Info-IBMPC@USC-ISIB.ARPA (Info-IBMPC Digest) (06/27/86)
Info-IBMPC Digest Thursday, June 26, 1986 Volume 5 : Issue 63
This Week's Editor: Phyllis O'Neil
Today's Topics:
AI Software for MS-DOS (Long List)
Advance 86/Procomm 2.1 Communications
Caution with PC Network
Caution with PC Network
C Beautifier
Re: Turbo Pascal Directory Problem
Help Programming the EGA
V20 Software
Version 8.4 PC-VT (VT-100 Emulator) Available
Today's Queries:
Xenix Installation on 30 Mb Disk
WordStar Query (another one!!)
IBM XENIX vs SCO on AT
Maximum sector size etc.
Can one routine tell what main program is running?
Microsoft Mouse References Sought
Info Request For Building Graphics Applications on PC
Memory Resident Programs
The PICK operating system
Request for info re Apple Laser
EGA memory map
----------------------------------------------------------------------
From: ihnp4!lzaz!psc@seismo.CSS.GOV
Date: Sun, 15 Jun 86 17:58:25 EDT
Subject: AI Software for MS-DOS (Long List)
To: info-ibmpc@usc-isib.arpa
Here's the third and (I hope) last list of artificial intelligence
software for MS-DOS based machines. I started with expert system
shells, then picked up Prolog processors, and Lisp and other languages
found their way in. "Decision support" tools are presumably decision
tree managers; for their relation to expert systems, see the hot and
heavy discussion in net.ai and mod.ai (or actually, the summary I've
posted to those groups).
Thanks to Lou Fried (FRIED@SRI-KL.ARPA) and Dallas Webster
(CMP.BARC@R20.UTexas.Edu or ut-sally!batman!dallas) for additions to
this list.
The names, addresses, phone numbers, and especially prices are not
guaranteed to be free from typos, line noise, or obsolescence. I have no
experience or further information on any of these packages; don't call
me, call the company. On the other hand, if *you* have used any of
these systems, please drop me a line; I'll be happy to summarize and
repost. I'd also like to hear of any products I'd forgotten, or any
errata to my list.
-Paul S. R. Chisholm, UUCP {ihnp4,cbosgd,pegasus,mtgzz}!lznv!psc
AT&T Mail !psrchisholm, Internet mtgzz!lznv!psc@topaz.rutgers.edu
--
Aion Development System: expert system shell, $7000
Aion Corp.
101 University Ave., 4th floor
Palo Alto, CA 94301
415-328-9595
The Decision Maker: decision support, $250
Alamo Learning Systems
Suite 500, 1850 Mt. Diablo Blvd.
Walnut Creek, CA 94596
415-930-8521
Arity Expert System Development Package: expert system shell, $295
Arity Standard Prolog: AI language (Prolog), $95
Arity Prolog Interpreter V4: AI language (Prolog), $350
Arity Prolog Compiler & Interpreter V4: AI language (Prolog), $795
Arity Corp
358 Baker Ave.
Concord, MA 01742
617-371-1243
Prdigy: expert system shell, $450
OPS5+: expert system shell, $3000
Artelligence, Inc.
14902 Preston Rd., suite 212-252
Dallas, TX 75240
214-437-0361
A.D.A Educational Prolog: AI language (Prolog), $29.95
VML Prolog: AI language (Prolog), $300
Automata Design Associates
1570 Arran Way
Dresher, PA 19025
215-646-4894
Micro In-Ate: expert system shell for fault diagnosis, $5000
Automated Reasoning Corporation
290 West 12th St., Suite 1D
New York, NY 10014
212-206-6331
Turbo Prolog: AI language (Prolog), $99.95
Borland International
4585 Scotts Valley Dr.
Scotts Valley, CA 95066
408-438-8400
SpinPro: ultracentrifugation experiment expert system [GCLISP], $2500
(note: a specific expert system, *not* a shell!)
Beckman Instruments, Inc.
