Page - 1

ADAM S ALIVE

AN INDEPENDENT MONTHLY ADAM NEWSLETTER

DECEMBER 1987 	$3.50

PUBLISHED BY E.& T. SOFTWARE

Page - 2

ADAM'S ALIVE: DECEMBER 1987 ISSUE #1

INDEX

THE EDITORS DESK - 3
ADAM NEWS - 3
EXPANDING YOUR ADAM - 4
OFFICE COMPUTING - 5
LETTERS - 6
BEGINNING SMARTBASIC - 12
EXPLORING CP/M - 14

REVIEWS

ALCAZAR - 7
ROCKN BOLT - 8
BIG MEMORY BOARDS - 8
MegaDISK - 8
EXRAMpack I - 9
Uncle Ernies Toolkit - 10

ADAM'S ALIVE is published monthly by E.  & T. SOFTWARE. Subscrip-
tion  rates  are $20.00 per year (12 issues) in the USA and  it's 
possessions, and $28.00 per year in CANADA and all foreign count-
ries.  A  six  month subscription is $11.00 in the USA  and  it's 
possessions,  and $15.00 in CANADA and all foreign countries. All 
payments MUST be made in US funds,  payable to E.  & T. SOFTWARE. 
Send to E. & T. SOFTWARE 1010 WESTMINSTER, GARLAND, TX 75040. For 
assistance or ordering information, call (214) 414-8156.

EDITOR: Ed Jenkins ASS. EDITOR: Trisha Jenkins

CP/M AUTHOR: James Greer

NOTE:  If you have some information about the ADAM that you would 
like to pass on to other members,  please write.  We will welcome 
your  contributions  to ADAM'S ALIVE,  any information  such  as: 
articles,  programs,  reviews,  comments, hints, complaints, etc. 
With  your help,  we can help other ADAM owners to get  full  use 
from their computer.

Please,  unless  you are the author,  do not send any listings of 
copyrighted software.  Except for programs with a signed release, 
all program listings printed in each issue must be public domain.

PROGRAMMERS/HACKERS:  If  you have a program or utility that  you 
think is good enough to have published,  please send us a review 
copy. We will market all software that we feel is good enough for 
publication.

ColecoVision,  ADAM, SmartBASIC, SmartWRITER, and all other COLER 
products  are registered trademarks of COLECO  INDUSTRIES.,  INC. 
CP/M 2.2 is a -registered trademark of DIGITAL RESEARCH, INC.

Page - 3

From the Editors Desk:

Winter is finally here,  and Christmas is just around the corner. 
As I do every year, I probably will wait until the last minute to 
do my Christmas shopping.   For those of you who plan on ordering 
ADAM software and hardware for Christmas presents,  you will need 
to place your order early enough to allow for shipping  time.  We 
want  to  see  that  you get your order  in  time  for  Christmas 
morning.

With  all  the new products available for our orphaned  computer, 
some  customers may get a little confused with what  products  to 
purchase.  In  this  issue,,  we will give you a list of what  we 
consider  VERY good buys,  and the reasons why we like  them.  We 
will help you make some of those very important buying  decisions 
by having several in-depth reviews of some very good new programs 
for  the ADAM.  We will give you some idea of their strengths and 
weaknesses.

This  is your newsletter.  Your advice on what you would like  to 
see covered will be a tremendous help to us.  To give you an idea 
of  our planned format,  we will gear this newsletter toward  the 
average  ADAM  user.  We  understand that most  of  you  are  NOT 
program-mers,  and  that some newsletters get a little technical. 
Considering this,  please let us know what changes,  if any,  you 
would like to see.

We wish to than all of you for your support. It is dedicated ADAM 
users like you " that have kept the ADAM alive and well.

