wonder how active they are. When I did my survey of Quanta members four years ago I noted that they were not evenly distributed across the country but appeared in clusters. In most cases the cluster was where there was or had been an active subgroup. I visited Birmingham last year in connection with the Midlands show and it was a very different group from what I had imagined. Simon Goodwin is its chairman, but in practice rarely attends. In reality it is a group of about 4 people who like to meet in a pub twice a month to talk about everything including the QL. Once a year the high spot is the AGM which about 8 people attend and Simon gives a presentation. Interestingly Simon has done a lot of work for Quanta but is, on a matter of principle, not a member. I have no hangups about a group of people meeting in the pub this way, but I wonder if there may be a lot of people in Quanta who are no longer active QL-ers but like to remain a member out of gratitude to the QL. I picked up something like this happening in Italy in Davide Santachiara's report of the Italian show in QL Today. Well worth a read! What can Quanta do to serve this sort of member? May I just go off at a tangent to pay a tribute to Simon Goodwin? He has twice done presentations for me at shows. He makes many demands but always delivers the goods. People think that his presentations are off-cuff, but in fact he is an absolute perfectionist who will spend something like 8 hours preparing for a one and a half hour presentation. In QL Today I have written an article about viability, which I hope everyone will read. This is not so much about Quanta as about traders, but I raise the question of black box users. Traders are currently the link between the black box users and the rest of the QL community and as trading diminishes there is a danger that this group will become more isolated and neglected than they are at present. How can Quanta reconnect with the black box users? I have always felt that Quanta did not grasp the opportunity of John Southern's survey four years ago to admit to black box users that we were
Re: [Ql-Users] The forgotten half
In message [EMAIL PROTECTED], Billy [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes George Gwilt wrote: On 22 Oct 2008, at 19:53, Malcolm Cadman wrote: To kick the debate off ... how many people are regularly attending at Quanta Group local meetings ? The Scottish Group is pretty small, but pretty regular. George The North East Group died out a few years ago, I still read this list and fire up QPC now and then. I retired from work two weeks ago so I hope to rekindle my interest - so far I have not had time ( I'm still a few weeks off full recovery from mitral valve replacement) If Roy reads this then I should explain that due to my retirement and not having full knowledge of what value my pensions will be ( thankyou bankers ) I did not renew my subscription to QLWorld, but hopefully when the dust settles funds will allow me to resubscribe. All the best - Bill Hi Bill, I hope that you do get fit again. And that you enjoy your retirement. Your pensions should hold up, as it is the beginning of a recession ... future pensions may suffer more. You have always made a good contribution to this List. Where would the nearest User Group meeting be for you now ? -- Malcolm Cadman ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.q-v-d.demon.co.uk/smsqe.htm
Re: [Ql-Users] The forgotten half
In message [EMAIL PROTECTED], Geoff Wicks [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes Hi Geoff, Thanks, very supportive. I know that Ken Bains did very well, over the years, to keep the Byfleet venue active as a Workshop venue. And for the last 2 events were worked together to hold a joint Workshop there - between the Byfleet Group and the London Group. However, membership support, and general support was very low in the more recent years, and Ken has, reluctantly given up hosting at Byfleet. Our venue is smaller in comparison to the Byfleet Hall. Yet, it is compact, and would suit the new circumstances. Certainly, when we used it in 2003 it was well attended, and comfortably busy and even crowded ... :-) We can not do anything about the stairs down, as it is a basement. The benefit is that is has been upgraded in more recent Years - redecorated and new furniture, and kitchen equipment, etc. It is also usually been offered on our normal terms, yet for the whole day. We have inquired about other venues, and they are from £200 to £400, or more, to hire for a day. Because it is expensive in centrally located London. There is a Community venue that could be hired on a Sunday that is very close to where I live in South-East