Spinco Division
415-857-1150 (sales info); (714)-961-3728 (technical info) Matt Heffron
Xsys: expert system shell, $995
California Intelligence
912 Powell St. #8
San Fransisco, CA 94108
415-391-4846
Prolog V: AI language (Prolog), $69.95/$99.95
Chalcedony Software, Inc.
5580 La Jolla Blvd, Suite 126B
La Jolla, CA 92037
617-483-8513
Expert Choice: decision support, $495
Decision Support Software Inc.
1300 Vincent Place
McLean, VA 22101
703-442-7900
Methods: AI language (Smalltalk), $250
Digitalk, Inc.
5200 W. Century Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90045
213-645-1082
TOPSCI: expert system shell, $75/$175
Dynamic Master Systems Inc.
PO Box 566456
Atlanta, GA 30356
404-565-0771
Decision Analyst: decision support, $139
Executive Software, Inc.
Bay St.
Shanty Bay, Ontario, CANADA LOL 2LO
705-722-3373
The Idea Generator: decision support, $195
Experience in Software
2039 Sattuck Ave., Suite 401
Berkeley, CA 94704
415-644-0694
ES/P Advisor: expert system shell, $895
Prolog-1: AI language (Prolog), $395
Prolog-2 Interpreter and Compiler: AI Language, $1895
Expert Systems International
1150 First Ave.
King of Prussia, PA 19406
215-337-2300
Xi: expert system shell, $795
Expertech
Expertech House, 172 Bath Rd.
Slough, Berks SLI 3XE, ENGLAND
0753-821321
Portable Software Inc.
650 Bair Island Rd., Suite 204
Redwood City, CA 94063
415-367-6264
(and somebody near Boston at 617-470-2267)
Exsys 3.0: expert system shell, $395
(demo disk for $10?)
Exsys Inc.
PO Box 75158, Contract Sta. 14
Albuquerque, NM 87194
505-836-6676
GEN-X: Expert system shell
General Electric Research and Development Center
Schenectady, NY 12345
TIMM-PC: expert system shell, $9500
General Research
7655 Old Spring House Rd.
McLean, VA 22102
703-893-5900
GCLisp (Golden Common Lisp): AI language (Lisp), $495
286 Developer: AI Language (Lisp), $1195
(expert system shell to be announced in late 1986)
(K-base was a specialized proprietary package, now dead)
Gold Hill Computers
163 Havard St.
Cambridge, MA 02139
617-492-2071
Expert Ease: expert system shell, $695
(example based, forward chaining)
Expert Edge: expert system shell, $795
(rule based, backward chaining, uncertainty, math)
(they also sell 1st Class for $495, same as Programs in Motion)
Human Edge Software
2445 Faber Pl.
Palo Alto, CA 94303
CA: 800-824-7325, elsewhere: 800-624-5227
AL/X: Expert system shell
ALCS: Expert system shell
Inference Manager: expert system shell, 500 pounds
Intelligent Terminals Ltd or George House
15 Canal St. 36 North Hanover St.
Oxford, UK OX26BH Glasgow, Scotland G1 2AD
041-522-1353
(Try Jeffrey Perrone & Associates, 415-431-9562)
Knowol: expert system shell, $39.95/$99.95?
Intelligent Machines Co.
3813 N. 14th St.
Arlington, VA 22201
703-528-9136
KEE: expert system shell
IntelliCorp
1975 El Camino Real W.
Mountain View, CA 94040
415-965-5500
Experteach: expert system shell, $475
Intelliware, Inc.
4676 Admiralty Way, Suite 401
Marina del Rey, CA 90291
213-305-9391
IQLisp: AI language (Lisp), $175
Integral Quality
6265 Twentieth Avenue (or POB 31970)
Seattle, WA 98115
206-527-2918
Savior: expert system shell, 3000 pounds
ISI Limited
11 Oakdene Road
Redhill, Surrey, UK RH16BT
(0737)71327
Ex-Tran: expert system shell, $3000
Jeffrey Perrone & Associates
415-431-9562
KDS: expert system shell, $795 (development), $150 (playback)
KDS II: expert system shell, $945
KDS Corp.
934 Hunter Rd.
Wilmette, IL 60091
312-251-2621
Decision Aide: decision support, $250
Trouble Shooter: decision support, $250
Kepner-Tregoe, Inc.
