On-Line Interaction Made Easy
For me, communications remains the most interesting aspect of personal computing. As a self-employed writer, it’s my lifeline to editors and publishers throughout the world. Every publication I write for accepts my “manuscripts” electronically, via modem. I also use my computer and modem to communicate with colleagues throughout the world and to gather information via such services as CompuServe, Connect, Prodigy, Knowledge Index, Dow Jones and MCI Mail. When I travel, I carry a laptop with a built-in modem so that I’m never out of touch.
Virtually any computer can be connected to a phone line as long as it’s equipped with a modem and some communications software. Some services, such as Prodigy (for which I write a regular on-line column) and Connect come with their own software. Others, such as CompuServe, Genie and MCI Mail, work with any general purpose communications program.
If you’re using an Apple Macintosh, I recommend Microphone II. I’ve been impressed with the program for a couple of years, and the newest release, Version 3, is a superb example of software craftsmanship. A similar, though slightly less powerful version will be available for IBM compatibles in mid-February. The IBM version will require that you have Microsoft Windows software and a computer with an Intel 286, 386 or 486 central processing unit.
The Macintosh and the IBM PC (when using Microsoft Windows) feature a graphical user interface that allows you to use a mouse to issue commands and select text. Both the Mac and Windows also make it possible to run two or more programs at the same time, assuming that the computer has a sufficient amount of memory to accommodate more than one program.
Virtually all telecommunications programs allow you to capture text to your disk and send text to a host computer, but programs running on the Mac or Windows make it a lot easier. When I use the Mac for communications, I usually have Microphone running in one window on my screen and a word processing program in another. If there is something in my word processing document that I want to send to another computer, I simply select it with the mouse, copy it into the Macintosh clipboard and “paste” it into the communications program.
The same process works in reverse. Information that scrolls across the communication program’s screen can easily be copied and pasted into another program. This process is not unique to Microphone. It can be done with any leading Macintosh (and Windows) communications and word processing programs. It’s also possible on the IBM PC with some integrated programs, such as Microsoft Works, which have their own copy and paste routines.
What makes Microphone unique is its very powerful scripting feature that allows users to customize how the Macintosh or PC will interact with another computer.
A script, or macro, reduces an entire sequence of commands to a single keystroke or mouse click. I’ve used the Macintosh version to completely automate all aspects of working with the various information services that I use.
The program has a “watch me” mode that automatically creates scripts by recording your keystrokes as well as the text coming from the host computer.
That makes it easy to create basic scripts such as you’ll need to sign on to a service or check your mail.
Creating more sophisticated scripts takes a bit of work--the program comes with its own scripting language that somewhat resembles BASIC and other programming languages. Once you’ve mastered that language, you can create your own custom applications.
I created a series of scripts to simplify interacting with a computer operated by one of the publications I write for. That computer’s message or electronic mail service could best be described as user hostile. But with Microphone, I was able to create my own text editor that allows me to write my messages using a word processing-like editor that pops up while I’m using Microphone. When I’m done writing the message, I click on an icon and am presented with a list of people with whom I regularly correspond. One more click of the mouse and the message is on its way.
It saves me several keystrokes and, more important, relieves me of having to remember some pretty obscure commands.
Scripts can be implemented via a function key, a letter key, or via a menu or on-screen icon or button. Icons and buttons, which appear at the bottom or side of the screen, give you quick access to frequently used scripts with one click of the mouse.
Microphone comes with several sample scripts, including ones that automate sending and receiving electronic mail via MCI Mail, CompuServe and other on-line services. The scripts totally shield you from the service’s native commands.
Sending and receiving MCI Mail is extremely easy. You can even use the script to use MCI Mail to forward telex messages and facsimiles.
The script automatically logs onto the service, retrieves your incoming mail and logs you off. You respond to your messages using a built-in text editor and, at your command, the script logs you back on and sends your messages.
MCI Mail charges by the message, but most services, including CompuServe and Genie, charge by the minute. With these services, such scripts can save you money by reducing the time you spend on line.
Just about anyone can use Microphone to create simple scripts.
Creating complex scripts will require someone with programming experience or the willingness to learn some fairly complicated commands. That makes Microphone an ideal application development tool for companies, universities and other organizations with the resources to assign staff to create scripts for distribution to other users.
The program has a suggested retail price of $295. Users of the previous version can upgrade for $50 (or free if it was purchased after Jan. 15, 1989). The IBM PC version (which requires Microsoft Windows) will cost $295 when it becomes available in mid-February. The program is published by Software Ventures, 2907 Clairmont Ave., Suite 220, Berkeley, Calif. 94705. Phone: (415) 644-3232.
