FidoNews · Vol 3, No 8 · 24 February 1986
Volume 3, Number 8 24 February 1986
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| / \ |
| - Fidonews - /|oo \ |
| (_| /_) |
| Fido and FidoNet _`@/_ \ _ |
| Users Group | | \ \\ |
| Newsletter | (*) | \ )) |
| ______ |__U__| / \// |
| / FIDO \ _//|| _\ / |
| (________) (_/(_|(____/ |
| (jm) |
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Editor in Chief: Thom Henderson
Chief Procrastinator Emeritus: Tom Jennings
Fidonews is published weekly by SEAdog Leader, node 1/1. You are
encouraged to submit articles for publication in Fidonews.
Article submission standards are contained in the file
FIDONEWS.DOC, available from node 1/1.
Disclaimer or don't-blame-us:
The contents of the articles contained here are not our
responsibility, nor do we necessarily agree with them.
Everything here is subject to debate.
Table of Contents
1. EDITORIAL
E-Mail Addiction
2. ARTICLES
Environment Space in Fido 11t
11t Problem and Solution
Fido Compatible Systems
Lazy Sysops
The dream is, and must remain, alive. Part II
Opinion on National Mail Time
Free Time Ramblings
Buyers Beware!
3. COLUMNS
Notes from Abroad
World of Computing: IBM compatability, manual typewriters
4. FOR SALE
Entertainment Software for your PC!
MACRO - A powerful front-end for any language
Public Domain Software Library Sale!!
5. NOTICES
The Interrupt Stack
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EDITORIAL
=================================================================
E-Mail Addiction
My wife has often commented on the fact that the very first thing
I do in the morning is to check my machine to see if I've gotten
any Fidomail.
Surely it can wait; at least until I've dressed and consumed some
oatmeal.
What is the attraction of Fidomail? Why can't I at least wait a
few minutes before reading it?
I'm not the only one. I have several friends who are in the same
position. One that I know of has TWIX run every morning as an
external event so that he can tear off the paper and enjoy his
Fidomail before doing anything else.
Well, it is fast and cheap. Being a node really adds very little
to the phone bill. Especially if one is fortunate enough to be
part of a bidirectional net. And overnight mail all over the
country (world?) is a lure that may be hard to resist.
But talking to a friend in a neighborhood bar is even faster.
After all, as fast as Fidomail is, it still takes two days before
you get an answer. Face-to-face it takes almost no time at all!
And a typical conversation is free (drinks are extra, of course).
So why is Fidomail so attractive? Well, one can talk to people
who are MUCH farther away than one would normally expect to
travel. I can safely say that I don't know anyone in California
(I'm in New Jersey) that I didn't meet through FidoNet. In fact,
of all the people I know in California, I have never met any of
them face-to-face.
I can go farther than that. I have met face-to-face people in
Holland, but the one person in Holland I know best is Henk
Wevers, and I've known him only through FidoNet.
It's easier somehow. I am horrible about writing letters, but
good about answering Fidomail. Most of it, I am sure, stems from
simple laziness. For either USPO mail or Fidomail I start by
typing a letter into my machine. With Fidomail it ends there,
but with the USPO that is just the beginning. I still have to
print out the letter, shove it into an envelope, address the
envelope, and stick a stamp on it. Then (horror of horrors) I
have to go find a mailbox to put it in. With Fidomail I just
write my reply and off it goes. No two ways about it -- Fidomail
will spoil you.
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Fidonews Page 2 24 Feb 1986
=================================================================
ARTICLES
=================================================================
Gee M Wong
Dance Studio
Fido: 107/312
UNIX: ihnp4!pyuxaa!gee
Environment Space in Fido 11t
Using information given me by Ken Kaplan, I conducted an
experiment and determined the conditions which Fido 11t will
issue the message "Not enough memory to run" and terminate with
ERRORLEVEL 3. What I discovered, after an exhaustive series of
experiments, was that Fido 11t appears to be scanning the
environment table for the last SET variable defined in the
environment and then calculating the cumulative length of all the
defined SET variables. If the cumulative length is 100 bytes or
longer, then Fido 11t will issue the above error message and
terminate.
The cumulative length of the SET variables may be easily
determined by using the following commands:
SET >set.out
DIR set.out
The first command will dump out the SET strings defined in the
environment into a file named "SET.OUT", and the second command
will display the byte count of "SET.OUT".