We wish to welcome the following new ADAM'S ALIVE members:

John Woodyard
David Heron
Hector Sanchez
Peter Williams
James Klauck
Tony Rasmussen
Parside Photo & Video
Barry Wilson
Lee Strickland
Steven Jajor
James Killingsworth
Manual Apodaca
Jay White
Barbara Howell
Sean Phillips
Joan Ritchie
Mark McDonald
Harold Luedtke
Charles Harbin
Paul Guion
Walt Berry
Carla Wilkins
James Valley
Richard Markus
William Kirby
Michael Smith
Mike Jones
James A. Rice, Jr.
Ronald Pepin
Rober Keller
Rober Murphy
Ray Cruthers
Richard Fustino
David Willits
James Biggs
Paul Pappas
John Harris
David Kennedy
Christopher Matt
Gary Hulbert

MORE NEW MEMBERS NEXT MONTH

ADAM NEWS:

This  month we will have -reviews of Uncle Ernie's  Toolkit,  BIG 
memory boards, MegaDisk, XRAMpack I Alcazar, Rock'n Bolt.

With the wealth of high quality ADAM software now available,, the 
ADAM owner has much to choose from.  Thanks to such high  quality 
software developers as Strategic Software,  Walters Software Co., 
Digital  Express,  and MMSG,  ADAM software just gets better  and 
better.

MMSG  has recently reduced the price of all their software tiles. 
See our discount product list for a list of the new prices.  MMSG 
has also recently informed us that they would consider  upgrading 
their  popular Backup+ 3.0 program,  if there is a good  response 
from  you  the ADAM owner.  Some of the new additions  they  have 
planned are:  The ability to copy multiple directory tapes/disks, 
double  sided  disk  support the ability to print to  either  the 
standard ADAM printer or a dot matrix printer,  and more. If they 
get  enough response to warrant the required work to  make  these 
great changes,  they will start to work as soon as possible.  Let 
us know if you would consider purchasing this upgraded product.

The new upgraded Business Pack 1 and Softpack 1 are now available 
from  us.  We  have recently discovered how to use random  access 
files with SmartBASIC 2.0.  This new understanding has allowed us 
to increase the file size for

Page - 4

ADAM NEWS CONTINUED.

each  program.  To  give you an example:  The  Softcheck  program 
(Softpack  1) maximum file size was 150 records,  now up  to  650 
records  can be put in one file.  We have also included two prog-
rams  for checking your tapes/disks for bad blocks  (bad  spots). 
For those of you who have purchased these two products, and would 
like  the  new  upgrade,  sendl  us your original  (as  proof  of 
purchase)  with $7.50 for each.  Since the new versions WILL  NOT 
work  with  your old files.,  send us a COPY of your  files  with 
$3.00 for each tape/disk,  and we will convert them for you. This 
offer applies to those of you who may have purchased our  product 
from other venders as well.

Strategic Software has just released a Desktop Publishing program 
for the ADAM.  Complete details on this fantastic new product are 
elsewhere  in  this issue.  We will have a complete  review  next 
month.

Walters Software Co.  is working on a program that will work like 
the  popular  PrintShop  available for most  all  other  computer 
systems.  Their  new  program will allow you to create  banners., 
posters,,  letterheads.,  etc.  You will be able to import hi-res 
pictures into your creations.  (Unlike the popular SignShop  from 
Strategic  Software,,  this new program will require a dot matrix 
printer for printed output.

For  those of you who would like a spelling checker with  a  VERY 
LARGE dictionary.  Walters Software Co.  is working on just that. 
We will keep you informed an their program.

Digital  Express has informed us that they will be shipping their 
new  title PowerPAINT by November 18th.  We will have a  complete 
review in the next issue.

With all the fantastic new software that is now available for the 
ADAM,  expansion to some extent is an absolute must. "How much do 
I need to expand?";  you may ask. For starters, you will need two 
things:  The first is either a 64K or a BIG memory expander, next 
is a parallel printer interface with a dot matrix* printer. These 
very essential items are needed to take full advantage of the new 
advanced ADAM software that is available, and now being produced. 
For most applications,  the 64K memory expansion card will  suff-
ice, but to use the new BIG RAM DISK programs (including XramPack 
1)  you need at least a 128K memory board.  Four sizes of  memory 
boards are now being manufactured by Orphanware.  These are: 64K, 
128K,  256K,  and  512K.  If  enough  ADAM owners  request  them, 
Orpahanware will produce a 1 MEG memory expansion board.