London. So, maybe, I should propose that as an alternative. Certainly Portslade is well out of Ken, or myself, areas. So not a proposal to follow up. As you say the Autumn is the better time of Year for a Workshop. This also suits our European members, traders, and visitors; because travelling costs are more reasonable. - Original Message - From: Malcolm Cadman [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Thursday, October 23, 2008 2:59 PM Subject: Re: [Ql-Users] The forgotten half I also noticed that there is still an appeal on the Quanta web site to Sub Groups to organise a Workshop in the South of England for this Year. We, at the London Group have not been able to respond to this, due to our circumstances this Year. The other likely offer, from Roy Wood, at Hove, is also unlikely owing to his personal commitments. However, the London group do hope that we will be able to consider holding a Workshop in 2009. When I talked to Sarah about shows at Manchester, I told her that I did not think Roy would organise a show this year and suggested you. She strongly objected to the hall because of the steps, but I thought beggars can't be chosers. The hall is certainly large enough now that traders do not attend. Sarah's suggestion was that either you or Ken Bain could organise a show in Portslade. I thought this was a little stupid. If you do hold a show it would probably have to be in the autumn. By then it will have been about 2and a half years since the last southern show, Best wishes, Geoff -- Malcolm Cadman ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.q-v-d.demon.co.uk/smsqe.htm
Re: [Ql-Users] The forgotten half
In message [EMAIL PROTECTED], Billy [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes Malcolm Cadman wrote: In message [EMAIL PROTECTED], Billy [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes I retired from work two weeks ago so I hope to rekindle my interest so far I have not had time ( I'm still a few weeks off full recovery from mitral valve replacement) If Roy reads this then I should explain that due to my retirement and not having full knowledge of what value my pensions will be ( thankyou bankers ) I did not renew my subscription to QLWorld, but hopefully when the dust settles funds will allow me to resubscribe. All the best - Bill Hi Bill, I hope that you do get fit again. And that you enjoy your retirement. Your pensions should hold up, as it is the beginning of a recession ... future pensions may suffer more. You have always made a good contribution to this List. Where would the nearest User Group meeting be for you now ? Thanks for the thoughts Malcolm I'm fit enough and my local health care group are pretty good, in fact most of my time seems to be taken up seeing people who want to keep me healthy. The nearest group would be the group that meet around Edinburgh somewhere ( is it Thornhill or Livingstone?) not much further than I used to go to Newcastle I think. I've often thought about going up there but never really had the time to go, now I'm retired I might make it. All the best - Bill Hi Bill, That all seems very positive. I know what you mean about Health, as I have not been well myself recently; and I have undergone an operation from which I am now recovering. I do hope you are be able to get to a User Group convenient to where you live, even if it not that regular. When we meet in the London Group, we seem to discuss Life, the Universe and Everything . :-) ... which is all a part of the benefit of face to face Meetings. Also having a common interest. -- Malcolm Cadman ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.q-v-d.demon.co.uk/smsqe.htm
Re: [Ql-Users] The forgotten half
In message [EMAIL PROTECTED], Dilwyn Jones [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes I retired from work two weeks ago so I hope to rekindle my interest - so far I have not had time ( I'm still a few weeks off full recovery from mitral valve replacement) Best wishes for a swift recovery. Nice to hear you hope to be more active now! If Roy reads this then I should explain that due to my retirement and not having full knowledge of what value my pensions will be ( thankyou bankers ) I did not renew my subscription to QLWorld, but hopefully when the dust settles funds will allow me to resubscribe. I presume you meant QL Today - QL World is QL Yesterday now... to paraphrase George Gwilt's recent comment ;-) Too true ... I had forgotten myself about the QL World magazine - although I have all my own copies stored away. May be now, the QL World, is here in hyper space . :-) ... ? -- Malcolm Cadman ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.q-v-d.demon.co.uk/smsqe.htm
