The Age from Melbourne, Victoria, Australia • Page 42

COMPUTERS TUESDAY 29 JULY 1997 THE AGE 9 Twinsen's voyages make Homer's Gdyssey look easy Old dogs teaching new tricks a I GAMES MaryRiekert I Lee Perkins spiders, crushing, drowning, laser -bolts, fireballs, electrocution, being savaged by alien pit-bulls. Twinsen's Odyssey should be treated like any other "spectacular and witty 3D adventure with challenging and varied gameplay, mlnd blowing graphics, and a truly mag; nlflcent (but lamentably abbreviated) In short, if you want pure, brainless "thumb this isn't It. You might as well dig a cut-price shootem-up out of the remainder bin. For a preview of Twinsen's Odyssey, visit Activlsion's website http:www.activision.com Reviewed on: Microtel P166-Plus. Sound Blaster 16 audio.

Approximate retail price: $89.95. Audience rating: G8 (animated violence). Graphics: 100 per cent. Challenge: 85 per cent. Sound: 90 per cent.

95 per cent. then Zoe brings an armed dune buggy over from the mainland, increasing Twinsen's capacity to strike back. A heap of fun can be had by tearing around Desert Island, but once the alien Sups show their true colors, those carefree joyrides are over. Minefields, mobile sniper cacti and rubbish bin-clad assassins, robotic stalkers and crafty MIBs abound, generally adding to Twinsen's mounting catalogue of woes. Behind their diplomatic smoke and mirrors routine, the Sups were actually staging an all-out Invasion of Twinsun.

Naturally, Twlnsen can't take on the Sups and their savage sausage-shaped stormtroopers alone. Fortunately, a Mosquibee resistance movement is on Zeelich, obviously looking for a leader in the final battle against the Dark Monk's minions. Twinsen to the fore and into grief in a variety of unpleasant ways: Spike pits, giant TWINSEN'S ODYSSEY. Publisher: Adeline Soft-wareActivision. Format: MS-DOS, Windows 95 tolerant.

OVER the years that followed the downfall of Doctor Fun-frock, life has been returning to normal on the planet Twinsun, thanks to a heroic young Quetch named Twinsen. Like most unassuming sorts, all he ever really wanted was to step quietly out of the limelight, rebuild his house, then settle down with his beloved Zoe to raise a brace of children. However, when alien spaceships land In the town square without permission, and some weird green guy says "We come In peace, trust It's probably time to dust off the old ancestral robe, medallion and magical ball of Sendell. As an ardent fan of Adeline Software's magnificent Relentless: Twinsen's Adventure (1995), I was eager to take Twinsen's Odyssey for a spin. Two years of waiting were not in vain.

Twinsen's Odyssey does not require an excessively meaty system (a minimum of 4B6-DX4100 CPU, SVGA display, 16 MB of RAM, 16-bit soundcard and 4x spin CD-ROM), although a lower-end system will give slower gameplay and a dropoff in graphic resolution. If you have played Time Commando, Tomb Raider, Fade To Black or Alone In The Dark, you will have a fair idea of what to expect. Virtual camera angles can be changed as Twlnsen moves around and as in Relentless, Twlnsen has four modes of movement on foot, each Imparting a different trajectory to his primary weapon, the Magic Ball of Sendell. After passing the first test at the College of Magic, Twinsen is presented with a rapid-fire blowgun, BRODERBUND, widely regarded as a leader in educational software for children, has released a new series of software packages entitled the Active Mind Series. Designed to promote early learning skills in children aged three to seven and maths and problem solving skills in children aged six and up, the series draws on CD-ROM programs which already have an excellent reputation.

Each of these programs could stand alone as an outstanding piece of software. All earned their reputation as sound educational CD-ROMs and won a following from children around the world. At $69.95 per package, they are very good value for families wanting to add to their software libraries. Logical Journey of the Zoom-binis Deluxe: If I had to pick the best CD-ROM educational game for children' it would be this. I don't know why it's been labelled deluxe it looks the same as the one we've had around for a while but it's a winner; Packaged as "advanced math and logic for ages nine and up" this CD-ROM is the only one that my children, aged seven and 10, return to repeatedly.

My youngest is completely unaware that she is learning matching and analysing, and sequencing, all skills she needs in the school maths curriculum. Math Workshop Deluxe is another award winner. It calls for logical thinking while looking at fractions, decimals and percentages aoirware suppitea oy Acuvision, Pry. Ltd. Century Plaza, 41 Rawson Epping 2121, NSW.