Using this method I booted up DOS 3.10 with the following
directive in CONFIG.SYS:
shell=c:\command.com c:\ /p /e:##
Where I used the values 10, 30, and 60 for ##.
I discovered that Fido 11t does not make any attempt to determine
the actual amount of free environment space. It checks to see if
more than the first 99 bytes are used. If so, then it issues an
error message and terminates.
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Fidonews Page 3 24 Feb 1986
11t Problem and Solution
by Ben Baker - Fido 100/76
Many of you have noticed Version 11t's irritating habit of
refusing to run, terminating with the message "Not enough free
memory to run," and error level set to 3. This is a particular
problem of the IBM version, but actually affects all versions.
Gee Wong was the first to report the relationship between this
problem and the size of the environment strings.
First I will explain the problem, and then give you a solu-
tion. If you are not technically inclined, feel free to skip to
the solution below.
The Problem
Fido is written in the C language and compiled with the
Lattice compiler using the "small data model." The small model
allows the program to use 16-bit pointers to data rather than
32-bit segment/offset pointers. This makes a program signifi-
cantly faster, but imposes a constraint on the data. ALL data;
compiled data, stack data and dynamically allocated data must
reside in a single 64K data segment.
When Fido begins execution, it checks to see if the total
allocatable memory is above the minimum it needs to operate.
Allocatable memory is 64K minus the sum of fixed data and stack
size. If that amount is insufficient, it terminates with the
above error condition and message. The IBM version appears to
have the largest fixed data area and is most susceptible to the
problem.
What has this to do with the environment strings? That's a
little more subtle. When using the small model, all data the
program needs must be in the 64K data segment. If the program
will access the environment strings, it can only do so if there
is a copy in the data segment. Since the C initializer cannot
know in advance whether the program will need the environment
strings, it always copies the environment to the data segment!
Therefore, the larger the environment, the less allocatable
memory Fido has to work with.
The Solution
There are two variables we can adjust; environment size, and
stack size. FIDO_IBM will execute properly if the sum of the two
is less that 18100 bytes. The threshold for the other versions
is not known, but seems to be somewhat higher (safer). The
default stack size is 18000. The size of your environment can be
determined with the following two DOS commands:
SET >SET.TXT
DIR SET.TXT
The file size is the approximate size of your environment.
The best solution to the problem is to reduce this size by
shortening or eliminating your PATH and/or PROMPT strings until
the size of SET.TXT is less than 100 bytes.
Fidonews Page 4 24 Feb 1986
If that is unacceptable, there is an alternative. Lattice
makes provisions to adjust the stack size at execution time. If
the first command line argument has the form "=<number>" the C
initializer will use <number> as the stack size. For instance:
FIDO_IBM =17900 <switches>
would set the stack to 17900 bytes, allowing an environment size
of up to 200 bytes.
We believe that Fido will run properly with stack size set
as low as 17000 bytes, but have not tested it exhaustively.
Remember, the lower you set it, the greater you risk a STACK
OVERFLOW error.
One last point. When this error occurs, Fido exits with
ERRORLEVEL = 3. Therefore, 3 is NOT VALID for external events.
We recommend that all external events use ERRORLEVELs of 4 or
above, and that you test for 3 in your batch file and terminate
if it or any lower error occurs.
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Fidonews Page 5 24 Feb 1986
Fido compatible systems
-----------------------
Carl Nordin
A.T.L 101/4603 or 501/4603
Lidkoping, Sweden
I, as almost every Fido sysop, have the intention of writing
my own Fido-compatible BBS. I'm determined to do so, but I don't
really know at which end to begin. Writing a plain vanilla BBS
with a message area and a file area isn't such a great job.
Actually I once wrote a small BBS system in 6809 assembly
language for FLEX 9.0. However the big problem is the FidoNet
interface. Writing code that can send, receive and route mail is
quite a big job, not to mention debugging it. Then it suddenly
struck me, why should I do that job when somebody has already
done it? Namely Tom Jennings with Fido. All I have to do is to
write my BBS and for the FidoNet area I only have to make the
files the same as Fido's. I can then start Fido from my BBS at
the right time and it'll do the job and then return to my BBS,
via an external event. The only Fido routines I need in my
system are a scheduler and some way to make the *.MSG and
SYSTEM??.BBS for the FidoNet area. The rest of the system I can
design for my own taste.