Re: [Ql-Users] The forgotten half
In message [EMAIL PROTECTED], Geoff Wicks [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes - Original Message - From: Billy [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Thursday, October 23, 2008 9:56 PM Subject: Re: [Ql-Users] The forgotten half The North East Group died out a few years ago, I still read this list and fire up QPC now and then. I retired from work two weeks ago so I hope to rekindle my interest - so far I have not had time ( I'm still a few weeks off full recovery from mitral valve replacement) If Roy reads this then I should explain that due to my retirement and not having full knowledge of what value my pensions will be ( thankyou bankers ) I did not renew my subscription to QLWorld, but hopefully when the dust settles funds will allow me to resubscribe. Thanks for the message. I know the problem of pensions as I had all that last year. I hate to make all you UK wrinklies jealous but half my income now comes from the Netherlands. My 62% UK state pension is £60.73 p.w. plus a single heating allowance of £250 each year. My 40% Dutch state pension is (at the latest exchange rate) £72.32 p.w. plus an extra single payment of £300 holiday money each May. If you have the time or an opinion, I'd like a little help. I suspect there are many Quanta members in your situation although in your case there is an additional problem that you live in a distant part of the country. How could Quanta best serve members like you? Best Wishes, Geoff Hi Geoff, Interesting what you are receiving in pension. The Basic State Pension is around £87 per week, for a single person, in the UK. Yet few people actually receive this, because it is Contributory through the Stamp - National Insurance Contribution ( NIC) - the latter being very appropriately named as an acronym .. :-) ... as is money that the Government nicks off you every week from your wage packet. However, the Government has recognised that the current level, for a single person, should be around £124 per week - to live on. So, what they have done is to make it up to this amount via the Tax Credit system. This system is beloved of Gordon Brown, yet it highly complex to administer and to understand; and very few people do. Even those who run it the Governments behalf. There has been a strong voice to just re-organise the Tax System in the UK to a much more simple basis - as yet, this has been resisted by the current Government. Thus, in your case, you would have to apply for the Tax Credit to make up your State Pension to the full amount of around £124 per week. It is not automatic, and the Form is a nightmare to complete; and many people find it intrusive. Because it is like a Means Test. Therefore millions of Pounds are not claimed back through the Tax Credit, by Pensioners, and the Government just pockets the money, and uses it for its own purposes. Another factor is that if you have personal savings above £6K ( not much these days ... ), your Tax Credit gets reduced on a scale. Also, whether you own your own Home, etc. In your case, again, your other Pension just takes you above the Tax Credit compensation amount; so you cannot apply anyway ... :-( I don't know of Bill's circumstances, yet it worth claiming the Tax Credit Top up if you fall below the £124 per week - despite the hassle. A friend of mine, who has just taken his own State Pension, has worked all of this out; and helped others to understand the complexity. Resulting in another person claiming back the Tax Credit that should have been due to her over a number of Years - resulting in a Lump Sum rebate. -- Malcolm Cadman ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.q-v-d.demon.co.uk/smsqe.htm
Re: [Ql-Users] The forgotten half
In message [EMAIL PROTECTED], Dilwyn Jones [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes When we meet in the London Group, we seem to discuss Life, the Universe and Everything . :-) ... which is all a part of the benefit of face to face Meetings. Also having a common interest. -- Malcolm Cadman I hope that the QLs get a word in edgeways from time to time ;-) Erm ... what are they ...:-) . ? Although, more often now it a QL Emulator . -- Malcolm Cadman ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.q-v-d.demon.co.uk/smsqe.htm
[Ql-Users] OT : Credit Crunch
Hi, Just to lighten things up ... I hope that everyone is enjoying the new breakfast cereal - Credit Crunch ... :-) -- Malcolm Cadman ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.q-v-d.demon.co.uk/smsqe.htm
Re: [Ql-Users] OT : Credit Crunch