Tel: (02) 9869 0955. Fax: (02) 9869 0977. as well as exploring geometry, pattern recognition and mental arithmetic. This program is designed for children aged six to 12 and has lots of animations, games and music. Next is a two-CD-ROM pack called First Grade Success Starter that combines the outstanding Australian-made James Discovers Math and The Treehouse.

The latter has been around since the days of DOS programs on 5.25-inch floppys and Broderbund has continually refined and updated it. It teaches early reading, logic and science and lets kids have fun experimenting with music. James is a James, this will provide hours of fun and education. Preschool Success Starter: Drawing on the huge appeal of animals for small children, this two-CD-ROM set features Maggie's Farmyard Adventure and Eager's Pet Show. The first program takes children aged three to five on a musical adventure to explore letters and music and to teach them how to use a mouse.

The second looks at early reading, counting, shapes, colors and patterns all disguised as a pet show with dogs, cats and birds. Very compelling for a four-year-old yearning for his own guinea pig. true blue Aussie with an accent to delight and he's teaching basic numeracy as well as measurement, time and shape and pattern recognition. My daughter's Grade One teacher has used this program very successfully to introduce maths concepts to her students. Kindergarten Success Starter: Also a 2-CD-ROM pack, this combines our Aussie James with the award-winning The Playroom.

Like The Treehouse, this program seems to have been around for ever but is still excellent value for money. It introduces letters, phonics, counting and telling time. Coupled with piMitmi JUSTICE 1 Year 2000 and Beyond Ij i Quasar Professionals 7 TECHNICAL SERVICES MANAGER INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY EXCELLENT SALARY CONDITIONS PROGRESSIVE DYNAMIC ENVIRONMENT SOUTH EASTERN SUHURHS Mycr Direct is the Direct Marketing Division of Coles Myer Ltd. We currently have an opportunity for an experienced, customer focussed Technical Services Manager to head up our technical operations and Help Desk team. We operate in a diverse and complex user environment with a number of our user groups operating in a time critical environment.

Reporting to the General Manager, Information Technology, the person we seek will be experienced in a range of technical areas, including an AS400 operating system, Microsoft Windows applications, NT and 1'AliX operation. Other important aspects of the role will include the documentation and application of processes and procedures of our operational environment; the negotiation and monitoring of maintenance contracts; monitoring of system performance and security; system capacity planning to achieve future business plans and managing the day-to-day operation of the company's technical services. In addition to sound technical skills, the person we seek will be experienced in managing, developing and directing a small team of Operations and Help Desk staff. Heshe will be able to clearly demonstrate an ability to communicate effectively with management, suppliers and system users at all levels to ensure a high standard of customer service is achieved and maintained. Experience in project management is also required for this role.

A competitive salary package in tile vicinity of S60K is offered along with excellent working conditions in a progressive dynamic environment and an attractive range of employee benefits. Initial enquiries can be directed to Tony Hourke on (03) 9213 0126. Written applications should be forwarded to Tony Bourke, General Manager, Human Resources, Mycr Direct, PO Box 1000, MDC Knoxf icld VIC 3180 or faxed to (03) 9213 0129. Closing date for applications: Monday 4 August 1997. We lire an equal opportunity employer and operate in a smoke free environment.

23 YEAR 2000 CONSULTANTS tONTPfRM Previous large complex exp. Familiarity with formal methodologies and a strong client focus required. SNR AflS CO CONSULTING SJI-7IK Must have had a compreriensjye -A SDLC involvement, an analytical mind and excellent interpersonal skills. I PROJECT OFFICE CO MUHHATOM TESTERS (All LEVELS) iUUdta. Career Opportunities Contract and Permanent ConsultantProject Manager 2YK Compliance Analyst Tools Guru Microfocus COBOL Call Tony Quail on 9654 6037 or email: Newdownnetlink.com.au ORACLE DESKMRDEV 2000 All levels ORACLE DBAS TOP All levels ORACLE MANUALS All levels SAPR3 All levels AUS US Senior Oracle Financials Database Administrator The Information Systems and Technology Directorate of the Department of Justice is seeking a highly skilled DBA.

