Technology Infrastructure, Graphics and Visualization, and Adaptive Technologies
Technology Infrastructure: Servers
Acer Altos Servers
Designed for workgroup networking, the Altos server series supports systems
for file management, a department, or a LAN or WAN. Features include multiple
processor support, large memory and cache possibilities, hot-swappable power
supplies and storage modules, and support for multiple operating systems, including
Windows NT, Novell Netware, or SCO OpenServer environments. A broad selection
of scalable configurations, from basic add-in cards to key-activated Internet,
Intranet, or RAID solutions, is also available. Contact: Acer America, San Jose,
CA; (800) SEE-ACER; www.acer.com.
Dell PowerEdge Servers
The PowerEdge Server line has three different models, the PE300, PE2400, and
PE4400. The PE300 has up to two Pentium III 800MHz processors and up to 1GB
of ECC SDRAM. The PE2400 has up to two Pentium III 1GHz processor, 2 GB of ECC
SDRAM and 144 GB of Hot Swap internal disk capacity. The PE 4400 has up to two
Pentium III 1GHz processors, 4GB of PC133 SDRAM and 252GB of hot plug ultra-3SCSI
internal disk capacity. Contact: Dell, Round Rock, TX; (888) 560-8324; www.dell.com.
Gateway Ultra-Thin Server
Gateway offers a full-featured server in a compact design, for companies with
growing server requirements but limited physical space. The 7450-R supports
Intel's two latest processors, 4CG of RAM and three hot-plug SCSI drives, optional
RAID configurations, and two full-length 64-bit PCI slots. The components are
designed for durability. Two high-powered blowers control the unit's temperature,
and a tool-free chassis makes servicing convenient. Contact: Gateway, North
Sioux City, IA; (800) 846-2000; www.gateway.com.
IBM RS/6000 Model 43P-140
The 43P-140 is an entry-level desktop/deskside system that provides a range
of performance options, from drafting, design, and software development to high-definition
3D graphics and technical simulations. It includes the choice of processor speed,
storage devices, and communications features, allowing users to configure the
system for particular needs. With the selection of 2D or 3D graphics accelerators
or 3D graphics input devices, the 43P-140 provides the necessary capability
for demanding 2D or high-function 3D applications. Contact: International Business
Machines, Inc., Armonk, NY; (914) 499-1900; www.ibm.com.
Informix Dynamic Server 2000
The Dynamic Server 2000 delivers a transaction engine for mission-critical
applications while providing an upgrade path to the Internet. Capable of supporting
thousands of concurrent users, it is scalable to power even the largest transaction
processing systems. Features include enhanced Virtual Table Interface (VTI),
which provides the ability to integrate and view legacy data from a variety
of disparate systems, databases, and formats, and easy migration from previous
Informix database products. Contact: Informix Software, Menlo Park, CA; (650)
926-6300; http://www-3.ibm.com/software/data/informix/ids/.
Quantum Snap Server 4100
The Snap Server 4100 is a slim 1U (1.75') package with up to 240 GB. Preconfigured
with RAID 5 and the option of RAID 0, RAID 1, or JBOD, this product will manage
workgroup storage, remote office, backup, and data protection needs. It automatically
responds and connects to all client protocol, and delivers multi-platform file
sharing with Windows NT, NetWare, UNIX, Linux, and Mac. Additionally, each Snap
Server package ships with the DataKeeper Snap Edition, a real-time backup solution
that automatically stores laptop and desktop files. Contact: Quantum Corporation,
Milpitas, CA; (800) 343-SNAP; www.quantum.com.
Technology Infrastructure: Workstations
Compaq AP550 Professional Workstation
The AP550 Professional Windows NT Workstation offers 128MB of memory and a
9GB or 18GB hard drive (10 or 20GB are optional), and five expansion slots-four
for PCI and one for AGP Pro 4X. The machine features an Intel Pentium III processor
in a convertible mini-tower design. Contact: Compaq Computer Corp., Houston,
TX; (800) 88-TEACH; www.compaq.com
Gateway E-1600 Deluxe
The E-1600 Deluxe workstation features a small footprint, Intel Celeron or
Pentium processor, 64 to 128 MB RAM, Intel Direct AGP graphics, a 10-20 GB hard
drive, and CD-ROM drive. The workstation is designed to meet the needs of large
organizations with limited IT budgets. Contact: Gateway, North Sioux City, IA;
(800) 846-2000; www.gateway.com
IBM IntelliStation M Pro
The IntelliStation M Pro is a flexible workstation that is optimized to the
demands of engineers, media creators, software developers, and financial analysts.
Features include mission-critical reliability, a user-centric design, task-tuned
2D/3D graphics based on the IBM Fire GL2 graphics card, and a scalable tower
configuration. Additionally, this package comes equipped with either Pentium
III processors at up to 1GHz or Pentium 4 processors at up to 1.5 GHz, and a
choice of either an Intel 840 or 850 chipset. System performance is enhanced
by an SCSI controller and disk and RAMBUS memory. Contact: IBM; Armonk, NY;
(914) 499-1900; www.ibm.com
Silicon Graphics Octane2
The Octane2 is a multimedia workstation capable of interactive rendering of
three-dimensional or volumetric data sets, featuring high-performance VPro Graphics
and 128MB of configurable graphics memory. The combination supports faster drawing,
display, and manipulation of large data sets-up to 1920x1200 pixels at 60Hz.
