rbloom@APG-1.ARPA (Robert Bloom AMSTE-TEI 3775) (08/15/86)
I am a new user of TurboDOS, the multi-processor and multi-user
operating system. I am not yet on the plateau of my learning
curve from the supplied documentation, but am rapidly approaching
it. The machine in question is a NorthStar Horizon running 8
TurboSlaves, 2 HD18's, 2 printers and some commo ports. It's
currently running TurboDOS version 1.3 (N* v1.1.1). (NorthStar
never released a 1.4 version.)
Is there any TurboDOS users out there that can aid me in some
slightly past initial type questions? (in order of priority:)
. WordStar does not properly close files when they're saved,
they're truly closed only when WS is exited. A second person in
a file previously opened but not properly closed is not allowed
to make changes and save them. (And how I have the COMPAT flag
set, you don't even get an error!) So, is there a patch so WS
*will* correctly close a file that is saved with the common ^K^D?
. MXO-TD30 is the MEX overlay for TurboDOS using the printer
port on the user processor. It works fine for my dial-up Modem.
However, it can't send a <break> on my Earth TurboSlave card. Of
course, that what I need to do. Before I try to tackle the
hardware specifics in the overlay, has anyone already solved it?
. MEX-TDOS is the mex overlay for TurboDOS to use a port off
of the master processor and involves defining a new user (t-41)
call for better response. Also of course, it's very hardware
specific (written for a JCS s-100 computer.) Likewise, before I
tackle this one, has anyone done an overlay for the NorthStar
Horizon HSIO/4?
. d/Multi is a dBase II enhancement that turns it into a
true multi-user DBMS with the record and files locks of TurboDOS.
Anybody use it? It is any good? Is there something better?
. With the potentially huge (well, relivitively huge) 'BIOS'
memory space availability with banked slaves, has any one written
QuickKey or similar function key enhancements? After 5 years
with a TeleVideo terminal, I *still* haven't found any use for
the unredefinable 'function' keys! The enhancements I have found
and are working on are fanled and timecl.
. So far I know of only one book about/for TurboDOS
("TurboDOS made easy," by Steven Marks) other than the two
binders that came with my NorthStar version 1.3. (The upgrade to
Version 1.4 is on order.) Are there any other books on the
subject? (An example: the use of the AUTOLOAD command to create
command line synonyms [or ZCPR3 aliases] is not mentioned at all
and is probably more usefull have the functions that are listed!)
Sure it's fun to figure these things out yourself, but I wonder
what I'm missing. (mini-review: The Marks book is not bad, adds
sections on why one would want to do things to the information
that already is in the user's guide, written in a plain language.
Unfortunated marred by some bad typos, some which are opposite of
what was wanted. An example: 'set filename.ext ;-r' sets the r/o
flag *ON*.)
Any of the above need not be public domain and/or 'free', though
it sure does make procurement easier! As the system in question
belongs to Uncle Sam, some funds should be available somewhere :-)
Bob Bloom