davidli@simvax.labmed.umn.edu (02/18/91)
Last update: 17 February 1991
Author: David Paschall-Zimbel (davidli@simvax.labmed.umn.edu)
Comments and suggestions welcome.
February's 'welcome' is late due to the birth of Max Arthur Paschall-Zimbel
on 8 February 1991.
DIRECTORY (new articles and articles with changes are marked with an '*'):
You may search for the capitalized keywords to find the related article.
* WEL Welcome to comp.sys.atari.st
CSAST What sort of articles would interest people reading comp.sys.atari.st?
PD Where can I get Public Domain/Shareware software?
* ARCS How do I deal with Archived files (.ZOO, .ARC, .LZH)?
ERR What does TOS ERROR nn mean? What do the bombs on my screen mean?
PAINT What is the format for [x] paint program data?
GDOS What is GDOS, and where can I get it?
TEX Is TeX/LaTeX available on the Atari ST?
LANG Public Domain/Shareware languages...
GNUC Is GNU C available on the Atari ST?
* DEV How do I become a developer for the Atari ST?
ZNET Where can I get copies of ZNET?
PALS ST Pen Pals list
BOOKS What books are available for the Atari ST?
* TIPS TIPS AND HINTS from other users
WEL
Welcome to comp.sys.atari.st
============================
This newsgroup is devoted to discussion about 16 bit Atari micros. At
present that includes the Atari 520ST, 1040ST, Mega ST, STe, and STacy.
There are also emulators for the Apple Macintosh and IBM PC/XT/AT available.
Finally, there is the Lynx (a game machine) and the Atari TT and ATW.
Most of the people who read this newsgroup are technically oriented.
The newsgroup serves as a resource for Atari users ... feel free to
contribute to the discussions.
Associated newsgroups include:
comp.binaries.atari.st ! uuencoded binary programs
comp.sys.atari.st.tech ! technical programming/hardware topics
comp.sources.atari.st ! uuencoded/shar sources
CSAST
What sort of articles would interest people reading comp.sys.atari.st?
======================================================================
The most interesting articles are technical articles, impressions of
software/hardware, information on Atari user-groups and shows, or helpful
hints on how to make better use of the machine and its software.
The least interesting articles are in the form of 'my computer is better
than...', especially when cross-posted outside of comp.sys.atari.st. If
you don't know how to eliminate other newsgroups from a reply to an article
which is cross-posted, ask your systems administrator.
'FOR-SALE' articles should be posted to misc.forsale, and ONLY local
distribution of comp.sys.atari.st. Those outside the United States have
little desire to read about that neat bit of [hard/soft]ware you're selling
when you live in the U.S.A. If you don't know how to restrict distribution of
a posting, ask your systems administrator.
Many articles are in the form of "How do I...?" or "Where do I...?" In this
article, I will try to answer some of the most-often asked questions.
PD
Where can I get Public Domain/Shareware software?
==========================================================
There are FTP sources and a comp.sources.atari.st/comp.binaries.atari.st
mail server. You can also try the commercial on-line services such as
GEnie, CompuServe, Delphi and Bix.
Using FTP, most files should be retrieved in BINARY format (at least those
ending with the suffix of .ARC, .LZH, .ZOO, .PRG, .TTP, .TOS)
For anonymous FTP: atari.archive.umich.edu [141.211.164.8]
User anonymous
<enter password>
cd /atari
NOTE: BART (the atari.archive mail server) was recently shut down due to
problems with weak quota checking. There is no word as of 17 February whether
BART will be running in the future.
For anonymous FTP in the UK: uk.ac.lancs.pdsoft
User pdsoft
Password pdsoft
This is a national public domain archive, available to sites in the UK only
via JANET. Mail access is available from within the UK - send mail to
archive-server@lancs.pdsoft for information.