Specifically designed for high performance with big data, the Octane2 delivers
a measured 425 million pixels per second with trilinear mipmapping and depth-buffering,
and 7.4 million lit depth-buffered, smooth-shaded immediate mode triangles per
second. The Octane2 48-bit RGBA creates higher resolution, perspective-correct
color, a more realistic blending of colors for transparent objects, higher quality
volume visualization, and expanded image-processing capabilities. This 12-bit
per color component path achieves more levels of color to allow users to see
subtle variations-extremely important in medical imaging and other fields of
science and research. Contact: Silicon Graphics, Mountain View, CA; www.sgi.com
Power Mac G4
The PowerPC G4's Velocity Engine is the heart of a supercomputer miniaturized
onto a sliver of silicon-able to process data in 128-bit chunks, instead of
the smaller 32-bit or 64-bit chunks used in traditional processors. In addition,
the PowerPC G4 can perform four (in some cases eight) 32-bit floating-point
calculations in a single cycle-two to four times faster than traditional processors.
Among the G4 key features is a vector permute function capable of rearranging
data in the registers, of particular benefit when converting data from one format
to another. The G4 features a pre-installed graphics card in the 4x AGP (Advanced
Graphics Port) slot capable of transferring digital video data at up to four
times the speed of the original AGP bus. The system bus has increased in speed
from 100 to 133 megahertz, with data throughput of over 1 gigabyte per second,
and PCI throughput has increased from 100 up to 215 megabytes per second. Contact:
Apple, Cupertino, CA; (408) 996-0275; www.apple.com
Dell Precision Series
The Precision Series supports high-performance capabilities in digital content
creation (DCC), computer-aided design (CAD), geographic information systems
(GIS), software development, and financial analysis markets. For those who run
computationally-intensive applications, the Precision Series offers the Precision
Workstation 330, featuring a Pentium 4 processor at 1.40 and 1.50 GHz, and a
400 MHz system bus, which is optimized for RDRAM and a broad selection of professional
graphic solutions. Contact: Dell, Round Rock, TX; (888) 560-8324; www.dell.com.
Nvidia Quadro2 Pro
This full-featured board provides advanced 3D and 2D performance for the engineering
professional. Features include a hardware antialiased line engine, a 6.4GB/sec
bandwidth that enables work in fully textured mode while achieving real-time
frame rates, and a 64MB unified frame buffer that supports high-resolution,
32bpp textures. With 1.0G pixels/sec and 31M triangles/sec geometry processing
capabilities, the Quadro2 Pro can support just about any engineering design
environment. The NVIDIA Shading Rasterizer (NSR) makes realistic material properties
possible through per-pixel shading effects. Now with all NVIDIA second-generation
GPUs high quality, dynamic per-pixel shading is possible, and features such
as per-pixel bump mapping can be utilized to a more dramatic visual effect.
Contact: Nvidia, Santa Clara, CA; (408) 615-2500; www.nvidia.com.
Sun Ultra Workstations
Sun offers two new workstations in its more affordable Ultra line. The Ultra
10 is designed for 2D and 3D content creation, software and Java application
development, financial analysis, and GIS applications. It offers a 440MHz UltraSPARC-IIi
processor with 2MB cache, up to 1GB DRAM and up to two 9GB hard disks. The Ultra
5, featuring a 360MHz UltraSPARC-IIi processor and up to 512MB of EDO DRAM,
was developed for software and Java application development, electronic design
automation, data collection/retrieval, and digital content creation. Both allow
the user to run PC productivity applications at native speeds alongside technical
UNIX applications. Contact: Sun Microsystems, Inc., Palo Alto, CA; (650) 960-1300;
www.sun.com.
HP Visualize X-Class
Hewlett Packard's Visualize X-Class is designed for users performing simulations,
virtual prototyping, complex modeling, and other high-end visualization tasks.
This package includes single or dual Intel Pentium III processors with 256KB
of high speed transfer cache, two clock frequencies to choose from (866 MHz
and 1GHz), and greater mass storage expandability (up to 72GB internal disk)
for the disk space and performance needed to work on large models and multiple
designs. The X-Class features interactive model lighting and rotation and is
able to allocate very large amounts of memory for texture mapping. Contact:
Hewlett Packard, Palo Alto, CA; (650) 857-1501; www.hp.com.
Technology Infrastructure: Notebooks
Acer TravelMate 520 Series
The Acer TravelMate 520 series notebooks come in four separate configurations.
All come preloaded with Microsoft Windows 98, are compatible with Windows 2000
and NT 4.0, and feature an Intel Pentium III processor with Intel SpeedStep
technology and up to 700MHz. Also included are a 56K modem and 10/100 integrated
LAN. Each notebook weighs 6.78 pounds, and is equipped with 128 MB of system
memory and 10 GB of hard drive space. Contact: Acer America, San Jose, CA; (800)
SEE-ACER; www.acer.com.
Apple iBook
At only 6.6 pounds each, the Apple iBook series offers powerful, compact notebooks
with up to 466 MHz processor speed and 64MB or RAM (expandable to 320MB). Additional
features include a 10GB Ultra ATA hard disc drive, a CD-ROM, and an ATI RAGE
Mobility 128 graphics accelerator. The display is 12.1 inches, and the notebooks
themselves are 2.06 inches at their thickest point. Contact: Apple Computer;
Cupertino, CA: (408) 996-0275; www.apple.com.
Compaq Presario 1800 Series
The Compaq Presario 1800 series notebooks feature an Intel Pentium III processor
with SpeedStep technology, a 56K modem, and either the Windows 2000 Professional
or Windows Millennium Edition. Also included is a one-touch Internet Zone and
2-Way Internet Scroll. The display size can be up to 15 inches, with a maximum
total notebook weight of 7.8 pounds. Contact: Compaq Computer Corp., Houston,
TX; (281) 370-0670; www.compaq.com.
Dell Inspiron 8000
Dell's Inspiron 8000 notebook measures 1.71' high and comes equipped with
Intel Pentium III processors up to 850MHz, Celeron processors up to 600MHz,
and 512MB SDAM memory capabilities. Multimedia features include a high-resolution
display, featuring Ultra XGA, 2D and 3D performance, and Harman/Kardon audio.
