DGilbert.ES@PARC-MAXC.ARPA@sri-unix.UUCP (10/03/83)
In the CP/M file directory, there are several FLAG bits which can be set. Among these are the 'Read Only' flag, the 'SYSTEM' directory flag, and the 'Archive' flag. The 'Archive' flag, if set by a program, will remain set as long as the file is not updated. Once changed, BDOS will reset this bit to inform the user that the file has been updated. The 'Archive' flag would be very useful for making backup copies of floppys or Hard disk systems. However, I see little if any support of this feature. Why is the CP/M file Archive flag not supported? Are there any public domain programs which would: * Give a directory of updated files (archive bit reset) * Copy files to another disk and set the archive flags * Give a directory of non-updated files (archive bit set) * Use the Archive flag in any meaningful way. Any feelings on the various commercial programs offering incremental backup features? The Xerox provided 'BACKUP' utility for the Hard Disk provided with the 820-II system makes no use of the archive bit that I can see. Doug. ------------------------------------------------------------
ABN.ISCAMS@usc-isid@sri-unix.UUCP (10/04/83)
I've been looking long and hard at the CP/M file directory myself, trying to identify and fiddle with bits to do just that very thing. Haven't gotten very far, and would be MOST interested in hearing about developed applications -- even if they aren't in a nice neat integrated package! David Kirschbaum
RGF@mit-mc@sri-unix.UUCP (10/04/83)
From: Ronald G. Fowler <RGF@mit-mc> The file archive attribute that you describe is available only for the relatively new CP/M version 3 (aka 'CP/M+') and MP/M versions 2.0 and up. The far more prevalent CP/M 2.2 has no such feature (although Kelly Smith released a BDOS patch to support such an attribute, along with a companion copy program that utilizes it; there were some problems with this patch as I recall, and I believe it did not gain wide support because of these problems). I would expect to see more support in public-domain programs for this attribute, as CP/M 3 makes its gradual proliferation through the market. --Ron Fowler (RFOWLER@SIMTEL20)
strom@brl-bmd@sri-unix.UUCP (10/04/83)
From: Charlie Strom (NYU) <strom@brl-bmd> There is indeed a public domain program called ARCIVE.ASM by Kelly Smith that will perform the backup you require. It is probably available on SIMTEL20 and of course through Kelly's CP/M-NET RCPM in Ca. I would however recommend that you look at the review of QBAX in the current Microsystems magazine. This $30 program does the job better in my opionion. It also supports several Unix-like features. The author is currently working on version 2 which will allow splittinga large file from a hard disk onto several floppies. This latter version will probably be available before the end of the year.