Is the Free ISP dead?
Many PC users are finding that the so called "free" ISP's such as LibertySurf, Breathe, and 24-7 are pulling the plug on some users for abusing the system by staying connected online, which the ISP's consider too long.
A lot of users have been given very little warning, just a curt e-mail telling them that their pattern of staying online for hours on end is a breach of their contract and in some cases have had their accounts closed pronto.
I have been looking for such a "free" ISP for my laptop and it pays to read the small print as a time limit is being set by some ISP's at 2 hours continuous usage. This also seems to apply to some users that had paid up front for unlimited access during evenings and week ends, only to find similar conditions apply of a 2 hour limit, so beware if you are thinking of taking this road even if you have the hunble Atari and connect through a "free" ISP
Some companies are rebranding the services offered such as a cheap annual fee of ukp10, but limit you to 4 hours free access per month. Others are going for a different approach of a ukp90 annual fee, and it has to be said that by paying an annual fee to an ISP, generally does give you a better service.

Matthew Bacon of Cadenza Software who released such programs as Auto Clock, EncrypSTer, Print IT, LockOUT and various others has closed due to Matthew's lack of spare time to devote to this venture. Matthew has decided to release all of the previous back issues of the Cadenza Software catalogue, and these can be seen at Cadenza Software Support for registered users will continue at the above site

Matthew is not leaving the Atari scene, and has in fact been developing a new online magazine with Shiuming Lai which is called MyAtari details can be found at MyAtari

No doubt regular readers will have noticed that the magazine Computer Shopper has been revamped and in consequence has dropped the Cross Platform section on Atari, don't feel to bad as the Amiga section has also been abandoned.

Thanks to Maurice Collins for his page over the many years in keeping us Atarians informed of news and developments and of course answering the many questions posed to him.

Milan 2 launched - new machine will be built in Europe by the electronic giant Motorola who also happen to make the "chip" for this new machine, the MC68060 which can be clocked at either 66MHz or 80MHz

What is also new for this machine is the USB (Universal Serial Bus) system that allows up to 127 other USB devices to run from a single port you will of course require several interconnecting USB hubs should you ever find that you actually wanted 127 devices to run in the first place

It isn't quite the state-of-the-art as the P.C.'s USB "Plug and Play" at present though. Once the TOS problem is sorted out it will mean that you will have a far greater choice of add ons, such as printers, WebCams, which is a move in the right direction.

If you want to know more of the the machine and the specs, go visit the Milan website, it's an excellent site and they have even listed which current items of software are compatible.

http://www.milan-computer.de/

Although Atari Computing has ceased publication they still have a sales catalogue available of CD ROMS, software of Applications, Special, Music and Games. Most of the Atari Computing magazines are also still available along with Mouse Mats and Dust Covers.
Check the site at publish@cix.co.uk for availability, or write to
Renagade Publishing Ltd
Y2000CS
42 Larch Hill
Handsworth
Sheffield. S9 4AJ

FaST Club are to relaunch ST Applications in a new A4 format with 4 issue per year being proposed. January - April - July and October.
Drop them a line for more info
FaST Club
P O Box 101
Nottingham. NG2 7NN
Who's in and who's out

OUT - Floppyshop ceased serving the Atari community in January 1999

OUT - Meon Valley B.B.S.

OUT - Tavern B.B.S.

IN - Keiths Point B.B.S. Open 24 hours, based in Nottingham. Tel (+44) 1332 662988 but please check the number, possibly needs a 0 inserted before 1332 IN - Circle B.B.S. Tel 01670 812 192 NOTE this is a Ring Back service and operates differently from other bulletin boards. Ring the number and let it ring once, then hang up. Wait 15 - 20 seconds then ring the number again and the board will have had time to load it's program.

IN - 10's Spot P.D.L. available either from the web site or by mail from Richard Clark at rich10.hel@zetnet.co.uk

IN - The Andromeda Galaxy B.B.S. Tel: 0148 9690786

IN - The Druid B.B.S. Tel: 01745 571740

IN - Cider Country B.B.S. - Tel: +44 117 955 3421 - Ken Hughes also runs the Contax ST\64 holds a large base of Games\Utilities - mail Ken Hughes at Ken.Hughes@cidercountry.nildram.co.uk

ST PLUS FANZINE

Another change has taken place with regards to the fanzine ST Plus. Richard Clark the past Editor (who is running the 10's Spot P.D.L.) has due to work commitments handed over the running of the fanzine to Kevin (AtariMad) Jones, it would appear at present that Kevin is undecided if the fanzine is to remain in it's paper format, or to be a web based edition as ST+ htmlzine.

ATARI APPLICATIONS

The latest relaunched edition of ST Applications now called Atari Applications has been released (Issue 78\Spring) and well worth a look. For a copy and details contact stclub@cix.co.uk or visit the web site at www.cix.co.uk/~stclub/

AMS 2000

The AMS 2000 show at Bingley Hall, Staffordshire Showground took place again this year on Saturday 11th November 2000, did anybody visit the show, would be interested to hear what you thought of the show and the Atari presence. Look out for the next show, sometime next month (April 2001)


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