QuestionDid you see my message in the forum regarding using the 2 side commands available in 1541 mode of a 1571? (u0>h0 and u0>h1) I think geos should take advantage of that, and make it available as another drive. What do you think?
GEOS ROB: Good question. We will be taking advantage of the 1571's ability to store twice as much data, but we will do it a little bit differently than you asked. More details as they become available…. 🙂
QuestionWill there be a transcript?
GEOS ROB: Hopefully! Q-Link lost the December one, but Miss Chris assured me it wouldn't happen again.
QuestionAny plans to package GEOS 128 with the 128/128D?
GEOS ROB: To be honest, I don't know one way or the other. I'll try and find out, and let you know.
QuestionAre there any plans for an input driver for the keyboard?
GEOS ROB: Not immediately, but it may happen in the future. Maybe a good programmer out there can do it. 🙂
QuestionHow can I protect colors in Geopaint? …So they don't bleed.
GEOS ROB: The problem is that the colors are laid in 8×8 pixel cards and therefore you get the bleeding… The only way around this is to "paint the background" in either the standard grey or another …. color and "fool" the computer.
QuestionWhat do you think of the PRG written by Al Boyce? Or Haven't you seen it Yet?
GEOS ROB: If you mean his manual, I think he did a hell of a job reverse engineering the product. I think it is very good, but if you want a detailed explanation of the ins and outs of GEOS, get the….. Official Programmer's Reference Guide by BSW. It is the most complete book on the market, and… we now have a SIG on Q-link in the GEOS Forum that is monitored by GEOS engineers. They not …. only answer your questions, they post letters on where mistakes were made in the printing of … the manual.
Questiondo you have any plans for telecomm. additions to GEOS?
GEOS ROB: We have no immediate plans, but it may happen in the future. A third party may do it before us.. if they act quickly.
QuestionI can only get geoWrite to print about 75% of the time. The Diskette I use work with Easy Script I tried 4 diskettes and get the same results. I get a "Error reading Disk" message.
GEOS ROB: Usually this means that you need to re-arrange your printer drivers. Make the desired printer… driver the first one on the boot disk and the only one on the work disk. See the GEOS News …. section for info on Select Printer.
QuestionI've heard that you can trade in your 64 Geos disk for the 128 version. But what happens to my Q-link side of the disk?
GEOS ROB: We don't know what the details of the swap yet, but we will work it out so you can still have…. your q-link disk one way or another!
QuestionIs The 128 version in 80 columns ? Any other major enhancements ?
GEOS ROB: Yep! In fact those who went to the show this week-end saw it first hand! The other big… enhancement is the ability to use a 1750 as a RAM drive with 310 extra K!
QuestionWhen is the programmer's reference manual coming out? (date, date, date)
GEOS ROB: It's already out, out, out! Try B. Dalton or other computer and book stores in your area.
QuestionRob is there a way to use print shop graphics for icons??
GEOS ROB: Not unless you draw them by hand with the icon editor on Deskpack 1.
QuestionWhat printer driver would I use for a dasiywheel printer TTX 1014?
GEOS ROB: At this time, we do not support Daisy Wheel printers because these printers cannot understand…. graphics commands and all of GEOS' Fonts are sent as graphics to the printer. Please do not send On Line Messages to the Speakers as they only hold up the proceedings. I answer questions in the order received, so bear with me and I'll get to you all (hopefully!).
QuestionAre there any plans to make Geos be able to handle three drives?
GEOS ROB: Not for a while, but it may happen in the future!
QuestionWill The geoprint cable work with serial printers like the mps801?
GEOS ROB: No it will not.
QuestionWhat's the current turnaround time for Geolaser printing?
GEOS ROB: We are running at about 2 weeks because we have been suddenly inlfluxed with a lot of files…. We apologize for delays and are doing are best to turn them around ASAP.
QuestionWhy the delays in geoCalc and geoFile? I'm really anxious for them!!
GEOS ROB: These types of programs take longer to Beta Test because of their nature. We assume you all… want better products, right? 🙂
QuestionWhen will geos 128 be available?
GEOS ROB: By the June CES we will be shipping.
QuestionHave heard talk of a geos programmers kit — any details ???
GEOS ROB: We are currently working on this program, and I will post more info when I have it.