The Inspiron 8000 offers a variety of configuration choices, and comes preloaded
with MS Windows ME, and your choice of either Microsoft Works Suite 2001 or
Microsoft Office 2000 Small Business Edition. Contact: Dell Computer Corp.,
Round Rock, TX; (800) 999-3355; www.dell.com.
Fujitsu LifeBook C-6577
The LifeBook C-6577 by Fujitsu features a 750 MHz Pentium III processor, complete
with Intel SpeedStep technology, two built-in speakers, and a wireless infrared
mouse. Also included are a 56K modem, 20 GB hard drive, 128MB of memory, and
a built-in CD-ROM. The LifeBook C-6577 weighs 7.3 pounds and is less than two
inches thick. Contact: Fujitsu, Sunnyvale, CA; (408) 746-6000; www.fujitsu.com.
Apple PowerBook G4
Apple's PowerBook G4 weighs 5.3 pounds, and features a PowerPC G4 processor
with speeds of up to 500 MHz. Other benefits include up to 30 gigabytes of hard
disk space and 1 gigabyte of RAM, ATI RAGE Mobility 128 graphics, FireWire,
USP, PC Card slot, and VGA and S-video output. The PowerBook G4 comes equipped
with built-in 10/100BASE-T Ethernet for quick access to a corporate network,
and either a DSL or cable modem. Users can connect up to 127 devices, including
digital cameras, graphics tablets, and Palm OS-based handheld devices. Contact:
Apple Computer Inc., Cupertino, CA; (408) 996-0275; www.apple.com.
Toshiba Portégé 7200Cte
The Toshiba Portégé 7200CTe is a highly compact notebook, measuring only 1
inch thick and weighing less than five pounds. It features an Intel Pentium
III processor with speeds of up to 650 MHz and SpeedStep technology, 64 MB of
memory, a 12BB hard drive, and an integrated V.90 modem. Multimedia capabilities
include an S3 Savage/IX8 graphics controller, 13.3' diagonal TFT active-matrix
color display, and an optional DVD Network Dock II. Contact: Toshiba American
Consumer Products, Inc., Wayne, NJ; (800) 631-3611; www.toshiba.com
Technology Infrastructure: Routers
MikroTik v2.3
MikroTik v2.0 Software Router System turns a standard PC computer into a network
router. To expand the router's capabilities, add standard network PC interfaces.
The software includes remote Java box administration, bandwidth control, firewall,
wireless 11Mb/s synchronous 5Mb/s, asynchronous PPP/RADIUS (up to 32 ports),
LMC DS3 and E1/T1 support, and Ethernet at 10/100Mb/s. Contact: MikroTik, Riga,
Latvia; +371-7-801-079; www.mikrotik.com.
Netopia R9100 Ethernet Router
The Netopia R9100 Ethernet Router allows small- and medium-sized organizations
to connect a LAN to the Internet via the Ethernet port on a DSL or Cable modem.
The Netopia R9100 includes an integrated 8-port Ethernet hub with an uplink
port for connection to an external hub. No additional equipment is required
to create a new network or expand an existing local network. Dial-in users can
access the LAN from anywhere on the Internet using a secure, encrypted tunnel.
The R9100 router is designed with a modular architecture to allow for future
upgrades. Contact: Netopia, Inc., Alameda, CA; (510) 814-5100; www.netopia.com
MaxGate Ugate-3300
The UGate-3300 is an integrated Broadband Internet connection and printer-sharing
router for both 11Mbps Wireless and 10/100Mbps Ethernet LANs, allowing up to
253 users to setup up a network and share an Internet connection wirelessly.
The single-port parallel print server also lets an entire office share one printer.
Built-in NAT firewall security keeps intruders out of the network. Contact:
MaxGate, Fremont, CA; (800) 284-8985; http://www.maxgate.com.tw/tania/.
WebRamp 310i
WebRamp 310i is an integrated analog router, with a 4-port 10BaseT Ethernet
hub and two internal 56K V.90 modems. It operates on Windows 3.1/95/98/NT/Workgroup
3.x, Mac OS 7.5.3 and above, UNIX, and NetWare. It has a single external IP
address and has the capability of adding a third external modem if more bandwidth
is needed. Contact: WebRamp, Santa Clara, CA; (888) RAMPNET.
Technology Infrastructure: Switches, Access Points, and
Hubs
AirConnect Wireless LAN
With AirConnect Wireless LAN, users can send and receive information at speeds
up to 11Mbps. Each access point supports up to 63 wireless notebook or desktop
clients and provides 300 feet of wireless coverage in a standard office environment.
AirConnect connects to an office network via a 10Base-T connection and installs
on Windows 95/98/NT 4.x, and Windows CE. This access point features built-in
diagnostics and power-up self-check, upgradeable firmware, antenna diversity,
and support for SNMP. Contact: 3Com, Santa Clara, CA; (800) 638-3266; www.3com.com.
Allied Telesyn Rapier Switches
Allied Telesyn's Rapier family of Layer 3 IP switches leverages the company's
AR-series router technology, combining silicon-based wire-speed switching with
advanced LAN and WAN routing features. The product line is designed to help
smaller businesses address networking needs in ways that were previously beyond
their budget. Capabilities like the integrated Stateful Inspection firewall
and SecureVPN provide network address translation and LAN/WAN isolation and
deliver inter-VLAN protection for mission-critical security applications at
speeds of up to 75 Mbps per second. Contact: Allied Telesyn, Bothell, WA; (800)
424-4284; www.alliedtelesyn.com.
Cisco Lightstream ATM Switches
The Cisco LS 1010 is a Layer-3 enhanced ATM switch that integrates wire-speed
Layer 3 switching and ATM switching in to a single chassis, eliminating the
need for network managers to make a technology choice. The 5-Mbps modular switch
provides fault-tolerant operation and extremely fast throughput. Contact: Cisco
Systems, Inc., San Jose, CA; (800) 553-6387; www.cisco.com.
