GEOS ROB: We'll get started here in a minute folks, so don't go away….. Good evening one and all. I'm Rob Siegel (aka GEOS ROB) and I'll be your host for tonights forum about GEOS. For those of you who are new here, GEOS is the official operating system for the Commodore 64 and 128. We have a complete line of follow on products and those can be read about in the GEOS Forum of the CIN here on Q-Link. We are about two weeks away from releasing GEOS 128, which will have full 80 column support, so you 128 owners will get 128 software–not 64! geoFile is now shipping, and geoCalc is still a few weeks away. We've had some problems with geoCalc because it is such a complex program to write, but it is very close to being wrapped up. In the long term, we are planning geoPublish, which will be a deskTop publishing program, and also geoProgrammer. This will latter program will be a combination assembler, linker, and debugger for GEOS. It will be a big help to all of you programmers out there. geoSpell is also making good head way, but we don't have a release date available at this time. Well, that's enough of me rambling, now on to your questions.
QuestionWill BSW have some way C64 GEOS users can upgrade to the new 128 GEOS in June?
GEOS ROB: Yes. We don't know what the details will be, but all registered owners will be notified that they can upgrade to the 128 version for a nominal fee. If you haven't already sent in your reg card, you should do so now! I will also be posting a message here on Q-link to let everyone know when the swap is on!
QuestionHow do u make work disk from the 1.3 Geos.
GEOS ROB: If you have the upgrade and can't make work disks, you should copy your original with Backup, and make work disks using the program Disk Copy. This will allow you to copy all of your work disks. If you need to copy files file by file, do so until you have one work disk, and then copy it with Disk Copy.
QuestionHow is the Geomouse any different than the Commodore 1351 mouse?
GEOS ROB: geoMouse, when it is released, will be a one button and not two button mouse. More importantly, it will have a built in clock that will update your files automatically, so you won't have to go to the Preference Manager everytime you boot up.
QuestionWho is EileenC?
GEOS ROB: Eileen is the new helper/co-conspirator of Miss Chris. Say hi Eileen…. EileenC Hi everyone! Nice to see you all here. 🙂
QuestionAny new on GEOS for the 128 ?
GEOS ROB: We are a couple weeks away, but we are getting closer all the time. The software is all but done and now we are finishing up the manual and artwork. This product is going to be hot!
QuestionHow fast does the Geoprint cable speed up printing? Will it speed printing on things other than GEOS?
GEOS ROB: It is about a third to a 50% faster than using an interface card, and it can be used with software that send standard parallel output, but I don't have an exact list of what products it works with.
QuestionI'm having difficulty with GEWRITE, expe especially with printer interface. Need more info.
GEOS ROB: So do I. Post more info in the geoWrite section of the GEOS Forum and I can help you there.
QuestionI made ONE back-up of the disk, then updated to 1.3. I then made another back up & it won't let me alter the back-up help..
GEOS ROB: You need to read the section of the GEOS Forum in the GEOS Software Library in the BSW …. applications section. It talks about the new deskTop in that area and its properties….
QuestionWhat new GEOS software will be unveiled at the CES show this weekend?
GEOS ROB: People in attendace will see GEOS 128 and geoCalc, and even a sneak peak at geoProgrammer and… geoPublish…. 🙂
QuestionThe 1764 RAM Expander is GREAT with GEOS but can we get it to use more than the standard 165k available on a disk?
GEOS ROB: The other 100k is used for our speed up routines, and therefore you only get 165K on the disk. If you own a 128, you can get 310K with the 1750 and GEOS 128….
QuestionWhy can't we buy a mouse here? rob ????? Hi, Rob
GEOS ROB: Hi Foxy! The mouse isn't ready yet, so we can't sell it here. We'll probably put it up when we have a… final product.
QuestionIs the Geoprint Cable a real product and does it work with the Panasonic 1091i and the Star NX-10?
GEOS ROB: Yes, yes, and yes.
QuestionWith the GEOS 128 program, would the REU work on the 1700 and the 1750 ram system ?
GEOS ROB: It works with the 1750, but not the 1700. The 1700 does not have enough memory.
QuestionWhat is BSW?
GEOS ROB: Berkeley Softworks…..
QuestionGEOpublish long term, weeks, months, or 6months?
GEOS ROB: Months, but 6 might be a little too long…..
QuestionWhere do I notify your company about an address change
GEOS ROB: Send in a card to us at the address on your manual, and put it to the attention of customer service. The address is : 2150 Shattuck Ave. Berkeley, CA 94704.
QuestionWill GEOS128 be available at Q-Link Store.
GEOS ROB: Hopefully in the next few weeks….
QuestionTimeworks is now planning some sort of competition, any comments?
GEOS ROB: I don't know anything about it, so I don't have much to say! 🙂 If they are writing GEOS soft- ware, than great! The more the merrier!
QuestionRob, have you had any problems with geoFile regarding a I:06 error? I have spent a lot of time with database construction, but this crashes the files. Please help.
GEOS ROB: Sounds like a bad disk. Try making another copy and see if that helps. If it does not, return it to your place of purchase for a replacement.
