[comp.sys.ibm.pc] 4DOS Experiences

deen@topaz.rutgers.edu (Cinnamon Raisin) (12/22/89)

Does anyone out there have anything to say about 4DOS? Good or Bad?

I just recently started playing with ftp (Anonymous) sites and 
	got a copy of it (ver 2.2).  Is this the current version?

I like all of its features (aliases, file completion, history...)
	but I'd like to know  if it has any problems, before I make 
	the leap of permanently replacing COMMAND.COM with it.

Also:

	Anybody have suggestions for good Anonymous ftp sites?

	What is your favorite PD or Share Ware software for the PC?
		I'd like to know.
		ex\ PKZIP, JOVE, BROWSE, ...
	
			

I'll summarize the results and post if there seems to be any interest, so 
	please E-Mail your responses.


						-Z Raisin
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kji@vpnet.UUCP (Ken Isacson) (01/04/90)

Well here are my thoughts on 4DOS, please let me know what you all 
think, because if there is a way to imporove these problems, I will 
switch over to 4DOS.  I was using the latest version of 4DOS, I think 
2.21 or something like that, and 3.10 of MS-DOS.  
 
The first problem was in the speed.  My boot up procedure, running 
config.sys and autoexec.bat to the dos prompt, took 20 seconds with
MS-DOS and 27 seconds with 4DOS.  So, most of the normal dos functions 
will most likely be running a little slower and file location on the 
hard drive will most likely be a little slower.

Second was memory.  I have an 80286 AT with 512k plue 1.6meg of Expanded
memory.  With MS-DOS I had 351k with my TSRs loaded and 433k without my 
TSRs loaded (just device drivers and MS-DOS.)  With 4DOS I had 352k left
with my TSRs loaded as well as EMS swapping enabled, and 380k left 
without EMS swapping and no TSRs loaded.   Conclusion : 4DOS is a memory
hog compared to MS-DOS, but is equal in memory comsumption to MS-DOS if 
you enable the EMS swapping which is an extra strain on the system, not 
much, but it must be noted.

The third problem that I noticed was in a program that I use to manage 
my TSRs called ResPRO (Resident Program Manager).  When activated by a 
hot-key, it shows you some neat stats on the TSRs like their name, 
address, and size.  You can even individually activate and deactivate 
the TSRs (something I use a lot).  With 4DOS, all the names of the TSRs 
were set to 'RESPRO', so the only way one could tell what was what was 
by remembering memory sizes.  What confusion!
 
So, those are my notes, if any one has any tips on how to reduce the 
amount of memory the 4DOS uses, besides the reduction of the HISTORY 
buffers and such, as well as any tips on how to increase its speed, 
please let me know.
 
Ken Isacson
Sysop : The Board of Trade BBS
        815-753-0042
        GT 016/001