Apple Computer User Group Newsletter

March 1989mini'app'lesAnnouncementsApple II SIG Announcementsby Lloyd NelsonLee Reynolds reminded us of the upcomingHamFest and Computer Expo to be held at theMedina Ballroom at Hamel, MN (west of thecities on Highway 55) on Saturday, February25, starting at 7:00 a.m. (set-up for tables at6:30 a.m.) and going until 2 p.m. If youhaven't reserved a pre-paid ticket, they will beselling at the door for five dollars. Mini'app'lesis planning to have a booth there to publicizeyour Club. If you plan to go, make sure you goearly enough to shop for your goodies beforethey are all picked over!The St. Louis Park location for the Apple IIUser's Groups is booked through May of thisyear. A new location, preferably with airconditioning, is being sought. Any suggestionsfrom the club membership for a likely placeare welcome.The tentative topic for the upcoming March1st Apple II meeting is "Resources". Groupssuch as National Appleworks User's Group(NAUG), The Appleworks User's Group(TAUG), The Big Red Apple Club and otherPublic Domain and Shareware software sourceswill be discussed. If you (anyone) have sourcesof resources that you can exhibit or present,please feel WELCOME to share with the group.Perhaps some of the things that the members ofthese groups are doing to help each other outcan be an inspiration for new ideas within ourown club. See you all there!finiAppleWorks SIG Info and MeetingScheduleby Dick MarchiafavaThe AppleWorks Spreadsheet presentation willbe March 23rd.Location of the AppleWorks SIG meetingsare at Murray Jr. High School, 2200 BufordAvenue, Sl Paul. Park on Grantham, the streeton the west of the school complex. Meetingroom is the computer lab at the center of thehall. Murray Jr. Hi is centrally located a fewblocks east of Highway 280, near ComoAvenue. This is near the border of Minneapolisand St. Paul. See the map for directions.Any corrections to the meeting calendarwill be posted on the Mini'app'les BulletinBoard.Meetings are held monthly at 7 PM on the 4thThursday. Call 572-9305 if you needinformation about meetings. DickMac SIG AnnouncementsMacUsers: March Meetingby David Stovall and Mike CarlsonMarch 2 is "Hardware Night!"We hope to have three exhibitors/demonstrators: Apple will hopefully bring along its newflagship Mac SE/30 and maybe some othergoodies. Tektronics will be showing their ColorQuickInk-Jet Mac-compatible color printer. (SeeMacWorld, March 89, p. 85.) This printer,which costs less than 3,000, was designedfor the Mac and produces a reasonableresolution of 216 dpi, better than the SharpJX-730 that prints beautifully at 180 dpi.Tektronics has also announced anew versionof its thermal 300 dpi printer with aPostScript interface, but you have to find 16,000 green ones for that job. Computer Care, a local company, will showa different way of expanding memory bymaking use of 256K SIMMS on a piggyback board which allows more than one256K SIMM per slot on your motherboard.Mac Computer Art & DesignGroup: March Meetingby Joy KoppOnMarch 13, theMac Computer Art & DesignGroup will be touring Control Data'sGovernment Systems Resource Center. Thisfacility supports the sales and marketing effortsof CDC's government systems division. It isan "all-electronic" production studio. Join usfor a look at a "real world" application ofMacintosh technology.Mac Computer Art & DesignGroup: April MeetingIn April, the Mac Computer Art & DesignGroup will host John Poor, free-lance Macartist and trouble-shooter. He will discusstopics related to successful Linotronic output,such as understanding PostScript, resolutionindependency, file formats, gray scale andPostScript font management. Join us on April10 for a truly informative evening.Location Map: AppleWorks SIG.ocation Map for Apple II SIGHennepin i LarpenteurComoST. PAULHwy#280-*. MINNEAPOLISComo Exit'NorthBufordUolMSt. PaulCampus

March 1989mini'app'lesf* New Mini'app'lesBylawsThese amended bylaws have been prepared bya bylaw committee. These proposed bylawsare to be voted on by the membership in theupcoming general election to be held in Aprilor via the paper ballot which will be mailed toeveryone next month. It is suggested thatmembers study these bylaws so they may castan intelligent vote on the matter.A. NAME OF ORGANIZATIONThe name of the organization is MinnesotaApple Computer Users' Group, Inc. hereaftercalled "Mini'app'les".B. PURPOSEThe purpose of the organization is to promotethe dissemination of information concerningthe use of Apple Computers and productsrelated thereto, and to share the knowledge ofmembers at large concerning their talents andinformation pertaining to computers in general.C. MEMBERSHIP.pv 1. Members of Mini'app'les are required to\[ pay annual dues, which will be due on theanniversary of the month they joined.2. The actual amount of dues will be set bythe board. An application fee may becharged at the discretion of the board.3 Annual dues must be received byanniversary