Emulex LH5000
The LH5000 Fibre Channel hub features patented digital technology that enables
unmatched loop resiliency and system availability. With intelligence on every
port, the LH5000 provides port isolation, validates loop protocol, and fully
re-times the signal.
The LH5000 also provides a number of management capabilities,
including Web-based management. The digital architecture of the LH5000 eliminates
all signal jitter and provides automatic clock speed matching on every port.
As a result, LH5000 hubs can be configured as a single 10 port loop or dual
independent 5 port loops, allowing for flexibility in network design and cabling
distances. Contact: Emulex, Costa Mesa, CA; (800) 854-7112; www.emulex.com.
Netgear DS500 Series Hubs
The DS500 series of dual-speed stackable hubs enables users to mix and match
10 and 100 Mbps PCs, servers, and peripherals on the same network. Every port
automatically operates at the proper speed. Up to 8 of these hubs can be stacked
to support 192 users at 10 or 100 Mbps. The 10-to-100 Mbps bridge automatically
locates each user and filters or forwards traffic accordingly. The built-in
LEDs provide clear and intuitive status. Two LED bar graphs give online status
of network utilization and alert users to potential network overload. Contact:
Netgear, Inc., Santa Clara, CA; (408) 907-8000; www.netgear.com.
Graphics and Visualization
Adobe AfterEffects 5.0
Adobe AfterEffects 5.0 allows users to create motion graphics and visual imagery
for film, video, multimedia, and the Web. AfterEffects 5.0 comes in two versions:
the Standard version, with a core tool set for motion graphics professionals,
and the Production Bundle, with more advanced motion control and keying capabilities,
plus 3D channel, audio, and visual effects. New features allow the user to build
composite layers in 2D or 3D space with fine control over multiple cameras and
lights; animate layers hierarchically by defining a parent-child relationship
between any two layers; use nondestructive vector paint tools to reveal an image
over time and draw animated cartoons (Production Bundle only); use expressions
to define relationships between parameters to create procedural-type animations
without using keyframes; and apply new effects such as Shatter, Radio Waves,
and Vegas to create a new range of looks. Contact: Adobe Systems, San Jose,
CA; (408) 536-6000; www.adobe.com.
ACD Systems ACDSee
ACDSee allows users to organize and quickly browse through folders and view
thumbnail images of files. Supporting more than 40 image formats, the ACDSee
Browser is designed for fast display of images and archive file contents. High-speed
access lets users click on a filename and get an immediate display inside the
Preview window. With a click, a file can be annotated with a descriptive phrase
that d'es not alter the filename or contents. The Folder Tree feature provides
a view of all the folders on the system for easy access to images. Clicking
on any folder opens it instantly, displaying all files inside and the notes
that are associated with each file. Other features include image sharing and
extensive photo enhancement capabilities, simplified file conversion, drag-and-drop
functions, a user-friendly graphical interface, and a customizable toolbar.
Audio and video clips are easily played from the browser, and users can acquire
images from clip-art, CDs, or the Internet, as well as with the aid of a scanner
or a digital camera. Contact: ACD Systems, Arlington, TX; (250) 544-6700; www.acdsystems.com.
ATI Xclaim VR 128
The ATI Xclaim 128 is an upgrade that enables users to display 128-bit 3D and
2D multimedia graphics on Macintosh platforms. By bringing movies or TV directly
to the screen, education users can create, edit, and store professional quality
videos and presentations. Users may watch television full screen or in a window,
while working in other applications. The power behind Xclaim is ATI's RAGE 128
graphics accelerator. Xclaim VR supports resolutions up to 1600 x 1200 and incorporates
3D features such as fog, video textures, alpha blending, and morphing. With
the Xclaim VR 128 Video Player capture utility, users can import images or video
from a VCR, camcorder, or laser disc. Contact: ATI Technologies, Inc., Toronto,
Canada; (905) 882-2600; www.atitech.com.
Autodessys formZ
A general-purpose solid and surface modeler, formZ is a design tool with an
extensive set of 2D/3D form manipulating and sculpting capabilities. The interactive
graphic interface with associated multiple windows, tear off tool palettes,
undo/redo operations, customizable key shortcuts, simultaneously available prepick
and postpick modes, and integrated 2D/3D operations allows users to work in
either 2D or directly in 3D space. Graphically and dynamically executed 2D/3D
geometric transformations provide the ability to move, rotate, scale, or reflect
either individual entities or groups of entities simultaneously. Users can attach,
extend, and place tools to facilitate the positioning of objects or their parts
relative to other objects, and a Query tool provides the ability to determine
information about objects, as well as calculate areas, volumes, and distances.
A drafting module is integrated with the modeling module, allowing images to
be transported from modeling to drafting and vice versa. In addition to a variety
of drawing tools, the drafting module offers associative dimensioning and hatching,
2D Boolean operations, text, and symbols. Contact: Autodessys, Inc., Columbus,
OH; (614) 488-8838; www.formz.com.
Corel Painter 6
Painter 6 is a painting tool particularly useful for graphic designers and
artists. Users can choose from hundreds of brushes and art materials, and the
new brush engine not only renders continuous single-pixel lines of color (representing
individual brush hairs), but also makes the process much faster than in previous
versions. The updated interface allows users to tailor collapsible palettes
and control the amount of onscreen information. The new interface also merges
all palettes into a single master Brush Control palette, allowing users to access
as many palettes as needed within an organized workspace. Users can apply different
colors of paint to each "bristle" of the brush to emulate the real-world brush
loading technique; paint in 3D with an Impasto feature that allows users to
build up paint above the canvas or cut through multiple layers; insert, edit,
tilt, rotate, stretch, scale, and type works directly on a curve using automatic
configurable drop shadows; and open and save CMYK TIFF images. Contact: Corel,
Orem, UT; (613) 728-0826; www.corel.com
Extensis PhotoGraphics 1.0
PhotoGraphics 1.0 is a set of drawing and advanced text tools for use within
Photoshop. Features include complete text editing, illustration tools, design
capabilities, object-level anti-aliasing, and the ability to embed and share
illustrations. PhotoGraphics offers text formatting options not in Photoshop,
such as character style sheets, individual character color, super- and subscript,
full justification, and horizontal and vertical scaling. Productivity features
enable manipulation of layers, object-level opacity for each object independently,
color palette import and export, dockable palettes, rulers, and guides. Contact:
Extensis Corp., Portland, OR; (800) 796-9798; www.extensis.com.