PO Box 704
Princeton, NJ 08542
609-921-2806
Insight: expert system shell, $95
Insight2: expert system shell, $485
Level 5 Research
4980 S. Highway A1-A
Melbourne Beach, FL 32751
(moved to 503 Fifth Ave., Suite 201, Indiatlantic, FL 32903?)
305-729-9046
Byso Lisp: AI language (Lisp), $125
Levien Instrument Co.
Sittlington Hill
PO Box 31
McDowell, VA 24458
703-396-3345
Lightyear: decision support, $495
Lightyear, Inc.
1333 Lawrence Expwy., Bldg. 210
Santa Clara, CA 95051
408-985-8811
(may be obsolete; see Thoughtware Inc.)
Daisy: expert system shell
Lithp Systems BV
Meervalweg 72
1121 JP Landsmeer
The Netherlands
Micro-Prolog: AI language (Prolog), $395
Logic Programming Associates
31 Crescent Drive
Milford, CT 06460
203-872-7988
MProlog: AI language (Prolog), $725
Logicware, Inc.
5000 Birch St., West Tower, suite 3000
Newport Beach, CA 92660
416-665-0022
70 Walnut St.
Wellesley, MA 02181
617-237-2254?)
Reveal: expert system shell, $4500 ($2000?)
McDonnell Douglas
Knowledge Engineering Products Division
20705 Valley Green Dr.
Cupertino, CA 95014
408-446-7406
MicroExpert: expert system shell, $49.95
McGraw-Hill
PO Box 400
Hightstown, NJ 08520
or 1221 Avenue of the Americas
New York, NY 10020
NY: 212-512-2999, elsewhere 800-628-0004
Guru: integrated software with expert system shell, $3000
Micro Data Base Systems
PO Box 248
Lafayette, IN 47902
317-463-2581
muLisp-85: AI language (Lisp), $250
Microsoft Corp.
10700 Northup Way, Box 97200
Bellevue, WA 98004
206-828-8080
Expert-2: expert system shell, $70
(requires MMSFORTH v2.4, $180)
Miller Microcomputer Services
61 Lakeshore Rd.
Natick, MA 01760
317-653-6136
QTime: expert system shell, $695
MOM Corp.
Two Northside 75
Atlanta, GA 30318
404-351-2902
Expert: expert system shell, $100
(same as MMS Expert-2 above? requires Forth?!)
Mountain View Press
PO Box 4656
Mountain View, CA 94040
415-961-4103
LISP/88: AI language (Lisp), $50
Norell Data Systems
PO Box 70127
3400 Wilshire Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90010
213-748-5978
UO-Lisp: AI language (Lisp), $150
Northwest Computer Algorithms
PO Box 90995
Long Beach, CA 90809
213-426-1893
ERS: expert system shell
PAR Technology Corp.
220 Seneca Turnpike
New Hartford, NY 13413
XLISP: AI language (object oriented Lisp), $6 (disk 148)
Expert System of Steel: expert system shell, $6 (disk 268)
Esie: expert system shell, $6 (disk 398)
ADA Public Domain Prolog: AI language (Prolog), $6 (disk 405)
(see also Automata Design Associates)
PC-SIG
1030 E. Duane Ave, Suite J
Sunnyvale, CA 94086
408-730-9291; CA 800-235-6647, elsewhere 800-235-6646
(or where ever you get fine public domain software)
Waltz Lisp, $169
ProCode International
15930 SW Colony Place
Portland, OR 97224
503-684-3000
OPS83: expert system shell
Production Systems Technologies, Inc.
642 Gettysburg St.
Pittsburgh, PA 15206
412-362-3117
Micro-Prolog Professional: AI language?, $395
apes: expert system shell [micro-Prolog], $250
Programming Logic Systems
312 Crescent Dr.
Milford, CT 06460
203-877-7988
1st-Class: expert system shell, $20/$495 ($250??)
Programs in Motion, Inc.
10 Sycamore Rd.
Wayland, MA 01778
617-653-5093
Rulemaster/PC: expert system shell, $995
Radian Corp.