EXPANDING YOUR ADAM

To use your ADAM with any business type application  programs,  a 
dot  matrix printer is highly recommended.  Even though the  ADAM 
printer  produces letter quality output,  the speed is simply  to 
slow  for most applications.  If speed is not your concern,  then 
the ADAM printer will suffice for your needs.

The  next two items you may wish to purchase are:  An  ADAM  Disk 
Drive, and an 80 column card. For much faster access time, a Disk 
Drive is a MUST.  When using your ADAM for business applications, 
the tape drives can be a little slow. The other piece of hardware 
is  an  80  column card.  This card will allow the output  of  80 
columns or monochrome monitor. This will allot you to use CP/M to 
its full extent, thus

Page - 5

EXPANDING YOUR ADAM CONTINUED.

running such programs as WordStar,  DBASE III,  SUPER CALC,  etc. 
Your ADAM will then be a full fledged business machine.

Orphanware  is  working on a low priced 80 column  card  ($100.00 
aprox.).  This  new model will not contain the RS232 interface  , 
but  w1l allow a full 80 column output via CP/M  2.2.  One  other 
piece  of hardware you might consider,  if you don't already  own 
one,  is  a monitor.  A good monitor will save your eyes from the 
glare  of a TV screen,  and an 80 Column Monitor Will Work  great 
with  an  80 column card.  A 40 column Tv color  monitor  can  be 
purchased  for around $135.00,  and a good 80 column green screen 
are available for an low as $80.00.  If you need a good  monitor, 
send us a self addressed stamped envelope and we'll forward you a 
good source.

For  those  of you that are really serious about  your  computer, 
Orpanware  is working on a Hard Disk controller.  This will allow 
you to use an IBM compatible Hard Disk Drive. I can't hardly wait 
for this one.

OFFICE COMPUTING

Many  thousands of Americans are now working out of  their  home. 
With  the increase of unemployment,  the American dream is coming 
true  in the home rather than in the workplace.  What about  your 
ADAM?  Have  you  ever  thought about using it in  a  home  based 
business?  If not.,  you might give it a little thought. With all 
the  available software now available,  a home business with  the 
ADAM  is  a real possibility.  Except  for  professional  Desktop 
Publishing programs,  like we used on this newsletter, there is a 
lot of very good software out there.

This month we will talk about your home computer office. What you 
need as far all hardware., etc.

Make no mistake,  setting up a home office should be as serious a 
commitment as opening your door for business.

The  environment in which you work must be conducive to  building 
your  business.  You  should have enough desk apace so  there  is 
enough  room  for  your ADAM,  Disk Drive(&),  papers  and  other 
materials.  Cramped work quarters lead to mess,  and from mess to 
stress.

If you don't have a very large office area you can use, there are 
several  things  to give you more space.  Basically you  need  to 
stack  your equipment so to make better use of  your  space.  One 
solution is a good computer table that has a monitor shelf.

Computer  desks  can -run about $150.00 to $400.00  depending  on 
materials used and supplier chosen.

Another  thing  to consider is seating.  Is your chair  soft  and 
comfortable?  Or is it a straight-backed kitchen special. Studies 
have  shown that bad seating can cause back pain and even  strain 
the  muscles in your legs.  Get the best chair you  can,  without 
hurting your starting business account.

Now that you have everything ready in your office, what about the 
required software?  The following is a list of very good business 
choices:

ADAM  CALC:  This is a very good spreadsheet that you can use for 
checkbook   balancing,    bookkeeping,   inventory,   etc.    One 
disadvantage  to this package is that it requires a lot of  study 
before creating your spreadsheet files.

SMARTFILER:  This in a good data base program from COLECO. It can 
be use to keep track of your business clients, and

Page - 6

OFFICE COMPUTING CONTINUED.

printout mailing labels. One downside is in the printing routine. 
Smartfiler  will  only print about 10 addresses before  you  must 
press the return key again,  this can be a real pain.  All in all 
though, most users will like this program.

CP/M 2.2:  This program will allow you to use literally thousands 
of business related programs on your ADAM,  This given you a very 
large choice of good software to choose from. The disadvantage to 
this program is that to use it at it's fullest,  you will need an 
80 column card,  and the other thing is that most of the  commer-
cial software (i.e.  WordSTAR,  DBA.SE II,  etc.), is very costly 
(up to $350.00 each).

