Info-IBMPC@WSMR-SIMTEL20.ARMY.MIL ("Info-IBMPC Digest") (08/17/90)
Info-IBMPC Digest Fri, 17 Aug 90 Volume 90 : Issue 136
Today's Editor:
Gregory Hicks - Rota Spain <GHICKS@WSMR-Simtel20.Army.Mil>
Today's Topics:
Re: Upgrading MSDOS from 3.0 to 3.3
re: using ANSI.SYS in prompt
Re: TurboC uSoftC libs
Re: Any info available on BITFAX?
BORLAND TURBO C++
Coherent and MIX 'C'
MIX C Compiler
Today's Queries:
adding more memory to an old IBM XT
Password Protection on Pc's
Hard disk runs at half speed
Accessing SIMTEL20 Archives
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>
The Simtel20 Archives discussed are available from:
WSMR-SIMTEL20.ARMY.MIL (see file PD1:<MSDOS.FILEDOCS>AAAREAD.ME details
on file directories and descriptions.) Problems with files obtained
from the Archives should be addressed to:
<ACTION@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: Mon, 13 Aug 1990 09:14 EDT
From: Karl Brendel <CDCKAB%EMUVM1.BITNET@CUNYVM.CUNY.EDU>
Subject: Re: Upgrading MSDOS from 3.0 to 3.3
Re "Upgrading MSDOS from 3.0 to 3.3", Frank J. Wancho <WANCHO@WSMR-
SIMTEL20.ARMY.MIL> says:
>you will need to do a FORMAT C:/S.
>The reason is that the two hidden system files, IBMBIOS.COM and
>IBMDOS.COM must be the first two files on the disk, and they must be
>contiguous. (Supposedly Zenith's MSDOS 3.3+ allows for installing over
My remarks may or not be relevant. However:
I've never formatted a disk simply to upgrade the DOS. With IBM and MS
DOS 3.0, 3.1 and 3.2, it has always sufficed to use the SYS command
(with unhiding and renaming of existing files as required). Examination
of my present disk with IBM PC-DOS 3.21 shows that the two files in
question are _consecutive_, but IBMDOS.COM is not _contiguous. I
_believe_ that it is only necessary for the two files to start at their
assigned locations. As long as that is possible, at least IBMDOS.COM
(possibly IBMBIO.COM as well) can be fragmented.
Karl Brendel
Centers for Disease Control
Epidemiology Program Office Home of Epi Info 5.0
Atlanta, GA
phone 404/639-2709
fts 236-2709
------------------------------
Date: Mon, 13 Aug 1990 09:15 EDT
From: Karl Brendel <CDCKAB%EMUVM1.BITNET@CUNYVM.CUNY.EDU>
Subject: re: using ANSI.SYS in prompt
Frank Starr <55srwlgs@sacemnet.af.mil> writes of problems with using
ANSI.SYS to set colors on his 386 under MS-DOS 4.1 (?). He writes:
> I have the DEVICE=ANSI.SYS line in my CONFIG.SYS file
But, excuse me for asking, do you have ANSI.SYS in the root directory?
As written, that is where it must be. If you have ANSI.SYS located in
another directory, include the full path on the DEVICE= line.
If the problem _is_ one of locating and loading ANSI.SYS, you should
receive a message similar to "Bad or missing ANSI.SYS" during startup.
However, it may flash by too quickly to see. To remedy this during
testing, include a PAUSE command as the first line of your AUTOEXEC.BAT
file.
Another tip if this is the problem is if you are seeing the ANSI string
in your prompt. E.g., if your prompt actually appears something like
[37;44mC:>
Are you on a network? Some networks' software and/or hardware interfere
with the use of ANSI.SYS for setting colors on local workstations.
Karl Brendel
Centers for Disease Control
Epidemiology Program Office Home of Epi Info 5.0
Atlanta, GA
phone 404/639-2709
fts 236-2709
------------------------------
Date: Tue, 14 Aug 90 03:23:15 +0300
From: akauppi@polaris.utu.fi (Asko Kauppi)
Subject: Re: TurboC uSoftC libs
In comp.sys.ibm.pc.digest you write:
> I have some microsoft C libraries, and a Turbo C compiler.
