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P.O. BOX 14 order today. KELLER, TEXAS 76248 (817)498-4242 MC/VISA
-I- trademark Tandy Corp
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Now Copy files From TRS-80 to PC/MS DOS or CPM and BACK with SuperCROSS/XT!
Did you just get a new Model 1000,1200, or PC? How about CP/M? Just get that? Now with SuperCROSS/XT you can COPY your files TO or FROM 70 different DOS formats direct disk to disk! You can also FORMAT an alien disk, display the DIRectory or KILL files. Fully MENU driven with plenty of on-line HELP available! Very easy to operate in today's computer environment, especially for non-programmers.
GREAT new features make SuperCROSS/XT the transfer system of choice:
*"FOREIGN-TO-FOREIGN" file transfers for the first time!! No longer a two step operation! Setup two different DOS formats in two different drives ala SU+ for COPYing files back and forth.
*MASS FILE TRANSFERS! Now features a new TAG feature which allows you to "mark" any number of files for COPYing or KiLLing!
♦CONFIGURE for the DOS you COPY from most, for faster automatic startup time!
SKIP command for reading or writing a 40 track disk in an 80 track drive!
PowerSOFT presents the state-of-the-art-file transfer program for use on the TRS-80! SuperCROSS/XT is designed to allow you to move DATA and program files freely between your own TRS-80 and DOS formats of other computers. You can now do this with SuperCROSS/ XT and your existing hardware, eliminating modems, wires, and terminal program transfers. SuperCROSS/XT runs as a /CMD file under your TRS-80 operating system and will allow you to COPY files back and forth between different operating systems. You may format on a foreign disk in your TRS-80 and COPY files to it that can be read by, for example a Model 1000, a KAYPRO or an IBM PC. Note that machine language programs, although transferable, will NOT run due to the difference in microprocessor chips used in the different machines.
You can copy BASIC, PASCAL. FORTRAN, C, or other high level language programs, and run them with little modification, unless they make extensive use of graphics, or have machine language calls. CNVBASIC/CMD, available separately, will make most of the syntax and spacing changcs required for converting Model I/I 11 BASIC programs for use on other systems. Data files, spreadsheet files, and text files can also be usefully moved between machines. If you use or have the same Visicalc or Multiplan on the TRS-80, you can use the same files on other machines! These spreadsheet files are directly con vertable to 123 and other calc-type programs. Of course, the combinations and possibilities are endless, and the flexibility is ALL there with SuperCROSS/XT!
DOS Formats Supported MS-DOS variations include MS-DOS 1.0, 2.0/2.1 single or double-sided (IBM and most compatibles), and Tandy 2000. CP/M variations include most well known single and double-sided formats including Tandy's 3.0+. Montezuma Micro 2.2 (all versions). Holmes and 60 others including: ALTOS. C'ROMEMCO, DEC. EAGLE. EPSON. HP 125. CP/M 86, KAYPRO. LNW-80. LOBO MAX-80, MORROW, NEC, OSBORNE, OTRONA, SANYO, SU-PERBRAIN, TELETEK, TELEV1DEO, TRS-80, LIFEBOAT/I, OM-ICRON/I. HOLMES/3, HURRICANE COMPACTOR/3, SHUFFLEBOARD/3, XEROX. ZENITH-HEATH, and 8" standard CP/M. *Of course double-sided drives are required for reading DS disks. Use SS for transfers, if needed.
If you use another computer besides your TRS-80 at work or home-you need SuperCROSS/XT so call or write, but order today! Only $99.95. Check, VISA/Mastercard or COD accepted. Please add $3 for shipping/handling ($2 additional for COD). Foreign orders please add $10 for AIRMAIL.
SuperCROSS/XT..............................................$99.95
(Please specifv Model I-DD/III, 4/4P, or MAX-80 version)
CNVBASIC/CMD (CONVERT BASIC for Mod 1/III/4)......$29.95
Converts I/I 11 BASIC programs for use on MS-DOS, CP/M, or Mod 4!
