Q-Link: Our GEOS Forum will begin shortly with your host GEOS ROB of Berkeley Software.
GEOS ROB: Softworks! Not Software! 🙂
Q-Link: Oops!
RJScott: Following is a list of scheduled events here in the Q-Link Auditorium for the period ending June 24. Remember, all of the events are scheduled for EASTERN DAYLIGHT TIME here on Q-Link. 6/18:Graphics:Forum:10p.m. 6/19:Midnite:Forum:10p.m. 6/20:World/Computers:10p.m. 6/21:Q-Link:Auction:5p.m. 6/21:News:Talk:11p.m. 6/22:Commodore:Forum:10p.m. 6/23:Guided:Tour:9:30p.m. 6/24:Butterfield:Forum:10p.m. The Q-Link Auditorium is capable of accomodating up to 200 guests, however, only YOUR name and the names of our SPEAKERS (up to a total of 4 names), can be seen on your screen. In order to see how many guests are present, press F7 and select "Leave The Auditorium" but don't leave. At that point simply list the public rooms until you see the Auditorium and the number of guests. All questions/comments are received in the order sent. A speaker may choose not to "broadcast" certain items. Duplicates are commonly discarded, as well as any items that are received incomplete or unintelligible. We ask that you keep the questions/comments pertinent to the topic of the Forum, rather than digress from same. Thanks for your cooperation! "Talking" as in other rooms in PEOPLE CONNECTION is disabled in the Auditorium in order to provide speakers with the proper environment for a Forum. In order to ask a question or to comment you may press F7 and use ASK A QUESTION. At the end of the line, press return ONE time to continue typing. In order to "send" your question or comment, press return TWO times. Good evening! Welcome to the GEOS Forum with your host Rob Siegel of Berkeley Software. Rob will answer your GEOS related questions during the forum and also award a GEOS product to a lucky Q-Linker present in the Auditorium in a random drawing. That winner will have his or her choice of any EXISTING GEOS product! Hello Rob, and welcome back to the GEOS Forum! My apologies, that's "SoftWORKS"
GEOS ROB: Good evening, and welcome to another GEOS Forum. I'm Rob Siegel, and I'll be your host for tonight's forum (as always). It is my job to answer your questions, so feel free to fire when ready! Answers are answered in the order received, so if you have a question, don't be bashful. We are getting really close to finishing GEOS 128. We are finishing the manual and the disk is being duplicated right now. All registered owners will be notified shortly as to the details of the upgrade exchange. We don't know the cost yet, but I should have it shortly. geoCalc is in final beta testing right now, and should be out shortly after GEOS 128. You also might want to check out the GEOS News section of the GEOS Forum (in CIN). We have press released –check that, releases– posted about geoProgrammer and geoPublish. I guarantee you that geoPublish is going to change the Commodore world forever, much like GEOS did. Well, that is enough of my rambling, on to your questions…. Oh, by the way, some lucky sole is going to get a free copy of the piece of GEOS Software that he or she chooses, so don't leave forum, not even for a minute. And yes, that should say soul! 🙂
QuestionWhat is GEOPublish and what does it do also what is GEOFile?
GEOS ROB: geoPublish is a deskTop publishing program that allows for versatile postioning… of graphics and text. It can do many unique features and I suggest you read the press release… in the GEOS Forum. geoFile is a database system designed for use with the GEOS OS, and is… currently available.
QuestionHow do you pronounce GEOS?
GEOS ROB: Nice question, Bill! It is pronounced GE-OSE! With a long O! It is not ge ahs. We do not have a product by that name!
QuestionWill Berkeley Software make a GEOSpell to check ones typing?
GEOS ROB: Yes, we are working on geoSpell, but we do not have a release date available yet. It will probably also have a font editor on the package….
Questionare you the guy who made GEOS?
GEOS ROB: No, but I wish I was. There was actually a team of 10 people who developed the software. I just give marketing and customer support (and have for the last 16 months).
Q-Link: Our "Guestlist" numbers 97 present and we have 85 questions pending.
QuestionRob,i have an Okimate 10 printer.The onl y time i can print out my geo paint graphics,however,is if i'm using my color ribbon How come i cant use my black ribbon even when i'm printing black-only pictures?
GEOS ROB: Use the Comm Compat driver with geoPaint and a B&W ribbon and see if that helps. If not, try the 801 driver…
QuestionMany desktop publishing products have a very low graphic resolution once they reach the printer. Do your products allow editing of the printed material down to the individual printer pin level ?
GEOS ROB: No, but you can edit up to a single pixel. I suggest you d/l some of the graphics in the GEOS Software library to see some of the amazing things people have done.
QuestionIs Berkely developing GEOS or GEOS like products for any other machines? Like the Amiga?
