** (not quite) 1 page review of 2 CD's / 563 words ** ** DUSP_C.JPG cover scan ** ** TVBOAI_C.JPG cover scan ** ** selection of GIFs from Internet folder on both disks ** ** Can be used as illustrations if required ** The Very Best of Atari Inside Volume 1 and Die Ultimative Software - Pakette Collection reviewed by Al Goold... Both these CD-ROMs contain large numbers of files including the usual MOD, FLC files and Clipart in various formats to accompany the software - which in both cases consists of hundreds of non-commercial applications and utilities. These CDs are similar to the Atari Forever disks reviewed in AC4 with most of the content sourced in Germany. Although the files are well organised it did tend to be buried deep inside nested folders. After two happy days browsing through both these CD's I had only just scratched the surface of their contents! Without English documentation I still have no idea what some of the files are for. The Very Best of Atari Inside is essentially a giant "Reader disk" put together by the German Atari magazine, Atari Inside and it's by far the larger of the two disks containing: ** bulleted list ** * 600 Calamus fonts * 900 TrueType fonts * 400 GIFs designed for use on web pages * 1,500 PAC format mono clipart files - these can be unpacked using GemView - a copy is included on the CD * Massive shareware section - although some of the software isn't the latest versions they still make an excellent jumping off point. * Two music tracks to fill up the remaining space - not to my liking but I guess someone will like them... ** end list ** Die Ultimative Software - Pakette Collection shared much the same content as the Atari Inside CD. For example the 400 GIFs from the Atari Inside CD are included on this CD, along with a few more. It's organised differently with separate folders for Falcon, STe and TT owners along with general folders. Most of the documentation for both collections is German so a copy of Ruftrade, a pocket dictionary and some evening classes would all come in handy! The big decision Is either CD worth buying? The answer is yes. On a cost per file basis the Atari Inside collection represents the best value for money but both include something for everyone and these collections are a great way to start a library of Public Domain and Shareware programs - even if some of the programs are out of date it's much easier to track down the latest version of a program once you know what you're looking for. Finally don't forget much of the software is Shareware so if you find a program useful do register your copy - it's the best way to keep programmers interested in the Atari scene. ** Product boxout ** Product: The Very Best of Atari Inside Vol. 1 Publisher: FALKE Verlag Supplier UK distributor: 16/32 Telephone: +44 (0)1634 710788 Email: 16/32@premier.co.uk Cost: £16.00 Total size: 359,736Kb, 1773 folders containing 15,716 files Pros: Atari specific file collection, worth the asking price for the font collection alone! Cons: Mostly German documentation Rating: 85% ** end boxout ** ** Product boxout ** Product: Die Ultimate Software - Pakette Collection Publisher: M.u.C.S. and FALKE Verlag Supplier: 16/32 Telephone: +49 (0)1634 710788 Email: 16/32@premier.co.uk Cost: £17.00 Total size: 166,614Kb, 746 folders containing 5,140 files Pros: Atari specific file collection Cons: Mostly German documentation Rating: 80% ** end boxout **