Info-IBMPC@WSMR-SIMTEL20.ARMY.MIL ("Info-IBMPC Digest") (09/19/90)
Info-IBMPC Digest Wed, 19 Sep 90 Volume 90 : Issue 150 Today's Editor: Gregory Hicks - Rota Spain <GHICKS@WSMR-Simtel20.Army.Mil> Today's Topics: DEC PCSA 3.0 and 386 memory managers error in Turbo C random() macro File transfer from Mainframe to PC via Modem (2 msgs) Today's Queries: Possible to read Macintosh diskettes with an MS-DOS system? Kermit and LAN Manager no-games software for Sound Blaster Card. reset on hp vectra How to kill a never ending program? Menu software request PostScript Emulation Packages Q&A Utilities/Databases/Hacks/Patches Wanted Dialup Software that Uses PCTrans Protocol Send Replies or notes for publication to: <INFO-IBMPC@WSMR-SIMTEL20.ARMY.MIL> Send requests of an administrative nature (addition to, deletion from the distribution list, et al) to: <INFO-IBMPC-REQUEST@WSMR-SIMTEL20.ARMY.MIL> Archives of past issues of the Info-IBMPC Digest are available by FTP only from WSMR-SIMTEL20.ARMY.MIL in directory PD2:<ARCHIVES.IBMPC>. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Date: Thu, 13 Sep 90 19:35:15 GMT From: freelsj%oak.span@Sds.Sdsc.Edu Subject: DEC PCSA 3.0 and 386 memory managers I think I have discovered the reason for an apparent incompatibility problem with PCSA-3.0 and Desqview-386. The hardware/software configuration: HP-Vectra RS/20-386 DEC DEPCA ethernet board DOS 3.3 Desqview-386 v 2.26 QEMM-386 v5.00 (with EMS v4.00, XMS v2.00 release 5.0) PCSA 3.0 (DEC PC-VAX networking software) Kermit 3.01a and other software that is not relevant to the problem. When the PCSA software was loaded as recommended in the manual for a 80386 computer, approximately 550K conventional memory was available. Additional memory could be saved by using QEMM loadhi program and have 567K conventional memory available. Then when Desqview-386 was loaded, the system would crash when either "sethost" or Kermit terminal emulators were active over the network. The problem was fixed by not loading the PCSA "LAT" program in expanded memory. Apparently since both sethost and kermit use lat, the expanded memory usage in Desqview-386 posed a conflict. I have found the following memory configuration to be the best for my system and have modified the PCSA startnet.bat file accordingly: REDIR , load into reserved memory using QEMM loadhi and execute in extended memory using the REDIR himem:yes switch SCH conventional memory DLL conventional memory LAST expanded memory using PCSA emsload LAD expanded memory using PCSA emsload DNP expanded memory using PCSA dnnethld LAT conventional memory RCV expanded memory using PCSA emsload Note that SCH,DLL and LAT are in conventional memory. Using PCSA STOPNET can free this up when the network is not needed without rebooting the system. It would be nice to keep PCSA loaded all the time but even on a 386, I need more memory. It doesn't take to long to load/unload the network (a lot less time then rebooting). However, if one could load LAT into expanded memory (without the conflict with sethost or Kermit), and additionally load SCH and DLL into reserved memory via QEMM loadhi (which does work but cannot be unloaded from reserved memory with stopnet), then there would be 567K conventional memory available and a larger DOS window could be available in Desqview-386. Note that STOPNET will not work in this configuration since SCH and DLL will be in reserved memory. However, it would not be needed since the network would be loaded all the time. I realize you can't have your cake and eat it too but if it weren't for LAT, you could get close to it! Jim Freels freelsj%oak.span@sds.sdsc.edu P.S. - Very recently a salesman from a company called "All Computer" is pushing a new 386 memory manager called "All-Charge 386". He claims that they have specifically tailered several customers with PCSA such that the amount of conventional DOS memory was 610K with PCSA loaded! Any confirmation from users of "All-Charge 386"? PCSA? Any comment from QuarterDeck on your competition? ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 13 Sep 90 10:54:27 EDT From: jrv@sdimax2.mitre.org Subject: error in Turbo C random() macro According to the Turbo-C documentation, the library function random(num) "returns a random number between 0 and (num-1)". However, the implementation is INCORRECT and will occasionally return a number outside this range. That definition, which appears in stdlib.h, is: #define random(num) (int)(((long)rand()*(num))/RAND_MAX) rand() returns numbers in the range from 0 to RAND_MAX (which is 2**15-1, or 32767). When it returns exactly RAND_MAX, which it will approximately once every 2**15 calls, random(N) returns N. An implementation which avoids this is: #define xrandom(num) (int)(((long)rand()*(num))/(RAND_MAX+1L)) Incidently, I have heard the simpler alternative #define