







   Hello Adamites!

   The purpose of this newsletter is to help inform Adam
users about our products, and different ways that our
products can be used. We would really appreciate articles
submitted by Walters Software product owners on how they're
using our products. The more ways you can use a product, the
more valuable it becomes. If you would like to submit an
article for the newsletter (just a few paragraphs), please
send it to Walters Software in SmartWriter format on disk if
possible, anything would be appreciated.

The Label Works

   We have just released The Label Works. This program is
written entirely in Z80 machine code using our new SmartDSK
operating system. The new system includes a more compacted
standard system, (7K), ramdisk, printer drivers, screen
routines and related routines. The Label Works is the first
program to use our new file folder, the folder has a 3D look
and when selecting the next catalog it changes to resemble
the next folder. The file name is highlighted making it very
easy to see the file being selected. If you forget to insert
a disk/D.D.P. before trying to select a device the smartkey
won't be displayed, no problem, just insert the media and
the smartkey will light up. The main purpose of The Label
Works is to give the Adam user the ability to create
professional looking labels using a dot matrix printer. Four
type styles are available, elite, italized, expanded, and
compressed. A clip art picture can also be included with
standard labels.

The Vase of Turr

   The Vase of Turr, our first adventure game, is
progressing very well, should be finished some time this
fall. We also plan a special surprise with the release of
this game, to the best of my knowledge it has never been
done before. Watch For Details!












Upgrades

   Printer drivers for The Print Works are available for the
Epson RX-80, Epson MX-III and IBM Proprinter. The IBM
drivers have been upgraded, 6/15/89. All SmartDSK programs
upgraded 11/8/88, operating system. SmartDSK III utilities
upgraded 4/26/88. The Label Works (#1-#14) 6/28/89, few bugs
in program. Double Disk Formatter upgraded to Formatter II.
Some upgrades can be done with a block editor like SmartDSK
III's Toolkit, but most require you to send the original
media to Walters Software Co. Contact us for instructions to
upgrade your software.

Software Backups

    Some users have the idea that copyprotection of a
software product is to keep them from obtaining a backup.
This is not correct, copyprotection is to protect our hard
work from software pirates,  we will provide a backup for
any software product we produce for a small fee. This also
includes a lifetime warranty, and one free replacement no
matter what caused the failure. We also bend the rules for
special situations. The main reasons we don't include a
backup with the package is it would raise the retail price,
and gives the purchaser a reason to return the warranty
card. Several users have expressed their concern about
keeping the prices down. Most users never have any problems
and a disk can last several years even under heavy use. I
also know of no other companies that include a backup with
the package, and most charge at least $10.00.

Copy Protection

    Another question that has been asked alot, is why does
some software companies use copyprotection and some don't.
There are several reasons why, I will try to explain why we
decided to. First we feel it isn,t right for an honest
person to pay hard earned money for a software package when
a dishonest person receives one for free from a friend. We
also need more time to receive a return for our investment
because of the small amount of Adam users. I have also been
told by some Adam users that they would not purchase a
product that is copyprotected. This does not hurt us as much
as it does the Adam users, and would force us to develop
software for another computer. We really like our Adam
computers and hope you continue to purchase our software. We
always welcome your views on this subject.













SmartDSK III

    Adam users are always looking for short cuts, here is
one I use every day. Once you load SmartDSK III it will stay
in memory untill you pull the computer reset switch, turn
off your computer or have a system crash. To use other
programs like AutoBackup or PrBoot from SmartBASIC, first
remove all medias from your drives. Insert the program to be
used, then type (CALL 64560) and push the return key. This
will boot the program without having to load SmartDSK III
again. You can also use PrBOOT to boot a program from the
ramdisk after loading it with AutoLoad. A modification to
SmartDSK is available to put any self booting program like
PrBoot, SmartBasic 1 and 2, SuperBASIC (P.D.), AutoLoad,
AutoSave, ect., on the same media as SmartDSK III. This
eliminates booting SmartDSK III before booting the program
you wish to use. You can also boot any program that uses the
SmartDSK III operating system from, The Print Works,
Formatter II, or The Label Works. Remove all medias from
your drives, insert the program to be used, select the EOS
option from the Exit screen. Again this eliminates booting
SmartDSK III before booting a program. This is called
keeping programs compatible and easier to use, we are
working hard at Walters Software Co. to make using your Adam
more enjoyable.

Ramdisks

   Ramdisks are great, they are the fastest way to access
utility programs or store data files. They also save
considerable wear and tear on a drive. Have you ever Purged
a media that had a deleted file near the beginning of the
catalog, followed by 40 or 50 files. This can take several
minutes, but not in the ramdisk. Copy the disk or d.d.p. to
the ramdisk then Purge it, then copy it back to the media.
Also, if you plan to copy a disk or d.d.p. to several other
medias, the best way is to copy it to the ramdisk and use it
as the source to copy to your other medias. SmartDSK is the
only ramdisk that will do this, our first ramdisk (RAMDSK)
and others use block zero as a buffer. This means that if
you copy a block of data to block zero it will be destroyed
as soon as you use the ramdisk. This is one reason why
SmartDSK is so superior.














Utility Cartridge

   We are looking at making a utility cartridge for the
Adam. This will give you the ability to pull the cartridge
reset switch and have a complete set of utilities available.
The utilities would use the same format as our Formatter II
program. Drop us a line if you are interested.

Memory expander test

   I have just finished a 256K sip test program for E. & T.
Software. He has found a source for sips that are cheaper,
but need tested. If everything works out, look for Megaram
prices to come down.

Catalogs and Flyers

    Catalogs and flyers are available from Walters Software,
send us a note as to what your interests are and a business
size self address, stamped envelope.

   If you would like to receive this newsletter, all you
have to do is send a Self-Address, stamped envelope to
Walters Software Co., if you have purchased a Walters
Software product in the last six months you will receive one
automatically. User groups that wish to use articles from
this newsletter in there own, can receive it on disk by
contacting Walters Software Co. for more information.

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