MicroWORKS- This  is business package that includes several prog-
ram modules that all integrate  together.  Includes:  MicroWRITE, 
MicroFILE, MicroCALC, and MicroGRAPH. Although not an powerful as 
SmartFILER and ADAM CALC, this package allows your to create your 
address  data  base)  and then printout form  letters,  create  a 
spreadsheet and printout a graph of the data. The disadvantage to 
these  programs  is  the limited file size  possible  under  each 
module.

NewsMAKER:  Info  on this new program is contained  elsewhere  in 
this issue.

MORE NEXT MONTH..

LETTERS FROM MEMBERS:

This  will  be a monthly column for all members to send in  their 
questions,  suggestions, ideas, etc. We will try to print an many 
letters in each issue an possible.

If you have a question,  idea,  comment, etc., send them in. This 
is  your  chance to help other ADAM owners by  giving  them  your 
suggestions, as well as having your questions answered.

"My  wife  and I purchased our ADAM two years ago as a  Christmas 
present for our children. At the same time we also bought several 
of the games,  and tapes with the idea of computer education  for 
them. However, the source for more software quickly dried up, not 
to mention hardware.  Since then I have been the primary user.  I 
have  made up several programs that I use regularly,  but nothing 
that I would have to have a PC for,  although the word  processor 
has  come  in handy several times.  All that was before  I  found 
Family Computing, and all the ads in it for ADAM, I now feel that 
I  can  go as far as my checkbook will allow me.  But now I  come 
down to my real problem,  I don't know much about computers. What 
are  the advantages of disks over tape?  Do I need SmartBASIC  2, 
SmartLOGO, CP/M 2.2? What is CP/M 2.2? Do I need more memory than 
the  80K I already have?   My children have friends who can  make 
invitations and banners on their computers.  What type of printer 
interface  do  I  need to do e graphics  on  regular  paper?  Any 
information  you can give me or recommend to me will  be  greatly 
appreciated...."

Mark McDonald
Dresden, OH

RESPONSE:

When  COLECO  dropped  the ADAM,  all the  commercial  3rd  party 
software  developers  stopped production on their titles for  our 
orphan. Since that time, not much in educational software for the 
young   child   has  been   produced.   However,   high   quality 
home/business  software  is now being produced at  an  astounding 
rate.  Support  for  the ADAM has never been greater than  it  is 
today.  This has happened because of the thousands of loyal  ADAM 
owners that will just not let their system down.

If speed is important to you, then a Disk Drive in a MUST. With a 
Disk

Page - 7

Drive,  file access time is greatly reduced.  If you are interes-
ted in learning how to use random access files in BASIC, then you 
should get SmartBASIC 2.0.

For  the serious ADAM user,  you need CP/M 2.2.  The reasons  for 
having  this  package  in explained in the CP/M article  in  this 
issue.

You  could  use SmartLOGO to create some  very  impressive  color 
screens,  and  then  import your creations into the  new  program 
PowerPAINT (from Digital Express).

You can create banners,  signs,  etc.,  with the SignSHOP program 
from  Strategic  Software.  This program uses your standard  ADAM 
printer  to create some very good printouts.  You could also  use 
the  new NewsMAKER program for creating  invitations.,  presenta-
tions,  newsletters,  etc.  As with SignSHOP,  NewsMAKER uses the 
standard ADAM printer.  If you wish move advanced printouts  (hi-
resolution),  then you will need a printer interface,  dot matrix 
printer (like the Panasonic 1080i, a 64K memory expander, and the 
new PowerPAINT program.

Due  to the cost of thermal paper on color printers,  we  suggest 
you  use color ribbons with your dot matrix printer,  if you wish 
color pictures.

