• Tag Archives computers

  • Byte (September 1984)

    Posted on by Azrael Comment

    Source: Byte – September 1984

    This issue of Byte was a special issue emphasizing IBM. The IBM PC had been released a few years earlier and even in 1984, it wasn’t a given that the PC and DOS were going to take over the world. CP/M was still around with CP/M 86 having been introduced as well and even “compatible” PCs were not always that compatible yet. I think Byte did one of these IBM special issues (which also covered IBM’s larger systems as well) for a few years at least. The September 1984 issue of Byte includes:

    Introduction

    • IBM and its PCs – How IBM stepped into a void in a crowded market to provide the ability to address a lot of memory (for the time), an 80 column display, an open system architectures, and a good keyboard/word processing combo…a combination of features lacking in other systems. I find it interesting that this editorial calls the IBM PC the third major standard behind CP/M and the Apple II. Not sure how the Apple II gets that label as there were other machines nearly or in some cases more popular. The Apple II line (including the IIgs) sold 5-6 million machines, the TRS-80 line sold 2.5 million, Atari sold 4-5 million Atari 8-bit computers and the Commodore 64 sold 17-20 million Commodore 64s and I don’t think that number includes the compatible Commodore 128 that sold around 4 million. Granted, all of these systems were still in production when this issue was published so these numbers had not yet been reached.
    • IBM Personal Computers at a Glance – While there were a number of upgrades available, a basic IBM PC in 1984 included an Intel 8088 4.77MHz CPU, 256K RAM (max 640K), 360K 5.25-inch floppy drive, and five expansion slots for $1995. The IBM PC XT was very similar but included a 10 MB hard drive and eight expansion slots and cost $4395. The PCjr was IBMs attempt at a purely “home computer” and included only 64K (max 128K) and a terrible chicklet keyboard but included a built-in color adapter and cartridge slots (but no standard expansion slots). Finally, there was the IBM Portable PC which basically had the same specs as the IBM PC in a luggable form factor and built-in 9-inch amber monitor. Then there were specialized configurations designed for use with IBMs mainframes and other specialized machines.
    • Forecast: Market Dominance – IBM shipped 600,000 IBM PCs and XTs in 1983 and all signs were pointing to dominance by IBM in the personal computer market. It would take almost another decade before the IBM PC standard was essentially the only standard. Ironically, in another 10 years IBM would be exiting the personal computer business.

    Stalwarts

    • A Tale of Two Operating Systems – A comparison of Microsoft’s PC-DOS (which was at version 2.0 at this point) and IBM’s XT/370 OS.
    • The Future of UNIX on the IBM PC – A look at UNIX on the IBM PC (which was already available at the time).
    • Five Window Managers for the IBM PC – Before Microsoft Windows came to dominate, there were numerous other window managers that ran on top of DOS. This article includes a preview of five of them including DesQ, WindowMaster, VisiOn, Concurrent DOS, and of course Windows itself.
    • Two Logos for the IBM PC – A comparison of two implementations of Logo including one by Digital Research (DR Logo) and one by IBM (IBM Personal Computer Logo).
    • The Logical Record Keeper: PROLOG on the IBM PC – A look at a PROLOG implementation for the IBM PC based on DEC-10 PROLOG.
    • An Introduction to PC Assembly Language – A beginner’s guide to assembly language on the 8088. The only assembly language programming I ever did was on a 68000 in college. I understand that the 68000 is much nicer to program for in assembly than 8086/8088 CPUs and their derivatives.
    • Technical and Business Graphics on the IBM PC – Business graphics meant things like charts, graphs and presentation software. While most things are PowerPoint today, such “business graphics” were done with a combination of spreadsheet software, graphing software, and presentation software. Some of the software looked at here includes SuperCalc3, Lotus 1-2-3, GrafTalk, Business Graphics System, DR Graph and ChartMaster.
    • Word Processing Revisited – Reviews of the latest versions of WordStar, Word, pfs:Write, MultiMate, and FinalWord.
    • Six Database-Management Systems for the IBM PC – A comparison of six popular DBMSs for the PC including Condor 3 2.11, dBASE II 2.4A, R:base 4000 1.10, KnowledgeMan 1.06, C.I.P 1A, and pfs:file/pfs:report.
    • Evaluating 8087 Performance on the IBM PC – The 8087 is the optional math co-processor that works with the IBM PC and IBM PC XT (as well as some clones). This article evaluates its performance and even compares some functions on a Cray super computer (which was “only” 180 times faster in some cases).