GEOS ROB: We are examining our options. 😉
Questionhow can I get sex
GEOS ROB: Wrong area, buddy! This is the GEOS/Dr. Ruth show…. 🙂
RJScott: 😀
Questionwill GEOS 128 be protected? or is it already out?
GEOS ROB: I will be protected, similar to our current version. It will be out shortly.
QuestionIs GEOS compatible with the Star SG10C ? (special edition printer)
GEOS ROB: There was a hardware problem at the beginning, but I have heard that the special edition chips fix the compatibility problem.
QuestionI thought I only needed to send in one warranty card and I no longer have the cards I didn't use. Is there anyway I can get the cards.
GEOS ROB: No. We need all of your warranty cards so we can notify you for each different product. You will have to send in your software to do any kind of exchange….
QuestionIs BSW planning any kind of geoBasic? You don't really expect everyone who wants to write prg's for GEOS to learn/ know ML do you?
GEOS ROB: We are examining the possibilities of a geoBasic programming language.
QuestionYour product is very valuable to commodore owners are you planning to market anything new in the near future?
GEOS ROB: Have a look at the GEOS News section in the GEOS Forum (in CIN) and there is info there…. Bob, what do you say we pick that winner in…..a few minutes???
QuestionWhat are BSW. Or what is BSW?
GEOS ROB: BSW stands for Berkeley Softworks, the makers of GEOS.
QuestionIs there anyway to get 1.3 kernal other than by buying 1764 or 1351? (ie.) d/l from Q-link?
GEOS ROB: Yes, and you can't get the 1.3 kernal from Q-Link, only the 1.3 deskTop. If you send us $5, we.. will send you the upgrade program. Are you there, Bob?
QuestionHow soon until Deskpack II is released?
RJScott: Yep, I sure am here!
GEOS ROB: It has been broken up at this time. We are going to ship geoSpell and geoChart as different products. We don't have dates for either yet…
QuestionHi Rob, is there a release date for the updated GEOS Programmer's Ref. Guide yet?
GEOS ROB: Not at this time, but I'll tell GEOS Tech you are anxious to get it.
CommentI just wanna comment that I think its great that Berkeley Softworks runs a user support area here on Q-Link. It makes GEOS the *best*!!!! And… you do a great job answering our questions!! Thanx!!!!!
GEOS ROB: Well, it is always nice to hear something like that, and it is made easier when you are working.. with such a good system as Q-Link!
Questioncan the 1.3 kernal be used without a ram expander?
GEOS ROB: Sure it can, but the purpose of it is to use the RAM expansion. It does not make that much of… a difference other-wise…. Bob, I think it is time Q-Link picked a winner…..
RJScott: OK Rob..good idea!
GEOS ROB: Drum roll…..
RJScott: Our prizewinner may have his or her choice of ANY existing GEOS product as indicated below: You:may:choose:GEOS Writer's:Workshop You:may:choose:Diskpack1 You:may:choose:Fontpack1 You:may:choose:GeoDEX:or You:may:choose:GeoFILE
Q-Link: Scannng the audience for our winner….
GEOS ROB: That is actually :GEOS : Writer's Workshop Two seperate products….
Q-Link: And our winner is "The Shep"
RJScott: Yeah! Congratulations, Shep!
GEOS ROB: Congrats! Yea!!! Bob will get all of the info from you, and I'll send you out your choice tomorrow! Everyone say hi to Eileen!
QuestionCan geopublish do page layout?
RJScott: Hello Eileen!
GEOS ROB: Absolutely! That is the purpose of the product!
QuestionWhat is GeoProgrammer/
GEOS ROB: geoProgrammer is combination assembler, debugger, and linker for the GEOS environment. It is… going to be a really neat product when it is finally done!
QuestionI read in a magazine about a font editor could you explain this?
GEOS ROB: Cosmac has written a font editor for GEOS, and it is a really neat program. In fact, we bought it and will be putting it on our geoSpell packages…
QuestionCan you use information in GEODex with GEOFile?
GEOS ROB: Not at this time, but we are looking into adding this for the future.
QuestionWill GEOS 128 work in 40 column mode/
GEOS ROB: Yes. It will be able to work in BOTH 40 and 80 column mode.
Questionwith the acceptance of geos in the computer world for the C= will this increase the potentiality for C=?
GEOS ROB: I hope so. I think that Commodore is hopefully on its way back after the many problems it had… I hope that GEOS has lended credibility to the Commodore world.
QuestionNow that the 1764 Expansion Cart. is out how many more pages can be added to GeoWrite or Workshop's files.
GEOS ROB: It is the same as using a disk drive but it is just using it at 5 times faster than normal with.. GEOS.