xrandom(n) (rand()%(n)) should be avoided because the low order bits of the numbers generated by a multiplicative congruential random number generator are not very random. However, informal tests suggest that Turbo C's generator doesn't suffer from this. - Jim Van Zandt (jrv@mbunix.mitre.org) ------------------------------ Date: Fri, 14 Sep 90 09:44:06 SET From: Roger Thijs <RTHIJS%BANUFS11.BITNET@CUNYVM.CUNY.EDU> Subject: File transfer from Mainframe to PC via Modem I'm looking for good suggestions for making it possible for me to transfer files from our IBM 43xx mainframe over telephone to my 386x home pc. I actually download files at work with: IBMPC 3270 Emul. pr. Entry level v.1.1 on a PS2/30 with a 3270 card that makes a BSC coupling to the mainframe. Communication from home is limited to terminal emulation. I would like to add file transfer. I think I have enough software on my home pc (Pibterm, Procomm, Bitcom etc...) and I'm looking for good suggestions for VM/SP programs on the mainframe. Test here in house (UFSIA university) have been done with a kermit program but without succes. (Kermit does not recognize the protocol convertor as an ascii device (no 7171)) The choosen protocol should of course be consistent with the path: - from my 386sx clone at home - over one or more telephone switching centers (ours only accepts pulse dialing) - entering the Univ telefone center through an audio channel - handshaking the univ entry modem - passing through a digital channel of the univ tel center - setting and passing through an Avatar protocol convertor (converting VT100 into BSC) - connecting finally to the IBM 43xx When transferring files, the protocol should not trigger one of the apparatus in path (e.g. 3 times alt-B breaks the digital connection of the univ telephone center) Thanks for all suggestions, Roger Thijs rthijs at banufs11.bitnet ------------------------------ Date: Fri, 14 Sep 90 16:00:03 +0200 From: Andr'e PIRARD <PIRARD%vm1.ulg.ac.be@CUNYVM.CUNY.EDU> Subject: File transfer from Mainframe to PC via Modem On Fri, 14 Sep 90 09:44:06 SET you said: > >I'm looking for good suggestions for making it possible for me >to transfer files from our IBM 43xx mainframe over telephone >to my 386x home pc. >... >and I'm looking for good suggestions for VM/SP programs >on the mainframe. Test here in house (UFSIA university) >have been done with a kermit program >but without succes. >(Kermit does not recognize the protocol convertor >as an ascii device (no 7171)) I am sure I am speaking John's own words that anyone having problems to run "IBM mainframe Kermit" with any piece of hardware, and willing to arrange tests with him, will be welcomed by the developer of that great program: "John F. Chandler" <PEPMNT@CFAAMP> This Kermit, coupled to MSDOS Kermit 3 (other systems on the bench), is a definite plus to Europeans and others in that it pioneers extended characters support (you will be able to translate all your "national" characters between the code of the remote machine and the code of your own one in file transfer and, if the remote host is prepared to do it, in terminal mode too). Andr'e PIRARD SEGI, Univ. de Li`ege B26 - Sart Tilman B-4000 Li`ege 1 (Belgium) pirard@vm1.ulg.ac.be or PIRARD@BLIULG11 on EARN/BITNET ------------------------------ Date: 13 Sep 90 16:56:00 EDT From: "VSDEC::SHERMAN" <sherman%vsdec.decnet@nusc.navy.mil> Subject: Possible to read Macintosh diskettes with an MS-DOS system? I'm not currently on the Info-IBMPC list, so a direct reply would be prefered. [To the MODERATOR - if this is unacceptable, please add me to your list under the address at the bottom of my query.] [Why should it be unacceptable? We only ask that when you get a sufficient number of responses, that you summarize to the list. thanks! HOWEVER, if you want, I'll be glad to add you to the list... gph] I've got a Zenith 158 computer running MS-DOS. Often, people are handing me Macintosh disks with Microsoft WORD documents on them. I've got WORD, so if I couldn't only read Mac disks I'd be all set. The first problem is that I don't CURRENTLY have a 3.5" disk drive. I've HEARD that Macintosh stores bits at different densities on the inner and outer tracks, so I don't even know if a typical off-the- shelf 3.5" drive can handle this, if a special controller is required, and then what software might be needed. Can anybody help me out and give me a place to start looking for this? Thanks, Bill Sherman, Sherman@NUSC.NAVY.MIL, AT&T: (203) 440-6210 ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 13 Sep 90 13:38:53 MDT From: rtravsky@CORRAL.UWyo.Edu (Richard W Travsky) Subject: Kermit and LAN Manager Couple of unrelated queries: 1) Is Novell going to support Lan Manager? 