For anonymous FTP in Europe: unido.informatik.uni-dortmund.de
[129.217.64.60]
Some selected Atari ST software is in the directory pub/comp/atari-st
There is also the info-server, a mail server which (among other things)
mirrors the panarthea archives. Unfortunately it is not up to date and
presently contains only volumes 1-10. You can get more info about the server
by sending any mail to info-server@unido.informatik.uni-dortmund.de. It will
reply with usage instructions.
For anonymous FTP in Europe: cs.uni-sb.de [134.96.7.254]
Contains the most interesting tools of the german PD-scene, most of the GNU
programs ported to the ST (including ports of emacs and bash and an extended
version of bammis library for gcc) and also ports of software posted to
comp.sources.unix, alt.sources and comp.sources.misc.
For the panarthea mail server, see Steven Grimm's monthly posting.
Panarthea holds all of the comp.sources.atari.st/comp.binaries.atari.st
postings. If you aren't reading these two newsgroups, you should consider
doing so.
ARCS
How do I deal with Archived files (.ZOO, .ARC, .LZH)?
=====================================================
Files ending with suffixes .ZOO, .ARC and .LZH are archive files. They are
binary files which may contain one or more other files in a compressed format.
Archive files usually take up less disk space, and for this reason have
become quite popular for transferring large files via modem.
In order to extract the files from an archive file, one must use an archive
program. Here are the correspondences:
ARC Use ARC.TTP
LZH Use LHARC.TTP
ZOO Use ZOO.TTP
These programs are all available via FTP from the atari.archive server, in the
/atari/archivers directory. Recommended files are:
arc.ttp - needed to extract the other archivers, once.
arc_602.arc - latest version of ARC, with the most fancy features
and quite a lot of documentation
lharc.arc
zoo_bin.arc
Julian Coleman recently (December 1990) uploaded an archive starter pack to
the atari.archive server. His announcement reads:
" I have just uploaded an archive starter pack to Atari.Archive. It contains
the following :
arc / lharc / uud / uue / zoo
U. Michigan monthly posting ( 05 Dec 90 )
The file is 'starter.tos' and is in the form of a self-extracting lzh
archive, so only needs to be downloaded ( in binary mode ! ) and run. The
archive contains sudirectories and needs about 350k when extracted."
This is probably the easiest way to get hold of the various archiving programs
if you have access via FTP and can transfer the binary file to your Atari ST.
The program is located in the main directory (ie. /atari/starter.tos)
There are also several GEM programs which act as 'shells' for the archive
programs. The most popular are Shareware offerings, also available on
atari.archive server. They are:
arcgsh35.zoo - written by Rainer Klute. e-mail will reach him
at klute@irb.informatik.uni-dortmund.de or
klute@unido.uucp, or klute@unido.bitnet
arcshl23.arc - written by Charles Johnson
Both are located in /atari/archivers
The GEM shells are recommended for inexperienced users (and appear to be quite
handy for the experienced user as well!) They require a copy of the archive
program -- in other words you need BOTH the GEM shell *AND* the archive
program in order to use the GEM shell.
Documentation on the use of the archive programs should accompany the archive
files mentioned above. To use ARC.TTP in order to extract these files, use
thecommand line:
xh xxxx.ARC *.*
where 'xxxx' is replaced by 'arc_602', 'zoo_bin', etc. For example
xh arc_602.arc *.*
will place all files within the arc_602.arc into the current directory. It
assumes you've clicked on the ARC.TTP program from the Desktop and have the
parameter dialogue box on your screen.
In many cases, simply typing a '?' or 'h' will provide an extensive list of
available options.
Source and binary code for archive programs have also been posted to
comp.sources.atari.st and comp.binaries.atari.st. They are available via
e-mail through the panarthea archive server. See Steven Grimm's posting for
more information on how to obtain files from panarthea.
ERR
What does TOS ERROR nn mean?
What do the bombs on my screen mean?
====================================
The information below was written, in part, by Darryl May, and posted on
GEnie in January (of ????) by John Townsend. The original also appeared in
the June 1988 issue of _Current Notes_ (122 N. Johnson Rd., Sterling, VA
22170). It has since found its way to me, and is being posted to
comp.sys.atari.st as a service to readers.