QuestionAre there any plans for a music program for Geos?
GEOS ROB: No, but there are a lot of requests for this. I'll pass it on (again!).
QuestionDo you expect success in creating a driver for the Olivetti PR2300 – in any event, thanks for trying!
GEOS ROB: Keep an eye in the libraries next week! 😉
QuestionHow do I get Geos to use the Okimate 20 driver I downloaded?
GEOS ROB: You need to Convert it using the Conversion program in the GEOS sofware library. All….. instructions are in there, and E-mail me if you need help.
QuestionI just down loaded the computereyes driver how well does it work
GEOS ROB: I think very well, and if you check the message boards, most people seem to agree.
Questionconvert wont work 🙁 left a msg for mike no ans yet///
GEOS ROB: As of two hours ago, I had cleared all of my mail and answered all of the questions on the… board. If I didn't answer you, ask it again, maybe I didn't get your mail.
QuestionWill GEOS128 be disk driven? Will I be able to access or transfer my wordwriter 128 files to GEOS?
GEOS ROB: Yes, it will be disk driven, and if the Text Grabber can bring in the files, you will be able… to use them in the 128 GEOS.
QuestionIs it true that the only way to get the new kernal is with the mouse ??? If so why ???
GEOS ROB: Actually, there are now a few ways. One is buy the mouse. Two is you can send us $5 and we … will send you a disk. The third way is to wait for the mailing we are going to send to all …. registered owners, and finally you can purchase the 1764 when it comes out.
QuestionIs there any way to have text and graphics appear on the same line of a geowrite document?
GEOS ROB: Not at this time, but we are working on a program called geoPublish that will give you this…. ability.
QuestionIs there a way to view a picture you draw using GEOPAINT and see the entire picture?
GEOS ROB: Sure, use the preview option under the file pull down menu ( if that is what you mean).
QuestionI've seen SD of A that list Geo Chart seperatly from Deskpak 2. Is this true? Is Geo chart sold separatly?
GEOS ROB: It was going to originally be seperate, but now it will be on Deskpack 2. No date available yet. Please do not send On Line Messages to the Speakers as they only hold up the proceedings. I'll get to your questions. I answer them in order received.=
QuestionAnymore news about GEOmouse and the GEOterminal ?
GEOS ROB: geoMouse will be a one button mouse with a built in clock that will keep track of date… and time for your file records. geoTerm is a figment of a lot of people's imaginations about… what they want us to develop next. We are not working on this product right now.
QuestionWill there be anyway to convert old database programs to geoFile format?
GEOS ROB: Probably in the future, but not right now.
Questionexplain geos? what does it do
GEOS ROB: It gives a graphic environment to the 64, along with a word processor and graphics program. … We have a number of follow on products that enhance the system.
QuestionPlease explain exaxtly what the 1764 will do for speed enhancement.
GEOS ROB: The 1764 will act as a RAM disk and allow you to open up files 5 times faster than now! It is… truly breathtaking to see such speed!
QuestionI've been lokking for COSMAC's Geofont font editor. Do you know where it is?
GEOS ROB: You have to write him for it. And by the way, it is fantastic!!! It is worth every penny!
QuestionCan a light pen be used with GEOS.
GEOS ROB: Yes, with either the Inkwell device that we wrote or one of the many that other users wrote in… the GEOS Software Library.
Questionwhen will the Official Programmer's Reference Guide be available through Q ?
GEOS ROB: I don't know, but I'll find out!
QuestionHave you considered putting GEOS and applications on a cartridge?
GEOS ROB: Yep, but the problem is disks are easier to upgrade than other forms. This is the cheapest way.. and we can continue to improve the product.
QuestionCan the DeskTop v1.3 be updated on 1.0?
GEOS ROB: Nope! Anyone who bought 1.0 got 1.2. If you still need 1.2 and paid for it, contact me. 🙂
QuestionWhy can't I use NLQ mode on my printer with Geowrite? /end
GEOS ROB: At this time, the only way to use NLQ is with the Writer's Workshop package and geoWrite 2.0.
QuestionWhat is the significant use of the CP/M feature of the 128? I have a small business, and can not afford to buy a large and expensive business computer. Will the 128 be able to run software for the IBM and/or Apple computers?
