System II press release
Kitchen Sink Software
Copyright (c) 1994 Apple Users' Group, Sydney
Republished from Applecations, a publication of the Apple Users' Group, Sydney, Australia.
SYSTEM II BRINGS THE DESKTOP TO THE APPLE II
Kitchen Sink Software is shipping a desktop system for the Apple II computer. The desktop brings the Apple II up to the same level as a MAC in user friendliness. IBM also has a desktop called Windows. Asked why the Apple II needs a desktop program, Kitchen Sink Software President Guy Forsythe said, "There are a lot of Apple II computers out there. Schools want students to see the up to date methods of doing things. Individuals are tired of hearing about how the Apple II is just too out of date and being outdone by the newer systems. But the Apple II can do the job!"
The new desktop is called System II to keep in alignment with the MAC way of numbering their systems while at the same time making it evident that this is for the Apple II. The system will work on 5.25", 3.5" and hard disks. One place wanting a desktop is schools that have Mac LCs with the //e card. The system will work on any Apple II that can run ProDOS and has 128K of memory. Students will see System II and know how to use it because it is similar to the MAC system. System II brings the //e up to date.
The desktop is similar to "At Ease" so it is not cluttered in appearance, but it has the capability to copy files and other desktop functions. Teachers will appreciate the ability to turn off the file manipulation capabilities.
What makes System II different from //e desktop programs of the past is that System II is more than a desktop. It is a complete operating system. so teachers or developers who want to publish software that uses pull down menus, dialog boxes and all the other features that make the MAC and Windows interface so popular are available to everybody. The system works in both single and double hires in both color and monochrome modes.
The System II Developer's Kit includes all the programs, routines and information you need to write fast running, professional looking programs in System II. Even things like a disk formatter are included. The licensing fee lets the developer make a profit before paying any fees!
System II
US$39.95 with site licenses for US$99.95 allowing you to put it on as many computers as you have in one building. This package includes:
Easy II Desktop: a simplified desktop for use in classrooms or at home where you just want to run programs quickly from an easy to use desktop. Easy II allows you to boot from any disk including an internal hard disk or file server. You can run protected programs from a floppy disk as easily as any other program... all from a familiar desktop.
Full II Desktop: when it is time to do some copying or desktop arranging, just switch to Full II (password protection built in) to get a fully functional desktop system.
System II Developers Kit
US$69.95. This package includes:
Easy II and Full II desktops. System II Complete User Interface. You get all the instructions and commands that allow you to write Applesoft programs with a complete graphical user interface for ProDOS and single or double hires graphics. This includes pull down menus, dialog boxes buttons, check boxes, cursor control, graphic drawing tools, etc. You can publish/distribute disks using all of our interface routines. You pay a $100 publishing license after you sell $1000 worth of your product.
You can call and order either package from the continental US at: 1-800-235-5502 or International at: 614-891-2111. Or, you can order by mail at: Kitchen Sink Software, Inc., 903 Knebworth Ct., Westerville OH 43081. We take VISA/Master Card, school POs, and checks.
Email: KITCHEN.SINK@GEnie.GEIS.COM
[Sub-Editor's note: I have a System II Developers Kit which is available for review. If you are prepared to write a decent article on this product please call me.]
Permission is hereby granted for non-profit user groups to republish this content. PLEASE CREDIT THE AUTHOR AND THE SOURCE: Applecations, publication of the Apple Users' Group, Sydney, Australia