softalk-pc-1982-12-reduced

the Spectrum card you can interface your computer with a parallelprinter, a modem, and another serial device (a plotter, for example),and have 256K of memory-all at the expense of a single peripheralslot.Does anyone really know what time it is? The AST ResearchComboPlus board does. The ComboPlus offers 64K-256K, a paralleladapter, an asynchronous adapter, and a real-time clock (one thatruns even when your computer's off). Included with this board ls adisk with a program that lets you easily set the time and date on thebuilt-in clock. The program also enables your pc to read the timeand date on power-up or reboot, freeing you from having to type inthis data for yourself.The Seattle Computer Products RAM+ is a 64K-256K memoryboard with an addressable asynchronous adapter (usable as either aprimary or secondary port). The adapter on this card is the only onereviewed here that won't pass the IBM Advanced Diagnostics withoutyour installing a "wrap plug." All the other asynchronous adaptersmentioned in this article have a self-test mode that allows testingwithout the wrap plug. The fact that the RAM+ doesn't do thisis inconsequential, however. On the RAM+, both the asynchronousadapter and the parity checking can be disabled.Included on the RAM+ are four LED indicators that light up if aparity error is detected, showing in which bank the error occurred:You must have the cover of your computer off to see these LEDs,and they only serve to indicate which group of nine chips is at fault.Since IBM's " parity-check" numeric code (the number the systemdisplays if it detects a parity error) indicates which of the nine bits isat fault, it would make sense if the manufacturers of memory boardswould tell you which chip corresponds to which code. This wouldmake the job of diagnosing parity check errors easier. Having anLED light up is a nice idea that doesn't go far enough.Christin Industries makes the CI-PCM, a 64K-256K memoryboard. The CI-PCM works well and is a good buy for people whowant just a simple memory card. In most respects this board is similarto the IBM-produced board and to those "straight" memorycards made by AST Research and Persyst. The difference in theCI-PCM is one of size. The Christin CI-PCM fills the entire depthof the system cabinet. This memory may only be addressed in 64Kbank segments; 32K boundaries can' t be used as begirining addressesfor this card.When you're planning to buy a memory expansion board, it'simportant to keep in mind the future you envision for your computer.Thinking ahead can often allow you to make the be!!t choicefor the long run. If you see no present or future need for additionalparallel or serial interfaces, for example, you can save money bybuying a straight memory card. If you foresee the need for these additionalfunctions, buy them. You'll most likely be glad not to have togive up slots for them later on; generally you'll also save money bybuying an interface in conjunction with a memory card, rather thangetting it on a separate card. 4AST Research, 2691 Richter Avenue, Irvine, CA 92714; (714) 540-1333.AST offers a family of straight memory boards, with no extra features, rangingfrom $395 for 64K to $795 for 256K. They also have a series of ComboPlus boards, for which you may select any or all of three options in additionto memory. The options are a serial port, a parallel port, and a real-timeclock. Prices range from $495 to $995.Chrislin Industries, 31352 Via Colinas, Westlake Village, CA 91362;(213) 991-2254. The Chrislin Cl-PCM is a straight memory board. Price for256K is $475. Chrislin also offers a Cl-PCM+ board, with 512K and oneserial port, for $895.IBM, Box 1328, Boca Raton, FL 33432; (305) 998-2000. IBM currentlyoffers an expandable straight memory board. The price for 64K is $475; additionalincrements of 64K are available at $200. A nonexpandable 64Kboard retails for $350.Personal Systems Technology (Persyst), 22957 La Cadena, Laguna Hills,CA 92653; (714) 859-8871. The Persyst Spectrum Board offers four independentlyupgradable functions : memory (64K to 256K), a parallel port,and two serial ports. Call for prices.Seattle Computer Products, 1114 Industry Drive, Seattle, WA 98188;(206) 575-1850. The RAM+ consists of memory (64K to 256K) plus oneserial port. Call for prices.The Norton Utilities - DOS SupplementPOWER TOOLS :~~IBM/PC · .14 utilities to enhance IBM/PC- DOSThe essential utilities:Disklook - displays everything on diskettesUn Erase - recovers lost filesThe advanced utilities:SecMod - changes any diskette sectorFile Hide - controls hidden filesThe extra utilities:TimeMark, Clear, DiskOpt, FileFixPrint, Reverse, Beep, ScrAtr, ... and more!Available from computer stores or for $80 fromPeter Norton 1716 Main St.#E, Venice, CA 90291For the best bargain, buy the complete Norton Utilities from your dealer, or directly from me, for $80.But you can also buy the four main utilities, individually:$20 for Disklook, the complete diskette displayer$20 tor UnErase, the file recoverer$20 for SecMod, the diskette modifier$10 for FileHide, the hidden file controllerfor all mail orders add $5shipping and handling; inCalifornia add sales taxHundreds of customers agree: The Quality Leader in Utilities for the IBM/PC8softolk for the IBM Personal Computer December 1982