Poor you. I had the same problem a year ago with some PIP digital
picture processing libraries that were of MSC standard. I didn't want
to sacrifice using Turbo C... It was quite a fight but eventually I
made it work. All I lost was source code debugging but for that I had a
version that did not use MSC modules...
Well, it requires modifying the main C libraries with LIB, adding
some things, deleting some. This will make TC and MSC modules *not* to
override each other. Also, you'll have to have a system for resetting
the data segment pointer each time you call any MSC module's code...
All in all, it's quite a hack but it works for me. I wouldn't do it
again... ;-/
/ Asko Kauppi / alias AKAUPPI at POLARIS.UTU.FI <Sun Unix, prefer
KONTU.UTU.FI <Vax VMS, avoid
Student of Physics addr: Kakskerrantie 946, 20960 Turku, FINLAND
Turku University tel : +358 (9)21 588 359 / 588 434
Finland
------------------------------
Date: Mon, 17 Aug 90 16:40:52 MET DST
From: powers%uklirb.informatik.uni-kl.de@RELAY.CS.NET
Subject: Re: Any info available on BITFAX?
In comp.sys.ibm.pc.digest
Victor Menayang <victor@ccwf.cc.utexas.edu,vm@UTXVM.BITNET> wanted to
know about a program called BITFAX. This program enabled a computer
and modem to function as a Group III FAX.
Would seem very dependent on which fax you had. I am aware of faxes
that can double as a modem. Wonder whether it only works at 9600 baud
and whether the text to bit stream slows it down.
Thanks,
David Powers
------------------------------
Date: Mon, 13 Aug 90 08:59:03 EDT
From: jrv@sdimax2.mitre.org
Subject: BORLAND TURBO C++
Anthony Rogers <rogersa@tawc1.eglin.af.mil> asks...
> Would like to know if there are any problems installing TURBO C++.
> ...The TC.EXE file exists but for some reason isn't executed. Help !!!
I didn't have that problem, but stumbled across two others.
First, the INSTALL program would hang each time it would try to run
PKUNZIP to uncompress a file. Eventually, I remembered that early
versions of the PKZIP family were incompatible with the disk cache
program PC-Kwik. After I rebooted without the cache, the installation
would complete successfully.
Second, I discovered that the installation procedure was not smart
enough to realize it was replacing an existing installation of Turbo-C
Professional, and adjust accordingly. I wound up with a lot of
duplicate files in different directories. I finally deleted virtually
everything in C:\TC and its subdirectories, and repeated the
installation from scratch.
The compiler is working fine now. I have had to turn off several more
warnings - TCC now expects every function to return a value unless it
is explicitly declared to return "void". However, I am also getting
extraneous warnings about useless code. They all seem to involve use
of getchar(), as in:
fprintf(stderr, "WARNING: ...\n"); getchar();
True, I am ignoring the return value. Doesn't the compiler realize
that I am executing the function for its side effect? Why doesn't the
warning mention the return value?
- Jim Van Zandt <jrv@mbunix.mitre.org>
------------------------------
Date: Mon, 13 Aug 90 15:30 CDT
From: <AH01907%SWTEXAS.BITNET@ricevm1.rice.edu> (Aaron Hamlett)
Subject: Coherent and MIX 'C'
There have been a few questions about Coherent, the UNIX like operating
system by Mark Williams Co., and the MIX C compiler. Well since I have
both I will give you my reactions. First Coherent: (Disclaimer: I am
not a UNIX Whiz and may never be one)
When I received Coherent, I was very happy, the delivery was fast and every-
thing promised was in the package. Then the real world closed in, it seems
Coherent will not work on SCSI or ESDI hard drives only MFM and RLL drives.
Well, I have an IDE drive which wasn't mentioned in the installation
instructions. I finally determined that my IDE drive was a MFM drive and began
the installation. This went very well and in about 30-45 minutes I had
Coherent up and running on my '286 AT clone. Being a DOS user I wasn't sure
exactly what to expect but what ever it was, Coherent wasn't it. Coherent
comes with MicroEmacs, UUCP, SED, a Bourne style shell, a C compiler, AWK,
BC, ED, LEX, NROFF, and YACC as well as an on-line manual. Now this sounds
pretty good and for anyone who has used UNIX it is probably like coming home,
for me it was like stepping into another universe. All in all, I think
Coherent is a very nice, small UNIX even though it surely lacks some features
of a full blown UNIX system. It is just that I am having a hard time leaving
DOS behind to study and learn Coherent. If you work with UNIX all of the
time, then Coherent will probably be easy to learn but less than you are
accustom to, if you don't know UNIX then it may be difficult to learn and it
is all up to you to decide if it is worth the effort. At $100, you can't
find many UNIX like operating systems this inexpensive.