In message [EMAIL PROTECTED], Billy [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes Norman Dunbar wrote: Dilwyn Jones wrote: Careful Malcolm, John Gilpin might quote these jokes in Quanta like he did Norman Dunbar's recently. Someone publishing my jokes? Which one(s) were they then? On the other hand, Geoff Wicks is the former probation officer, so may need to take you under his wing as a cereal offender Do chiropodists have corn flakes for breakfast? :-) Cheers, Norman. No Toest surely All the best - Bill Maybe too, the Short Traders have been consuming too much of the toxic Credit Crunch ... :-) -- Malcolm Cadman ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.q-v-d.demon.co.uk/smsqe.htm
Re: [Ql-Users] QUANTA Magazine
In message [EMAIL PROTECTED], John Gilpin [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes Hi John, Thanks for the message, and good luck in keeping the Quanta Magazine together. Your personal effort is recognised and appreciated. In an effort to avoid any erroneous Grapevine comments causing concern to QUANTA Members (and others) I am making the following statement on behalf of the current QUANTA Committee:- Due to not receiving any response to communications sent to our new Magazine Editor - Tony Hill - over a now considerable period, this committee have asked John Gilpin - QUANTA Treasurer and Membership Secretary - to stand in again as Joint Magazine editor until (at least) the AGM in April 2009. The other Joint Editor's position will remain with John Mason. In order to notify you all of details for the forthcoming Celebration Workshop and AGM in April 2009, John G has agreed to publish Quanta Magazines for August/September/October 2008, (a three month's issue), and November/December 2008/January 2009 (another three month's issue). This will bring us up to the end of Volume 25. He has also agreed to publish a Magazine for February/March 2009 which will be our Celebration Issue - QUANTA will be 25 years old in February 2009. End of Statement. Having resigned the position of Joint Editor in April 2008, I was able to take on other personal commitments which have been on the back burner for some considerable time. I was asked by Tony Hill to help out with the April/May 2008 issue due to his sickness and I found it very demanding with my new found commitments. When no response was received from Tony regarding the June/July 2008 issue, I once again squeezed another issue into my overcrowded schedule albeit published nearly two months late!! The situation seems to be ongoing and if QUANTA Members are to receive their Magazines on time and of a reasonable quality, a new Magazine Editor MUST BE FOUND by April 2009 as I cannot guarantee my time to continue to do this job after that date. Nominations should be sent to:- Sarah Gilpin - QUANTA Secretary as soon as possible please. All possible advice and support will be given to any new applicant. In the meantime, please bear with me while I try to get the information together for the next issue which I hope will be published by the end of this month (November 2008). Any material for inclusion into that issue (or any future issue) should be sent to me, John Gilpin - [EMAIL PROTECTED] or by post to the address inside the front cover of previous issues of QUANTA Magazine. Thank you all for your perseverance and co-operation. Kind regards, John Gilpin - QUANTA Joint Editor (still!!) On behalf of both myself and the QUANTA Committee. -- Malcolm Cadman ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.q-v-d.demon.co.uk/smsqe.htm
Re: [Ql-Users] Library Guide
In message [EMAIL PROTECTED], Dilwyn Jones [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes Hi Dilwyn, I may one, somewhere ... Was it supplied in binder of some type ? Just so I know what to look out for. Does anyone have an old printed Quanta Library Guide I could have or borrow? (for my collection). -- Malcolm Cadman ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.q-v-d.demon.co.uk/smsqe.htm
Re: [Ql-Users] QL Today Merry X-Mas
In message 49520229.2060...@j-m-s.com, SMSQ s...@j-m-s.com writes Hi Jochen, I received my copy today, 27th December 2008, in London. Thanks for the usual good service ... :-) Another interesting read. Perhaps with the News item, on Page 5 and Page 6, concerning Quanta sub group web sites ... my site should be nominated best English sub group site, and George Gwilt's site as best Scottish . :-) That way, as there is no other competition, we are both winners ! Seriously, though, the main Quanta web site is a very good start, by Dan Abott; and yet it does not appear to be regularly updated with relevant information as may be expected. Whilst updating my sub group web page I also discovered that the link to the main Quanta web site had also been