    Extra Power for Special Needs

    • The IBM XT/370 Personal Computer – The XT/370 was a special version of the IBM PC XT that could operate as an XT personal computer, an interactive full screen terminal to a mainframe, or in a mode that can actually run System/370 programs.
    • Number Crunching on IBM’s New S9000 – The S9000 was based on the Motorola 68000 CPU and could use large amounts of RAM (2 MB or more). It was designed for scientific uses and this article evaluates its performance for use in nuclear magnetic resonance spectrometry.
    • The Mainframe Connection: IBM’s 3270 PC – The 3270 PC was a special version of the PC that included the high speed terminal interface for mainframes and could simultaneously run DOS programs.
    • Modems: The Next Generation – A comparison of some of the latest modems including the Prentice X100 POPCOM ($475), Hayes Smartmodem 1200B ($599), Bizcomp PC-Intellimodem ($499), Novation ACCESS 1-2-3 ($595), Cermetek INFO-MATE 212PC ($480), and Microcom ERA2 ($499). All support 1200bps.
    • Moving Data Between PCs and Mainframes – Today, moving data around is trivial. In the olden days, moving data between mainframes and personal computers could be more of a pain.
    • Testing for IBM PC Compatibility – There were many PC “compatible” machines by 1984. However, in the early days, compatibility could vary. Some machines were more compatible than others. This article presents two programs that can test for compatibility issues.
    • What’s New – CallText 5000 text-to-speech converter and telephone interface, Micro-Design hard drives (5 to 22 MB), RAM+6 multifunction card with real-time clock, Multi-Tech MultiModem, AST MPII 64K memory expansion and clock/calendar, Spellbinder, PortaAPL, Metafile 8.0, and much more.

    …and more!


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  • PC Magazine (August 20th, 1985)

    Posted on by Azrael Comment

    Source: PC Magazine – August 20th, 1985

    Next to PC World, PC Magazine was probably the most popular PC magazine of the 1980s and 1990s though it didn’t hang on quite as long. The August 20th, 1985 issue includes:

    Cover Story/Features

    • Word Processing: The Latest Word – A comparison of 18 word processors including WordStar Professional, Wordstar 2000, XyWrite II Plus, Word Perfect, Volkswriter Deluxe, Display Write and Display Write 3, Easy Writer II System, SuperWriter, Perfect Writer, Microsoft Word, MultiMate, Samna Word III, OfficeWriter, Textra, Spellbinder, Personal QWERTY, and PFS: Write. While Word destroyed most of these, at least Word Perfect is still around.
    • Software: Lexical Electronic Filing – A look at word oriented database managers designed to replace paper filing systems. A couple of software packages looked at here include ZyINDEX and OCRS.
    • 3-D Reconstruction: Seeing Beyond the Surface – A look at some of the uses of 3D visualization and the software that makes it possible. In this case, the software is called PC3D.
    • A Footnote to Word Processing – A look at software that combines support for footnotes and indexing with WYSIWYG editing. There is a review of three different word processors here including WordPerfect 4.0, XyWrite II-Plus, and WordStar 2000 Plus.
    • Gateway Software to the Information Stars – A look at gateway software that makes searching online databases simpler. These include Sci-Mate Universal Online Searcher, PC/NET-LINK, Searchmaster, and In-Search. They all assist with searching a different combination of online databases.
    • AT Multifunction Boards: The Fast Five – A look at five boards for the IBM AT that combines memory expansion with various other functions. These include the AST Advantage!, SMF/AT210, Grande Byte, Rio Grande, and Maestro.
    • Good Is Not Good Enough – A look at two new “laptop computers”. The Visual Commuter is more of a hybrid portable machine with an optional 25×80 LCD display, 2 5.25″ disk drives and 256K RAM for $2495 or 512K for $2935. The Datavue 25 features a 25×80 LCD, 1 5.25″ disk drive and 128 RAM for $2195 or 640K for $2795.
    • One Small plus for CPAs – A look at CPA+, an accounting package based on Lotus 1-2-3.
    • RS-232C LANs: A Basic Bargain – A look at two software packages, LANLink and EasyLAN, that let you use your PC’s RS-232 ports for networking.