date or membership shall beterminated.4. Membership rights will be extended to theimmediate household upon receipt of duesfrom the household.5. Each membership shall have the right tocast one vote.6. Membership will not be denied because ofrace, creed, color, sex, or national origin.7. Members are expected to abide by thesebylaws.8. Benefits of membership shall include: A subscription to the the Mini'app'lesnewsletter.Eligibility to purchase Mini'app'lessoftware.Eligibility to participate in Mini'app'lessanctioned activities.D. LEADERSHIP1. The officers of Mini'app'les, shall consist of the following positions: PresidentPast PresidentVice PresidentSecretaryTreasurerPublications DirectorSoftware DirectorOperations and Resources DirectorInterest Group Directors (2)Membership DirectorThese eleven officers are the governing boardof Mini'app'les and all Mini'app'les businesswill be conducted by this board.2. Except for the Past President, officers areelected for term of one year. The term runsfrom May 1 to April 30. The office of PastPresident will automatically be given tothe retiring President. If a President iselected for sequential terms, the incumbentPast President will remain in office.3. If an officer resigns or relinquishes office,the President shall appoint a replacementsubject to board approval.4. If the President resigns or is unable toperform the duties of the office, the VicePresident shall assume those duties.5. In the absence of the President and VicePresident, the officers may appoint anacting President.6. Board members may be removed fromoffice by a two-thirds majority vote of theboard. A recall election shall be held within60 days of presentation of an impeachmentpetition bearing the verified signatures ofat least five percent of the membership.7. The President, Vice President or Secretarymay call a general membership meeting.Membership shallbe no tifiedof time, place,and purpose of meeting through theMini'app'les newsletter or a specialmailing.8. Election of Officers.a. Nominations will be made by anominating committee.b. Further nominations from members willbe accepted at a general membershipmeeting to be held in February.c. The subsequent list of nominees withsuch statements as they may wish to makepursuant to their candidacy shall appear inthe April newsletter.d. The election will be by means of awritten ballot as published in the Aprilnewsletter. Ballots will be accepted atMini'app'les meetings or by mail. Allballots must be received by April 28th. Asimple majority of those voting is necessaryfor election. Results of this election shallbe published in the newsletter not morethan 60 days following the election.9. Board members must be paid up membersof Mini'app'les.E. LEADERSHIPRESPONSD3ILITIES1. General Duties. The duties of the electedofficers are in general to:Promote the purpose and membership ofMini'app'les.Administer the bylaws of Mini'app'les.Assure the financial well-being ofMini'app'les.Attend and report at each board meeting.Carry out decisions of the board in a timelymanner.Appoint staff and committees as necessary,subject to board approval.Communicate to the board the needs ofappointed staff and membership in general.2. Duties of the President. The Presidentwill:Provide leadership and direction to thegeneral membership and to the board ofdirectors.Prepare an agenda for each board meeting.Chair Mini'app'les board and generalmembership meetings at which business isconducted.Assign duties to board and staff members.Establish goals to be reached during theterm in office.3. Duties of the Vice President. The VicePresident will:Assist the President with the duties of thatoffice and in the absence of the President,assume the duties of that office.Organize the program, facilities andequipment for general membershipmeetings including meetings fornominations or voting by membership.Coordinate participation in events, such astrade shows and seminars.4. Duties of the Treasurer. The Treasurerwill:Maintain Mini'app'les financial recordsand records of Mini'app'les assets.Prepare a written financial report to includeincome, disbursements, current accountbalances and assets, at each board meeting.This report will be included in the minutes.Prepare an annual budgetBe cognizant of and act upon requirementsof the IRS and Minnesota State Departmentof Revenue in a timely and efficient manner.Administer the collection of all moniesdue Mini'app'les.Establish and maintain bank accounts inthe name of Mini'app'les.Deposit all monies in Mini'app'les bankaccounts) in a timely and efficient manner.Pay all bills and demands as authorized bythe board.GOTO 6