changed, without any notice. Hi everybody, as I discovered in the past few days that letters within Europe take 10 days or longer (to arrive here), I would like to report that issue 2 of QL Today Volume 13 has been mailed to its readers 12th and 13th of December (as stated also on SMSQ.J-M-S.COM, news section). As I have had feedback from Germany and Belgium already, I expect it to have reached most or all of its readers. At least I hope so. The package to Roy went 10th of December to the UK, so all readers should have been served at the same time. Feedback is welcome and very important as we like to know what YOU prefer. Merry X-Mas and all the best for 2009, Jochen -- Malcolm Cadman ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.q-v-d.demon.co.uk/smsqe.htm
Re: [Ql-Users] QL Today Merry X-Mas
In message 156028.6073...@web65415.mail.ac4.yahoo.com, Andy Barber ac...@yahoo.com writes Hi Andy, The London Group is http://www.mcad.demon.co.uk/lquan.htm The retro computing page is also at http://www.mcad.demon.co.uk/retro1.htm The main Scottish Group, SQLUG, web site is http://www.jms1.supanet,com and a personal site for George Gwilt, with latest updates, is http://web.ukonline.co.uk/george.gwilt/ Can you post the URL's of both websites please? Regards Andy Barber From: Malcolm Cadman q...@mcad.demon.co.uk To: ql-us...@q-v-d.com Sent: Saturday, 27 December, 2008 17:05:24 Subject: Re: [Ql-Users] QL Today Merry X-Mas In message 49520229.2060...@j-m-s.com, SMSQ s...@j-m-s.com writes Hi Jochen, I received my copy today, 27th December 2008, in London. Thanks for the usual good service ... :-) Another interesting read. Perhaps with the News item, on Page 5 and Page 6, concerning Quanta sub group web sites ... my site should be nominated best English sub group site, and George Gwilt's site as best Scottish . :-) That way, as there is no other competition, we are both winners ! Seriously, though, the main Quanta web site is a very good start, by Dan Abott; and yet it does not appear to be regularly updated with relevant information as may be expected. Whilst updating my sub group web page I also discovered that the link to the main Quanta web site had also been changed, without any notice. Hi everybody, as I discovered in the past few days that letters within Europe take 10 days or longer (to arrive here), I would like to report that issue 2 of QL Today Volume 13 has been mailed to its readers 12th and 13th of December (as stated also on SMSQ.J-M-S.COM, news section). As I have had feedback from Germany and Belgium already, I expect it to have reached most or all of its readers. At least I hope so. The package to Roy went 10th of December to the UK, so all readers should have been served at the same time. Feedback is welcome and very important as we like to know what YOU prefer. Merry X-Mas and all the best for 2009, Jochen -- Malcolm Cadman ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.q-v-d.demon.co.uk/smsqe.htm -- Malcolm Cadman ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.q-v-d.demon.co.uk/smsqe.htm
Re: [Ql-Users] QL Today Merry X-Mas
In message 4958e49a.1030...@j-m-s.com, Jochen Merz jm...@j-m-s.com writes Hi Jochen, No chance, it seems, of a fast postal service then ... :-) I am sending Geoff Wicks and yourself my comments on a proposed new layout / version of QL Today by private email - as it contains attachments. Re - your closing article in Volume 13 Issue 2. Hi Malcolm, I received my copy today, 27th December 2008, in London. Fine. A few other readers received it today. There seems to be an inverse relation between price and speed (can you use the word speed for postal services, which take over 2 weeks to deliver?) ;-) Thanks for the usual good service ... :-) :-) Another interesting read. Indeed. Cheers Jochen ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.q-v-d.demon.co.uk/smsqe.htm -- Malcolm Cadman ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.q-v-d.demon.co.uk/smsqe.htm
Re: [Ql-Users] Online Quanta Subscriptions
In message 4960c5ed.3020...@dunbar-it.co.uk, Norman Dunbar nor...@dunbar-it.co.uk writes Dilwyn Jones wrote: pretty sure it wasn't any fault of Jochen's site, althouth the site did want to place a cookie on my computer that IE was blocking because I had opted for strict security settings at the time. Sorry, IE wouldn't know strict security if it leapt up and bit it on the backside! ;-) IE is 'part of' Windows (or so we are led to think by Bill) and as such, suffers from Windows own security problems. There is no security on a system which, since XP at least, has defaulted the one user with full admin rights to have no password and doesn't actually mention this fact in the user 'manual'. I have no experience of Vista, but my boss does and he says that it is still passwordless. Duh! Hi Norman, Happy New Year everyone. Happy New Year too ... Is it really not secure to have no password entrance to use a computer that is for personal use ? It is only with the advance of networked systems that password entrance have become the norm. Yet, it is not necessary for a single user home computer - even though I have configured Win XP on my personal PC with a password entrance. Even though no one else ever uses it ! -- Malcolm Cadman ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.q-v-d.demon.co.uk/smsqe.htm