So here's one suggestion. Why doesn't Tom Jennings release
a FidoNet handler, consisting of the FidoNet parts of Fido. It
could then be invoked by something like:
C>fidonet /2 60/W A/S
which would mean: Start FidoNet using COM2: and run schedule
A for 60 minutes and then terminate.
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Fidonews Page 6 24 Feb 1986
Brian Sietz
Fido 107/17
Lazy Sysops
I recently came up with a new use of the POLL command - and it
has nothing to do with FIDO! It is a bit obscure, but came in
very handy recently during a time when there was no alarm clock
available in my home. Then I got to thinking - alarm clock? Who
needs one when you have a FidoNet system downstairs!
Well, here's the scoop - most sysops have a separate phone number
dedicated as their DATA line, but why not have another Fido node
on your VOICE line! No, I don't mean to actually run a system
from the other line, just fool the REAL Fido into thinking there
is another Fido in the same house!
In my house, every morning, I run an additional mail event at
7:15 for a period of 3 minutes. In my route files, I have my
REAL Fido POLL the FAKE Fido during this event, which being 3
minutes in duration, I get at least two wake-up calls! The only
trick comes to play by "creating" a new node in the nodelist.
This can easily be accomplished by manual editing of the file, or
having LISTGEN change the phone number of an existing node; one
that wouldn't be called.
So, if you are lazy, or don't have an alarm clock, you no longer
have an excuse for over sleeping!
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Fidonews Page 7 24 Feb 1986
Well, it has been a little over 3 weeks since the shuttle
disaster. Since that time, I have collected a little over 60
messages between my two FIDO nodes, and a little over 700 pages
of messages from UUCP/USENET (primarily net.space and
net.columbia) as well as direct UUCP mail. In response to the
article I placed in the FIDONEWS 2 weeks ago, I have received
several messages from both users and SYSOPS. Well, I am going to
Senator Garn's office at the end of the month. Time for the
SYSOPs to bundle those shuttle-related messages into an ARC, and
FIDOMAIL them to me at 109/74. Please use a file name of
XXXYYY.51L, where XXX is your net or region number and YYY is
your node number, to prevent message clashes. Thanks for your
efforts. I will let you know what happens.
Kurt Reisler - SYSOP - 109/74 - The Bear's Den
109/483 - Wash-A-RUG
The Dream is, and must remain, alive!
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Fidonews Page 8 24 Feb 1986
Allen Tufts
Fido 101/113
MAIL TIME WOES
Actually, I think there are many more people that are irked with
the National Mail Slot than just Bob Hartman. I have to agree
with Bob, there is a definite problem brewing. There have been
times when it has taken me up to three days to deliver mail to
the hosts of 132 and 101, and I'm sure the problem goes beyond my
local area Hosts.
My proposal, and I'm sure it is not a new one, is to allow mail
to be sent or received at ANY time. You would probably want to
keep the local mail time at 5:00am as it is now. This gives
people a drop dead time to get their messages in for local
delivery. It should be a very simple task to enable Fido to
distinguish whether an incoming call is a User or FidoNet and
then take the appropriate action. Leave it up to the Sysop of
the calling system as to when he wants his system to deliver
mail. If he wants to deliver his mail at noontime each day, then
let him do it.
I realize that getting Fido to accept mail at any time is only
half the problem. Mail distribution under the proposed method
could create some logistical problems, but I think they would be
minor and can be overcome.
Another topic I would like to raise while I am writing the
article is Fido's inability to notify a user upon successful
logon that he has mail waiting. I consider this to be a serious
flaw with Fido. I don't like having to enter a message area of a
system and check every directory for mail. The search for mail
can take a fair amount of time considering the extensive message
areas and amount of messages that some systems have. If Fido is
going consider itself a serious EMAIL network, then at the very
least it should report something similar to the following:
You have mail waiting...
Msg Area Msg #
----------------------------------------------------------
UNIX 45
Ada 3,5,7
SYSOP 78
General 4,7,100,219
This feature MUST tell you the areas and message numbers or else
you are not really gaining a useful feature. Maybe if enough of
the Fido community got together, Tom would consider implementing
this feature (in some form) in the near future.