If ordered WITH SuperC ROSS get BOTH programs for only.......................................................$119.95
PowerSOFT Products 17060 Dallas Parkway, Suite 114 Dallas, TX 75248
(214)733-4475
All trademarks are the properties of the companies represented.
You need to know two things about computer bulletin boards before you pick up your phone and start dialing away:
1. Hundreds of informative and entertaining BBSes are now available.
2. You could very well die before you find them.
The problem with accessing bulletin boards is that most BBS phone lists sire outdated before the ink is dry. Many of the numbers listed aren't valid, or have been changed, or are wrong. And many boards are no longer operating.
More important, most lists don't tell you about each board's focus. Calling a BBS is often like going to a movie you've never heard of—you don't know what to expect. It might appeal to your interests, but chances are it won't.
To help you out, we surveyed the thousands of boards currently operating, and came up with a list of those we found most interesting and useful.
How to Pick a Board
The type of board you'll choose to frequent depends on your needs. BBSes fall into three general categories:
• Local boards. These are usually for the immediate community and often include want ads, local news, and general messages. Most are for computerists with all types of machines, and serve as an exchange for general computer-related information. Their advantages are that they can put you in touch with people in your area who have similar interests, and you won't get a big long-distance phone bill every month.
• System-specific boards. You'll find these mostly in larger urban areas with enough users of a particular microcomputer to support a board dedicated to their interests. These can range from simple message systems (like the Wilmington-80 BBS) to boards with extensive data base files (like the TCUG board in Washington, D.C.). If you don't live near such a board, the data base files and technical expertise of other users can justify membership and the cost of a weekly call. • Special-interest boards. These are devoted to a particular interest, often not computer-related, such as amateur radio or photography. They can also be for the employees of a particular company or users of a specific product. Many computer and software manufacturers have boards.
Now for Our Choices
After a two-week orgy of calling somewhere around 500 BBSes, we chose to highlight the following systems. We could easily have called another 500, but we had to draw the line somewhere. We therefore recognize that we've most likely missed some good boards. If you have one you particularly recommend, let us know.
Our criteria for choosing a board were simple: Was it useful and did we enjoy it? You'll find a range of BBSes in this list, from one-drive systems with limited data bases to large national boards with registration fees. Some provide highly useful information and programs, others are just for fun. Most have been around for a while, have friendly and cooperative sysops, and are easy to use. (While many of the boards use homebrew software, a number run with commercially available and public-domain programs: the Table provides a list of such software.)
Finally, on p. 41, you'll find a complete list of BBS numbers from around the country. If you don't like our choices, maybe you can find something there that's more to your taste.
by Bradford N. Dixon and Eric Maloney
80 takes a look at some of the more unique bulletin boards around and gives you the penultimate BBS guide, with over 1,850 listings.
On the Boards
Software
AMIS ABBS Bullet-80 CBBS
Commnet-80 Conference Tree Connection-80
FidoNet
Forum-80 Greene Machine
Kandy Shack
TBBS (The Bread Board System)
Towne Crier RBBS
System
Atari. Apple.
TRS-80 Model I/III. A first generation system.
Many systems. See CBBS Chicago in main text.
TRS-80. Another older system.
Genera] interest. Very difficult to use: we avoid them.
Mostly TRS-80, although we ran across some IBM PC Con-
nection-80's.
IBM PC. Started out as an experiment in packet-switching; users can send messages to other FidoNet boards. TRS-80 Model I/III. Another golden oldie. TRS-80. Based on the Radio Amateur Telecommunications System (RATS). Original board in Atlanta is still running (404-972-7947).
Based on Greene Machine system. Headquarters is in Riverside, CA (714-354-8004).
TRS-80. MS-DOS, CP/M. Second-generation system, much more powerful than Bullet-80 or Forum-80. Originally for TRS-80s. but many TBBS boards are general- or special-interest.
Saturday Software's dirt-cheap TRS-80 system. IBM PC.
Table. Commercial and public-domain software for BBSes.
Astronomer's BBS
Titusville, FL 305-268-8576
Sysop: Not available. Hardware: IBM PC. Software: RBBS.