QuestionSome of us have bought GEOS a long time ago and are not sure if we sent the reg card in. Is there a way of checking?
GEOS ROB: If you send me E-mail in a few weeks, I should be able to check for you….
QuestionCan GeoFile be merged with Geowrite documents to allow us to create form letters?
GEOS ROB: Absolutely!
QuestionWill GEOS 128 be in color this release? If not yet, is it planned for the future ?
GEOS ROB: Not at this release, but you can go to 64 mode from within GEOS 128 and get color….. You can't get it in 80 columns….
QuestionI have just updated my GEOS 1.2 to 1.3 with a disk I got from the Commodore 1351 mouse but I cannot seem to get the desk accessories to operate. How can I get them to work and is there a special instruction book for 1.3?
GEOS ROB: There is no book, but if you send me E-Mail or post a message with some more details about what exactly is happening I'll be glad to help…
Miss Chris: 78 guests; 140 questions pending
QuestionRob,are there any Ideas for geos telecom
GEOS ROB: Not currently, but I've heard Mystic Jim is working on a geoTerm….
QuestionWill the 128 GEOS support any Ram Expansion Units (RESs) ?
GEOS ROB: It will support the 1750 REU.
QuestionWill geos support the 1581?
GEOS ROB: Yes, the 128 versio will be able to support it. ~ version
QuestionWhy is one button mouse preferable to a two button mouse?
GEOS ROB: Well, it is easier to handle and you don't have too fiddle with a wrong button. The real feature is the clock, and our mouse will be around the same price as the 1351 so it will have more to… offer.
QuestionIs the new geoprint cable useable with everything you want to print,i.e. other programs?
GEOS ROB: We don't have a list of all of the software it is compatible with, but it does work with some others. It is designed to be used mostly with GEOS.
QuestionWill Geos 128 be able to address more than two drives?
GEOS ROB: Not right away, but maybe in the future.
QuestionIs the Getstring doc correct in the PRG?
GEOS ROB: You should ask GEOS TECH. I don't really know. For those of you who have programming questions, we have a programming board, and it is monitored by GEOS Tech. If you have any questions, post them there. GEOS TECH is all of our programmers who take turns manning the board.
QuestionDo file deletions from the original GEOS disk damage that disk?
GEOS ROB: Not at all, but you really should not work too much on your master disk, only when you have to.
QuestionHow compatible will GEOS 128 be with other GEOS products (geoFile, geoCalc) ?
GEOS ROB: All of our 64 sotware will work with 128 GEOS in 64 mode. Follow on applications will be up- gradeable to 80 column versions to all registered owners of those follow on products.
QuestionCan the mouse be used with other softwar
GEOS ROB: They will have to write a driver for it, but most companies don't use the 1351 either…..
QuestionHow much will geoMouse cost?
GEOS ROB: We just don't know yet…
QuestionAre there any developments on changing the print format of GeoPaint from 80 cpi to 60 cpi?
GEOS ROB: You mean DPI (dots per inch). We are looking into adding an upgrade feature that will allow you to say you have a 60 dpi printer and will adjust the screen….
QuestionAre there enough utility and/or file up- dates on q-link,to suppliment the geos
GEOS ROB: We have 6 more follow on products and at least 4 more on the way by Fall. The GEOS universe just continues to grow….
CommentRob, I appreciate all the help that you offer on QLink. I hope that Geos 128 will not be a disappointment. I look foreward to it, and hope that I don't have to spend the bucks for an Amiga.
GEOS ROB: You won't be disappointed, it is an amazing product! As good as we have ever done!
QuestionWill Geos 128 work on the 1541 drive??? (PLEASE!!!)
GEOS ROB: Yes! But you won't be able to use it double sided like the 1571.
QuestionCan I use GEOS with Star SG10 printer in NLQ?
GEOS ROB: Yes, if you have geoWrite 2.0, which is available on the Writer's Workshop package. If you have more questions about this product, check the area in the GEOS forum about it.
QuestionPlease explain how Geos 128 will be different than the 64 version – besides 80 columns.
Miss Chris: Located in the Commodore Information Network! 😀
GEOS ROB: Well, the 80 columns allows you to view all of geoWrite and geoPaint horizontally. This is a big help! It also can use a 1571 two sided and and give you 300K on a RAM disk. We've also added support for the 1581 and other minor adjustments and tuneups.
QuestionI'm having problems with the GEOS cable with the MPS-1000 in IBM mode. Carriage return problem. Any solution, Rob?
GEOS ROB: Yes! There is a new driver for this set up, and it is in the Printer section of the GEOS Soft- ware Library here on Q-link. You can download it and it will work much better.
QuestionWill GEOS 128 be compatible w/ other GEOS programs?
GEOS ROB: Yep, and you will be able to upgrade to 80 column versions if you own 64 versions. By the way, the GEOS Sofware Library is in the GEOS Forum sectio of CIN here on Q-link. ~section
QuestionI download a printer driver,but I can't get it to work
GEOS ROB: You need to Convert it using the GEOS Conversion Program which is also in the GEOS Software library. All of the instructions are there.
