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 ************************ -------