It seems the old DOS operating system won't be left behind after all as we venture into the new millennium. IBM has recently updated PC DOS, its version of the Disk Operating System, to correct some Year 2000-related problems found in previous versions. IBM considers the new PC DOS 2000 as the way to go for many business and home users who still rely on DOS as their main operating system. Both Microsoft and Novell stopped updating their stand-alone versions of DOS a few years back. Since none of the older versions of DOS by Microsoft or Novell have been tested well for Y2K-compliance, IBM is encouraging DOS users to consider PC DOS 2000. The embedded version of DOS that comes with Windows 95 and 98 should not be affected by the 2000 bug, since DOS is an intricate part of those operating systems. Windows 3.1 users, who need a stand-alone DOS to boot up their systems, might have to keep an eye on their DOS in the next few years, though.
Our plans for a JAVA game got "pushed" back an issue. We'll try to have our first JAVA game, Push Box, featured on issue #50. Push Box should be a big hit with the Sokoban fans out there, since it's based on the same concept -- pushing objects to their proper locations. If you thought Sokoban was hard, wait till you try Push Box. The crates in Sokoban have been replaced by SIX new objects -- surgeons, anesthesiologists, nurses, wheelchairs, surgical tables, and gurneys. And these new objects have different destination areas as well! Here's a partial screen shot of one level to show you what you're up against...
You're the Orderly at the bottom of the screen near the gurney. To advance to the next level, you have to push all the hospital personnel and equipment to their proper locations. Take note that the gurney is longer than the other objects and sometimes requires a special flipping maneuver to alter its course. "The gurneys add a lot to the game," adds James Simms, lead programmer on Push Box and co-developer of Alien Rampage. The beta version is in Quality Assurance undergoing some vigorous testing as I write. :) Look for Push Box on one of the next few issues -- maybe #50.
This month's movie features a special appearance by our own Jim Weiler. Tom was in search of the perfect voice for the Christmas elf when Weiler happened by the Art Department one day. A quick audition and Weiler had the part hands down. Besides doing great elf impersonations, Weiler's an adept photographer as well. You can check out some of his work in the Scenic Wallpaper section of the Enhancements.
The demo for this month is a new version of our highly-acclaimed Screen Saver Studio. The Screen Saver Studio guys have spent the last several months updating this great program with some often requested features like GIF and JPG support.
Screen Saver Studio Deluxe 3.0.2 has the following new features:
The demo version of Screen Saver Studio Deluxe 3.0.2 is fully functional except for the "Build" button, which is disabled. The Build button takes all the information in your screen saver project file and builds the actual screen saver (SCR file). Other than that, you can access all other functions, save your updated project files, and preview your results within the demo. And... if you buy a full version of Screen Saver Deluxe later on, you can reload all the project files you've created and save them as actual screen savers.
First up is Nexus, which is probably best described as a cross between Tetris(TM) and Connect 4(TM). You have to maneuver pieces on a board as they appear to create lines at least 5 pieces in length. Another game on the issue that requires more logic to solve is Brain Cell. It's a traditional logic puzzle where you try to correctly fill in a grid with data based only on a few given statements. Next up is Address Book, the easy way to keep track of all those important contacts. PolyMine is a great adaptation of the old Mine Sweeper(TM) game. And Shoot rounds out the issue. It's a new implementation of those classic artillery games -- set your coordinates, aim, and shoot! Shoot uses DirectX technology to create 3-D battlefields. The DirectX libraries are included on this CD and can be installed from this issue's Launch Pad.
And the winners are... Click Here
The DownloadStore "back door" for November 1998 is at
http://softdisk.downloadstore.com/special/
Come through that door and you'll automatically save 20% off the regular price of any software program you download.
Enjoy the Issue
John Zucco
Technical Editor
Softdisk for Windows
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