GEOS ROB: As this question applies to GEOS, with the 128 you have a lot more power and can use GEOS most… effectively. It will not run other IBM or Apple software that I am aware of (the machine).
QuestionI read Geos64 is not completely compatible with the MPS1000 printer Will the GEOS128 be compatible?
GEOS ROB: It is compatible, and you should use the original 1.2 driver on the original GEOS disk.
QuestionMr. rob i downloaded a file called 'clas sic Adventure' from q-link and it says i need a file called 'library' WHERE do i get it. I tried browsing the files of the software showcase but i can not find it HELP HELP HELP PLEASE Signed, HHHEEEELLLPPP!!
GEOS ROB: Wrong department! Contact Jenny C.!
QuestionMy Geos kernal has been erased and my warranty has expired, how can I get a ne w kernal?
GEOS ROB: Send your disk and $5 +$2 shipping and handling to BSW and we will send you a new disk. Don't… forget to include your old disk.
QuestionHow do I get the printer driver for the Okimate 10 off the back of my Geos disk? I can't seem to bring up the icon to copy it?
GEOS ROB: Read the GEOS News section about selecting printer.
QuestionIs a driver avail for the SP10000vc?
GEOS ROB: Use the Comm Compat driver.
QuestionGEOS ROB IS THE COOLEST!!! now that i have your attension how do i use the convert program in cin's bsw download section
GEOS ROB: Pretty catchy! 🙂 Read through the section on Convert and press F7 to d/l. Once you d/l, boot GEOS and double… click on Convert. It will dump you to BASIC. REboot GEOS and then Double click on Convert and.. it should work.
QuestionWill the 128 version of GEOS be compatible with the 1581 drive?
GEOS ROB: Absolutely!
QuestionCan geoPaint documents be Uploaded to the LaserWriter? How is paymnt inf sent?
GEOS ROB: Yes it can. Link the info with a geoWrite document that tells us what file it is for. Payment.. is by VISA or MC.
QuestionCould I have any information on how Software developers can get help and info on programming the GEOS enviroment in the C-128 and develop utilities for it in that mode also. Note: Already read the Techinal manuals of GEOS.
GEOS ROB: YOu can ask questions on the new Technical SIG here on Q-link in the GEOS FORUM part of the CIN.
QuestionRob, I get an I:22 error trying to load GEOS. Am using the boot disk but only th e desk appears. Please HELP!!!
GEOS ROB: Sounds like a bad disk. Send it back to us for replacement.
QuestionWhen I upgraded mu Geos disk using the t he disk supplied with the 1351 mouse i b elieve I lost several fonts which were o n the original disk. Is there any way I can recapture those fonts?
GEOS ROB: Silly person! The directions told you to make a copy! Shame on you! You can either get it …. from a friend or buy a second disk from us for $7.
QuestionCould I use a VIC 1525 printer with GEOS
GEOS ROB: Of course!
QuestionHow many hard disk systems do you suppor t, or will you support ?
GEOS ROB: None at this time, but we may support some in the future.
QuestionCan I use the NLQ mode on my Star NX-10 with the GEOS fonts?
GEOS ROB: Yes, with geoWrite 2.0 on the Writer's Workshop package.
QuestionRob…tell me a little about BSW. How long in business…how many employees…gross sales last year… that kind of stuff…And whats in the future…say after GeoChart?
GEOS ROB: Well, I can't answer all of that, but we have been in business for three years and have been… working on GEOS for a year and a half. We did consulting and hardware development before GEOS. Other stuff I'm not at liberty to expose. When we go public you will find out! 🙂
QuestionWhat is the differance between Geowrite and Writers Workshop?
GEOS ROB: Writer's Workshop has geoWrite 2.0 on it, along with geoLaser, geoMerge, and the Text Grabber… for bringing in non-geoWrite files to the GEOS environment.
QuestionWhen does BSW update its software lib. in BSW applications,Geos Forum?
GEOS ROB: Usually every two weeks. It will be done again tomorrow.
QuestionIs there a way to get Geos to put more than one graphic on a line in a Geowrite Document??
GEOS ROB: Not at this time. geoPublish will give you this ability.
Questionhow is the 128/80 column version going to affect geos paint?
GEOS ROB: It's hard to say, but I will post more info when it becomes available.
QuestionWhen will the spelling checker for geoWrite be available?