Alan Pratt wrote to tell me that the basic information may be correct, but
that it cannot be dubbed "official" unless it originates, on paper, from
Atari. This makes sense, as electronic communications are easily
modified, even accidentally.
Roland Waldi provided information regarding the difference between TOS and
GEM return codes which appears to be correct. The tables have been modified
to reflect his information.
The following is an unofficial list of the errors that can appear
while you are operating your ST computer.
Error description return code alert box #
======================================================
OK (no error)....................0
Fundamental error...............-1
Drive not ready.................-2
Unknown command.................-3
CRC error.......................-4
Bad request.....................-5
Seek error......................-6
Unknown media...................-7
Sector not found................-8
No paper........................-9
Write fault....................-10
Read fault.....................-11
General error..................-12
Write protect..................-13
Media change...................-14
Unknown device.................-15
Bad sectors on format..........-16
Insert other disk..............-17
Invalid function number........-32............1
File not found.................-33............2
Path not found.................-34............3
No handles left................-35............4
Access denied..................-36............5
Invalid handle.................-37............6
Insufficient memory............-39............8
Invalid memory block address...-40............9
Invalid drive specified........-46...........15
No more files..................-49...........18
Range error....................-64...........33
Internal error.................-65...........34
Invalid program load format....-66...........35
The last code is the infamous "TOS error 35"!
Also, some unofficial information via Alan Pratt:
Notably, you should add -48: ENSAME (not the same drive, occurs when
you call Frename and the two names you give aren't on the same drive),
and -67: EGSBF: you can't use Mshrink to GROW a block of memory.
Those bombs that appear on your screen are error messages from
the 68000 micro-processor.
Number
Description of bombs
===========================================
Reset: Initial PC2...............1
Bus Error........................2
Address Error....................3
Illegal Instruction..............4
Zero Divide......................5
CHK Instruction..................6
TRAPV Instruction................7
Privilege Violation..............8
Trace............................9
Line 1010 Emulator..............10
Line 1111 Emulator..............11
[unassigned, reserved]..........12
[unassigned, reserved]..........13
Format Error....................14
Uninitialized Interrupt Vector..15
[unassigned, reserved].......16-23
Spurious Interrupt..............24
Level 1 Interrupt Autovector....25
Level 2 Interrupt Autovector....26
Level 3 Interrupt Autovector....27
Level 4 Interrupt Autovector....28
Level 5 Interrupt Autovector....29
Level 6 Interrupt Autovector....30
Level 7 Interrupt Autovector....31
Trap Instruction Vectors.....32-47
[unassigned, reserved].......48-63
User Interrupt Vectors......64-255
PAINT
What is the format for [x] paint program data?
==============================================
There is a periodic posting of ST Picture Formats, edited by David Baggett.
The file is on the atari.archive server under /atari/graphics/picfmts.doc.
GDOS
What is GDOS, and where can I get it?
=====================================
GDOS stands for Graphic Device Output System (at least that's what my copy of
STart, volume 1 number 1 said...)
You can get a copy of "Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About GDOS (and
more)" by Douglas N. Wheeler from the atari.archive server. The file is
/atari/programming/gdos.arc.
There is a German version of GDOS available from the atari.archive server.
The file is /atari/utilities/amcgdos.arc.
Currently, there are no truly public domain sources for the GDOS system files
or font files (at least those supplied by Atari). You can get these files
with many commercial programs, such as Degas Elite, WordUp!, etc. You might
also want to check your local user group to see if they received a copy of the
WordFlair demo program (also available on GEnie). The demo program appears to
have the GDOS system and font files.
TEX
Is TeX/LaTeX available on the Atari ST?
=======================================
The TeX/LaTeX typesetting programs are available on the Atari ST. Check the
atari.archive server under /atari/tex. Fonts and device drivers
(including one for the Epson 9-pin printers) are available on the
atari.archive server.