GenArts Sapphire Plug-Ins
Sapphire Plug-ins from GenArts is a collection of nearly 200 image processing
and synthetic effects such as lens flares, edge rays, glows, glints, grain tools,
lightning, and wipes. Each effect has many options and adjustable parameters.
The plug-ins are resolution independent and support multiple processor hardware
types, remote processing on the Avid DS system, and RGBA processing on all Avid
products using the Windows NT platform. Contact: GenArts, Cambridge, MA; (617)
492-2888; www.genarts.com.
Jasc Paint Shop Pro 7
Paint Shop Pro 7, a professional image-editing program, delivers graphics and
photo-editing tools that integrate with any work environment. A complete set
of customizable paint brushes, editing tools, color enhancements, and multiple
layering capabilities allows users to design dynamic print material and Web
sites. Paint Shop Pro 7 includes gradient options, 75 special effects, color
adjustment layers, expanded digital camera support, multiple image printing,
and optimization for producing high-quality Web graphics. With Animation Shop
3 included, users can also create animated GIFs for the Web and multimedia.
Contact: Jasc Software Inc., Eden Prairie, MN; (612) 930-9800; www.jasc.com.
Macromedia FreeHand 9
FreeHand 9 is a design tool for creating and producing illustrations and layouts
for print and the Web. Uses of Freehand 9 range from commercial line art illustrations
and newspaper infographics to mixed media pieces that combine line art with
bitmapped images and typography, as well as graphic elements, interfaces, and
animations for the Internet. Also included is support for Macromedia Flash,
which assists users in moving their work from print to the Internet. Users can
export URL-linked illustrations, layouts, and animations from FreeHand in native
Macromedia Flash format files, which can play back via Shockwave or Java. Contact:
Macromedia Inc., San Francisco, CA; (415) 252-2000; www.macromedia.com.
MyFonts.com
Need a font? MyFonts.com is an online source for purchasing fonts from many
well-known foundries. Launched in 1999, MyFonts.
com offers more than 11,000
fonts, most available in TrueType and PostScript Type 1 formats for both Windows
and Macintosh. Several useful features make it easy to buy fonts, even for customers
who aren’t sure what they want. MyFonts Valet allows customers to enter keywords
to browse and locate fonts using descriptive terms, font names, or the name
of a particular foundry or designer. The Test Drive feature allows users to
enter sample text and display it in a variety of sizes before purchase, and
WhatTheFont allows prospective buyers to scan a sample of text and upload it
to the Web site where the closest matches are then displayed. There are free
fonts available on the site, and fonts for sale range in price from $10 to $200.
Customers looking for a font not available for sale on MyFonts.com will often
find a link to the foundry site where it can be purchased. Contact: MyFonts.com,
Cambridge, MA; (617) 520-8361; www.myfonts.com.
Nemetschek VectorWorks
VectorWorks 9 offers Macintosh and Windows users integrated object-based design
with 2D drafting, 3D modeling, high-quality rendering, a dynamically linked
worksheet function, and a flexible scripting language. Other features include
multiple undo/redo, improved DWG/DXF support for AutoCAD 14, new tools for creating
3D solid primitives, and context-sensitive menus. Users can create different
wall styles that automatically assign class and graphical information, and an
improved selection tool makes it easy to align objects without having to worry
about accidentally reshaping them or having them inadvertently break a wall.
Version 9 offers a 64-bit floating point coordinate system to increase both
precision and range. Version 9 can now read and write native AutoCAD 2000 files,
and is backward compatible to AutoCAD version 2.5. VectorWorks drawings can
be saved as MiniCAD 6 or 7 files, and the file converter allows users to open
drawings created even in early versions of MiniCAD. The product ships with templates
for several industries, and the new A/E/C Set-up Wizard makes it easy to set
up new architectural drawing files with the correct layer, class, and sheet
organization. Contact: Nemetschek, N.A, Columbia, MD; (410) 290-5114; www.nemetschek.net.
Saelig Repligator 7
Repligator 7 is an easy-to-use graphical effects program that runs on Windows
95, Windows 98, and Windows NT. Designed for people who want to produce interesting
and colorful graphic images, Repligator 7 is a stand-alone program that d'es
not require complicated plug-ins. Repligator 7 includes rectangular mixing and
more image control, as well as 11 new effects including dalmation, ethnic, and
chaos order. Contact: The Saelig Company, Victor, NY; (716) 425-3753; www.saelig.com.
Synthetik Studio Artist
The Studio Artist graphics synthesizer is an intelligent-assisted painting,
drawing, video, and image-processing software. Studio Artist is able to look
at an image and automatically and/or interactively paint or draw it in an unlimited
choice of styles, including 3D Paint.