8501 Mo-Pac Blvd.
PO Box 9948
Austin, TX 78766
512-454-4797
Small-X: expert system shell, $125/$225
RK Software
PO Box 2085
West Chester, PA 19380
215-436-4570
Knowledge Engineering System II: expert system shell, $4000
Software Architecture & Engineering
1500 Wilson Blvd., suite 800
Arlington, VA 22209
703-276-7910
Wizdom: expert system shell, $1250/$2050
Software Intelligence Lab
1593 Locust Ave.
Bohemia, NY 11716
212-747-9066/516-589-1676
LISP/80: AI language (Lisp), $40
Software Toolworks
15233 Ventura Blvd., Suite 1118
Sherman Oaks, CA 91403
818-986-4885
Xper: expert system shell, $95
Softway
415-397-4666
TransLISP: AI language (Lisp), $75
Prolog-86: AI language (Prolog), $95/$250
Solution Systems
335-P Washington St.
Norwell, MA 02061
617-659-1571/800-821-2492
SeRIES-PC: AI language (Lisp), $5000
SeRIes PC: Expert system shell, $15000
SRI International
Advanced Computer Systems Division
333 Ravenswood Avenue
Menlo Park, CA 94025
415-859-2859; contact Bob Wohlsen, x4408
Q'NIAL: AI language (Nested Interactive Array Language), $395/$995
Starwood Corporation
PO Box 160849
San Antonio, TX 78280
512-496-8037
Microdyn: expert system shell, $300
Stochos
518-372-5426
M.1A: expert system shell, $2000
M1: expert system shell, $5000
KS-300: expert system shell
Teknowledge Inc.
525 University Ave., #200
Palo Alto, CA 94301
415-327-6640
Arborist: decision support, $595
PC Scheme: AI language (Lisp), $95
Personal Consultant: expert system shell, $950
Personal Consultant Plus: expert system shell, $2950
Texas Instruments
PO Box 80963, H-809
Dallas, TX 75380-9063
800-527-3500
Class
Texpert Systems, Inc.
12607 Aste
Houston, TX 77065
713-469-4068
TLC-Lisp: AI language (Lisp), $250
The Lisp Co.
PO Box 487
Redwood Estates, CA 95044
408-426-9400
Lightyear: decision support, $495
The Management Advantage: decision support, $249
Trigger: decision support, $495
Thoughtware, Inc.
Suite 1000a, 2699 S. Bayshore Dr.
Coconut Grove, FL 33133
305-854-2318
PSL: AI language (Portable Standard Lisp), distribution costs ($75?)
The Utah Symbolic Computation Group
Department of Computer Science
University of Utah
Salt Lake City, UT 84112
---
-Paul S. R. Chisholm, UUCP {ihnp4,cbosgd,pegasus,mtgzz}!lznv!psc
AT&T Mail !psrchisholm, Internet mtgzz!lznv!psc@topaz.rutgers.edu
The above opinions may not be shared by any telecomm company.
AT&T Transaction Services - the right choice for point-of-sale networking.
------------------------------
Date: Wed, 18 Jun 86 14:22:28 MEZ
To: INFO-IBMPC@USC-ISIB.ARPA
From: UZR51E%DBNRHRZ1.BITNET@WISCVM.WISC.EDU
Subject: Advance 86/Procomm 2.1 Communications
The problem with the Advance 86 (here in Germany called Genie 16) is
the 8259 interrupt controller. The 8259 interrupt mask register (IMR)
on an IBM-PC is accessed through port 21h, on the Advance 86 through
port 22h. So any program using the IBM-PC's IMR address to enable it's
own interrupt-handler is unable to receive any signal from the
communications line.
The most obvious solution to the problem is to inspect the executable
file for any hex-codes "E621" ( out 21h,al ) and "E421" ( in al,21h )
and to change them to "E622" and "E422", respectively. This can be
achieved with the DOS's DEBUG-command with a command sequence like
A>debug PROCOMM.??? - I don't know whether PROCOMM is an .EXE or
.COM-file. If it is an .EXE-file, rename it
to any other filename not ending in .EXE or .HEX X
-s DS:100 xxxx E6 21 - xxxx depending on the file's size, which is given
in the register-pair BX:CX. If the size exceeds
64 kB (BX:CX > 0000:FF00), multiple "s" commands
must be used to inspect the entire file. This
command returns a list with addresses like
"zzzz:yyyy", each on one line.