    Columns/Departments

    • PC News – Windows (1.0) is ready for release; IBM announces workstations based on IBM AT; Panasonic introduces portable IBM PC compatible featuring 256K RAM, two floppy drives, 8087-2 coprocessor, and more for $2795; new memory expansion boards from Quadram and AST; 10MB hardcard; and more.
    • From the Editor’s Screen: Waiting for WYSIWYG – An editorial on WYSIWYG word processors and how they aren’t quite perfect yet.
    • Letters to PC – Letters from readers about software piracy, using multiple serial devices with one PC, making macros, and more.
    • The Norton Chronicles: Software Makes the PC – The importance of software in the value of a PC. A look at some of Peter Norton’s favorite software including Framework, Lotus 1-2-3, DOS PATH, PFS: Write, MultiMate, Word, SideKick and more.
    • Quantum Leap: The Gigabyte Age – Of course we’ve moved well past gigabytes at this point… A look at CD-ROM technology.
    • Computers In Society: The Republic of Technology – A new technology for taking orders at restaurants on handheld wireless terminals.
    • Programming: End Big Blue’s Backup Blues – A type-in program that creates BAC.COM, a backup program superior to the COPY and BACKUP commands in DOS.
    • Spreadsheet Clinic – Tips, tricks and solutions for using various spreadsheet software including Lotus 1-2-3 and more.
    • Power User – Patching WordStar to customize features, including an example. Also, tips for running WordStar from RAMdisk and more.
    • User-To-User – A type-in program for creating a master index of all the subdirectories on a drive.
    • New on the Market – The Merchandiser, a software package that combines point-of-sales, inventory control, and mailing list management; Peak Performance:Run, software for scheduling personal training; Life/Time Manager, software for managing your time; SongWright III, a PC based music processor; PC Commander, a DOS shell for navigating via menus; and much more.
    • PC Tutor – Questions answered about the differences between different iterations of the IBM PC, interrupts and BASIC, monitor noise, and more.

    …and more!


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  • PC World (August 2005)

    Posted on by Azrael Comment

    Source: PC World – August 2005

    In 2005, PC World was already in decline. It was covering more computer adjacent things such as digital camcorders and phones by this point. It wasn’t terrible…yet, but you could see where it was headed. The August 2005 issue includes:

    Cover Story

    • Reinvent Your PC – Computer upgrade tips including adding a SATA drive, using a RAID, increasing RAM (to at least 512MB!), upgrading to a dual-core CPU (at least if you are already using an Athlon 64), adding USB 2.0, adding a faster wi-fi card, upgrading to a better graphics card, and more.

    Features

    • Wireless Networking: Faster! Farther! – A test of six new wi-fi products including the Linksys Wireless-G Broadband Router and Wireless-G Notebook Adapter, the Belkin Wireless Pre-N Router and Wireless Pre-N Notebook Network Card, the Netgear Pre-N Wireless Router and Pre-N Wireless PC Card, the D-Link Super G MIMO Wireless Router, and more.
    • PC in a Browser – A look at various services that allow you to access your computer remotely including MyWebEx PC Pro, Citrix Online GoToMyPC 4.1, 3am Labs LogMeIn Pro, Laplink Everywhere 4, Pro Softnet RemotePC 3, and O1 Communique I’m InTouch 4.