Commenthi rob
GEOS ROB: 🙂 Hi Jim!
QuestionWhy don't letter quality printers work with GEOS word processing software? Any plans to fix this problem?
GEOS ROB: GEOS sends out graphics commands, and LQ printers don't read these commands. We have no immediate plans to support Daisy Wheels, but we may in the future.
QuestionI understand that once a product is used with GEOS it can only be used with that copy. Is this true?
GEOS ROB: Yes. Once you buy a follow-on product it is linked to your original boot disk.
QuestionWill GEOS 128 have more space in the work region in GeoPaint?
GEOS ROB: Yes! Instead of looking at 1/14 of the drawing window, you are looking at 1/5 of the page!
QuestionHow do you use the fonts on the font dis k.
GEOS ROB: Move them to a geoWrite or geoPaint work disk, and then access them from the font pull down menu.
QuestionAre there any plans to place GEOS on a ROM chip for retrofit or to put it on a cartridge?This would make it much more useful for those using several programs.
GEOS ROB: No, because ROM chips are hard to upgrade. They can't be exchanged easily like disks.
QuestionThis has probably been asked, but is the re a way to convert other already-writte n-text by other WPs to GEOS?
GEOS ROB: Yes, you can use the Text Grabber which is also on the Writer's Workshop package.
QuestionWill BSW develop a dictionary or a spell-checker in the future?
GEOS ROB: geoSpell, a spell check program, will be out by the middle of summer. It will have a dictionary and you will also be able to add your own words.
QuestionDoes commodore offer a trade-in for a 1350 for the new 1351??
GEOS ROB: I don't think so, but you will have to contact Commodore about it.
QuestionIs it possable that in the near future a program could be made to alter/design my own patterns for geoPaint? a hex pattern for example
GEOS ROB: We bought a pattern editor by a fellow by the name of Cosmac here on Q-Link. He did a great job, but we aren't sure how we will market it yet.
QuestionWill there be an accounting type program that interfaces with or is part of Geos?
GEOS ROB: geoCalc will be a spreadsheet and shoud be out within a few weeks, but that is it for now.
QuestionWhat is GeoProgrammer??? EileenC And I'm 4 Ft., 3 In. tall, weigh 290 lbs…but I have a great personality! 🙂
GEOS ROB: A program we are working on that will be a combination assembler, linker, debugger for GEOS. Sorry about that folks, obviously a typo!
Miss Chris: Well folks, now you know all about Eileen!
Questionwill 64 documents be compatable with 128 version?
GEOS ROB: Yes, for geoWrite and geoPaint.
QuestionWhy can't more companies come out with QUALITY software like GEOS? 😉
GEOS ROB: Aw, thanks Paria! Actually, the brightest minds are working in Berkeley, and that is why no one else had done it! 😀
QuestionHow will Geo Publish be different from GEOWRITE?
GEOS ROB: geoPublish will allow you to position graphics and text on the same line, and will also format… columns and wrap to other pages.
QuestionWill GEOS ever make a home accountant program, and if so by when?
GEOS ROB: We have no immediate plans, but it might happen in the future…
QuestionDo you have any idea when geoprogrammer and/or geopublish will be released? (As if they're being held hostage…:\) 🙂
GEOS ROB: Hostage! That's it! And we're going to Beirut! Yea, that's the ticket! Actually I don't have a date for those programs….
QuestionDid you get my question? I am new
GEOS ROB: Questions are answered in the order received. If I could answer it, I already did…..
QuestionWill geoPublish let you use more than 1 geoPaint window in a geoPaint document?
GEOS ROB: Most definitely! It is a really neat program….
QuestionCan you tell us the K available with each REU (both in 64 and 128 modes) ?
GEOS ROB: The 1764 (for the 64) is 256K, and the 1750 is 512K. Rob
QuestionWill you release 128 versions of programs the same time you release 64 versions (such as Geo Publish 128????)
GEOS ROB: 64 will probably be first, but 128 should start following soon after. Eventually they will be released simultaneously.
QuestionIs there any difference between the 1.3 upgrade that I received with my 1351 mouse and the new 1.3 upgrade avaialble here on Q-link??
GEOS ROB: The 1.3 upgrade with the mouse changes the kernal so you can use the RAM expansion units… The 1.3 here on Q-link is just the new deskTop.
Questiondoes GEOS have a filing system that has search capabilities. if so what is the name of it.I have not been able to find one
GEOS ROB: geoFile is our new data base program and is just now in stores in your area. It is really good and you should give it a look! This is the last question I am going to take tonight. If I didn't get to yours, just post it in the GEOS Forum.
QuestionHow many GEOS products do you have out now?
GEOS ROB: We currently have 6 including geoFile, and 4 more will be out by the end of summer. Well, thanks for coming all, and if you need any help with GEOS, post it on the the GEOS boards! Thanks for all of the support, and have a good night! 😉
Miss Chris: Good night Rob…thanks for joining us tonight!