Review of MIRROR III - Full-Featured Communications Software
                       Copyright 1989 David W. Batterson

     Rather than covering the program as a whole, I'll touch on the new
features found in MIRROR III, version 1.0.  The three major additions are the
ACT CommPressor protocol, Chat Mode, and PRISM (PRogrammable Integrated Scripts
for MIRROR) add-in modules.
     ACT (Adaptive Computer Technologies, Inc.) CommPressor is an error
correction and compression protocol which can increase transfer speeds by up to
2.5 times.  This type of transfer is called a reliable-link.
     Chat mode allows you to split incoming and outgoing messages (while
chatting) into two windows.  The top "Remote" window is for incoming words, and
the bottom "Local" window is where you type your words of wisdom!  This feature
prevents any overwriting of each other's messages.
     PRISM is the most important addition to MIRROR III.  If you are already
familiar with MIRROR and Crosstalk XVI Script language, you'll appreciate it
even more.  WARNING: writing PRISM scripts is for experienced users only!
     With PRISM, you can create your own help screens, draw boxes, change color
attributes, and place text on MIRROR's screens.
     "Point & Dial" allows dialing by pointing to a number and pressing a
hotkey.  "FSend" is a menu-driven utility to send files.  "Host Mode" is a
junior-type BBS.
     The "Pulldown" script does what it sounds like:  creates pulldown menus
for MIRROR III commands.
     The "Dialing Directory" is similar in appearance to those used by PC-Dial
III, ProComm Plus, QMODEM, and similar communications programs.  If you don't
like the provided layout, you can customize it.
     MIRROR III retains all the other features of MIRROR II, including the
"Password Maintenance Utility" (for security), a usage log, 15 emulations, 9
protocols, an editor, several DOS commands (without exiting to DOS), background
operation, and extensive help screens.
     My overall grade is A for MIRROR III.  SoftKlone offers free technical
support.  There is also the SoftKlone Information Exchange BBS, open 24 hours
daily, for tech support, PRISM scripts, more emulations and announcements.
     MIRROR III has a suggested list of $99.  For more information, contact
SoftKlone Distributing Corp. at 327 Office Plaza Dr., Suite 100, Tallahassee,
FL 32301; (voice) 904-878-8564; FAX: 904-877-9763; BBS: 904-878-9884; MCI Mail:
289-0683; CompuServe: 76224,134; Telex: 6714280 KLON.  Wow!--now that's a
company that likes to communicate with its users; bravo!
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     UPDATE - August 21, 1989:
     I would compare SoftKlone, with its constant upgrading of its software and
fine tech support, with another software firm:  Central Point Software ("PC
Tools Deluxe").  Both companies are really on the ball!
     I've now had the opportunity the test drive SoftKlone's MNP (Microcom
Networking Protocol) Level 5 add-in module for MIRROR III.
     This clever software solution for MNP access worked fine.  Although I
didn't find any local BBSs with MNP modems, I did use the add-in to call MCI
Mail.  MCI Mail has a dedicated line for MNP users too: 800-333-1818, and it
supports up to 4,800-bps!
     Installation of the add-in is easy: add the line ADD-IN = MNP.MAF to the
MIRROR.CFG file, if you plan to use MNP often.  Or at the Command? prompt, just
type ADDIN LOAD MNP.  To turn it off, type MNP OFF.
     The MNP reliable-link protocol, which has won out over ACT CommPressor in
the error-correction and data-compression protocol wars, can increase data
throughput about double.  Thus using MNP with a 2,400-bps modem is like using a
4,800-bps modem without it!
     When performing data transfers between your PC and another MNP user,
optimum results are achieved by using YMODEM-G, with the no-acknowledgement
option.  The MNP add-in automatically selects that option for you.
     SoftKlone sells the MNP add-in for $31.95, plus shipping.  That's a
bargain compared to the cost of most MNP modems, and you'll get that money back
through lowered long-distance bills.  So I recommend it.

David W. Batterson was formerly a BBS co-SYSOP.  He writes about the online
industry, communications software, and modems/fax boards.  Contact him via MCI
Mail: DBATTERSON.
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