For each address, you may now validate that it's really within an
executable code stream, using the "u" (unassemble) command of DEBUG.
Being sure it's an "out 21h,al"-instruction and not a data pattern, n,
change it with :
-e zzzz:yyyy E6 22
Do the same for the "E421" ( in al,21h ).
Write the file back to disk with the "w" command and quit debug with "q".
In case of an .EXE-file, rename it back to it's original name.
This method did not catch all ways to write to the 8259 IMR ( e.g.
"out dx,al"), but I already used it 4 or 5 times with success to patch
programs reading/writing the IMR, and so I hope it works.
W.Rupprath (UZR51E@DBNRHRZ1.BITNET)
University of Bonn, W.Germany
------------------------------
From: Elefante@RADC-MULTICS.ARPA
Subject: Caution with PC Network
To: info-micro@BRL-VGR.ARPA, info-ibmpc@USC-ISIB.ARPA
I ordered a disk drive from PC Network (Chicago) in mid April. I was
told the drive was in stock and that I should receive it shortly
(even though the order-taker is obliged to state that delivery time
is 2 - 3 weeks). After 3 weeks I called and asked about my order and
was told it was cancelled because my credit card balance had not been
sufficient at the time they called the order in (this was a fluke
because of several factors, nonetheless I later found it to be true).
I was unhappy that they would just cancel the order and not even
notify me by mail about the situation. In any case, I didn't dispute
the cancellation and decided I would order a drive from someone else.
Low and behold, 5 1/2 weeks later I find a package on my doorstep
with a *backorderd* disk drive from PC Network. Without my
authorization, they went ahead and used my credit card to pay for the
cancelled order. Mistake or no, this is rotten business practice and
I caution others to be careful about this kind of thing. *As a rule*
PC Network is also incredibly slow in delivery and you can't even
begin to depend on their projected delivery dates because they will
tell you something is in stock when it isn't. So if you're in a
hurry, you might consider looking elsewhere. By the way, PC Network
keeps your credit card number in their computer system (obviously),
even after your membership has lapsed. I've instructed them to purge
both my credit card number and my membership.
Don Elefante
------------------------------
Date: Fri, 20 Jun 86 14:37:03 edt
From: mlw@ncsc.ARPA (Williams)
To: ss@ll.arpa
Subject: C Beautifier
Cc: info-ibmpc@usc-isib.ARPA
Stuart:
There are several different ways to handle C "beautification." I use an
editor called BRIEF to build my C programs. BRIEF includes a macro that
handles auto-indents, matching braces, and a few other nice-to-have things
for C program creation. I'm not always crazy about its key commands, but
I think that's my fault -- the package is supposed to be highly re-
configurable and I haven't taken the time to restructure all of it to my
preferences (incidentally, it has a very powerful search and replace capa-
bility).
I also have a package called C Helper, which I think has been renamed
"C Toolkit" or something like that. It is a group of utilities that
operate on C source code. There's a pretty-printer, a cross-referencer,
a brace/bracket/parentheses/comments checker, and some other useful things
in it. It's not very fancy in its documentation, but everything I've
used it for so far has worked ok.
Finally, there are some C pretty-printers on public bulletin boards. I
located, downloaded, and tested one called CB.COM after reading your query.
Contact me directly if you want to make arrangements to obtain a copy.
Mark L. Williams
Naval Coastal Systems Center
(mlw@ncsc)
------------------------------
Date: Fri, 20 Jun 86 17:03:17 LOCAL
From: <BROWN%UCF1VM.BITNET@WISCVM.WISC.EDU>
Subject: Re: Turbo Pascal Directory Problem
To: IBM Personal Computers Digest <INFO-IBMPC@USC-ISIB.ARPA>
I think the problem is in the character '\'. In msdos (2.00 and above)
the backslash is used to delimited subdirectory labels. in the string
'\command.com', the backslash is used to denote that command.com resides
in the root directory. Apparently, in the translation from ebcdic to
ascii during download, the ebcdic '\' was translated to an ascii '@'.
