Brian Heywood browses the World Wide Web, and takes a look at the latest CD‑ROM writer from Yamaha.
In this column exactly three years ago, I talked about the CIX (pronounced 'kicks') on‑line conferencing system — a sort of super bulletin board system (BBS). In my opinion, CIX (Compulink Information eXchange) has always been the best value for money out of all the dedicated conferencing systems, but the Internet situation has changed somewhat in the last year with the arrival of the World Wide Web. In case you've just got back from the planet Mars, the Web is simply a presentation format that allows computers connected to the Internet to present information — text, graphics, sound, and even 'live' video — in a user‑friendly manner. If you browse through the 'Cyberspace Corner' box of recent PC Notes, you'll get an idea of what the Web is really like.
Wired For Sound
Obviously you can't see the interactive aspect of the Web, which is rather like a hypertext system with 'hot‑links' to other pages or files for download. For instance, you can have a button on a Web page that will automatically download a sound file and then replay it using your PC's soundcard. Eventually you'll be able to play sound, and maybe even video files in real time over the network. As far as I can tell, no‑one really knows what the Web can be used for, and until access methods (ie. modem speeds) improve, it won't really realise its full potential as a multimedia display system.
To access the Web you need to have a PC, a modem, and two pieces of software. The first is known as 'socket' software, which essentially makes your PC a node on the Internet network — I use a piece of shareware from Tasmania called Trumpet WinSock. Once you have access to the Internet you need a browser, which will download Web pages from the other computers connected to the network and display them on the screen. To be able to access the Internet, you need to have a network node address — at least while you're connected — which is obtained by subscribing to an Internet service provider.
The nice people at CIX — after biding their time — have now come up with a Internet service which looks like it's going to be one of the best around. Unlike many Internet providers, CIX only charges for the amount of time you are connected, and this works out at just 1p a minute, with a minimum charge of £15 a month. As long as you don't spend more than 25 hours a month 'on‑line' (which works out at just under an hour a day), this compares very favourably with other providers. If you have a CIX conferencing account, then the £15 minimum charge applies to both accounts, which makes it even cheaper if you are already using CIX.
By the time you read this, around 80% of the UK should be able to access the new service via a local call, with the coverage in Scotland improving in the new year. There is a one‑off set up charge of £10 which also covers the 'Enthusiast's' software package, supplying all the basic networking tools to take advantage of the Internet connection. For an extra £30 you can purchase the Professional pack, which is a better choice if you are a complete Internet novice. To find out more about how to get onto the 'information superhighway' you can call CIX on 0181 296 9666 or email: sales@cix.compulink.co.uk
AWE32 News
High Wings Media Services based in Shrewsbury specialise in products for the Creative Labs AWE32 soundcard. On the hardware side, they provide a kit that allows you to access the AWE's S/PDIF output (see October's PC Notes) for £15, as well as a Digital‑to‑Analogue Converter (DAC) that allows you to realise the full audio quality of the Emu synthesizer chip resident on the card. On the software side, they do a number of CD‑ROMs, including the first AWE‑specific disc with over 100 sound bank files (.SBK), as well as many utilities, additional samples, and AWE‑relevant data — all for (£12.50 inc p&p). The other CD‑ROMs contain AWE‑specific MIDI files of various chart hits and jazz standards, and cost £21 (inc shipping). To find out more, contact High Wings on 01694 731718.
New From Yamaha
Yamaha have produced a low‑cost successor to their excellent CDR‑100 CD‑ROM burner, in the shape of the CDR‑102. At a recommended retail price of £995, it is less than half the price of the original offering, and is said to be almost completely compatible. The drive can play quad speed, but can only record at double speed, which makes it ideal for low‑volume applications, such as prototyping multimedia CD‑ROMs and archiving your hard disk. The drive connects to your PC via a SCSI2 cable, and most software packages that support the older drive will have updates available to support the new one. For more details, call the Yamaha information line on 01908 369269.
Publish Or Be Damned
One of the most exciting aspects of the Web is that it allows you to 'publish' your own pages, which can then be read by anyone who has access to the Internet. This gives you the opportunity to present your inner self — or even just your band — to the world at large. With the CIX IP account you get 250Kb of Web space bundled with your account, giving you about 40 Web pages (if made up as a mixture of text and small graphics). If, however, you want to include sound, your storage requirements go up quite considerably with even quite a modest 30‑second sound byte taking up over 300Kb of disk space.
GET YOUR CIX ON ROUTE66
I've also jumped on the Web bandwagon by starting up my own area on the Web called Route66, which is dedicated to the music world in all its various manifestations. Among other things, I hope to maintain an archive of some of my magazine scribblings, both in this column and from other publications I write for. If you fancy dropping in for a peek, point your Web browser at: www.compulink.co.uk/~route66