If you're serious about astronomy, this is the BBS for you. Its affiliations include the Coalition to Achieve Non-Detrimental Lighting (CANDL), the Central Florida Astronomical Society, the Southeast Region of the Astronomical League, the Independent Space Research Group, and the International Amateur/Professional Photoelectric Photometry Association.
The board features an extensive data base of astronomy-related programs and text files, as well as data bases for astro-photography; communications; math, science, engineering, and ham radio: finance, stocks, and management; graphics; Pascal: and variable stars and novae. Computer-related material is mostly for MS-DOS machines.
Bullet-80 Headquarters
Anaheim, CA 714-530-4765
Sysop: Joe Simon. Hardware: Model I with three drives. Software: Bullet-80.
Like Forum-80 (see below), Bullet-80 is a first-generation system that now seems a bit antiquated. Many Bullet-80 boards work on Model I's and Ills with limited storage, thus restricting the number of files available for downloading. What they lack in sheer power, though, they make up for in simplicity and ease of use. And just as important, they tend to be TRS-80 specific, which is rare in a world dominated by IBM and Apple. This is the original Bullet-80 system, up since 1978, and is run by the software's author, Joe Si mon. It includes a classified ads section (it features everything from CP/M cards to Mustangs to bullwhips), a message board, and a modest data base of TRS-80 programs (registration required: see Photo 1).
Bullet-80s have dwindled in number and don't provide the services of more recent systems. But if you're a I/III/4 owner and have one in your area, we recommend you check it out.
CBBS Chicago
Chicago, IL 312-545-8086
Sysops: Ward Christensen and Randy Suess. Hardware: North Star Horizon, hard disk, UDS 212A/D modem, Scitron-ics clock board. Software: CBBS.
Many folks call Ward Christensen the father of BBSes. This is his original board, now over seven years old. It's not for the faint-hearted; it's for the "more advanced, technical hobbyist." Suggested topics include C, Assembly language, artificial intelligence. programming techniques, and communications, with a special emphasis on CP/M, MS-DOS, and Unix operating systems. This is a message system, and it has more messages than you could read in a day (see Photo 2). While much of the material doesn't relate directly to TRS-80s, the users of this board possess a wealth of technical expertise, and many of the exchanges should pique the experienced computerist's curiosity. Even if you're a novice, you'll find the Chicago CBBS interesting and informative.
One important note: The possibility exists that the board has changed its phone number by the time you read this. If you can't get through, try calling 312-849-1132.
CBBS/BECS (Boeing Employees' Computing Society)
Bellevue, WA 206-772-3134
Sysop: Bill Hunter. Hardware: S.D. Systems system with two 8-inch double-sided. double-density drives. Heath H19 terminal. U.S. Robotics Autodial 212A modem. Software: CBBS.
This is a fine example of a BBS set up for company employees. While it's primarily for BECS members, "others are welcome to use the system in moderation as guests." We like the message board—it's casual but has lots of good information. The last time we were on, topics included software quality control, RS-232 technical specs, Ada, Forth, Pascal, and Unix. We also saw lots of equipment for sale. The download section includes mostly MS-DOS software.
Cleveland Forum-80
Cleveland. OH 216-486-4176
Sysop: Ray Furlong. Hardware: Model I with one drive. Penrel DCD modem. Software: Forum-80.
A Model I with one drive! That was enough to persuade us to include this board.
Forum-80s are a dying breed, perhaps because of their limited capacity, but they're enjoyable and useful. We like this one because of its openness and relaxed atmosphere. It also has a number of useful files in its 57-item data base. These include PPL/BAS, a professional program lister; Terminal/BAS, a Model III Basic terminal program: The Creator, Bruce Tonkin's program generator: MICROHIS/TXT. an essay on the history of the microcomputer: Compress/BAS. a program compressor: Tollfree/TXT. a list of manufacturers' toll-free numbers; and SIXTWO/TXT. an explanation of the differences between TRSDOSes 6.1 and 6.2.
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