So as you look through the file in the turbo editor, look for those
'@' characters (the different intensity ones; could be control characters)
and change them to ascii backslashes.
------------------------------
From: Herm Fischer <hermix!fischer@rand-unix.ARPA>
To: fulton%comet.DEC@decwrl
Subject: Help Programming the EGA
Cc: info-ibmpc@isib
Date: Fri Jun 20 15:59:09 1986
The best authoritative reference I've used is the options and adapters
technical reference manual update on the EGA. It costs $9.95 only.
Call 1-800-IBM-PCTB and ask for part 6280131.
Herm Fischer
------------------------------
Date: Sat, 21 Jun 86 15:45:58 PDT
From: kegel@Juliet.Caltech.Edu (Dan R. Kegel)
Subject: V20 Software
To: info-ibmpc@usc-isib.arpa
The V20 appears to execute all of the 80186 extended instructions
(as does the 80286). These instructions include push immediate, divide
immediate, shift immediate, and some I/O string primitives.
I have not verified this completely, because the darned V20 documentation
is written in some other language (i.e. not 8086 mnemonics).
Therefore, languages such as Microsoft C which have options for generating
80186 code may therefore also support the V20; the Microsoft assembler,
which includes 80186 support, will certainly be useful for developing
V20 programs.
The V20 also includes novel instructions (and they are clearly marked in
the documentation as different from the 80186-type instructions) such
as bit field insert, but I question their usefulness.
The bit field instructions seem rediculously slow.
------------------------------
From: sdcsvax!jack!man!wolf!markd@ucbvax.berkeley.edu
Date: Sat Jun 21 08:47:43 1986
Subject: Version 8.4 PC-VT (VT-100 Emulator) Available
PC-VT, a DEC VT100/102 terminal emulator for the IBM PC
version 8.4 is available with new HELP features and Kermit
protocol support. In all, PC-VT emulates 98% of the VT100
and VT102 functions. Also included are a Hayes compatible
modem dialer and both ASCII and XMODEM file transfer. The
XMODEM protocol handles CRC as well as Checksum. The
documentation is 110 pages.
You can get a copy from the Alpo-Net Fido BBS (Net 102
Node 203) at 619-741-3412. You can also leave or send
messages to me there. (24hrs/day 7 days/week).
You can also get a copy of this User Supported Software, by
sending a DSDD 360K formatted (no DOS OS on the disk, please),
along with a prepaid Self-Addressed diskette mailer to
Mark C. DiVecchio, 9067 Hillery Dr, San Diego, CA. 92126.
My phone number is 619-566-6810.
---------------------------------
Mark C. DiVecchio 9067 Hillery Drive San Diego, CA 92126
K3FWT Home of PC-VT
sdcsvax!man!wolf!markd
No disclaimer : anyone who listens to me is a bigger fool than I.
[Just so this doesn't seem like a one sided advertisement; similar
features are found in the latest version of Kermit -- available
with source code from Columbia University -wab]
------------------------------
From: Chris Schmandt <geek@MEDIA-LAB.MIT.EDU>
To: info-ibmpc@USC-ISIB.ARPA
Subject: Xenix Installation on 30 Mb Disk
I am sure I have seen messages on this topic here before. My
brother is trying to install Xenix on a 30 Mb disk (standard IBM
issue). When the installation starts to set up the bad tracks
table, it indicates disk type 15 (unknown), prints a message about
cylinder 0 track 0, and dies. I understand Xenix 1.0 cannot deal
with a 30 Mb disk. Would someone mind repeating whatever it
takes to fix this oversight? thanks in advance...
chris
------------------------------
Date: Mon, 16 Jun 1986 16:15 CST
From: Mitchell Schaff
Subject: WordStar Query (another one!!)
