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Precision Software Appli…tions Silver Collection 1
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Precision Software Applications Silver Collection Volume One (PSM) (1993).iso
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games
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vga
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lifevga.exe
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VGALIFE.DOC
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Text File
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1988-11-15
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7KB
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157 lines
VGALIFE8
Introduction:
This is my ninth version of the ever popular LIFE, that is
released into the public domain. I hope you will find it
enjoyable, that you will use it, and that I will hear your
suggestions and comments. VGALife was compiled with Turbo
Pascal 4.0 using the EGAVGA graphics driver. It incorporates
many useful suggestions by Carl Thompson.
History:
LIFE was invented by Dr. John Conway and became public in a
"Scientific American" article in Oct. 1970. Since that time
it has been the subject of widespread enjoyment, speculation
and fun, and has been popularized as a traditional 'beginning
programming assignment.' Additionally, a sci-fi book by Piers
__
Anthony, "OX" introduced a multi-dimensional life-form based
on the ever-shifting patterns of John Conway's Life.
Requirements:
Requires an IBM PC/AT or compatible with with 256K RAM and a
VGA. Speed will probably be most acceptable on an AT or 386.
Running:
Type VGALIFE an the DOS prompt. You will be prompted for
additional information and parameters. You may exit at any
time with Ctrl-Break, however, pressing ESC will take you up
one level at a time until you exit.
Try r-pentamano * * and pi * * * for starters
* * * *
* * *
Features:
You may save and restore life games. Paths are supported and
you may save at any time during actual play or matrix editing
by pressing the 'S' key and supplying a DOS filename. The
extension .VGA will be automatically supplied if you omit one.
You may only restore a game at the run-time prompt (by quitting
the current game). Note: .VGA files are not compatable with
.EGA files from the EGALIFE version. Do not interchange them.
There are three matrix sizes; Small [126x85], Medium
[158x142] and Large [211x216]. The large matrix model
utilizes single pixels and is the fastest; the medium size is
the most versatile, having both good size and resolution; the
small size is good for experimenting and for use by kids.
A delay factor may be introduced to pause between generations,
and may be changed dynamically during play. Press W to slo(w)
down of F to go (f)aster. A delay factor of 0 is equal to no
delay. You may also freeze the play at any time by pressing
the S-(S)ave key and answering (n)o when you want to restart
the action.
A matrix editor allows you to input your patterns. The arrow
keys on the PC numeric keypad move in the eight directions.
Pressing ENTER or SPACE toggles the life at the blinking
cursor. The matrix editor may be entered at any time during
the play and the matrix contents altered. Press ESC to
return to play.
The color defaults are set as white text on a black background
with automatic cycling of life-cell colors. The automatic
color cycling occurs every 12 generations and may be toggled
on and off by pressing the A-(A)uto key. Manual cycling of
the cell color and background may be accomplished by pressing
the C-(C)olor or B-(B)ackground keys respectively.
In the large matrix a pacer may be toggled with the P-(P)acer
key. This is useful on slower machines to find out where the
matrix updating is taking place, especially if a large section
of the matrix is stable.
Rules of LIFE:
BIRTHS occur in any empty cell with exactly 3 adjacent
neighbors, SURVIVALS occur in any occupied cell with 2 or 3
neighbors, DEATHS occur in any occupied cell with less than 2
or more than 3 neighbors (from isolation or overcrowding).
All births and deaths occur simultaneously within the single
generation, which is then updated.
Some hints for this implementation:
For greater speed in the larger matrices try editing out any
'gliders' which have flown clear of the active portion;
VGALIFE only calculates over the life containing portion of
the matrix. For a marginal speed improvement try turning off
AutoColor and Pacer.
To make a darkly colored pattern more visible enter edit mode
and run the cursor through all the cells turning them white,
or try switching backgrounds.
Items planned for next revision:
o Speed optimization.
o Shell to DOS feature.
o Enhanced editor including long moves, translations and
block oriented replications, saves, and restores.
o Dynamic conversions between Small, Medium and Large matrices.
o Data save in color in compressed format.
o Printing of matrix.
o Enhanced EGA and VGA support
o Multiple dimensions.
o Math Co-Processor support.
o Palette changes.
o Directory listing and selection of saved games.
o Enhanced rules editing and additional 'environmental' factors.
(I would especially enjoy hearing from others about life rule
extensions.)
I will probably be coerced to update VGALIFE if even a few users
contact me and send requests. Any contribution appreciated. Enjoy
the program, and I hope you have as much fun playing it as I have
had writing it!
VGALIFE.EXE is hereby placed in the public domain. This
program remains sole property of Larry L. Hoppis and Elinel
Consulting. It may be distributed and used freely provided
this file remains with it. It may not be sold except for a
nominal distribution fee such as those charged by non-profit
software clubs. Address all correspondance to Larry L.
Hoppis, Elinel Consulting, PO 472, Mt. Hermon, CA 95041, or
BIX mail to elinel.
Included Files:
VGALIFE.EXE The VGALife Program and display driver.
VGALIFE.DOC This file.