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Fidonews Page 9 24 Feb 1986
Mike Ringer, 117/1262
Free Time!
Once again I've found some free time! How I don't know, but
I've done it. Most of the time I sit down at my computer and
wonder "has there ever been a program that uses every key on the
computer (A-Z)?" Well I took care of this problem and created
USELESS.BAS. Its exactly that. It doesn't do a single thing!
Sure it draws a picture, plays a song and spins the disk drive
but besides that it has no real purpose. I doubt anybody has it
(or wants it) but It will soon be available on Elite Software
(409)-846-4367 117/1262. I plan on writing more humorous spoofs
on programing. USLESSII will be out soon. In it I will use the
function keys and the Ctrl and Alt keys. If you have any other
Ideas let me know for and I'll set my limited programming skills
to work.
Other programs I have written:
ZOR.BAS
ZORII.BAS
DOCIBM.BAS
USELESS.BAS
ZOR3.BAS
Now if you'll excuse me, I need to find my voter registration
card.
Mike Ringer
Sysop of Elite Software
creators of Best Friend
"the best friend your computer ever had"
117/1262
(409)-846-4367
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Fidonews Page 10 24 Feb 1986
WARNING WARNING WARNING WARNING WARNING
BUYER BEWARE BUYER BEWARE
There are several "small" companies among us that are advertising
vaporware, be it hardware or software. Under the guise of
offering some super fantastic piece of hard/software are selling
other items other than the advertised vaporware to the
unsuspecting clients. It is a neat ploy that is even frowned on
by some of the larger companies as deceptive business practices.
Buyer beware, it would be to everyone's advantage to cease doing
business with companies that tend to pull this slight deception.
I'm all for advertising a soon to be released item. However it
is not in the best interest of our community for the same
companies to continue to advertise items that appear to never to
be real. We can fight back by ceasing to conduct any business
with these vapor ware companies.
WARNING WARNING WARNING WARNING WARNING
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Fidonews Page 11 24 Feb 1986
=================================================================
COLUMNS
=================================================================
Notes from Abroad
Following the installation of a 20 Meg hard disk on my Compaq, I
thought I would report on the problems I encountered. The drive
is supplied in a sealed anti-static bag to protect the circuitry
which is in turn enclosed in a cardboard sleeve. The controller
card is supplied in a well padded anti-static bag. Also supplied
is a blanking plate, two ribbon cables, and a users manual .
The first thing to do when fitting a new piece of hardware to
your system is to read the manual. The manual supplied is just
fourteen pages long and covers the installation procedure for an
IBM PC. There is a small section on setting the two DIP switches
on the main circuit board of the drive. I always seem to have
trouble with DIP switches, so I decided to only set one switch,
this was the switch marked "D" and with this switch set to on the
diagnostic option was selected.
The next section in the manual details the drive's power
requirements. The first line caught me out, it said that the
drive requires an external power supply. I presume that this
section was for anyone who was thinking of fitting the drive as
an external unit.
The next step was to take the lid off the Compaq and remove the
B: drive. This would have been a 2 minute job on an IBM PC but
on a Compaq it involves removing the floppy controller card, the
graphics card, and any add-on cards. When these cards were
removed the drive came out quite easily after unceremoniously
turning the Compaq on it's side, removing the bottom cover, and
removing the fixing screws from the bottom of the drive.
This now leaves a gaping hole in the front of the Compaq so I
quickly put the new drive in position to see how the locating
holes lined up. It soon became obvious that the locating holes
in the Compaq chassis were intended to take a full height hard
disk. The shock absorbing mounting pillars are fitted only on
the right hand side of the chassis so anything fitted next to the
hard disk will have to find an alternative mounting method. As I
have no plans (or money!) to fit something else in the gap I
decided it would be best to simply mount the hard disk and cover
the hole with the supplied blanking plate.
The holes lined up well with the mounting pillars and once in
place it looks very neat tucked into the right hand corner of the
Compaq. With the drive in place I then proceeded to fit the
ribbon cables. Following the instructions in the manual to the
word I fitted the cables to the drive and then connected the
other end to the controller card. The controller card has three
connectors, two twenty way, and one thirty-four way. You are
supplied with one 34 way cable and one 20 way cable. The manual
shows which of the 20 way connectors to use. I assumed that the
second 20 way connector was for another hard disk; but a phone
Fidonews Page 12 24 Feb 1986
call revealed that it was actually for a tape streamer. The
controller card apparently supports either 10 or 25 meg tape
streamers.