QuestionHas the modification to GEOS to allow page printouts on 60dpi ready? Also will Geos support Diablo's c-150 Color ink jet printer?
GEOS ROB: NO and not yet. We will probably start work on the enhancements shortly, tho.
QuestionIs there a GEOS 128 or will there be a GEOS disk for the new 1581 disk drive???
GEOS ROB: There will be a GEOS 128 in a few weeks, and it will support the 1581.
QuestionSo geoPublish is basically a sophisticated geoWrite?
GEOS ROB: Not even close! It is so much more sophisticated! It can ripple text onto later
Q-Link: Our "Guestlist" is now 88, and we have 259 questions pending.
GEOS ROB: pages if if won't fit on a page (like a newspaper–turn to page 5, column 4, etc.) ~ second if should say it and it can put boxes around text, integrate graphics and text like never before. It is unreal!
QuestionI am considering the purchase of deskpac can you tell me more about the program?
GEOS ROB: Deskpack 1 has four major programs. First and foremost a Graphics Grabber, for bringing Print… Shop, PrintMaster and Newsroom graphics into GEOS. It also has a calendar, a blackjack game, and an icon editor. It is a very handy addition to the GEOS environment.
Questionwill GEOS 128 work in B&W 80 column mode ?
GEOS ROB: Yes…
QuestionIs there any command to get double spacing in Geo Write?
GEOS ROB: Only with geoWrite 2.0, which is on the Writer's Workshop pacakage.
QuestionHow much is geoPublish going to cost?
GEOS ROB: We don't know yet, but it might be around &69.95. ~$69.95
QuestionWhat does Writer's Workshop add to GEOS?
GEOS ROB: geoWrite 2.0, which is first of all, one of the best word processors on the market. It also has the text grabber for bringing in non-geoWrite files into geoWrite. It has geoMerge for doing form letters, and geoLaser for hooking up to an Apple Laser Writer so you can get typeset quality from your Commodore.
QuestionCan GEOS-64 support the 1571 drive ??
GEOS ROB: Yes, in 1541 mode.
QuestionWhat does GEOS stand for?
GEOS ROB: Graphic Environment Operating System
Questionare Geos 64 fonts going to work on Geos 128 thanks Rob long live GEOS
GEOS ROB: Yes, and thanks. I hope GEOS lives a long time, too!
QuestionIs there a "GeoTerm" in the wings for 64 Telecommunications?
GEOS ROB: We don't have any immediate plans, but some third parties might be working on it.
QuestionHow about some geoGames? Besides blackjack.
GEOS ROB: We are seeing what we can do about this….
QuestionWill current Applications work with GEOS 128?
GEOS ROB: Yes, except for geoFile and geoCalc.
QuestionIs the font editor on Geospell the same as Cosmac's GEOFONT?
GEOS ROB: Yes, it will be the same.
QuestionI got a Big Blue Printer. I wanted to know if there is a driver compatible to the printer. Note: Protecto made the Printer
GEOS ROB: We have not tested that printer so I don't have a recommendation for you. You might want to ask that question on the printer section of th GEOS customer service boards.
QuestionWhat can I do with defective software ?
GEOS ROB: Send it into us for replacement! Hurry!
QuestionIs there any way to move an entire page of text or graphics between geowrite and geopaint without having to break them into scraps?
GEOS ROB: Not at this time.
QuestionWill geoSpell have a user dictionary like Paperclip
GEOS ROB: Yep!
QuestionAre there any grafix disks out for GEOS Like Holiday disks, Sport disks, etc?
GEOS ROB: Not at this time, no…
QuestionOn the 128 GEOS Geopaint, are the colors in 8×8 blocks as in the 64 version? Does it use RGB mode?
GEOS ROB: It uses RGB mode, but there is no color in 80 cols. You can switch to 40 cols from inside geoPaint 128 and get color there.
QuestionCan the GEOS for the 128 can be booted in 40 or 80 col?
GEOS ROB: Yes, it can be booted in either.
QuestionWill Geodex work with any modem except the 1670
GEOS ROB: Not that we are aware of at this time.
QuestionI sometimes get a SYSTEM ERROR with Desk Top 1.3 after it comes across a disk error, are you awae of that?
GEOS ROB: Sounds like a bad disk or a bad copy of the program. Try a fresh d/l from Q-Link onto a new disk and that should solve your problem.
QuestionIs Q-Link on every copy of GEOS sold
GEOS ROB: Yep! And isn't that a good thing!
QuestionDoes GEOS support an Okimate 20?
GEOS ROB: Absolutely!
QuestionHow could I become a 'GEOS ROB',or in other words, how can I get a job in Q-Link??
GEOS ROB: I don't work for Q-Link–I work for Berkeley Softworks….
