Memory-resident pgm that allows you to run many graphics programs designed for CGA systems on your Hercules-compatible monitor and card. Works w/ any software that uses standard DOS and BIOS calls to the graphics card. Pgms that write directly to screen may not run under CGA.
USING CGA
Start by giving the command, CGA <Enter>. CGA.COM must be in the root directory of the current disk, or in a directory on your hard disk that is included in the PATH statement in yourAUTOEXEC.BAT file.
You can also start w/ command-line switches:
CGA M <Enter>
Starts the pgm in the monochrome mode. Use this switch after you've finished running your graphics program. CGA returns to normal monochrome screen.
CGA $ <Enter>
In many cases, running CGA w/out a command-line switch shows a screen that's too small. Using $ switch, you can expand screen area. In most cases, you'll want to use this switch. Some software, however, runs better w/out it. Experiment.
CGA B <Enter>
Some games bypass DOS completely, taking over the whole computer. This switch is for use w/ those self-booting pgms. To use this feature, give the command, CGA B <Enter>. CGA pgm loads, then you'll see a message asking you to insert your self-booting game disk and press a key. The pgm runs as if you had a CGA card.
In a few cases, you'll need to tell CGA exactly where to install itself in memory. This is a highly technical procedure, requiring you to know where the game program locates itself in your computer's memory. If you can determine this, you can use this format:
CGA Bnnnn <Enter>
Replace "nnnn" part of command w/ segment address where you want to load CGA.
You can combine command line switches. They must be in this order, however:
CGA B M $
You might, for example, want to use the "B" switch for a self-booting program, along with the "$" switch for a larger screen image. The command would be:
CGA B $ <Enter>
NOTE: CGA does not work with all CGA programs. If a program will not run under CGA, your computer will lock up. No harm will be done, but you'll have to reboot your system with the <Ctrl>-<Alt>-<Del> key combination.
Users with EPSON Equity computers equipped with Hercules-compatible
graphics cards may find that CGA will not work at all with their systems.
CGA won't work w/ EGA cards that emulate Hercules graphics on a mono monitor.
This software is in public domain. You may make copies and give it to friends. If you like CGA, feel free to send a donation to the author. The suggested donation is $5. If the program doesn't work on your computer, drop me a line!