Unfortunately I fitted one of the cables incorrectly but I didn't
realise this until I had switched on the Compaq. This may sound
like a fatal error but Western Digital has made the controller
idiot proof; ie safeguarded the circuitry against people like
myself who are incapable of following a manual. I certainly
don't recommend that you fit the cables incorrectly, but if you
do the chances are that no damage will be done.
After the first (failed) attempt to install the drive I reversed
the incorrectly fitted connector and then tried again. This time
success! The drive burst into life and then proceeded through
its self checking routine. The suppliers had told me that the
drive was pre-formatted and tested, and also that the PC-DOS
operating system had been installed. This means that the drive
should be configured to use as a boot disk. I opened the floppy
drive door and then re-booted. It tried to boot off the A: drive
but as the drive was not ready it proceeded to boot from the hard
disk. Booting off the hard disk is a much quicker operation than
booting off a floppy although the hard disk does take time to go
through its diagnostics. If you don't have much memory installed
in your machine it is possible that the computers diagnostic
routines will be quicker that the hard disks diagnostics; in this
case I suppose it is possible that a "drive not ready" error
could occur. This condition would of course be rectified as soon
as you press a key.
So there I was with my brand new hard disk humming quietly (very
quietly) in the background just waiting for some data to swallow
up. I proceeded to feed the hard disk a couple of files to
install in my new AUTOEXEC.BAT file. I followed this operation
with a CHKDSK which returned a gratifying 21184512 bytes of free
space!
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Fidonews Page 13 24 Feb 1986
The World of Computing
by
Reuven M. Lerner, FidoMail 107/33
Welcome again to The World of Computing! This time, I'm
writing to you from my new Fountain PC, which is an IBM
compatible computer. The version I have has two half-height
floppy drives, plus a hard disk. I also have a nice internal
modem, so I can log onto Fido and other local BBS'. However, I'd
like to address the issue of IBM compatibility. In a way, it's
nice to have a standard, but in other ways, why should we be
forced to stay in the world of MS-DOS when new and improved
operating systems can be used? Let's go back in time to late
1980, when the IBM PC was still just on the drawing board, and
they were trying to figure out which processor they would use.
Intel had come out with the 8088 about a year before, which was
an 8/16 processor, but a newer, and more powerful one (the 8086,
a true 16-bit processor) was on the market. IBM had a dilemma:
do they use the newer and as-of-yet untested 8086, or do they
stick with the 8088, of which they could get millions if need be?
You and I both know that they decided to use the 8088.
Now we get to the operating system. At first, they wanted to
use the standard CP/M operating system, which had been very
successful in the 8-bit world. To make a very long story short,
Digital Research didn't want to keep so secret about IBM's new
machine. IBM went to Microsoft Corp. and asked them if they
could make an operating system. Microsoft went out and bought
another company's operating system, renamed it MS-DOS and PC-DOS,
put their BASIC on the disk, and had a new operating system.
Unfortunately, version 1.0 of MS-DOS had a few bugs and wasn't
powerful enough for many users. Plus which, IBM had included
only 64K in their original version (then again, who needed more
than 64K back then?). They went back and revamped it, and pretty
soon, came out with the MS-DOS that you and I know.
Well, enough of the story. Let's get back to the original
point. Is IBM compatibility good or bad? The answer is "yes."
For the past few years, I have used a wonderful DEC VT180 (which,
I may add, is still my favorite writing machine. I'm going to
use it again starting next week) which ran good 'ol CP/M 2.2.
Now that I have this hard disk and all, I have virtually
unlimited storage, easier-to-use communications, and a lot more.
In the past week, I've downloaded about 10 programs, including
the word processor that I'm writing this on, DVED 6.02 -- not
bad, but not so great, either.
I'm downloading PC-WRITE in a few days to compare the two. All
public-domain or shareware (have you paid for your shareware
today?). It's incredible what you can do! I have an automatic
screen-blanker, a pop-up calculator, and a Halley's Comet
simulation, with no worries about it working on my
machine/terminal/etc. like I have to on the DEC. And if it does
work on the DEC, I usually have to use DDT to change the terminal
parameters.
