Rob Siegel: Just file on in and have a seat, we'll be starting here in a few minutes. If you have questions, ask them now, because the first questions asked are the first ones answered… We'll get started in a minute and then I'll get to all of your questions. Howdy! I'm feeling much better than last time I was here, so hopefully I won't have to stop after an hour! The big news of course is that GEOS 128 is shipping. Most people have been very happy with the software (those that really have it) and if you own a 128, I suggest you give GEOS 128 a look. It will definitely be worth your while. Coming out in the next two to three weeks will be geoCalc, the long awaited GEOS based spreadsheet. geoCalc is very easy to use and I think it is one of the most intuitive spreadsheets on the market. geoPublish and geoProgrammer are rolling along, as are all of the GEOS Software for the 128. Keep an eye out in the next few months for 80 column versions of our software. GEOS STEVE has things going smoothly in the GEOS ARENA, which in now located in the Commodore Software Showcase. If you have any questions that I don't get to tonight, feel free to ask him. And now, on to your questions….
RJScott: Before Rob gets started, I'd like to let you know of the current events. Following is a list of events scheduled for the Q-Link Auditorium for the period ending 8/15. Remember, all events are scheduled at EASTERN DAYLIGHT TIME here on Q-Link. 8/11:CAMP:QLINK:Forum:11:30pm 8/12:GEOS:Forum:10pm 8/13:GRAPHICS:Forum:9pm 8/14:MIDNITE:Forum:10pm 8/15:LATE:Guided:Tour:1:30am 8/15:World:Of:Computers:10pm Thanks Rob!
QuestionHi I would like to know if Geos works on 15 26 Commodore printer
Rob Siegel: Yes it does. Just download the 1526 driver in the GEOS Software Library in the GEOS ARENA in CSS…. Questions are answered in the order recevied and if a question is not understandable, I can't broadcast it…. Just thought I'd let you all know.
QuestionWill Writer's Workshop and GEOPaint (that is, GEOS 64 products) work in GEOS 128? Is there a need to use GEOS 64 products with GEOS 128 or do we get a special version of GEOWrite and GEOPaint with GEOS 128?
Rob Siegel: All of the GEOS 64 software will work with the 128 kernal, except for geoFile and geoCalc (which will need the 80 column versions. All of our software will have 80 column versions, except for the Fontpack which does not need one. All registered owners will be notified of upgrades when they are available.
QuestionFirst of all, I'd like to say that GEOS 128 is FABULOUS!!! I would like to ask about the arrangement of the disks. Why not put printer drivers and such on one disk, and the utilities like text manager, etc on the system disk? It would seem more logical and more like the GEOS 64 arrangement. Anyway, the 80 col screen is WONDERFUL!!!!! Keep up the good work 🙂
Rob Siegel: Thanks Sunny! I'm glad to know that there are people out there who like the product 😉 Actually the way things up are set up is for disk space. If you create work disks, you really should not have too much of a problem.
QuestionWhat new GEOS software is in the making?
Rob Siegel: All of the 80 column software, as well as geoPublish and geoProgrammer. See the GEOS Arena and the GEOS News section for more info.
Questionwhat is the difference between the original GEOS and the new GEOS 128
Rob Siegel: GEOS 128 is in 80 column, and also has support for the 1571 in double sided mode, as well as the 1581.
QuestionDo you expect the desktop publishing trend in the Commodore 64 area to heat up with Timeworks soon coming out with ITS desktop publishing/graphics program in December??
Rob Siegel: I think you will be seeing a lot of companies taking the C64 more seriously. I think geoPublish is going to knock people out, though, and it will give any piece of competition a run for its money. I predict geoPublish will change the Commodore industry as much as GEOS did. The product really is that good!
CommentGEOS128 is fantastic. Good work!!!
Rob Siegel: Thanks, Paul, that is always nice to hear!
QuestionRob, do you make policy at BSW?
Rob Siegel: Sometimes, but not usually. Usually policy is debated, and we come up with something that is both fair to us as a company and fair to the user.