You will have skills and experience with Oracle 7.1 and 7.3 Oracle Financials 10.4 and 10.7. You will also be experienced in producing technical schedules and possess good verbal and written communication skills. You will be expected to: Monitor and Tune existing Oracle Financials Production DB Upgrade Oracle RDBMS from ver. 7.1 to ver. 7.3 Upgrade Oracle Financials from ver.

1 0.4 to ver. 10.7 Develop Standards and Procedures for Maintenance of the Oracle Financials DB. Provide advice and training to other technical staff. For further details please contact Glyn Owen on 9627 6919. In your response please include details of hourly or daily rates and resumes of suitable shortlisted candidates.

No foxes or late submissions will be accepted. Responses must be lodged no later than 2:00 pm, 7 August 1997 to: Department of Justice Tender Box (DBA administrator), 5th Floor, 452 Flinders Melbourne 3000 as LOTUS NOTES DEVELOPERS MS-ACCESS, VB DEVELOPERS 6MTHS 6MTHS LONG TERM 3-6MTHS UNCAP POWERHOUSE APS INGRES ESQL APS TANDEMCOBOL, SQL, BASE 24 IND0NESI A CUM DM III SYNON (DESIRABLE) BUSINESS ANALYSTS M2MTHS Development AS 400 RPG 400 AP, SNR AP CCS, COBOL, DMAPS US. JAVA DEVELOPERS US. S4 yam mix via c-aull toi qpvlcqiusar.com.au or ld 16. 500 Coabn Street MdboanK.

Vk 3000 Ms (0)) 9614 3131 tau 103)9614 3130 Unisys People Level 16. 500 CoW St 3f. Epicure advertising call Kerrle Gottliebsen 960X2840 EPICURE Melbourne, Vic 3000 i 'A (03) H14 5252 fie (03) MM I 5251 HttllMII I El J'" Applied Financial Services Pty.Ltd. TIBTrader development mm mb earn. Software Analyst (Mandarin Speaking Capability) As a result of an expansion within the Tandem Computers Asia-Pacific Support Centre, we are looking for a Software Analyst to provide first level post-sales support in the Windows NT area: TECHNICAL SKILL: The successful candidate for this position will have experience in supporting NT system and should possess relevant qualifications up to or including Microsoft certification (MSCE).

LANGUAGE SKILL: This position requires fluent Mandarin speaking capability. The ability to speak Cantonese and other Asian dialects would also be an advantage. An excellent salary package will be negotiated for the right candidate. Please send, written applications to: Aurora Beara Manager, Personnel Administration Tandem Computers Pry Limited Analyst Programmer Contracts Senior Analyst Programnwr Contract (I position) Analyst Programmer Contract (2 positions) The Department of Justice has vacancies for a senior analyst programmer and two analyst programmers within its Information Systems and Technology Directorate, to participate in the development or redevelopment of two of its most exciting and challenging applications. The analyst programmer positions require: highly proficient PowerBuilder skills (mandatory) Oracle Knowledge, including stored procedures (mandatory) Unix or NT (familiar with at least either of them) good communication skills (mandatory) design skills (desirable) PFC The senior analyst programmer position requires: all the mandatory skills above relevant working experience with RAD methodology (mandatory) technical leadership skills.

Contracts start early September, for four months, with the prospect of extension. Responses must specifically address the position requirements. Details of rates and resumes to be included. No faxed or late responses will be accepted. Responses must be lodged with: ISTD Department of Justice, Level 6, 452 Flinders St, Melbourne, 3000, by Tuesday 12 August 1997 C.O.B.

Further Information can be obtained on tel 9627 6851. CONTRACT Applied Financial Services is an Australian software development company. TIBTrader, our wholesale banking deal capture and trade management system (previously known as VI S) is at a very advanced stage of development and currently has three live sites. We are working together with TIBCO. The Information Bus Company to market the product worldwide.

As a result of our current strategy we need to extend our Systems Development team to cater for the increase in development and implementation of TIBTrader. The TIBTrader product is a real time, object oriented system developed in Smalltalk. We are looking for systems developers with the following skills: Wholesale banking business knowledge, specifically a working knowledge of FX, Capital Markets, Money Markets, Equities, Futures and Derivatives. Object Oriented design and programming. Smalltalk SQL, Oracle or Sybase preferred.

