If you need quick access to important information that doesn't fit the neat orderly rows and columns of a conventional database, InfoRecall Version 4.0 from Phantech Software, Inc. can help. It allows you to search for and have access to "records" ranging from a few words to as long as 25 pages. These "records" can also be linked through InfoRecall's hypertext functions.

If you want to try UNIX on your PC system (386 and above) and want a low cost way to accomplish this, Workgroup Solutions is offering a new CD-ROM containing LINUX, a popular UNIX clone operating system along with LINUX source code, hundreds of megabytes of utilities and a printed manual for $69. Also included are drivers for sound cards, CD-ROM drives, video cards, IDE and SCSI adapters and other hardware.

Multi-Tech Systems, Inc. is licensing their proprietary SVD (simultaneous voice and data) technology for use in dial-up modems. By adding this "Talk Anytime" voice processing feature to a modem's normal data functions lets you talk to the person on the other end of the link INDEPENDENT of the software used. File transfers should be much easier to make when using only a single telephone connection.

For a growing business, estimating future cash flow is critical to STAYING in business. The problem is that most of these financial packages are built for large corporations and carry a hefty price tag. !BottomLine from end.if Software, Inc. allows you to consolidate your receivables, payables and budget information into a 52-week cash flow picture. It is available for 3 platforms (DOS, Windows and Macintosh) and each is under $150.

Don't forget - Cybermania '94 (The Ultimate Gamer's Awards) will be broadcast at 8:05PM (ET) on November 5, 1994 on TBS and will encore at 10:05PM on the 5th and at 4:05PM on the 12th. Awards will be presented to the top winners in twelve gaming categories as determined by the AIAS (Academy of Interactive Arts and Sciences), mail-in and phone-in voting via on-line services. Some of the awards to be presented are for Best actor/actress, best simulation strategy action and best CD game.

At the Lap & Palmtop Mobile Solutions Exposition held on September 29th and 30th in Chicago, the new 170 megabyte PCMCIA hard disk drive was shown and new pen based laptop systems were demonstrated.

Patton & Patton has lowered the price of both the Windows (from $315 to $199) and DOS (from $250 to $149) versions of their popular flow charting programs. These packages make flowcharting more useful as a management tool as they have more power and flowcharting capabilities than the general drawing tools programs.

ViaGrafix has recently released several new training videos: Learning Visual BASIC for Excel, NetWare 4.0 Security and Learning ArcList.

Palo/Haklar Multimedia (a Compton's NewMedia affiliate) has introduced its first interactive CD-ROM title "Voyage through the Solar System". Through the use of photographs, slide shows, narration, an original musical score along with high quality full-motion video from NASA and JPL (Jet Propulsion Laboratory) they make an educational and entertaining CD for the entire family. [Mac LC+ 13+"/8+ bit color/5M RAM/6.07+/] [PC 386+/640x480 256 color VGA/4M RAM/DOS 3.1+ and Windows 3.1+/MPC]

Genius Microprogramming has recently added support for Power BASIC to its GX Development Series of graphic, imaging, special effects, animation, sound and printer toolkits.

Compton's has some new interactive CD-ROM titles covering children's entertainment ("Zoo-opolis!", "Rescue the Scientists"(tm), "Songs from Bear Country"), travel ("Let's Go: The Budget Guide to Europe"), self-help ("Focus for Success"), health ("The Doctor's Book of Home Remedies") and religion ("The Complete Multimedia Bible").

Medio Multimedia, Inc. has released the second issue of Medio Magazine, a monthly general interest CD-ROM magazine that brings entertainment and information to families. It is $9.95 per issue or $59.95 for a 12-month subscription. The current issue combines MTV video clips, movie clips, complete Wizard of Oz book, Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis retrospective, World Cup highlights and auto leasing tips. [PC - 486+/256 color VGA/4M RAM/Windows 3.1+/MPC]

Its been over a year that Club Kidsoft has been published and now has a circulation of more than 400,000 kids in the United States. It combines a quarterly large format color magazine and a software catalog with an optional multimedia CD-ROM disk (Mac & Windows) which are filled with stories, artwork and activities submitted by other club members. Pre-screened software can be previewed from the CD-ROM and unlocked through credit card purchase or ordered from the included catalog. These 3 publications combine interactive learning in a colorful, non-violent environment.

And now for something completely different! If this phrase has no meaning to you, the article is now over. Bye. For you others, 7th level has created a Monty Python CD-ROM "thingy" titled "A Complete Waste of Time!" which also includes the utterly foolish contest to try to find the "Secret to Intergalatic Success". Reminisce as you see your favorite sketch such as the Dead Parrot and the Cheese Shop. Or you could test your skill with "it's ....." very own flying pigs, hammer wielding madwoman or other delightful game. Also included (at no additional charge) is a set of desktop icons, interactive screen savers and some noisy "bits" (collection of obnoxious sound effects). The CD-ROM is priced around 25-38 pounds (after decimalization). For you foreigners that would be about $39.95 to $59.95 US!

Copyright © 1994 Rick Smith All rights reserved.