March 1989mini'app'lesBylaws, continued from 55. Duties of the Secretary. The Secretarywill:Record in a permanent form the minutes ofall board and general membership meetingsal which business is conducted.Record the results of elections.Archive and maintain all Mini'app'lesrecords other than those kept by theTreasurer.Keep a Mini'app'les calender.Assist the President and Vice President incorrespondence as required.6. Duties of the Past President. The PastPresident will:Provide continuity in the leadership ofMini'app'les.Assist the President with the duties of thatoffice.Provide historical references for decisionmaking process.7. Duties of the Publications Director. ThePublications Director will:Oversee publication of the newsletter.Appoint with consent of the board:Newsletter Editor and assistantsAdvertising Coordinator8. Duties of the Software Director.The Software Director will:Oversee all software publication efforts.Coordinate acquisition and duplication ofsoftware.Appoint with consent of the board:Software Editors)Software Sales Coordinator(s)9. Duties of the Operations and ResourceDirector. The Operations and ResourceDirector will:Oversee all matters related to operationsand resources of Mini'app'les and itsmembers.Coordinate the use of equipment owned byMini'app'les.Maintain a consultant and informationnetwork for Mini'app'les.Appoint with consent of the board:Hardware and Software Advisor(s)BibliographerHardware Coordinators)BBS Coordinator10. Membership Director. The MembershipDirector will:Oversee the maintenance and processingof membership records and materials.Promote membership.11. Duties of the Interest Group Directors.The Interest Group Directors will:Oversee all matters related to thedevelopment and maintenance of SpecialInterest and Community Interest groups.Encourage and assist in the formation ofnew interest groups.Act as spokesperson to the board for grouprepresentatives.F. FINANCIAL1. Mini'app'les will maintain an accounts)at a local financial institution. Suchaccounts shall bear interest as the lawallows.2. The Signatories on the account(s) shall be:PresidentVice PresidentTreasurer3. One signature will be required to disbursefunds from the account(s).4. The authorization of expenditures will beaccomplished by the board approving anannual budget that covers Mini'app'lesbudget year. The budget year shall runfrom August 1 to July 31. Thoseexpenditures not budgeted items, orbudgeted items which exceed the budgetedamount by more than 25.00 will requiremajority approval of the board.5. Proper verification of expenditures will berequired before the funds will be disbursed.6. In the event of dissolution of thecorporation, the entire net assets remainingafter payment of any or all liabilities andobligations of the corporation shall bedisbursed in a manner agreeable to amajority of thebo aid members at a speciallyconvened open board meeting andconsistent with IRS and State regulations.Notice of this meeting shall be made knownto all Mini'app'les members through thenewsletter or a special mailing 30 days inadvance of the meeting.7. A Surety Bond shall be obtained, namingthe above signatories as principals.G. BOARD MEETINGS1. The business of Mini'app'les will beconducted at board meetings, except forgeneral membership meetings fornominations or voting by membership.2. The Board of Directors shall meet at leastevery other month at a place and timedesignated by Mini'app'les President.3. A quorum shall consistofasimplemajorityof the officers and no business shall betransacted if a quorum is not present.4. Notice of board meetings shall appear inthe Mini'app'les newsletter 30 days inadvance of all regularly scheduled boardmeetings.5. In emergency situations, officers may agreeto meet at any time, but all businesstransacted will be subject to reconsideration-6-at the next regularly scheduled boardmeeting. Minutes of the emergencymeetings shall be made publicly availablein the next issue of the Mini'app'lesnewsletter and/or at the request of anymember.6. The board of directors may designate threeor more of its members to constitute anexecutive committee. To the extentdetermined by the board, the executivecommittee has the authority of the board inthe management of the business ofMini'app'les. The executive committeeshall act only in the interval between boardmeetings and at all times shall be subject tothe control and direction of the board. Anyactivity shall be reported to board at nextmeeting.7. Minutes of the board meetings will bepublished in the Mini'app'les newsletternot later than 60 days following thatmeeting.8. All meeting of the board will be open to thegeneral membership of Mini'app'les.9. All members are encouraged to bring issuesto the board. This shall be done bysubmitting agenda items in writing to thePresident in advance of the board meeting.10. Decisions will be made by asimplemajorityof the board members present, the Presidentvoting only in the case of a tie.11. At least once per year, the board willexamine these bylaws for needed changesfollowing the procedure set forth in sectionH.H. BYLAWS1. Requests for changes in the bylaws will bemade in the Mini'app'les newsletter atleast four months prior to the election ofofficers.2. The board will act on this request and onother items pursuant to changes in thebylaws at a board meeting at least threemonths prior to the election of officers.3. Changes to the bylaws suggested by theboard will be published in the Mini'app'lesnewsletter at least two months prior to theelection of officers and will be submittedto general membership at the nominationsmeeting.4. The ratification will be by means of awritten ballot as published in the Aprilnewsletter. Ballots will be accepted atMini'app'les meetings or by mail. Allballots must be received by April 28th. Atwo-thirds majority of those voting isnecessary for ratification of the changes tobylaws.GOTO 11