Fidonews Page 14 24 Feb 1986
But, as with any machine, there are problems. First of all,
that stupid memory test at the beginning. Let's use some simple
math to see how long the POST test SHOULD take:
Assuming that the DEC has about a 2 MHz clock speed, and the
IBM 4.77, the DEC 64K and the IBM 640K, the IBM should take
0.2385 as much time as the DEC for the memory test! But no. It
takes about 45 seconds, enough to drive me insane when I'm in a
rush.
So far, I like the Fountain. It's a nice little machine, and
I'll report on any new developments when I get some new software.
Manual Typewriters
Some of you may find this little personal anecdote interesting
to hear: I've been using word processors and electronic
typewriters exclusively for the past four years, so it's very
rare that I have to use a manual typewriter. About two weeks
ago, I had to use one, and after typing a full line, I reached
out for the RETURN key, and lo and behold, it wasn't there! It
took me a full five minutes before I realized that the little
lever in front of me was the RETURN key's equivalent.
Besides being a little funny now that I look back at it, it
brings a serious point to mind. We in the computer age are
spoiled. That's right, spoiled. We have everything so easy,
writing is a dream. I probably wouldn't be as interested in
writing on the side if I didn't have some electronic components
in my typewriter or computer.
We should just think of the people who came before us, and what
they had to use. I'm sure many of you reading this are from the
generation that was around when electronic typewriters (or
electric, for that matter) were very rare items, and very costly
besides.
I just wonder what it's going to be like in another hundred
years.
Software Piracy
To give you an update on the software piracy article that I
wrote on these pages here several weeks ago, I have prepared a
file called OATH.TXT, which I will send to you via FidoMail if
you so request. It's one of those things that you download,
print, and sign your name on. The full title is TAKE THE OATH.
Basically, it says that you pledge not to buy copy-protected
software, give away, take, buy or sell illegal copies of
software, or buy software that is overpriced (this is a very
subjective point, I leave it in your hands).
What's the purpose? To get computer users to agree on points
which will change the face of computing for a while. If we don't
act now, no one will, and we will live with the consequences for
Fidonews Page 15 24 Feb 1986
a while.
On another note, a certain member of my family came home last
night with some copied software. I talked with him, and although
he realized that it's wrong,. he gave a valid point. Someone
with a busy job just doesn't have time to waste. trying out
different pieces of software when he's not sure what he really
wants.
He's not going to take the oath for a while.
Next time
Next week, I hope to say something about the Macintosh Plus,
and a little on. computer jargon and new words that we are using.
Again, I invite all comments. and questions at the address below.
Until next week, happy computing!
(c) 1986 Reuven M. Lerner. All Rights Reserved. Reprinting
rights are given. solely to Fidonews unless written permission is
obtained from the author. Direct all correspondence to 21 Old
Westbury Road, Old Westbury, NY 11568, or Reuven Lerner at
FidoMail 107/33.
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Fidonews Page 16 24 Feb 1986
=================================================================
FOR SALE
=================================================================
ENTERTAINMENT SOFTWARE FOR YOUR PC!
SUPERDOTS! KALAH!
Professional quality games include PASCAL source! From the
author of KALAH Version 1.6, SuperDots, a variation of the
popular pencil/paper DOTS game, has MAGIC and HIDDEN DOT
options. KALAH 1.7 is an African strategy game requiring
skill to manipulate pegs around a playing board. Both games
use the ANSI Escape sequences provided with the ANSI.SYS
device driver for the IBM-PC, or built into the firmware on
the DEC Rainbow. Only $19.95 each or $39.95 for both
exciting games! Please specify version and disk format.
These games have been written in standard TURBO-PASCAL and
run on the IBM-PC, DEC Rainbow 100 (MSDOS and CPM), CPM/80,
CPM/86, and PDP-11. Other disk formats are available, but
minor customization may be required.
BSS Software
P.O. Box 3827
Cherry Hill, NJ 08034
For every order placed, a donation will be made to the Fido
coordinators! Also, if you have a previous version of KALAH
and send me a donation, a portion of that donation will also
be sent to the coordinators. When you place an order, BE
CERTAIN TO MENTION WHERE YOU SAW THE AD since it also
appears in PC Magazine and Digital Review.