Questionhow can I make an alternate input driver default with the boot disk?
Rob Siegel: Just reverse the order of the print drivers on your boot disk, so your desired input driver is first. (That should say input, and not print.)
Questionwhat will Geoprogram allow a person to do?? can you make your own fonts with it?
Rob Siegel: You can make anything with it! It will allow you to write code in geoWrite, and then assemble it with geoAssembler, link it with geoLinker, and step through it with geoDebugger.
QuestionWhen will the de-bugged version of Geofile be available?
Rob Siegel: Probably within a month. We are just now going into the final testing stages to make sure this one is perfect!
QuestionWill BSW have any support for the 1581?
Rob Siegel: The 128 version supports it now, and eventually the 64 version will too. In case you are interested, we will be giving away a free piece of GEOS Software tonight, so sit tight and don't go away!
QuestionRob, I sent in my Geos-64 registration card. I never got my Geos-128 update card, and I AM a registered C-128 user. How can I get my Geos-128 update card?
Rob Siegel: It is possible the card got lost in the mail and that we never got it, or something may have gone screwy somewhere along the way. What you should do is send in your GEOS disk with a check and we will send you GEOS 128. Our turnaround time has been very fast, so you won't be without your disk for long.
Questioni have a 128 but no 1571. will GEOS 128 still work with my 128???
Rob Siegel: Absolutely, but only with 165K on the disk, like the 64 version. You will, however, get the full 80 columns and everything else without any problems.
QuestionDo you think INFO Mag did a fair review of GEOS in its current issue???
Rob Siegel: Yes, I thought it was very fair. Don Romero did a good job. It's too bad he didn't have the 1764, because GEOS with a 1764 is unbelievable! But he said mostly positive things and for the most part I liked it!
Questionwhat exactly is GEOS?
Rob Siegel: GEOS is the new Graphic Environment Operating System for the Commodore 64 and 128. GEOS uses icons and pulldown menus to perform functions. We also have over 6 follow on products to support the environment.
Questionhow much does geos cost?
Rob Siegel: GEOS for the 64 is suggested at $59.95, but it can be found cheaper if you shop around. GEOS 128 is for $69.95, and again, shopping can get you a better deal.
QuestionHas the version for the 128 been release d yet, and if not, how soon will it be on the market?
Rob Siegel: It is currently on the market.
QuestionWill My panasonic 1080i work with GEOS 128?
Rob Siegel: Yes it will! 🙂 Hey, Bob, do you think we should give away some software?
RJScott: Sure thing!!
Rob Siegel: And our lucky winner tonight is…..
Q-Link: Sunny G!!
Rob Siegel: (and the winner will get to choose any currently released GEOS Sofware package of his choice…) or her! Congrats Sunny G!
RJScott: Yeah! Sunny, congratulations!
Rob Siegel: Bet you never thought that would happen, huh Sunny? And now, back to your questions…
RJScott: Please send YOUR choice of any released GEOS software via EMAIL to"Rob Siegel"
QuestionHOW MANY GEOS DISK ARE THERE
Rob Siegel: Over 400,000 GEOS disks have been sold by us or with Commodore 64c's…
QuestionWill the GEOS mouse eliminate jitter?
Rob Siegel: Right now the GEOS mouse project is on hold. The jitter problem is hardware related, and if you can get a new mouse, I suggest you do so!
QuestionHow wide does Geo Calc print on an MPS 1200 printer?
Rob Siegel: 8 inches on an 8.5 by 11 inch piece of paper.
QuestionDoes Geos-128 work with the new C-128 & 1571 ROMs, or will I have to wait for another upgrade?
Rob Siegel: We have tested it with the new ROM's and there should not be any problems. In fact it amazes me how some people in the GEOS ARENA have been saying that there are problems with the ROM's and they don't even own the software.
Questiondoes the new Geos 128 >REQUIRE< a 80 column monitor, or can 40 columns be used??
Rob Siegel: A 40 column monitor can be used, but when you see 80 columns, you will go out and get an RGB monitor!
QuestionAre there new fonts coming?