ALCAZAR/ROCK'N BOLT by Ed Jenkins

For  some months now,  it has been near impossible to find  video 
games  for  the Adam Since Coleco dropped the  Adam,  games  have 
become very scarce,  and now titles have been out o the question. 
Because many of you purchased your Adams or  entertainment,  this 
turn  of  events  has  not been very good  news.  But  thanks  to 
TeleGames  U.S.A.  this is no longer the case.  Due to some  very 
hard work and dedication, TeleGames U.S.A. has acquired the world 
wide  distribution  rights  to ALL Activision  products  for  the 
Coleco Adam. They will be distributing ALL the Activision titles, 
even some previously unreleased,  on data pack and disk.  Because 
of their dedication and hard work, new life is being given to our 
orphaned  computer.  This  mouth we will -review  two  previously 
unreleased  Activision titles.,  and a great new action  game  by 
FIRST STAR SOFTWARE called Bolder Dash.

ALCAZAR:

This is,  a great graphic/adventure game. You play the role of an 
explorer en route to the ancient castle o

Alcazar. Along your way, you must gather implements to succeed in 
your journey. Your goal is to enter Alcazar, find your way to the 
throne  room and sit on the fabled throne.  The graphics in  this 
game  are  very  well  done,  and the sound  is  limited  to  the 
creatures  that  pursue you,  and related to your actions as  the 
explorer.  The first thing you will see is a large Strategy  map. 
This  map displays a countryside dotted with castles connected by 
paths.  To enter a castle,  you move the joystick to choose which 
castle you wish.  Each castle has implements you will need to  be 
successful in your journey.  These are:  guns,  raw meat, a ring, 
oil,  bleach. a raft, and water. Each object has a very important 
function  in  the  game.  The -rope is needed to cross  a  broken 
bridge,  you will need a raft in order to cross the lake,  and  a 
ring  is required to use either of the two flying carpets.  Crea-
tures that will try and stop you are:  tiger,  griffin, oilmoeba, 
guard,  genie,, tarantula, and flies. Some creatures require only 
one defense,  while others can be stopped by two different  types 
of defenses.  Combining strategy with arcade action,  this is one 
of the best graphic/adventure games I have seen for any computer.

RATING - A+

Page - 8

ROCK'NBOLT:

This  is an exciting arcade- strategy game for the entire family. 
You  are a construction worker who's job is to build a 100  story 
building from a puzzle of moving beams.  You jump from girder  to 
girder,  bolting  all  of them down in the proper  pattern,  then 
return to the elevator and Move on to the next floor. Some floors 
(up  to  three screens wide) contains blueprint of  the  required 
floor plan.  On these screens,  you must bolt the girders in  the 
correct  position in order to move on to the next level.  On some 
levels the blueprint is blank, in this case bolt down the girders 
in  any arrangement you would like.  In Any case be sure  to  get 
back to the elevator before your time runs out.  As with Any real 
job,  you  earn  wages for your work.  As you progress to  higher 
levels,  you receive a wage increase.  Beat the clock and earn as 
much  money  as  you can.  As you progress in  bolting  down  the 
girders,  flashing gold bolts earn you bonus money if you land on 
them,  and flashing green bolts earn you an extra man if land  on 
them.  If you have to undo a girder, you will lose precious wages 
so  think  carefully before you secure Any girders.  Just what  I 
need, another addictive game from Activision.

RATING - A

BIG MEMORY BOARDS:

Orphanware has been a long supporter of the ADAM b  manufacturing 
high quality memory Lards, printer interfaces, and software. Now, 
Orphanware  released three versions of BIG memory  boards.  These 
are128K,   256K,  512K.  At long last, we ADAM owners can have as 
much memory as the BIG BOYS.

In  order to use these new boards,  you must have the  orphanware 
printer  interface,  or  you  must  also  purchase  an  addresser 
($17.50).  If you already have an Orphanware interface,  you need 
to  send  it to us so We can Attach the addresser wire  from  the 
memory board onto your interface.  If you don't have an interface 
you can order a BIG memory board already attached to the required 
addresser board.

What advantage are these boards to you?  You can use these boards 
as LARGE RAM DISKS under CP/M and SmartBASIC.  Included with each 
board is the proper software to use them under CP/M.  To use them 
under  SmartBASIC,  a  ram  disk program is  -required  (such  as 
RAMDSK-256  from Walters Software Co.,  or Megadisk from  Digital 
Express. 

When  using  these  boards as a high speed ram  disk,  you  won't 
believe how fast you can load from your expansion board.  It just 
has to be seen to be believed.  I wouldn't do without mine.