GEOS ROB: No date yet.
QuestionIs there any way to right justify with geoWrite
GEOS ROB: Yes, with geoWrite 2.0 on the Writer's Workshop package.
Questiondo you know of any classes or seminars a vailable for GEOS?
GEOS ROB: Not at this time, but you might want to check with your local Commodore User's Group. I …. believe they have a section in CIN here on Q-link.
QuestionCan I volunteer to Beta Test GeoPublish?
GEOS ROB: Sure, anyone else interested? 🙂 Just kidding! Thank you, but we have Beta Testers. 🙂
QuestionAny decisions made on the cost of upgrading GEOS 64 to 128?
GEOS ROB: No info available at this time.
QuestionWhen i press ctrl-p then hit return, it says "QuantumLink the affordle service." What the heck is this? (color geos)
GEOS ROB: I have no idea! Is this from within GEOS? Send me E-Mail!
QuestionIs the rumor true that the new geos will have music?
GEOS ROB: Unfortunately, no!
QuestionSeveral commercial programs are being advertised as being "GEOS COMPATIBLE" . What does this mean?
GEOS ROB: Actually, nothing! It means that you can load their software from within GEOS.
QuestionIs there a text grabber for WordPro files?
GEOS ROB: Use the generic form.
QuestionI've dowloaded Gra. Grabber upgrade and it asks me if I own the Grabber. Aside from being a stupid question, what does it do if you answer no? And why does it move the Grabber program?
GEOS ROB: If you say no, it goes to the deskTop. If fixes some 1.3 compatibility problems.
QuestionWill any new LaserWriter fonts be made available?
GEOS ROB: Not immediately.
Questioncan you name a few popular 100% geos compatable(80 dots per inch printers)
GEOS ROB: Most of the Epson FX 80 line, and I love my Panasonic 1091. I've had for two years and no … problems whatsoever!
QuestionI understand geoWrite and geoDex, when installed, work only with the disk they were installed with…boot, that is. Does the new kernal (with the 1351) prevent geoDex & Write from working with the newly updated boot?
GEOS ROB: No, the updates keep the files linked to that disk.
QuestionJust a comment: The RAMDISK is just FANTASTIC. I saw a 1750 operating on a 128 with GEOS. WONDERFUL!
GEOS ROB: Thanks, glad you liked it!
QuestionIs there anyway to correct one of my wor k disks. when i try to print it says "e rror reading disk."
GEOS ROB: Read the GEOS News about selecting Printer. It will tell you where to put your printer drivers.
QuestionIs it possible for you to write an editor for editing the Fill Patterns of geoPAINT?
GEOS ROB: Cosmac has already done this and I recommend you buy it! It is great! Please do not send On Line Messages to the Speakers as they only hold up the proceedings.
QuestionCan you recogmend any manuals to help me with GEOS?? I really LOVE TO WORK with it. But I am looking forward into getting more from it??
GEOS ROB: Either buy ours, or Alex Boyce's (he is here on Q-Link), the one from ABACUS, or the one from… Midnite Press.
QuestionHow old are you?
GEOS ROB: Old enough! 🙂
QuestionWill there be a way to use a 1541 as drive number 0 and the 1581 as drive #1 ?
GEOS ROB: I don't think so.
QuestionHave you had a chance to play with the 1681? What do you think of it? (Not just as it relates to GEOS) Any bugs found in it? (Well, it IS a Commodore, isn't it?- I HAD to ask.)
GEOS ROB: From what I have seen, it seems like a solid piece of hardware!
QuestionIs GEOS available as a ROM cartridge instead of using the 'System' disk to re-boot?
GEOS ROB: Not at this time.
QuestionWhat driver can I use for MPS-803?
GEOS ROB: The MPS 1000 driver.
QuestionIs there any way to use my MSD disk drive as a second drive?
GEOS ROB: Not at this time. This is the last question I'm going to take tonight. If I didn't get to you, post your…. question in the GEOS Forum and I will answer it there.
QuestionAny plans for a "GEOS" for other computers (Apple II)?
GEOS ROB: Maybe in the future, but right now we are strictly Commodore. Well, thanks for coming, and if you need any help, ask it on the GEOS BOARDS–your link to BSW… and other GEOS Users from around the nation. Good night, and pleasant dreams!