Rob Siegel: We have no immediate plans, but we will be shipping geoFont Editor on the geoSpell disk, and that will probably lead to the development of some new fonts.
QuestionDoes Geos work with NX-10C PRINTERS?
Rob Siegel: Yes
QuestionWhen can registered owners expect to get GEOS 128 (those that sent their upgrade cards in to you)?
Rob Siegel: Some of them have already started arriving. Sunny G (who won the software tonight) is a prime example…
QuestionWhen will we see geoProgrammer?
Rob Siegel: Probably around October 1, but no later than the third week of that month.
QuestionIs there a way to download on Q-link the GeoPaint and Geowrite files?
Rob Siegel: Yes, just go to the GEOS Software Library and use the GEOS Convesion Program. All of the directions are in there, and if you need help, contact GEOS STEVE.
QuestionI messed up GEOS Original disk. When I tried to restore from backup, all screen displayed was booting GEOS. Did wipe out something?
Rob Siegel: Something might have happened. If your 90 day warranty has expired, send in your disk and a check for $7 and we will replace it.
QuestionIs there a digitizer planned for use with geoPaint?
Rob Siegel: You can currently use Digital Vision's Computer eyes, and the driver is in the GEOS Software Library
QuestionI can't quite get the hang of the preference manager. how do you permanently adjust it so it is set to what you want when you load it up?
Rob Siegel: Hit save before you exit and then it will load up the way you want it to.
QuestionWHEN will Writer's Workshop 128 come out for the Geos-128 users?
Rob Siegel: It should be out by October 1 at the latest!
QuestionIf I set my disk to use a mouse driver when it boots, and I don't have my mouse, is there any way to move the cursor?
Rob Siegel: Hit Commodore and the I key and then use the cursor keys to select the driver you want. Then reverse the order of your drivers so it will work with the proper input device.
Questionpg 397 of the geos prg ref guide the equation ANYFAULT= what does the vert bar indicate
Rob Siegel: I suggest you contact GEOS TECH on the Programming Boards in the GEOS ARENA. There you will find the help you need.
QuestionWas disk speed-up included in Geos 1.2?
Rob Siegel: Yes, it is built into the software and it is called diskTubro. OOOPS! Turbo, not Tubro!
QuestionAny news on an upgrade to geoPaint? Desirable features would include a pixel edit box that could be scrolled within the normal working screen area as it follows the pointer. Any chance?
Rob Siegel: We are kicking around the idea for an upgraded geoPaint (maybe called geoDraw) but it is on the drawing boards (no pun intended) right now.
Questioncan you display a picture made with geos 64 on the 80 column 128 geos
Rob Siegel: Yes you can.
Questionwill the 128 version work on 40 column?
Rob Siegel: Yes it will.
QuestionBSW now has my returned GEOFILE 64 . HOw do I get it returned in 128 version?
Rob Siegel: When we send you your replacement for 64 geoFile, you will be able to use it. When the 80 column version is ready, you will be notified by mail.
QuestionWill there be a 128 version of geopublis h soon
Rob Siegel: Hopefully! Right now we are just concentrating on geoPublish 64, but there will be a 128 version in the future.
QuestionRob, Why is it in GeosWrite that when .. I make a change to an original and then change position on the page, the change is negated.
Rob Siegel: Try inserting a return before the change and see if that helps.
QuestionJust wanted to thank you for the 128 version.Will other 128 products be released?
Rob Siegel: Thanks and all our 40 column software will eventually be out in 80 columns.
QuestionIs GEOS 128 available NOW form local dealers or are you handling all your up- dates for the current user base?
Rob Siegel: Both ways are currently being used.
QuestionI have a mid-resolution monitor, and it (the background of GEOS) shimmers. Is there any thing you can do in GEOS to change to background and keep this shim- mer from occuring?
Rob Siegel: Yes, change the colors on the Preference Manager and see if that helps any.
QuestionAbout how many 3rd parties are making Geos compatible software?
Rob Siegel: A number of companies have contacted us, but I don't have an exact list.
