Source: Byte – May 1993

Byte was probably the best multi-format computer magazines from the 1970s all the way until the early 1990s. Byte’s coverage tended to be a little more technical that other mainstream magazines. The May 1993 issue includes:

Cover Story

• Intel Launches Rocket in a Socket – An introduction to Intel’s new Pentium processor. At introduction, the fastest Pentium (66 MHz) was about twice as fast as the 486 DX2-66. The first systems would be announced in May but these would be mostly expensive workstation and server class machines. More affordable Pentium systems wouldn’t really be available until 1994.

News

• Microbytes – Researchers build first general purpose optical computer, first Mac clones, British company develops 1 GB CDs, plug and play for ISA, and more.

• First Impressions: AutoCAD Draws on Windows – A look at AutoCAD Release 12 which was the first version for Windows (3.1).

• A Heavy-Hitting Unix for PCs – A first look at Solaris 2.1 for Intel based PCs.

• NetWare 4.0 – A look at the latest version of NetWare which was a network based OS. Windows and Linux server OS variants have since taken over the tasks NetWare used to do.

• Canon’s NoteJet 486 – An interesting 486 based laptop that includes a built-in printer.

• HP LaserJet 4Si and HP LaserJet 4Si – Reviews of two network laser printers from HP.

• PagePlus 2.0 – Review of a low cost desktop publishing package.

• Compel – A review of presentation software with multimedia features.

• Painter 2.0 – An art program for Windows.

• What’s New – The DTR-1, a handheld 486SLC based computer that runs DOS and Windows 3.1 with a pen interface; Tangent and Diamond Technologies releases PCs with both EISA and VLB interfaces; PST-MO128 rewritable magneto-optical drive; two new color scanners; SmartLink V.32bis Fax Modem; VIP-C programming environment for the Mac; Magic 5.0 visual application development system; POET object-oriented database for C++; and much more.

Features

• Oberon: A Glimpse of the Future – A look at an object-oriented operating system.

State of the Art

• Should Encryption Be Regulated – I always thought this was a dumb debate. The answer is obviously no. Otherwise encryption isn’t very useful.

• Stealth Virus Attacks – A look at new viruses that use stealth to attack network computers.

• Resource Guide: Virus Protection for Networks – An overview of available anti-virus software.

Reviews

• Lab Report: Hands-On Testing 126 Printers – A massive survey of dot-matrix, laser, ink-jet, and portable printers.

• Making the MPC Upgrade – A look at ten different kits to make your PC multimedia compliant as well as complete multimedia systems. Upgrade kits generally included a sound card, CD-ROM drive and sometimes speakers.

• Personable PIMs – An overview of Personal Information Managers. These days, everybody uses Outlook and/or their phones for these tasks.

• Banyan’s “StreetTalk for NetWare” – Software designed to simplify administration of multiserver NetWare networks.

• Windows Video Recorders – A look at video capture cards for windows from AITech, Matrox, Creative Labs and others. These cost between $500 and $1500 and peaked at 320×240 resolution.

• Tape Backup on the Go – A look at four portable (external) tape backup drives including the Colorado Jumbo Trakker 250, Iomega Tape250, Micro Solutions Backpack, and SDI Model 250P.

• Lotus 1-2-3 Release 3.4 for DOS – The latest iteration of this spreadsheet software that was arguably the first killer app for computers.

Hands On

• Under the Hood: Computing on Wheels – A look at the latest computer technology being used in cars.

• Some Assembly Required: The Power of Inheritance – A tutorial for using multiple inheritance in C++ programs.

• Beyond DOS: Getting a Handle on Windows NT – A look at Microsoft’s new Windows NT operating system from a developer’s point of view.

Opinions

• User’s Column: Once More into the Breach – Commentary on protectionism, plus a look at UPSes, Intel OverDrive processor, and more.

• Stop Bit: Losing the Human Edge – An article on how computers are getting better than humans at games.

• Letters – Letters from readers on topics such as OS/2, the trend towards GUIs, computer language translation, and more.

…and more!