Hi Systems testing and OA of real time network based software. Hi Unix, Sunos, Solaris, Novell, Windows-NT. Hi Installation and support of real time systems. The development positions available are in Melbourne but some travel, mainly overseas, may be required. If you area a good communicator, feel you possess a level of knowledge in some of the skills mentioned and have a desire to succeed please contact Alan Smith by phone (03) 9670 0233.

Principles only at this time please. Pi 470 st Kilda Hoaa, Melbourne, Vic. 3004 NT, VB State of the art online transaction project requires multiple APs. Strong RDBMS experience an advantage. Immediate start.

Several positions. COBOL, SQL Multiple APs needed for new development work. Prestigious client. 6 months. Start August.

PRO OURU Top techo for sophisticated ORACLE installation. Will keep the brain exercised. Good money! Start now. COBOL, DB2 AP required with good COBOL, DB2 and analytical skills. Immediate start.

OO AANALYST Senior role in Telco environment, must have strong 00. or an advantage. SQL, INTERNET AP required with strong Internet and Client Server skills for Document Management application. COBOL, CICS AP's required with COBOL, CICS and some DB2 skills. DB2, CICS, COBOL, IMS Join this key project and learn new valuable skills.

Senior hands-on roles. Not NAB. COBOL, JCL md DB2 Lots of Jobs on this large project. Take your pick of Analysis, Design, Testing and Programming with or without database work. Long contracts.

WILL YOU LEAD IN A Career Boosts for Analyst ProgrammersTeam Leaders Project Managers. MPE, IMAGE, COBOL Strong HP AP needed to support production systems. You will get Involved In data conversion for SAP R3. North of the city. TECH.

SUPPORT Must be skilled In software distribution, network configuration and P.O.S. D0S0S2WIND0WS or Fault Report System experience required. Initial 3 months. CBD location. ORACLE, PLSQL, OUPTA Two APs urgently required for development work.

Exciting project, 6 months, ongoing. Start ASAP. CARDPAC APs required for CARDPAC roles with prestigious client in flnencial services sector. 6 months. Good money.

Start now. MICROFOCUS REVOLVE If you have MICROFOCUS REVOLVE and COBOL skills, call us now. We have Interesting, varied work for you. T.L. IBM MF Experienced Team Leader needed for development of financial applications in a CICS, COBOL environment.

Senior hands on role. Call row. Immediate start. SAP R3 Exciting new concept In 24 hour support. Excellent money for those with irvdepth R3 experience and flexible on working hours.

Multiple positions. PERMANENT Ct, WINDOWS AP SNIO. QUI developer required with a strong WINDOWS programming background and experience. WINDOWS 3.11 and 95 required, (will consider contract.) CLKNT SERVER Senior AP with strong Client Server and Object Oriented experience needed. An understanding of Project Management principles is highly advantageous.

Network Architects Your experience in planning, designing and implementing network solutions will include one of the following areas: LANWAN design and integration Call Centre establishment Internet strategies Network and System Management (including wireless technologies) Getting things moving. If you're ready to take your career to the next level, please telephone, fax or email your resume to: Woodbine Associates Pty Ltd Level 3, Como Centre 299 Toorak Road South Yarra Victoria 3141 Tel: 9826 3499 Fax: 9826 3711 Email: resumesewoodbine.com.au Andersen Consulting is an equal opportunity employer. Andersen Consulting So, you're finding your feet after graduation. You're gaining some good experience on large projects. But you're hardly setting the world on fire.

And the prospects for the future are somewhat less than dazzling. If this scenario sounds a little close to home, there is a solution at hand. Anderson Consulting. As part of the world's foremost management and technology consulting firm, we provide the ideal environment for technology specialists with the drive and aspiration to really succeed. Our training will put you years ahead of the opposition.

Our working environment is dynamic, challenging and (believe it or not) fun. The travel opportunities we offer will broaden your horizons. And your package will be competitive. Opportunittef. Analyst DaiigtMr You are focused on business deliverables and have strong skills in design and development methodologies.

Development experience Is essential. Relevant languages include COBOL, Java, Microsoft Tools or other OO languages. 1 Jtfvv IS 1 VB DEVELOPERS INtO. Programmers required with strong VISUAL BASIC skins and development expertenoe. Object Oriented exposure required.

IMS DBA $NML Call now If you have solid IMS skills as a DBA. DELPW, VB, MTERNET INM. Commercial experience with DELPHI, VB Internet required for development ORACLE DBA DBA with ORACLE required. TT sWiflsfffoiit iiif i.