    Top 100

    • Spotlight: DV Camcorders – A look at the latest in DV camcorders including the Sony DCR-DVD403 DVD Handycam ($840), Sony DCR-HC42 MiniDV HandyCam ($560), Panasonic PV-GS250 ($850), Canon Optura 60 ($730), Hitachi DZGX20A ($750), and the JVC GR-DF550US ($450). With the exception of optical zoom, the cheapest modern smartphone is far superior for recording video.
    • Top 15 Desktop PCs – The top “power system” this month is the Alienware Aurora 5500 featuring a 2.6 GHz Athlon 64 FX-55, 256MB ATI Radeon X800 Pro graphics, 320 GB hard drive, 19-inch NEC LCD monitor and more for $3500. At the top of the “value system” list is the IBM ThinkCentre A51p featuring a 3 GHz Pentium 4 530, 160GB hard drive, 64MB ATI Radeon X300 Pro graphics and 17-inch ThinkVision LCD monitor for $1592.
    • Top 15 Notebook PCs – The top “desktop replacement” laptop this month is the Acer TravelMate 8100 featuring a 2 GHz Pentium M 760 for $2299. The top “all-purpose” laptop is the HP Compaq Nc8230 featuring a 2 Ghz Pentium M 760 for $2244, and the top “ultraportable” is the Dell Inspiron 700m featuring a 1.8 GHz Pentium M 745 for $1567.
    • Top 10 DVD Drives – The top internal DVD drive this month is the Plextor PX-716A for $125 and the top external drive is the Plextor PX-716UF for $230.
    • More Reviews – The top PCI Express graphics board is the MSI RX850XT-VT2D256E with the top nVidia card coming in at number 4 with the PNY Verto GeForce 6800 GT. The top LCD monitor is the Sony SDM-HS95P.

    Departments

    • Up Front – Google’s index has reached 8 billion web pages and counting…back when an editor could say things like “To its credit, though, Google has a history of treating its users’ data with respect.” with a straight face.
    • Letters – Letters from readers about hardware torture tests, permission-based filtering, spyware, and more.
    • Hassle-Free PC – Tips for becoming invisible on instant messaging services, sending files through e-mail that get blocked, and making sure you have all the video codecs you need.
    • Full Disclosure – Strategies for making sure you have your important files backed up.

    News & Trends

    • Longhorn Roundup – A preview of what would ultimately become Windows 7.
    • Apple/Intel: The PC Perspective – News on Apple’s switch to Intel processors.
    • Low-Cost Broadband From Cities Blocked – Cable and DSL providers square off against cities that want to offer broadband access to residents.
    • GPS Phones: New Ways to Find Places – Modern smartphones still weren’t a thing yet but devices such as the BlackBerry, Motorola i830, and others were starting to include GPS capabilities and mapping services.
    • Plugged In – Info on what will be in Office 12 (Office 2007), the ECS PF88 Extreme motherboard which supports both Intel and AMD CPUs, new internet radio services, and more.

    New Products

    • Anti-Spyware Utilities – A look at the latest spyware protection including CounterSpy 1.5, Spy Sweeper 4, and ZeroSpyware 2005.
    • LCD Monitor – The Samsung Syncmaster 242mp, a 24-inch LCD monitor featuring a TV tuner for $1700.
    • HP’s First 64-Bit-Ready Business PC – A look at the HP DX5150 featuring a 2.2 GHz Athlon 64 3500+ CPU for $915.
    • Online Calendar – The OneCalendar online calendar from Trumba.
    • Photo Printer – Epson’s PictureMate Deluxe Viewer Edition photo printer.
    • Web Browser – Netscape 8.
    • Online Music Service – Yahoo Music Unlimited.

    Digital World

    • TV Recorders – Modern ways to record your favorite TV shows, including DirecTV DVR with TiVo, DVR from Comcast, the MOXI set-top DVR cable box, and more.
    • Digital Audio – New satellite radio devices such as the Sirius Starmate, Tivoli Audio Model Satellite, Pioneer AirWare, Tao XM2go, and more.
    • Gadget Freak – All about becoming a podcaster.

    Here’s How

    • Hardware Tips – Tips for making a backup of your hard drive.
    • Internet Tips – Creating a mobile internet suite on a flash drive.
    • Windows Tips – Fixing bad folder behavior in windows file explorer.
    • Photo Printer Tips – Tips for getting good photo prints cheaply and keeping your photo printer running smoothly.
    • Answer Line – Questions answered about preventing viruses from disabling your protection, reading CDs that have become unreadable, and more.

    …and more!


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