To: <INFO-IBMPC@USC-ISIB.ARPA>
I have a request that is certainly a repeat (redundant), but which I
must make anyway. Recently there was a query which referred to a
patch for WordStar 3.3 which allowed the overlay files to be in a
different subdirectory than the WS.COM. We are using an IBM PC-XT
in our CAI department, and several different offices use this machine.
The problem is that each of these offices use a different subdirectory,
which means that each subdirectory must have its own copy of not only
WS.com, but all the overlay files as well. Path does not work, because
WordStar still needs the overlay files in the current directory. If
a patch exists which will make these copies unnecessary, we will save
several megabytes of storage, and everyone will be *MUCH* happier :-)
I have also heard of a program called FilePath (SDA Associates) but
since they have not returned my phone call, I don't know whether their
program will perform as needed. If anyone has any information on this,
or can point me in the right direction, I (and my boss) would be very
grateful. Thanks in advance,
Mitchell Schaff.
Bitnet: UD104299 @ NDSUVM1
"The only way to avoid criticism is to say nothing, do nothing, and
be nothing."
------------------------------
Date: Fri, 20 Jun 86 10:51:40 edt
From: kjs <@CSNET-RELAY.ARPA,@TUFTS.CSNET (Kevin Sullivan):kjs@TUFTS.CSNET>
To: info-ibmpc@USC-ISIB.ARPA
Subject: IBM XENIX vs SCO on AT
What's the difference? Is one better than the other? I run XENIX
(IBM) on my AT. Would converting be difficult if I wanted to?
Thanks
Kevin Sullivan
Tufts University
CSNET: kjs%tufts@csnet-relay
BITNET: kjs@tufts
------------------------------
Date: Fri, 20 Jun 86 12:18:45 PDT
From: Dana Myers <bilbo.dana@LOCUS.UCLA.EDU>
To: info-ibmpc@usc-isib
Subject: Maximum sector size etc.
A little while back, someone sent mail asking about installable block
device drivers using sector sizes larger than 512 bytes.
Could the person(s) asking this please send me a message?
dana
------------------------------
Date: Fri, 20 Jun 86 15:11:19 edt
From: mlw@ncsc.ARPA (Williams)
To: info-ibmpc@usc-isib.ARPA
Subject: Can one routine tell what main program is running?
Rick's question sounds like he's trying to get an interrupt handler to
identify what "environment" it's working in. I've tried to come up with
a way to do that and have developed an idea, but haven't checked it out
for practicality.
In looking at the PSP structure, I find nothing that tells about the
"identity" of a program -- indeed, a program name is really only a
feature of the disk structure. This idea is elementary, I guess,
since you can rename a file to anything you like. I often rename
executable programs so they have shorter names -- my system is
starting to look more like a UNIX system of names than a PC system.
What's needed, then, is not a way to identify the name that a program
resides on disk under, but a way to find out if it really is a
particular program. So...
Suppose you capture a certain amount of the memory image of COMMAND.COM.
Then, build into your interrupt handler a (quick) comparison routine that
will see if the code at hex 100 for X bytes is the same as your known
COMMAND.COM image. As soon as you find an exception, you know you're not
using COMMAND.COM.
There are two relatively obvious problems with this, but they may not be
of any significance in your design. First is the question of exactly how
much of COMMAND.COM will you need to compare to know whether it's active
or not. The more you compare, the slower your interrupt handler (of course).
Second, many programs now let you "escape" to the operating system. I
believe that what they're doing is loading a new COMMAND.COM image after
themselves. That would mean that the user appears to be at DOS command
level, but the COMMAND.COM code is not located at the expected memory loca-
tion. I think there's a way around this one, but the more overhead you
attach to your subroutine, the slower it'll go.
If you want to talk about any of this further, feel free to contact me
directly.
Mark L.
Williams
(mlw@ncsc.arpa)
------------------------------
Subject: Microsoft Mouse References Sought
From: Kadifa.osbunorth@Xerox.COM
To: INFO-IBMPC@USC-ISIB.Arpa
cc: Kadifa.osbunorth@Xerox.COM
I need some good references and/or books to program the Microsoft Mouse.
explanation, but I am interested in more technical details, like I/O
port usage for Serial Mouse and Bus Mouse, interrupt structure, mouse
driver description, functional spec etc.