Studio Artist is resolution independent-able
to take a low-resolution image and re-render it at a higher resolution with
its hybrid model of raster paint and editable vectors paths. The Auto-Rotoscoping
and Visual Effects features quickly and easily turn low-resolution Quicktime
movies into high-resolution moving art. Studio Artist also features morphing
and interactive warping features, animation, layers, and a complete image-processing
suite. Studio Artist ships with more than 1,000 fully editable graphic tools
and allows users to create their own tools using the paint synthesizer or paint
evolution feature. Contact: Synthetik, San Francisco, CA; (415) 864-6582; www.synthetik.com
Three D Graphics Amigo 2000
Amigo 2000 is a new charting program for use within Microsoft Office. Users
can create presentation-quality, data-driven charts with a simple, interactive
user interface. Amigo features the ability to insert and edit fully rendered
3D bar charts, pie charts, and many others. The program may be used independently,
or in conjunction with Excel or PowerPoint (launched from a button on the toolbars
of each of the applications. Features include texture fills, grids and scales,
and 3D chart rotation. Amigo 2000 uses a software-based OpenGL technology to
create fully rendered charts. Contact: Three D Graphics; Los Angeles, CA; (310)
553-3313; www.threedgraphics.com.
Ulead Systems Cool 3D
Ulead COOL 3D 3.0 enables users to create animated 3D titles and graphics
for Web pages, videos, and presentations. Users can use True Type fonts, import
graphics, and draw objects or convert images into 3D graphics. COOL 3D 3.0 delivers
more than 20 exclusive special effects like Blast, Distort, and Fire. Effects
can be customized and inserted via drag-and-drop technology. Ulead Cool 3D works
in real-time without complicated commands or modeling. Contact: Ulead Systems,
Torrance, CA; 800-85-ULEAD; www.ulead.com/sources.
Graphics Hardware
Wacom Graphire
Inexpensive and easy to use, the Graphire graphics tablet measures just over
eight inches square, with an active area of 4" x 5". The tablet connects via
cable to a computer with a USB or serial port, and features a transparent overlay
for easy tracing. Graphire comes with a pressure-sensitive pen featuring a programmable
DuoSwitch, built-in eraser, and 512 levels of pressure sensitivity to enable
users to draw a sketch, add a note to an e-mail, or simply sign their name.
Also included in the package is a cordless, batteryless Graphire Mouse, which
has 1,015 lines per inch of resolution. The mouse has no ball to clog up, includes
three programmable buttons and a scrolling wheel, and is designed for ambidextrous
use. Graphire ships bundled with six software applications: Users can edit photos
with Adobe Photoshop LE, draw and paint with Corel Painter Classic, annotate
Word documents with ParaGraph PenOffice 2000 SE, draw symbols to execute actions
with Sensiva, and share photos with Adobe ActiveShare. Also included are PenTools,
a set of pressure-sensitive Photoshop plug-ins and the Driver and Control Panel,
both from Wacom. Contact: Wacom, Vancouver, WA; (800) 922-9348; www.wacom.com.
Visualization Tools
Mathsoft Axum 6
Axum 6 is a technical graphing and data analysis package for scientists, engineers,
financial analysts, market researchers, and those who need to portray data and
information in a rich graphical form. Users can create anything from visual
analysis models to publication-quality graphs. Axum 6 features multipanel conditioning
plots, customizable toolbars and menus, a link with PowerPoint, and over 90
2D and 3D graphs. Combining multiple data sets and axes on one graph, Axum 6
arranges multiple, editable graphs. It provides a range of data analysis functions
such as automatically calculated error bars, data smoothing, curve fitting,
descriptive statistics, frequency analysis, and regression analysis. Contact:
Mathsoft, Inc., Cambridge, MA; (617) 577-1017; www.mathsoft.com.
ESRI ArcInfo 8.0.1
ArcInfo 8.0.1, the geographic information system (GIS) software from ESRI,
is the new platform for creating, managing, disseminating and applying geographic
knowledge. Compatible with other industry-standard information technology, it
also allows software developers to integrate and develop software applications.
ArcInfo 8.0.1 has been reengineered to take advantage of a new object-oriented
data model that allows users to add behavior, properties, rules, and relationships
to their spatial data. ArcInfo 8.0.1 fully integrates DBMS technology. Contact:
ESRI, Redlands, CA; (800) 447-9778; www.esri.com.
Synergy KaleidaGraph
KaleidaGraph for both the Macintosh and Windows platforms transforms complex
data from Excel or text files into visual graphs. Files from both platforms
are fully interchangeable. KaleidaGraph uses algebraic and statistical functions
to manipulate more than 8 million data points and features precision control
of plot elements for 2D plot types. KaleidaGraph 3.5.1 features four new plot
types and twelve new plot symbols. Contact: Synergy Software, Reading, PA; (800)
876-8376; www.synergy.com.
Maple 6
Maple 6 is an advanced computational system and tool set with symbolic algorithms
and industry-leading numeric solvers. It provides a single computing environment
for defining and setting up models, analyzing the results both numerically and
graphically, and creating technical reports for publication, or e-publication.
New features include spreadsheets, comprehensive word-processing capabilities,
hyperlink manager, context menus, palettes, and expression editor. Maple 6 is
available in Windows, Macintosh, Popular UNIX, and Linux platforms. Contact:
Waterloo Maple Inc.,Waterloo, Ontario, Canada; (519) 747-2373; www.maplesoft.com.
Mathsoft Mathcad 2001
Mathcad 2001, the calculation and analytical software for technical professionals,
educators, and college students, uses a familiar scratchpad interface and real
math notation to solve complex technical and engineering problems.
By integrating
text, equations, and graphics, Mathcad 2001 simplifies and streamlines documentation
of the engineering process. Automatic recalculation provides instant feedback.
With its MathConnex component and Web-based collaboration tools, MatchCad 2001
addresses the workgroup needs of those working on complex technical projects,
allowing them to connect to the Web and publish to the Internet or an intranet.
Contact: Mathsoft Inc., Cambridge, MA; (617) 577-1017; www.mathsoft.com.