QuestionWhat do you think about Timeworks' proposed entry into desktop publishing? Do you feel that they will challenge GEOS?
GEOS ROB: I wish Timeworks all the luck in the world. But I got to tell ya, geoPublish is amazing! We'll be competitors, yes, but geoPublish is going to change Commodore forever!
QuestionWith GEOS 128 will it have the capability to use both sides of the disk if using a dual drive such as the 1571? Or will it default to the 1541 mode And last but not least… Will projects (writings and graphics) made with GEOS 64 be compatible with 128?
GEOS ROB: Yes, it will use the 1571 in double sided mode, and yes graphics done in 64 mode will work in GEOS 128.
CommentAbout an earlier question concerning the amiga…I say stick to the Commodore 8-Bit line…many c= users would be very unhappy if you decided to go with IBM:)
GEOS ROB: Well, we always appreciate hearing comments like that! We will continue to support GEOS no matter what we do in the future.
Questionif i buy a new geos from a store will i be able to use my other geowriter,etc if i have been using them with my first geo s?
GEOS ROB: NO! If you need a new copy or a backup, contact us directly!
Commenthello.
GEOS ROB: Howdy!
QuestionIn a computer magazine, they were already selling GEOS 128, this was in a mail-order add…
GEOS ROB: Yea, they are jumping the gun a bit early. It will still be a few weeks, yet.
QuestionHow soon will you be able to get GEOS 12 8 at the Q-Link store
GEOS ROB: Sometime in the next few weeks.
QuestionWill GEOS support the new 3.5" drive for the 64 AND 128?
GEOS ROB: Currently only for the 128, but not for the 64 right now.
QuestionWill Geos 128 also have a 3.5 disk version???
GEOS ROB: Initially it will just be a data storage drive, but later we might use it as a booting drive.
QuestionWill I be able to convert GEOS for 64 to GEOS 128?
GEOS ROB: Yes, for a nominal fee that has not yet been determined.
QuestionAre there plans to put GEOS in ROM? That should make it more convenient, and would solve the copy-protection gripes.
GEOS ROB: Yes, but it would not be upgradeable. Therefore we are going to stick to a disk based system.
QuestionIs GEOS compatable with the 1571 in 1571 mode on a Commodore 64?
GEOS ROB: Not at this time.
Questionwhen will geopublish be released?
GEOS ROB: Sometime in the Fall of 1987.
QuestionWhat will be the price of the new GEOS 128 and what extra featurs will it have over the 64 version?
GEOS ROB: Retail will be $69.95, but it will be cheaper to upgrade. New features include 80 column support and support of both sides of the 1571.
Q-Link: Our guests number 73 and we have 239 questions pending.
QuestionWould you say that third-party producers will start producing GEOS-compatible software.
GEOS ROB: Yes, I think this will start to happen in the near future. Hell, it is their loss if they don't do it!
QuestionI'm having problems installing GeoFile and Writer's Workshop on my Geos system. Can you help?
GEOS ROB: Sure, send me E-Mail with some details!
QuestionIf i down load graphics examples from the GEOS library, do they have to run under GEOS to get them to my printer?
GEOS ROB: Yes you do.
QuestionI7ve heard that it is possible to download my GEOS files to Qlink and them laser printed and mailed to me for a charge. Is this true, and if it is, how do I go about doing it?
GEOS ROB: Yes it is true, and all you have to do is see the GEOS Forum in CIN and look in the section called geoLaser.
Questiondoes laser print round off saw tooth edges like O's,R's,etc. so they look like printed docs??:D
GEOS ROB: It looks like type set quality documents! It is unbelievable!
QuestionHow long did it take to develope GEOS?
GEOS ROB: Too long! Actually about 8 months from start to version 1.2. Well, maybe more like 9 or 10 months. This is the last question I am going to take tonight. If I didn't get to yours, post it in the GEOS Forum in CIN. I'll be glad to help you there!
QuestionHow much do you get paid?
GEOS ROB: Not enough considering the abuse I take from some of the more hostile Q-link users! 🙂
RJScott: ( Docile, loveable and kind here)
GEOS ROB: Well folks, that is it for tonight. I thank you for coming, and I hope to see all of you on the boards!
RJScott: Thank you ROB! We appreciate your taking the time from your very busy schedule to stop by for the GEOS Forum!
GEOS ROB: It was my pleasure. Good night all!
RJScott: Good night!
Q-Link: The GEOS Forum has ended. Please check the BOX OFFICE via People Connection for our next scheduled event. Thank you and good night! The GEOS Forum has ended. Please check the BOX OFFICE via PEOPLE CONNECTION to see the next scheduled event here in the QuantumLink Auditorium. Thank you and good night.