The latest version of TeX (3.0) has recently been made available on the
atari.archive server. The files may be distinguished from the other TeX/LaTeX
files in the /atari/tex directory by their date (posted in December 1990) and
by the fact that they are all archived using LHArc (.LZH suffix).
LANG
Public Domain/Shareware languages...
====================================
Check the atari.archive server under /atari/languages. Currently included:
abc recently posted to comp.binaries.atari.st
apl demo version
forth Don't know which one. I recommend Bradley FORTH
icon
modula-2 From Germany
Sozobon C Most excellant
Elan
xlisp
xprolog
xscheme
GNUC
Is GNU C available on the Atari ST?
===================================
You can also get the GNU C program, which runs on 1 megabyte Atari ST systems.
For more than minor programming, you may need to upgrade to 2 or more
megabytes, as the GNU programs generally assume you've got plenty memory.
GNU C for TOS is available via anonymous FTP on atari.archive. It is also
available via anonymous FTP on cs.uni-sb.de [134.96.7.254]
DEV
How do I become a developer for the Atari ST?
=============================================
Contact Gail Johnson, Atari Rep Person, (408)745-2568
Gail can explain the program to you, and send an information packet if you so
desire.
A recent file posted on GEnie, title DEVPRG.TXT, mentions a 2-tier developer
membership. The 'higher quality' developer support goes to commercial
developers, and would cost $250. The 'no-hand-holding, no announcement of
company future products, no access to discounted hardware) would go to
noncommercial developers, at an initial cost of $125, plus $50 renewal fee each
year.
Both tiers would receive the ST/TT Developer Kit and all developers have to
fill in an application form and a non-disclosure agreement. Contact Gail for
more information.
ZNET
Where can I get copies of ZNET?
===============================
ZNET on-line magazine is available on CompuServe and GEnie. You can also get
copies mailed to you by sending an e-mail message to
stzmagazine-request@virginia.edu
indicating you wish to subscribe.
They won't get to you on Friday (which is when they're posted), but Greg
Lindahl provides an excellent service to the networking community by sending
these out.
ZNET and some information from the Current Notes user magazine are also
available from the atari.archive server under /atari/magazines.
PALS
ST Pen Pals list
================
Simon Chappell is compiling a list of people interested in exchanging
paper-based mail "of interested parties who could then
keep in touch and prevent themselves losing touch with the ST community
at large (this would be especially easy if someone who still had net
access could summarise current topics or forward news and advice!)"
He is accepting entries in this format:
eg Simon Chappell.
s61304@uk.ac.psw.pa (NOTE: NO LONGER VALID ADDRESS...)
51 Amherst Road, Penny-Come-Quick, Plymouth, Devon, PL3 4HJ. UK.
C, operating systems (UNIX, VMS) & relational databases.
Contact Simon at his paper mail address if you are interested.
BOOKS
What books are available for the Atari ST?
==========================================
The (Almost) Complete Guide to Atari Reference Books
Compute! Publications,Inc.
PO Box 5406,Greensboro NC
27403(919-275-9809)
Computes Technical Refence Guide Volume One. VDI
Sheldon Leeman
ISBN 0-87455-093-9
Computes Technical Refence Guide Volume Two. AES
Sheldon Leeman
ISBN 0-87455-114-5
Computes Technical Refence Guide Volume Three. TOS
Sheldon Leeman
ISBN 0-87455-149-8
Learning C. Programming Graphics on the Amiga and Atari ST.
Marc B. Sugiyama and Christopher D. Metcalf
ISBN 0-87455-064-5
Compute's ST Applications Guide. Programming in C
Simon Feild,Kathleen Mandis and Dave Myers
ISBN 0-87455-078-5
Scott,Foresman and Company.
Professional Publishing Group
1900 East Lake Avenue,Glenville IL
600025
Learning C on the Atari ST
Joseph Boyle Wikert
ISBN 0-673-18738-1
Sybex Inc.