SPSS Graduate Pack 10.0
The SPSS Graduate Pack 10.0 for is the full version of SPSS one might find
in a lab on campus. The Graduate Pack for Windows includes SPSS Base, SPSS Regression,
and SPSS Advanced Statistics. It includes the book SPSS Base 10.0 Applications
Guide, a resource to help students approach data, identify and remedy problems,
and interpret the results. It focuses on output, on understanding what statistics
mean, and on how the different statistics relate to each other. Contact: SPSS,
Inc., Chicago, IL; (800) 543-2185; www.spss.com.
Mathworks Simulink 4
Simulink 4 is an interactive tool for modeling, simulating, analyzing, and
prototyping dynamic systems. Commonly used in control system design, DSP design,
communication system design, and other simulation applications, Simulink enables
the user to build graphical block diagrams, simulate dynamic systems, evaluate
performance, and refine designs. An extensive library of predefined blocks allows
users to easily build graphical models of systems. Simulink is a powerful simulation
software tool that enables the user to quickly build and test virtual prototypes
in order to explore design concepts at any level of detail with minimal effort.
Contact: The Mathworks, Inc., Natick, MA; (508) 647-7000; www.mathworks.com.
Research Systems N'esys
Earth scientists, chemists, biologists, medical researchers, engineers, and
other professionals use N'esys software from Research Systems for analyzing,
visualizing, and maintaining control of data. All versions of the program generate
2D and 3D visualizations and allow varying plotting formats as well. Compatible
with both Macintosh and Windows platforms, N'esys eliminates the need for expensive,
high-end workstations. Features include an easy-to-use graphical interface and
visualization applications Transform, T3D and Plot. Transform generates 2D visualizations
such as contours, surface areas and vector plots, and T3D’s advanced ray-tracing
enables rendering of data as volumes, slices, or isosurfaces. N'esys also provides
raster imaging of data, global map projections, importing of many file types,
and the ability to create, edit, and organize data using the HDF (Hierarchical
Data Format) file format. N'esys saves data, images, palettes, and annotations
in one self-describing file. Users can drag and drop to move data objects from
one file to another for fast subsetting of data components. Data components
can be exported as text or binary. Contact: Research Systems, Boulder, CO; (303)
786-9900; www.researchsystems.com.
Visible Analyst
Visible Analyst is an integrated application development tool that provides
graphical analysis and design capabilities in one package. Visible Analyst has
a multi-user repository for storing and documenting data, processes, and objects
used by analysts and developers throughout an organization, thereby eliminating
redundant development efforts. New features of Visible Analyst include the ability
to generate XML Document Content Description (DCD) files that can be read by
eXcelon eBusiness Information Server, and reverse engineering that analyzes
legacy databases to find relationships not expressly defined to the database.
Contact: Visible Systems, Corp., Waltham, MA; (617) 890-8909; www.visible.com.
Adaptive Technologies
Aurora Access Pack
The Aurora Access Pack for Windows includes StickyKeys, a feature for single-fingered
typing; SlowKeys, a feature that ignores keys that are pressed accidentally
or for a short time; and RepeatKeys, a feature that adjusts or disables the
keyboard repeat rate. Also included is the BounceKeys feature that ignores keys
that are pressed too quickly or at the same time; and MouseKeys, a feature that
allows keyboard control of the mouse cursor. The ToggleKeys feature provides
audio queues when toggle keys are turned on or off, and SerialKeys allows control
of the computer using an alternate input device. A TimeOut feature turns off
the Access features when they’re not in use. The new Multiuser option allows
multiple Aurora users to have their own settings and data files on a single
workstation for no additional cost. Contact: Aurora Systems, Inc.; Burnaby,
BC, Canada; (604) 291-6310; http://www.djtech.com/aurora/.
Cicero Text Reader
Cicero Text Reader offers PC users a fast, responsive, and reliable method
of reading printed material using a regular desktop scanner. Cicero can translate
printed text on a scanner into speech. Easy to use via simple keypresses, Cicero
features automatic orientation detection, de-skewing of slanted text, image
contrast thresholding, and de-columnization and columnization via a hot key.
Cicero allows users to export scanned text directly into a word processing program
or Braille translation software. Contact: Dolphin Computer Access; San Mateo,
CA; (650) 348-7401; www.dolphinusa.com.
Origin Dragger
Dragger provides automatic, single-click control of most Windows mouse functions.
Single clicks, entered manually or with AutoClick, can be converted to a double
click or a drag and drop operation, or a right click. The AutoClick dwell feature
enters a left mouse button click after the mouse pointer is motionless for a
programmable length of time. The Jitter Box feature can be adjusted for a user's
capability to control the mouse pointer and enlarge the AutoClick target area
to compensate for user instability. Dragger comes with four button sizes to
accommodate visually impaired users or those with targeting difficulties. Contact:
Origin Instruments Corp.; Grand Prairie, TX; (972) 606-8740; www.orin.com.
Dragon NaturallySpeaking 5.0
NaturallySpeaking 5.0 allows users to work in Windows-based applications entirely
by voice. Users can change fonts and sizes, select words, and revise text without
touching the keyboard. The program spells correctly, eliminating the need for
SpellCheck. Users can create and send e-mail by voice and listen to messages
read aloud, customize vocabulary, use intuitive commands, launch programs, and
switch applications without using a keyboard. The program includes an interactive
tutorial and displays commands on the menu bars of Word and WordPerfect. Contact:
Dragon Systems, Inc.; Newton, MA; 617-965-5200; www.dragonsys.com.
Duxbury Braille Utility
The Braille Board is a print-to-Braille text translation program designed to
translate written text into grade 2 Braille for people with a visual disability.
As a stand-alone application, the Braille Board can create Braille and emboss
it on a commercial embossing device or an engraving machine and save work as
an ASCII text file. The included Braille fonts enable the creation of layouts
in a variety of programs, including such as CASmate, CorelDraw, FlexiSign, Graphix
Advantage, PageMaker, and SignLab. Contact: Duxbury Systems Inc.; Westford,
MA; (978) 692-3000; www.duxburysystems.com/.