Our 256K board was very easy to install,  and has been used with-
out a glitch.  If you want more memory, we highly recommend these 
boards from Orphanware.

RATING - A+

MegaDisk:

This  new product from Digital Express will allow you to use  the 
BIG memory boards as supper fast ramdisks.  The two main programs 
on  this package are:  shortdisk,  and fulldisk.  The  'fulldisk' 
program  will  give the largest possible ramdisk size  that  your 
memory board will allow'.  Thus,  fulldiisk can even be used  for 
those of you who only have the 64K card.  The 'shortdisk' program 
MUST  be  used with the larger memory  boards  (128K,  256k,  and 
512K). When using 'shortdisk' the upper 64K of your memory board. 
is  reserved for program such as ADAM CALC.  Thus you can use any 
program that uses the 64K card,  and not loose any files/programs 
that  you may have at stored on the lower and of  your  expansion 
memory.  With this great function,  you can store your SmartBASIC 
programs  onto  your ramdisk,  and then you can even play a  game 
like BUCK ROGERS, and then re-install your

Page - 9

ramdisk without losing any programs on your expander.

Several other programs,  all public domain, all also contained an 
this great package. These programs include:

QuickDISK:  This  is a public domain program that allows  you  to 
create  a ramdisk capability while using only standard  ram.  The 
size  can be from 3 to 20K.  When using this program,  you cannot 
use shortdisk,  or fulldisk,  but it will not alter any files you 
may have stored on your expansion ram card.

SB1.0fixes:  This  is  a  SmartBASIC program  that  will  correct 
several bugs in SmartBASIC 1.0.  These include: fix BSAVE to work 
correctly,  fix  the DATA/REM extra space bug,  resets  the  POKE 
limit to 65535, etc, etc.

SQUEEZE:  This  program  will free Your tapes/disks of  'deleted' 
files,  thus  giving  you more room for storing  your  files  and 
programs.

EZfileXFER: This is a simple file copy utility that allows you to 
copy your files/programs from one medium to another.  It requires 
two drives (tape, disk, or ramdisk).

EZkeysII: This patch adds several functions to SmartBASIC.

As  with  all Digital Express software the instruction manual  is 
very  well done.  Each program is explained fully so  every  ADAM 
owner,  regardless  of his/her experience,  can start using these 
programs right away.

This  is  an  excellent  package that no  ADAM  owner  should  be 
without.

RATING - A+

EXRAMpack I:

For  those of you who have one of the Orphanware expander  boards 
(64K,  128K,  256K, 512K)and MegaDISK, or you were thinking about 
purchasing these,  this new program from Digital Express just may 
help you make your decision. NOTE: This program requires MegaDISK 
from Digital Express..  and at least a 64K memory expander (a BIG 
expander is recommended).

As amazing as it sounds, this set of ramdisk utilities allows the 
use of a memory board as if it is a HARD DISK. What this means is 
that  you can store several COLECO programs,  such  as  ADAMCALCY 
SMARTBASIC 1.0.  ADAM LINK (I OR II)., as well as several of your 
own  favorite  SmartBASIC  programs on the  expander.,  and  then 
switch to either one is just seconds. Sounds good? You bet it is.

Two  programs called PACK and,  UNPACK are used to put  all  your 
favorite programs/files onto the ramdisk for you.  First, you use 
the  EZfileXFER program and copy your files to the  ramdisk.  The 
program  PACK  will then pack all your ram  based  programs/files 
into one large file and save it to Disk or Tape for you. The next 
time  you  use the system ,  boot SmartBASIC,  and then  run  the 
program called UNPACK.

UNPACK will separate all your programs/files from the packed file 
and very quickly save them to your ram disk for you.

If you have put ADAM CALC, SmartBASIC, and ADAM LINK (I or II) 
to your ramdisk,, you then insert the XRAMpack I package and 
pull the reset. You will then be given a menu to boot these 
COLECO programs (SmartWRITER is included) all in just 3 seconds. 
For those of you who use these four COLECO programs several 
times a session., the XRAMpack I package can be a real time saver.
Not only can you do the above, but this package also contains a