March 1989mini'app'lesThe AppleWorks AdvisorA Column For Users Of AppleWorksby Dick MarchiafavaAW Data Bash Bug Takes TollThe AppleWorks (version 2.0) bug, whichtakes perfectly good data base files and bashesthem into useless files on data disks, continuesto strike users. As people gain skill andunderstanding of AppleWorks, they are likelyto be building larger data files. As files getlarger in size, the data bash bug begins to stir.See the February 1989 AppleWorks Advisorcolumn, "AW File Saving Method" for detailson how foil this bug.First Bashed File RecoveredI have never been successful in repairing or/#**1 *recovering files lost to the data bash bug.Other persons skilled in programmingtechniques may be able to do this, but usingdata recovery utilities, I had not done so untilearly in February.For the first time, I was able to load a databashed file to AppleWorks. I used Bag ofTricks 2 to copy the damaged disk and ran theFIXCAT utility. The resulting "repaired" filewould not load to AppleWorks (they neverhave). As a last possibility, I tried to load thefile to the AW word processor by directing it toload the file as if it was an ASCII text file. Thistime it worked!With the damaged file on the desktop, Iproceeded to go about cleaning it up to make anew ASCII text file from which a new database file could be made. To do this, eachcategory of each record must be placed onseparate lines with a carriage return at the end.I have done several data conversions toAppleWorks from various data base programsvia ASCII text files. If you have ever seen atext file loaded into the word processor whichoriginated with a data base program, you mayhave some idea of whatl was confronted with.If you arecurious about what this file lookedlike, try loading a good data base file to theword processor by telling AW it is a text file.The information on screen is all run togetherwith many # # # signs mixed in and other oddcombinations of characters which seeminglydo not make sense.The # characters (pound sign) are used toseparate the data categories in the file. Usedthis way, such a character is called a delimiter.Other files from ASCII text sources, fromBBS files or others, may use carriage returnsas delimiters, or commas, pound signs orwhatever.With a macro program, I created a temporarymacro to separate the categories and removethe pound signs. This should have left the filewith each record on a separate line. However,I found stray characters which had to beremoved and categories which wereinexplicably appended to others and had to beseparated.The damaged file was originally 11 OK insize on disk. When I had it loaded to the wordprocessor and examined it, I estimated it wouldtake 2 to 4 hours to get the file into a conditionwhere it could be turned over to the user forproof reading and final adjustments. Thereality was more like 12 hours.I had never tried to reorganize a damagedAW data base file before. Now, having beenthorough it, making mistakes and learningfrom them, developing macros, techniquesand just logging some time doing it, I could cutthat time by half, or more. Gaining anunderstanding of how the # sign delimiters areused permits developing macros to speed thejob, while preserving the data integrity.Restoring a damaged data base file is a big job,but one that is probably worth doing incomparison with recreating the file from hardcopy.Data Bash Bug Gets WP FileAU discussions of the AW 2.0 data bash bugonly mention it striking data base files.However, last month I discovered an incidentin which a user lost a large word processor fileunder the same circumstances which damagedata base files.I recommend that users NEVER allowAppleWorks to delete a file on disk, whilesaving, when it asks permission to do so.Delete the file yourself using the OtherActivities options or save to a disk with moreavailable space.AppleWorks version 2.1 is supposed to befree from the data bash bug. I suggest users getthis version and use it, if possible.Checkmate Drags Feet, OwnersUrged To WriteIt has been several months since the r

Tues. Apr. 18 Hennepin County Library, Southdale Tues. Apr. 18 Heath/Zenith Computers, Hopkins Wed. Apr. 19 First Tech Computer, 2640 Hennepin Mon. Apr. 24 Hagen Office Equipment Mon. Apr. 24 Highland Branch Library, Sl Paul Tues. Apr. 25 Rockford Road Library, Crystal Wed. Apr. 26 First