Questions and comments can be sent to:
Brian Sietz at Fido 107/17
(609) 429-6630 300/1200/2400 baud
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Fidonews Page 17 24 Feb 1986
We have a confession to make. We've been holding out on you.
For several years now we've been using a program called MACRO to
boost our productivity. But we've been keeping it a closely
guarded secret. Even our most intimate clients have been unaware
of it's existence. Now, however, we've decided to release it to
the PC user community.
If you have ever used a macro assembler, then you already know
how useful macros can be. For the rest of you, well, a good
macro processor can do half of your work for you. MACRO works
with any normal text file, and hence can be used as a powerful
front-end to almost any language. Here's a sample of what MACRO
can do for you:
1. Put parameters in your programs, allowing you to easily change
table sizes, ranges of values, and so forth.
2. Put conditional code in your programs, allowing you to write
one program, and then "switch" parts on and off easily for
different customers and applications.
3. Perform integer arithmetic and string manipulation before your
program is compiled, saving run time.
4. Write programs that customize themselves when you compile
them, based on commands given and questions answered during
the macro scan.
MACRO is available for only $95 from
System Enhancement Associates
21 New Street, Wayne NJ 07470
Or call our convenient order line at (201) 473-5153 (VISA and
MasterCard accepted).
Mention that you saw this ad, and we'll donate $10 to the
national FidoNet coordinators when you order.
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Fidonews Page 18 24 Feb 1986
Now available from Micro Consulting Associates!!
Public Domain collection - 300+ "ARC" archives - 10 megs of
software and other goodies, and that's "archived" size!
When unpacked, you get approximately 17 megabytes worth of
all kinds of software, from text editors to games to
unprotection schemes to communications programs, compilers,
interpreters, etc...
This collection is the result of more than 10 months of
intensive downloads from just about 100 or more BBS's and
other sources, all of which have been examined, indexed and
archived for your convenience. Starting a Bulletin Board
System? Want to add on to your software base without
spending thousands of dollars? This is the answer!!!
To order the library, send $100 (personal or company check,
postal money order or company purchase order) to:
Micro Consulting Associates
Post Office Box 4296
200-1/2 E. Balboa Boulevard
Balboa, Ca. 92661-4296
Please allow 3 weeks for delivery of your order.
Note: No profit is made from the sale of the Public Domain
software in this collection. The price is applied entirely
to the cost of downloading the software over the phone
lines, running a BBS to receive file submissions, and
inspecting, cataloguing, archiving and maintaining the
files. Obtaining this software yourself through the use of a
computer with a modem using commercial phone access would
cost you much more than what we charge for the service...
Please specify what type of format you would like the disks
to be prepared on. The following choices are available:
IBM PC-DOS Backup utility
Zenith MS-DOS 2.11 Backup Utility
DSBackup
Fastback
Plain ol' files (add $50, though, it's a lot of
work and takes more diskettes...)
Add $30 if you want the library on 1.2 meg AT disks (more
expensive disks). There are no shipping or handling
charges. California residents add 6% tax.
For each sale, $10 will go to the FidoNet Administrators.
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Fidonews Page 19 24 Feb 1986
=================================================================
NOTICES
=================================================================
The Interrupt Stack
1 Mar 1986
The Next Occasional MetroNet Sysop Meeting, to be held at
Matt Kanter's apartment. Check with Matt at 107/3 for
details.
1 Mar 1986
European mail hour shifts to 0230-0330 GMT. Summer time
will no longer be observed.
11 Apr 1986
Halley's Comet reaches perigee.
19 May 1986
Steve Lemke's next birthday.
24 Aug 1989
Voyager 2 passes Neptune.
If you have something which you would like to see on this
calendar, please send a message to Fido 1/1.
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NOTICE NOTICE NOTICE NOTICE NOTICE
Mike Hamilton Host of net 103
The Orange County section of NET 102 has broken out to a
separate net. This change is effective as of node list 031.
Our new net is 103. All the 500 series nodes from new 102
are now addressed as net 103 with the same node numbers.
More changes are being made in the makeup of the nets in
Southern California. Pay attention to the changes in the
nodelist if you have mail coming this way.
NOTICE NOTICE NOTICE NOTICE NOTICE
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