October 1998 Volume 79 Number 10 "serving the protectors"
Computers

ITBits By Mike Horsfall (mich@picknowl.com.au)

Getting On Line is Not an Option

Without Internet access, today’s computers will no longer perform at their best - some programs won’t even run. Those who have embraced Microsoft’s latest operating system will now know the importance of getting on line. When it comes to good old-fashioned service, software manufacturers are now failing miserably. Even the global giant, Microsoft, no longer supplies the sort of service many had expected.

Many purchasers still dutifully send in product registrations in the hope that updates and patches will arrive at their door. It doesn’t happen. Get connected or be forgotten. It isn’t right, but today it’s a fact of life.

High Speed Connections with Simple Computing

A computer, a phone line and a modem are required to access the Internet. While the performance of each unit is important, the speed at which the modem can send and receive data is a high priority.

Only a few years ago, a data transfer rate of up to 14,400 bits per second (bps) was the most common. Progress saw the release of 28,800 bps modems, followed almost overnight by 33,600 bps, and now a 56,000 bps modem is considered a must-have.

But don’t expect your transfer rate to increase as dramatically as those suggested by these new modems. The rate at which data can be transferred between computers is affected by:

• The quality of the modem.
• The reliability of phone lines.
• The busyness of the site you’re visiting.
• The transfer rate an Internet provider can sustain.

The answer to reliable Internet access is to connect through a reputable provider, and purchase a good quality, future-proof modem.

Two different 56k communication standards for modems have been X2 and K56flex. Internet service providers (ISPs) need to decide on a standard in which to invest. Those who waited risked losing customers to competitors offering faster speeds. Those who pursued 56k had to choose between K56flex and X2.

This has confused users. Should we choose X2 or K56flex? Now the dilemma between standards has ended with the new V.90 standard. This standard will be able to support both X2 and K56flex modems which have been upgraded to V.90.

So, by upgrading to the new V.90 standard, net surfers will be able to cross both platforms and accelerate their browsing and down-loads.

Whether you’re in the market to purchase your first modem or see a need to upgrade, you may consider a new modem now available from Simple Computing NetExpress 56. This modem supports both K56flex and V.90 modem standards. This will ensure the modem is useable with the widest choice of Internet providers.

The NetExpress 56 gives maximum speeds of up to 56,000 bps for downloading and 33,600 for uploading. But, of course, actual speeds will depend on line quality. The NetExpress 56, as with any other V.90 modem, will future proof your communication system. It also supports speaker-phone use, fax send and receive, as well as voice communication using Simultaneous Voice and Data.

RRP for the new modem was recently reduced to $199. For the opportunity to win a NetExpress 56 modem from Simple Computing put your details on the back of a used envelope and address it to Mike Horsfall, Sturt Police Station (12) NetExpress.

PCGames By Colin Hand(chand@picknowl.com.au)

Police Quest Swat 2 - Sierra

Police Quest has been a long-running saga that has spanned many adventures. Newly released, Police Quest Swat 2, is an explosive game with so much more. Former LAPD police chief, Daryl Gates, who pioneered SWAT in the 1960s, inspired this program, which is more of a simulation than a game.

As an LA police officer assigned to the SWAT team (Special Weapons and Tactics), you are charged with handling a potentially deadly situation. Using the resources available, and the skills you and your team members possess, you must assess the situation and use strategy and planning to execute your rescue.

The game is in real time, so hesitate and you’ll suffer the consequences. In the first few missions, you must rescue hostages while preserving the safety of the terrorists and other team members. Like real-life policing, you must assess the situation and determine the most appropriate course of action. Quite often the most appropriate thing to do is verbally challenge the suspect. You have this facility in the game also.

Depending on the distance from him, the readiness of your weapon, the options available and the entire situation, the suspect may yield to your demands, run away or turn and attack. He may even take a hostage to bide more time.

In any event, you are then required to re-assess the situation and re-establish perimeters and the team’s duties. You have the option to use stealth or dynamic entry to gain access into the sieged complex.

Police Quest Swat 2 uses line of sight, so even though you view the game angled from above, items and persons are only visible when the characters you control are visible. This feature adds another dimension to the simulation as suspects can sneak up on your team and make a surprise attack.

The AI (artificial intelligence) is unmatched against anything previously seen. Characters react to what you command, but only if it’s in their best interests. To create your team, you can take advantage of 100 SWAT officers, each with unique attributes and personalities.

Numerous weapons and equipment are available, including MP5 sub-machine guns, shotguns, sniper rifles, explosives, rappelling harness and first aid kits.

You can call in the negotiators and helicopters if you consider the situation demands it. And, if you’re still bored, you can become one of the 100 terrorists and gain a valuable perspective on the mission.

Game options are seemingly endless with 30 pre-programmed missions and a mission and map constructor included.

The graphics and commentary are impressive and realistic, but the debrief can be disappointing, particularly if things didn’t go all that well in your mission.

A multimedia Pentium 133 with 16 MB of RAM and at least 90 MB of Hard Drive space are needed to play the game. Participants can also compete with the world by playing Police Quest Swat 2 on line with officers from around the world.

Retailing at $89.95, Police Quest Swat 2 is well worth the price. Many leading software magazine reviews suggest it is one of the best simulations around.

For the opportunity to win one of two copies of Police Quest Swat 2 send a used envelope to Mike Horsfall at Sturt (12) marked Police Quest.

Console Games By Phil White

Theme Hospital - Electronic Arts

Theme Hospital is a “real-life” simulation game that was released on PC about a year ago, but only recently has the title graced the ever-growing list of PlayStation titles.

Theme Hospital follows the similar humorous lines of Theme Park. The aim of the game is to build a hospital, hire the staff, and watch the sick and injured as they move in and out of your hospital spending their money. To succeed, you must care for the sick by treating their illnesses and making them comfortable. If you don’t hire competent staff, or do not have the correct facilities, the sick will leave your hospital and you’ll go broke.

Theme Hospital has many interesting and creative features that provide a laugh, but overall it’s a little bit tedious. As with most sim games there are many menus through which to scroll. This is pretty standard stuff for the PC, but PlayStation owners will find it frustratingly slow using the digital gamepad. Those who enjoyed the hilarious antics of Theme Park will certainly enjoy Theme Hospital.

Jerry McGrath Supercross ‘98 - Roadshow Interactive

Who’s Jerry McGrath? He’s the maniac in those Crusty Demons of Dirt videos who performs outrageous stunts on a motocross bike.

With extreme action like that, we look forward to some radical gameplay - but it wasn’t to be. The visuals are quite smooth until the first turn, then the graphics go wayward, jerking all over the place as you weave your way to the finish line.

A choice of only two bikes - a 125cc and a 250cc - is available, but adjustments can be made to each to help you negotiate different terrain such as sand, mud, water, gravel and ice. There are about 11 tracks to race, with a special mode that enables you to build your own tracks.

Super Cross ’98 can be played in two-player split-screen mode and is analog-controller compatible. With the likes of Moto 2, just released on PlayStation, gamers should be looking elsewhere.