The MIX C compiler and debugger are great. Sold for $19.95 each plus SH,
this may be the best compiler-debugger value in the world. It does have its
drawbacks, however. The major drawback when I purchased it was that it only
had the small memory model, but I have received the update notice offering
the medium and large memory model for $12-15. It is an ANSI compatible
compiler, comes with about 400 library functions, it has a make utility
(although it is very different from a UNIX make utility), the HERCULES, CGA,
EGA, and VGA graphics cards are supported, and it supports 8087 and 80287
coprocessors and also has floating point emulation. The only drawback I can
find is that it is not supported as well as TURBO C or MicroSoft C by public
domain or shareware libraries. If you can get the source code this is not a
problem.
The MIX C debugger is very easy to use and very powerful. It can show
up to four windows from a selection of seven windows, the source code, output,
variables, watch points, memory, symbols, and assembly language windows.
I have found that the source code, and variables windows are the major ones I
use. The windows are easy to select and can be rotated around the center of
the screen. The variables window shows the variable name and its value and by
using the arrow keys you can select the depth shown for pointers and structures.
So you can see a structure at any expansion level. For example:
cat->name "Whiskers"
OR
cat->name[1] 'W'
cat->name[2] 'h'
etc.
This is a great way to keep track of what is placed into a structure, union,
variable, array, or pointer. You can also get a window which shows the
assembly language generated by the compiler in the assembly window and examine
the memory with the memory window.
It might be worth the cost of the compiler just to be able to be able to debug
your C programs with this compiler.
Of course these are just my opinions and I am not an expert in either UNIX or
compilers but I know what I like and I really like MIX C and Coherent is
a cheap introduction to the Unix world.
Hope this helps,
Aaron Hamlett
AH01907@SWTTEXAS.BITNET
------------------------------
Date: Mon, 13 Aug 90 16:31:32 CDT
From: dwolfe@sundog.sps.mot.com (Dave Wolfe)
Subject: MIX C Compiler
Fan Jiao <fanj%remb6489.wpd@sgi.com> writes:
>I thought MIX C is for small memory model only for 19.95. One would
>get other memory model libs if one could pay more.
Not so; $19.95 gets you the latest version of the compiler and
libraries which support small, medium, and large models as well as
various floating point libraries (dummy, hardware FP, software FP,
auto-HW-detecting FP, and maybe IEEE?) The compiler and libraries are
now fairly mature and seem pretty solid. You must realize that certain
trade-offs must be made when working w/ DOS, but all in all an
excellent compiler especially for the price. You do have to pay for
updates (unless you can find a bug and get a free update that fixes it
:-), but that's only $10.
Disclaimer: I am not now, nor have I ever been, associated w/ MIX
Software. In fact, I was quite a thorn in their side until they got
the bugs out of the libraries and compiler.
Dave Wolfe (dwolfe@oakhill.sps.mot.com) | Motorola Incorporated
"They that give up essential liberty to | Microprocessor Products Group
obtain a little temporary safety deserve | Austin, Texas 78735-8598
neither liberty nor safety" Benjamin Franklin | m/d OE112 (512)891-3246
------------------------------
Date: Tue, 14 Aug 90 11:30 BST
From: MARSHALSEAF%TAFF.CARDIFF.AC.UK@pucc.PRINCETON.EDU
Subject: adding more memory to an old IBM XT
I have a model 5150 IBM XT with 5 expansion slots< and 256K of memory
which is still working OK < Does anyone know how to expand the memory
to 640K < without too much expense. I've checked out the info < in
MSDOS.INFO but this does not apply to my machine < Hope someone can
help :-
Fred Marshalsea UWCC
------------------------------
Date: 13 Aug 90 11:39 +0000
From: BOWLINT%AC%CSC@CSC.ISU.EDU
Subject: Password Protection on Pc's
I am in need of a password program to protect a HP-vectra running
ms-dos 3.3. I would like one similar to power-up password protection
like my MOD 70 has. I have a Quick Basic program installed at this time
but a knowledgable user can bypass it if he wanted. I'm not a "POWER"
programmer yet but so My ability is limited. Is there Public Domain
Software that is availabe from SIMTEL20? Or any suggestions as how to
prevent someone from booting from a floppy to gain access to the
system...