Thanks in advance,
Abdo.
------------------------------
To: info-ibmpc%usc-isib@CSNET-RELAY.ARPA
From: kwan.mhuxa%btl.csnet@CSNET-RELAY.ARPA
Date: Fri 20 Jun EDT 1986 18:20
Subject: Info Request For Building Graphics Applications on PC
I would be developing some graphics application on ATT PC6300, and
like to collect information about graphics package/libraries that I
can use with Microsoft C.
In particular, I like to know if there are hardware/software products
for IBM PC compatibles of these types: (1) Graphics Kernel Systems (or
GKS-like) system, (2) turning PC to high resolution graphics
workstation. Any info or pointer will be appreciated.
Choi Kwan
Bell Labs
(201) 582-5727
------------------------------
From: munnari!taso@seismo.CSS.GOV (Taso Hatzi)
Subject: Memory Resident Programs
I have some questions concerning memory resident programs under DOS.
Scenario A:
Program A is run. It hooks into interrupt vector 16H (keyboard
buffer read) and exits remaining resident.
Program A needs to perform disk IO depending on what comes out
of the keyboard buffer. Is it safe to perform
disk IO when it is executing at interrupt level? If not, what
actions does program A need to take in order to safely do its
disk IO and restore the machine to the state it was at the time
of the interrupt.
Scenario B:
Program B is run. It hooks into the clock interrupt vector and
exits remaining resident.
Program B occasionaly needs to perform disk IO. Is it safe to
do so? If not, what does program B need to do to safely perform
its disk IO and restore the machine to its pre-interrupt state.
[See the file INDOS.TXT in the info-ibmpc directory for a discussion
------------------------------
Date: Sat 21 Jun 86 13:59:46-CDT
From: Pete Galvin <CC.GALVIN@R20.UTEXAS.EDU>
Subject: The PICK operating system
To: info-ibmpc@USC-ISIB.ARPA
Hi, anyone with experience with the PICK operating system out there?
I'm interested in opinions on its functionality/usability. Also, what
they DB lookup commands or are they more like standard OS commands
(rename, delete, etc).
I'll summarize if I get any responses and anyone else is interested in
the results.
--Pete -------
------------------------------
Date: Sun, 22 Jun 86 21:07:48 EDT
From: "David J. Farber" <farber%pcpond.pc.udel.edu@Louie.UDEL.EDU>
To: info-ibmpc%usc-isib.arpa@louie.udel.EDU
Subject: Request for info re Apple Laser
Anyone have any software (besides MS Word) that will drive the Apple
Laser printer when it is attached to the PC at 9600 under either
DOS or Xenix. Spoolers, troff converstors etc
------------------------------
Date: Mon, 23 Jun 86 01:22:45 PDT
From: kegel@Juliet.Caltech.Edu (Dan R. Kegel)
Subject: EGA memory map
To: info-ibmpc@usc-isib.arpa
IBM EGA memory map observation and query:
I am trying to access the EGA's frame buffer in the 640x350 16 color
mode, and am dismayed with what I find. After playing around and
reading the EGA manual, I can not find any 350 line, 16 color mode
that has a memory map remotely similar to the good (?) old 16 color
line modes.
In the old modes, each byte defined two four-bit pixels, and it was
possible to simply do a string move to write a colorful bitmap.
In the new modes, each byte defines one bit of each of eight pixels; a host
of special EGA registers must be played with to access each of the four
bitplanes in turn (or in combinations).
The upshot is, the 350 line modes are easy to use for writing lots of
pixels in the same color. This is OK for things like CAD and text. It is also
great for moving bitmaps within screen memory. Unfortunately, it is just
plain awful for moving blocks of colored pixels from main memory to the
screen, unless the blocks are made up of four separate bitmaps, one for
each color plane.
If anyone knows a good way to write 16-color bitmaps to the EGA, please
let me know. Thank you.
- Dan Kegel (kegel@citjulie.bitnet, kegel@juliet.caltech.edu)
End of Info-IBMPC Digest
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