2344 Sixth St.
Berkely,CA
94710
Programmers Guide To GEM
Phillip Balma and William Fitler
ISBN 0-553-34397-1
Taylor Ridge Books
PO Box 48
Manchester, Connecticut (no zip listed) usa
(203)643-9673
C-manship Complete, $19.95
Calyton Walnum
No ISBN
"a decent book on programming your st gem/aes/vdi plus other stuff that is
based on the 31 articles that Clayton Walnum wrote for Analog. It was written
on a mega 4 with Calamus."
Addison-Wesley Pub.
68000 Assembly Language
Donal Kantz & James Stanley
ISBN 0-201-11659-6
"An interesting book on 68000 for the Atari (and amiga too, but both in
the abstract)"
****************************************************************
*
* THE FOLLOWING BOOKS ARE CURRENTLY OUT OF PRINT
*
Abacus Software,Inc.
5370 52nd Street,S.E.
Grand Rapids,MI
49508
Atari ST Internals
K Gerits,L. Englisch and R. Bruckmann
ISBN 0-916439-46-1
Atari ST GEM Programmers Reference
Norbert Szczepanowski and Bernt Gunther
ISBN 0-916439-52-6
Atari ST 3d Graphics Programming
Uwe Braun
ISBN 0-916439-69-0
Atari ST Disk Drives Inside and Out
Uwe Brawn,Stephan Dittrich and Axel Schramm
ISBN 0-916439-84
Atari ST Machine Language
B.Grohmann,P.eidler and H.Slibar
ISBN 0-916439-48-8
Atari ST Introduction to MIDI Programming
Len Dorfman and Dennis Young
ISBN 0-916439-77-1
Bantam Books,Inc.
666 5th Avenue
New York,New York
10103
Atari ST Application Programming
Lawrence J. Pollack and Eric J.T.Weber
ISBN 0-553-34397-1
****************************************************************
*
* This List can be freely distributed and added to
* All I ask is that people identify the added information as
* their own
* John Henders
* Vancouver,BC
* On Usenet uunet!ubc-cs!van-bc!jhenders
* On ForumST John henders@448
* On GEnie c/o D.LEMAY2
*
* C-Manship & 68000 Assembley Language suggested by Joe Gaudreau [DPZ]
TIPS
TIPS AND HINTS from other users
===============================
Any 'multisync' monitor which handles 70 video fields a second can be used
with the ST; the custom cable involves no tricks, or commercial ones are
available. The original NEC multisync does NOT handle 70 fields a sec.
More than 3 bombs often means more than 1 error, so interpretations are
tricky.
An ST-formatted disk which is not readable by a PC can be made readable by
putting the 3 bytes EB 34 90 (those were 3 bytes of hex) at the beginning
of the boot sector (sector 1 of track 0, I believe). This can be done with
either an ST or PC absolute sector editor.
Some (older) PC-3.5"-drives cannot deal with the short track-header produced
by ST formatters. On those drives, ST-formatted disks are not readable,
independent of their boot sector contents. The other way, however, does
always work: format on the PC.
When using disks formatted on a PC in an ST, make sure to insert and access
a disk with a different serial number in between disk changes.
For those with the 'inaccessible' mouse and joystick ports, a joystick
extender cable will make life easier. The Y-cable joystick extenders make
it extremely easy to keep mouse and joystick connected to port 0, and a
joystick extender cable in port 1 makes for easy hookup after you've moved
the machine.
BARREL is a program which can redirect printer-data to a file. It comes in
handy when your printer is unavailable, and the program does not already
have an option to 'print-to-a-file'. (It is available on the atari.archive
server.)
===========================================================================
I would appreciate feedback, comments, suggestions for more TIPS AND HINTS,
etc. E-mail can reach me at the following:
davidli@simvax.labmed.umn.edu Internet
davidli@simvax BITnet
-- David Paschall-Zimbel