One other request.
Are there other users of "TYDAK" Spans Geographical Information Systems
software out there? We have been using it to look at the spatial 'and
temporal distribution of vegetation and would like to exchange
information about the software, bugs ..etc..
Thankx in advance.
Tracy Bowlin
*Bowlint@csc.isu.edu
*Geographical Information Specialist *
*Idaho State University
*Campus Box 8007
*Pocatello, Idaho 83209-8007 *
------------------------------
Date: Sat, 18 Aug 90 15:10:00 +0200
From: Gregory Hicks <GHICKS@WSMR-SIMTEL20.ARMY.MIL>
Subject: Hard disk runs at half speed
For my PC-XT, I purchased a 20 mb TANDON drive with Western Digital
Controller sold as a package by EVEREX in 1986. Since all good things
stop working after an unknown length of time, and this drive appeared
to be failing, I purchased a 40mb replacement. After I connected the
drive to the controller, the new drive didn't work!
Apparently, the ROM (ver 3.91) only supported 10 and 20mb drives
(ST-225 types) and not the ST-251 I now had. I was advised to replace
the ROM with version 3.95, a version that does support large drives. I
did and had a working drive BUT...
I now have a Seagate ST-251 that appears to be running at half speed.
The speed of the platter does not seem to be at half speed, but the
seek mechanism appears to be slow.
I base this on the sounds that come out of the drive during seeks.
Instead of a high pitched whistle, it is a low pitched tone. Has
anyone else had this problem, and if so, how was it solved?
Assist appreciated.
Gregory Hicks
Particulars on the drive are:
Controller Board
[Following data from a sticker near the mounting bracket on the
component side of the board]
Western Digital WD10025-WX2 Rev C (+D1)
Assembly ID 61000007-14 (F019)
[This data is on the solder side of the controller (no components)
Engineering updates installed 2, 5, 6, 7, 8
ROM installed was Version 3.91. Replaced with a 3.95 version.
Jumpers set [on the component side of the board]:
W1: 1-->2 (3 open)
W2: 1-->2 (3 open)
W3: No jumpers installed
W4: (1 open) 2-->3
W5: No jumpers installed
W6: (1 open) 2-->3
W7: No jumpers installed
SW1: 2, 3, 4 closed (jumpers installed connecting pins at each
position)
1, 5, 6, 7, 8 open (no jumper)
------------------------------
Date: 1 Aug 90
From Gregory Hicks <ghicks@wsmr-simtel20.army.mil>
Subject: Accessing SIMTEL20 Archives
WSMR-SIMTEL20.ARMY.MIL can be accessed using LISTSERV commands from
BITNET via LISTSERV@NDSUVM1, LISTSERV@RPIECS and in Europe from EARN
TRICKLE servers. Send commands to TRICKLE@<host-name> (example:
TRICKLE@TREARN). The following TRICKLE servers are presently
available: AWIWUW11 (Austria), BANUFS11 (Belgium), DKTC11 (Denmark),
DB0FUB11 or DTUZDV1 (Germany), IMIPOLI (Italy), EB0UB011 (Spain),
TAUNIVM (Israel), and TREARN (Turkey). SIMTEL20 is not accessible on
the first Wednesday of each month from 6-10pm Eastern Standard Time.
If you are unable to access SIMTEL20 via Internet FTP or through one of
the BITNET/EARN file servers, most MSDOS SIMTEL20 files, including the
PC-Blue collection, are available for downloading on the Detroit
Download Central network at 313-885-3956. DDC is a networked system
with multiple lines that support 300, 1200, 2400, and 9600 bps (HST).
This system is a subscription system with an average hourly cost of 17
cents per hour. It is also accessible on Telenet via PC Pursuit and on
Tymnet via StarLink outdial. New files uploaded to WSMR-SIMTEL20 are
usually available on DDC within 24 hours.
------------------------------
End of Info-IBMPC Digest V90 #136
*********************************
-------