Gribnif Software News Release June 30, 1993 /----------\ | Geneva | \----------/ Multitasking Application Environment ==================================== After almost two years of development, Gribnif Software is proud to announce their newest software offering for the Atari ST, STE, TT/030, Falcon, and compatibles. "Geneva" is a Multitasking Application Environment (Multitasking AES) that allows any Atari to: o Multitask unlimited GEM applications+ o Load and unload unlimited desk accessories+ o Put applications and accessories to "sleep", keeping them from using valuable CPU time, temporarily closing all their windows. o Run MultiTOS applications (it supports the new AES 4.0 calls) + subject to available memory Geneva also adds the following features to the Atari: o Task Manager -for total control of all applications and accessories o Tear-off menus -drag any drop-down menu into its own window o 3-D buttons and 3-D window gadgets -easily customizable o Keyboard control of drop-down menus -similar to Windows, "walk the menus" of any application o Ability to run singletasking applications -for applications that are not multitasking compatible o Enhanced compatibility when compared to Atari's MultiTOS -special flags let you run even the most troublesome programs o Keyboard control of window gadgets & dialog buttons -keyboard equivalents for dialog & alert buttons, plus the ability to assign keyboard equivalents to window gadgets o Ability to change mouse shapes, including mouse animation support o MiNT compatibility for MiNT applications -multitask TOS programs, run MiNT-specific applications, requires either freeware or commercial version of MiNT o Enhanced file selector -with powerful pattern matching, file searching, renaming, deleting, dual column display, and multiple file selection When compared to Atari's MultiTOS, Geneva offers the following advantages: o Smaller memory requirements (less than 125K of RAM when active) o Faster application speed, mostly due to Geneva not requiring MiNT loaded to multitask GEM applications. o Faster window redraw and window gadget operation, due to Geneva's faster AES code. o Higher compatibility with older applications, thanks to Geneva's special application flags and support for singletasking applications. If you do NOT have MultiTOS, Geneva offers you: o A very easy and fast way to multitask unlimited GEM applications, subject to available memory. o The ability to load and unload unlimited desk accessories as you need them, subject to available memory. o The ability to run AES 4.0 (MultiTOS) applications. o An inexpensive way to give your computer a whole new look & feel, including 3-D buttons, tear-off menus, multitasking, keyboard control, and much more. If you DO have MultiTOS, Geneva offers you: o A faster AES which offers several new features, including tear-off menus, keyboard controls, faster windows, and higher compatibility. o Higher compatibility, thanks to Geneva's special application flags and support for singletasking applications. o The ability to not have to run MiNT, therefore giving you: > A faster way to multitask unlimited GEM applications, subject to available memory. > The ability to save substantial amounts of memory. > Even higher compatibility with non-MiNT compatible applications. What Geneva does NOT include: o Geneva does not include or require a "desktop". The built-in ROM desktop is not compatible (if we could make it so, we would). But, a desktop is not required. You can launch programs and accessories directly from Geneva's Task Manager. However, for convenience, a desktop replacement is recommended. Geneva will work most MultiTOS compatible replacement desktops and file launching shells. Also, a patch is included with Geneva that upgrades NeoDesk 3 to version 3.04, allowing it to work correctly with Geneva. We recommend the soon to be released NeoDesk 4 desktop replacement, which will include many new multitasking oriented features, window menus, true color support, and will take full advantage of Geneva's power and capabilities. o Currently, Geneva does not include MiNT, the TOS enhancement written by Atari for use with MultiTOS. However, Geneva is fully compatible with MiNT, allowing you to run MiNT applications and multitask TOS applications. Geneva is compatible both with the freeware version of MiNT and Atari's commercial version. Some common questions and answers about Geneva: Q: Will I still be able to use my screen accelerator together with Geneva to speed up my Atari? A: Of course! Geneva does not replace the VDI, the part of the Atari in charge of drawing. It works great with programs like "Warp 9" and "NVDI 2.0" Q: Do I have to reset my machine to load Geneva, like with MultiTOS? A: Nope! You can easily load Geneva right from the built-in desktop (or your favorite shell). No need to reboot the computer. Q: How compatible is it? A: Quite. Almost any program can be executed. The real question is if a specific GEM program can actually support multitasking. You will find that many do, but some programs, like the original Flash, will only run in singletaskting mode. Other compatibility options in Geneva let you specify if an application can receive AES 4.0 (MultiTOS) messages, should only use a specific amount of memory, or any other special handling it might require. Q: How does singletasking work? A: Geneva is aware that certain applications are not multitasking compatible. When you run Flash, for instance, all other GEM applications are temporarily suspended until you either quit Flash or suspend it (letting you switch back to the other multitasking applications while keeping Flash loaded in memory). However, you still have full access to all of Geneva's other capabilities, including the ability to load and unload desk accessories. Q: How complex is it to set all these settings? A: It isn't at all. To make things even easier, Geneva keeps a special GENEVA.CNF file which serves as a small database that already tells Geneva how to run most programs. We will continue to update this file (releasing it on-line, etc.) as we try out more and more programs with Geneva. This means that all you may have to do is actually run your programs, the settings are most likely already set! Q: What about TOS (text based) programs? A: Currently, TOS programs run as singletasking applications. In Geneva they run inside their own GEM window, allowing you to easily change their font size and control their output. However, if you run the freeware or commercial version of MiNT, you can multitask TOS programs. Q: Can I still use file selector replacements like UIS III or Little Green Selector? A: Yes, they will work, though you might find that they might not support some of the more advanced Geneva features (such as the advanced pattern matching, selecting multiple files at once, etc.) Q: I'm a developer, how can I take advantage of Geneva's new features and capabilities? A: Every copy of Geneva includes a complete developer's kit. This includes full information, libraries, and sample code on how you can easily take advantage of Geneva's power and capabilities. There are no royalties or licenses involved in making your application "Geneva Aware". Release Dates & Prices: "Geneva" is slated for release in North America around September 1st, 1993. Foreign versions, including a German version, will be available shortly thereafter. "Geneva" will be available commercially from your local dealer for $99.95 and will include the new "NeoDesk 4" desktop replacement. "Geneva" will also be available by itself (without NeoDesk 4) for $69.95. NeoDesk 4 will be available separately for $69.95. For more information, contact: Gribnif Software P.O. Box 779, Northampton, MA 01061-0779 U.S.A. Tel: (413) 247-5620 (10am to 6pm, Eastern Standard Time) Fax: (413) 247-5622 (24 hours a day) GENIE: GRIBNIF CIS: 75300,1131