2) When Kermit 3.0 came out, there was a call for Int 14h interceptors and session managers etc so that one could use network cards. I've not seen one come out, but could have missed it. Anyone have anymore information? If you reply to the list, please cc: me. Thanks! Richard Travsky Bitnet: RTRAVSKY @ UWYO Division of Information Technology Internet: RTRAVSKY @ CORRAL.UWYO.EDU University of Wyoming ------------------------------ Date: Thu Sep 13 12:13:13 1990 From: Luis Chavez C. <LECHAVEZ@UCHCECVM> Subject: no-games software for Sound Blaster Card. I'm thinking in buy a Sound Blaster Card and I'm looking for composing, MIDI, etc. software for it. anyone can helps me? I'm looking for a program that lets me modify and hear a sampling sound while I'm sampling it. I'm thinking in connect an acoustic guitar, and use the card to make changes (effects) to the sound...while I'm playing it. 8-) hope you understand my *poor* english. Thanx. Luis Chavez C. LECHAVEZ@UCHCECVM.BITNET LECHAVEZ%UCHCECVM.CUNYVM.CUNY.EDU <--- try this! LECHAVEZ@UCHCECVM.cec.uchile.cl ------------------------------ Date: Fri, 14 Sep 90 14:55:54 MEZ From: Till Koerner <HT050KO@DACTH11> Subject: reset on hp vectra we have some Vectras from Hewlett-Packard (Vectra ES/12, QS/20). Pressing ctrl-alt-del seems to do a "partial" reboot only, as some software (e.g. NetWare shell) can't be reinstalled afterwards; it thinks it's already installed. Switching the machine off and then on again clears the problem but seems awkward. The Vectras don't have reset buttons. My questions: - How and where can I connect additional reset buttons to the motheboards / cpu cards? - One of the ES/12 got its hard disk and controller replaced last week; since then it displays an error code of 9109 during the power-on-self-test. Does anybody know what this error code means for a Hewlett-Packard PC (they seem to be different from IBM's codes)? Till Koerner <ht050ko@dacth11.bitnet> ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 13 Sep 90 09:14:16 GMT From: elmar@uni-paderborn.de (Elmar Schalueck) Subject: How to kill a never ending program? Keywords: TSR Hi out there, I have bought a game, that has no way to end it. It always waits to be played again by attending for a keypress. I think there must be a way to kill the program in the memory by using a TSR, that could be evoked by a certain keystroke (Alt-Esc). Then the TSR kill the program, I called later and I can return to DOS. Any suggestions, ready PD or shareware solutions are welcome. Thanks in advance Elmar -- elmar@uni-paderborn.de ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 13 Sep 90 11:34:07 EDT From: sjb@cs.toronto.edu (Stephen Bellantoni) Subject: Menu software request Keywords: menu screen PD request Can anyone suggest a source for basic menu utilities such as pull-down and pop-up menus, and text entry? I bet something has appeared in comp.sources or whatever, but who can find it :-) ? Thanks for any suggestions. stephen (sjb@theory.utoronto.ca, sjb@neat.cs.toronto.edu) ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 13 Sep 90 23:25 MST From: Arnone@SYSTEM-M.PHX.BULL.COM Subject: PostScript Emulation Packages I've looked at a number of back issues of Info IBM-PC, but found no references for any of the PostScript emulation packages. Would anyone care to share their personal experiences with one (or more) of these: Brightwork Development Freedom of Press Lasergo GoScript Ver. 3 GoScript Plus Ver. 3 QMS UltraScript PC 2.1 UltraScript PC Plus 2.0 I don't have easy access to a 'real-live' PostScript printer (or a laser printer with a postscript cartridge). I'd like to print copies of various RFCs and other documents from the Internet on my Epson prInter. I've seen references to the GhostScript software, but I'm uncertain about it's capabilities. I think it's limited to viewing PS files on an EGA/VGA monitor. More info on this or other PD packages would be appreciated. Please respond to Info-IBMPC. There must be a few others who are curious about these products. Jim Arnone Internet: Arnone@SYSTEM-M.PHX.BULL.COM Voice: 602 843-8075 ------------------------------ Date: Sat, 15 Sep 90 16:26:25 EST From: s8825698@mqcomp.mqcs.mq.oz.au (Daniel Bielik) Subject: Q&A Utilities/Databases/Hacks/Patches Wanted Does anyone here know of any utilities/databases/hacks/patches etc. for Symantec's Q&A V3.0 integrated database and WP? Any help appreciated. Danny Bielik Macquarie University SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA. ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 13 Sep 90 11:18:44 SST From: Chan Yin Wah <CCEDIAL%NUSVM.BITNET@CUNYVM.CUNY.EDU> Subject: Dialup Software that Uses PCTrans Protocol Does anyone know any terminal emulation software that uses PCTRANS protocol, other than Yterm from Yale. If you know any please send me some information. Thanks in advance! Luther ------------------------------ End of Info-IBMPC Digest V90 #150 ********************************* -------