Assistive Gemini
The Gemini Augmentative and Alternative Communication Device is an Apple iBook
redesigned for use by people with computer access difficulties. In addition
to the existing iBook features, the unit has enhanced stereo sound, multiple
USB ports, a touchscreen, a wheelchair joystick input connector, and connectors
for 2-4 large switches for users lacking fine motor skills. The PowerPC G3 processor
runs at 300 megahertz, and the unit has 160 megabytes of built-in memory with
a 3-gigabyte hard disk. The device can carried with its convenient fold-away
handle or for additional safety and protection, a back-pack style carrying case
is available. The Gemini is suited to a range of input methods, including touchscreen,
switch input, on-screen keyboard, external keyboard, joystick, headmouse, and
other alternative pointing devices. Contact: Assistive Technology, Inc.; Newton,
MA; (800) 793-9227; www.assistivetech.com.
IBM Home Page Reader
The Home Page Reader V3.0 brings spoken access to the Internet for blind and
visually impaired users. Users open a Web page, and Home Page Reader 'speaks'
the text. Home Page Reader uses Netscape Navigator and IBM ViaVoice OutLoud
text-to-speech to present Web-based information in a clear and easy to understand
format. This powerful tool speaks Web information as it is presented, including
text, text in columns, tables, data input fields, and graphic descriptions.
Version 3.0 features a newly improved user-friendly interface as well as talking
installation and a talking hands-on tutorial. Contact: IBM (Special Needs Systems
Department); Austin, TX; 800-426-4832; www.austin.ibm.com/sns.
iCommunicator
The iCommunicator allows a person who is deaf or hard of hearing to comprehend
spoken language, achieve two-way communication without a translator, and improve
his or her reading and linguistics skills. The system converts, in real time,
speech into text, sign language, or computer-generated speech that can be better
understood via a hearing aid or cochlear implant. The system also works in reverse,
allowing non-speakers to communicate instantly with hearing people. Contact:
Interactive Solutions, Sarasota, FL; (888) 463-0474, or (800) 362-4584 (TDD/TTY);
www.teachthedeaf.com.
Intellitools Access Pac
Intellitools curriculum aids include the Access Pac, a package of five software
and hardware tools that improve computer access for people with physical, cognitive,
and visual disabilities. Teachers can use each tool separately or in combination.
Intellikeys is an alternative keyboard for students who cannot use a traditional
keyboard. Intellitalk II combines speech, graphics, and text and comes with
pre-designed activities, writing templates, toolbars, and hundreds of picture
items to help teachers develop classroom activities. Overlay Maker facilitates
making a wide variety of keyboard overlays in graphics or text. Intellipics
is a graphics and photo tool. ClickIt provides mouseless access to point and
click software. Contact: Intellitools; Petaluma, CA; (800) 899-6687; www.intellitools.com.
Sensory ProtoType
ProtoType helps physically challenged users to increase their typing rate,
providing a one-stop answer to assisted typing. It allows storage of different
user profiles, each with its own complete set of dictionaries, exception tables,
and homophone lists. It can be used with almost any text-to-speech system, allowing
a wide selection of intelligible voices and access in several languages. ProtoType
provides many useful tools, including word completion or next word prediction;
automatic spell checking and correction of common spelling errors, abbreviation
expansion, automatic insertion of capital letters; and review of text in high-quality
speech. Speech output of predictions, spoken definitions of commonly confused
words, and smart dictionary management are also helpful features. Contact: Sensory
Software International Ltd; www.sensorysoftware.com or Zygo Industries Inc.
Portland OR; (503) 684-6006; www.zygo-usa.com.
REACH Interface Author
REACH Interface Author features and options include more than 100 on-screen
alternative keyboards and augmentative speech communication keyboards and a
multimedia Keyboard Author for adding pictures, sounds, labels, speech, and
colors to custom keyboards. REACH includes a built-in speech keyboard system;
word/sentence completion; abbreviation expansion; a zoom and work anywhere feature;
single switch, dual switch, and inverse single switch scanning and auditory
scanning keyboards as well as customizable scanning patterns. The program also
includes a dictionary of common words; an add-last-word to dictionary shortcut;
customizable user dictionaries; a built-in speech dictionary; word-usage learning
options; and a speak-last-word, sentence, or highlighted text options. Contact:
Applied Human Factors Inc., Antonio, TX; (210) 408-0098; www.ahf-net.com.
Bilbo Step On It!
Step On It! provides three programmable foot switches that emulate keystrokes
and mouse clicks for people with limited hand capabilities, repetitive strain
injury, one-handed typists, and blind touch-typists. The initial setup provides
for taking over the Alt, Shift, and Control keys, but the three pedals can be
custom-programmed for any other keys, macros, or mouse button clicks. The pedals
can also be used with voice recognition systems. Contact: Bilbo Innovations,
Inc.; Sunnyvale, CA; (408) 736-6086; www.bilbo.com.
Worldview Desktop
The Worldview 400DT Desktop TTY/PC System provides standard TTY connectivity
and much more. In addition to communicating with traditional baudot-based TTYs,
the WorldView System incorporates Windows 98 and all the communications and
processing benefits available to PC users including e-mail, fax, Internet, and
alpha paging. Messages that take 20 minutes to send between Turbo Baudot-capable
TTYs can be sent in less than 10 seconds between WorldView TTY/PCs using low
to medium speed ASCII connections. An additional upgrade to the TeleASL video
communications package allows users to communicate in American Sign Language.
The 400DT package includes 64MB Intel Celeron processor, 10.2GB Disk, CD-ROM
and floppy disk drives, keyboard, mouse, 56K modem, network adapter, 15" color
monitor, sound card, Win 98SE, and WordPerfect Suite 8. Contact: HiTec, Burr
Ridge, IL; (800) 288-8303; www.hitec.com.