QuestionHi, Rob. With the c64 RAM expansion coming out, will BSW be implementing the multitasking abilities implicit in GEOS? If so, should we expect an upgrade to, say, GEOS 2.0? I hope so!
Rob Siegel: We've talked about it, but multitasking takes a lot of memory and we are dealing with a 64….
QuestionIs it true that GEOS 128 will only support Monochrome 80 colume monitors or will it have color ? I heard rumor that it wasnt in color
Rob Siegel: The 80 column part is not in color, but you can switch to 40 columns from within the program and get color.
QuestionWill GEOS128 be coming out on a chip to go in the empty socket?
Rob Siegel: Probably not, because disks are much easier to update than chips.
Questiongeos 128 is the best product I've purchased yet.My question is I get about 6 color choice in 80 column for the border in preference manager.Was that intentional.I read it was only available in black and white.
Rob Siegel: Yes, that is intentional. And I'm glad you like the program.
QuestionIs there a way to get Geoprint to support a daisywheel printer? I have a Bluechip D12/10.
Rob Siegel: Since Daisy Wheels can't read graphics, we don't support them with GEOS at this time.
QuestionNot knowing that a 128 version was available (it's not mentioned in any of your advertisments) I just bought the 64 version. How can I exchange the 64 for the 128 now? I just bought it last week and haven't even sent in the registratio card yet.
Rob Siegel: Send in the card with a check for $24.50 and we will send you the 128 upgrade.
QuestionWhy is Geos-128 so highly priced? From what I can see in the Geos Arena, it still has a LOT of bugs.
Rob Siegel: That's not true. In fact, one thing I want to bring up is that we don't know of any bugs at this time with GEOS 128. A lot of the complaining and griping has come from people who don't own the software and are unhappy with BSW policy. The software is sound, and people love it! 1 or 2 people got a bad disk, but this happens in any piece of software that is manufactured.
QuestionCan I get NLC in geoWrite?
Rob Siegel: If you use geoWrite 2.0 on the Writer's Workshop package, you can get NLQ.
QuestionIs a cartridge based GEOS in the works?
Rob Siegel: We have no immediate plans right now, since disks are easier to upgrade.
QuestionAccording to the August issue of Run mag azine, GeoPaint 128, because of the video aspect ratio does not display a true representation of the printed out- put of a GeoPaint drawing. It's taller and thinner on the screen than on the printer. How significant a difference is there?
Rob Siegel: Slight, but noticeable. It is very easily worked around by using the preview feature.
QuestionWill GEOS 128 support more than two 1571 disk drives (I have three of them and have to unhook one to use my 64 version)
Rob Siegel: Not at this time, but maybe in the future.
Commenthelp!
Rob Siegel: I agree!
QuestionHum… I understand there is (according to the NEWS in GEOS Arena) a "revision" to geoFile. Since I've been away for a time, can you explain what that entails? will it be more than a simple "upgrade" ala Graphics Grabber and geoMerge?
Rob Siegel: It is not ready yet, but when it is we will post info. Send in your reg card if you haven't already. That will be the key to getting the upgrade. And it won't cost anyone a dime.
QuestionHow can I get an OkiMate 20 driver
Rob Siegel: Go into the GEOS Software Library and download the one in there right now.
QuestionWill Geos 128 be shipped with new 128 computers the way Geos 64 is with the 64C?
Rob Siegel: Commodore has no immediate plans at this time.
QuestionWlll GeoPublish be good for Newsletters?
Rob Siegel: The versatility that geoPublish will give is breathtaking. And I'm not just saying that, it really is a neat program. I'm going to take one more question tonight. If I didn't get to yours, post it in the GEOS ARENA in CSS.
CommentI am sick of people complaning in GEOS arena ar'nt you too!
Rob Siegel: I'm not at liberty to say, 🙂 I think a healthy dialogue is always necessary, but diatribes get people no where! Well, thanks for coming tonight, and if you need any more help, ask around. You will find most people very friendly and helpful in the GEOS ARENA. Take care, and have a good night.