Re: [Ql-Users] Online Quanta Subscriptions
In message 08288672-59e3-469a-ad80-e6f0babb5...@jdh-stech.com, James Hunkins j...@jdh-stech.com writes Hi Jim, Yes ... but only after you have logged yourself in, if connected to the internet in some way or other. Nice to hear from you again though ... :-) Any work taking place on QDT recently ? PS - I guess that Norman has fell asleep after the New Year festivities and forgotten his password ... :-) If your home computer is on the network, a password on your account can help decrease the possibility of a remote user/virus program from changing critical parts of your system. It all depends on the OS and how it is set up of coarse. In other words, the password doesn't only protect you from other nefarious people in your own house :) but more importantly from remote unauthorized users who can hack into your system by various methods. jim On 4-Jan-09, at 12:16 PM, Malcolm Cadman wrote: In message 4960c5ed.3020...@dunbar-it.co.uk, Norman Dunbar nor...@dunbar-it.co.uk writes Dilwyn Jones wrote: pretty sure it wasn't any fault of Jochen's site, althouth the site did want to place a cookie on my computer that IE was blocking because I had opted for strict security settings at the time. Sorry, IE wouldn't know strict security if it leapt up and bit it on the backside! ;-) IE is 'part of' Windows (or so we are led to think by Bill) and as such, suffers from Windows own security problems. There is no security on a system which, since XP at least, has defaulted the one user with full admin rights to have no password and doesn't actually mention this fact in the user 'manual'. I have no experience of Vista, but my boss does and he says that it is still passwordless. Duh! Hi Norman, Happy New Year everyone. Happy New Year too ... Is it really not secure to have no password entrance to use a computer that is for personal use ? It is only with the advance of networked systems that password entrance have become the norm. Yet, it is not necessary for a single user home computer - even though I have configured Win XP on my personal PC with a password entrance. Even though no one else ever uses it ! -- Malcolm Cadman ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.q-v-d.demon.co.uk/smsqe.htm
Re: [Ql-Users] Q-Talk Module
In message 496ba244.8040...@rwapservices.co.uk, Rich Mellor r...@rwapservices.co.uk writes Dilwyn Jones wrote: Does anyone know how to use the Q-Talk speech synthesizer - I have one here to test... -- Rich Mellor RWAP Services It was sold by Maxtronics RD in New Zealand. The only info I've been able to find on it was in Chris Adams' QL World database: QL World Dec 87 page 7 QL World May 88 page 30 and their adverts in issues at around that time. OK great - now all we need is someone with a copy of those magazines!! Hi Rich, There is a brief article in QL World Dec 87 page 7, about Qtalk. I can send you a photocopy of the page, if you wish. It states that there are 16 levels of programmable pitch, and more than 400 rules to convert text to speech. Together with an exception dictionary of 25,000 words, and the user can define their own exception table. It goes on to say that Qtalk is configured as standard output device. Requiring just 20K of RAM. Two games - Alien Hijack and Puzzle mania are also mentioned as being released with the device. The cost, at the time, was £88.50 including PP. The distributor was Chi-Soft, 20 Chandros Way, Welgarth Road, Hampstead, London NW11 7HF. The system was produced by Maxtronic RD Ltd, 26a Conway Street, Christchurch 2, New Zealand. The article in QL World May 88 page 30. Is a full review written by Ron Massey, and extends over 4 pages of the magazine. The product is described as Maxtronic Qtalk, and the source is given as Strong Computer Systems, Bryn Cottage, Carmarthen, Dyfed SA32 7DJ. Again, I can send you a photocopy of the pages, if you wish. Or, I could scan the relevant pages if that is more convenient for you. -- Malcolm Cadman ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.q-v-d.demon.co.uk/smsqe.htm
