Shareware Grab Bag/Shareware Grab Bag.iso/007/msquickc.arc/PR0605

Text File | 1987-06-05 | 30KB | 488 lines

Microsoft Introduces Next Generation of C Compilers;
More Than 70 Third-Party Vendors Announce Support

   REDMOND, WA -- June 3, 1987 -- Microsoft Corporation today announced two new
versions of Microsoft(R) C: Microsoft QuickC (TM) and Microsoft C Optimizing
Compiler Version 5.0, providing fast compilation, excellent code generation,
and sophisticated debugging environments.
   "No other product can compete with the performance and debugging features of
these two compilers," said Microsoft Chairman Bill Gates. "C 5.0 is the best
total solution for the professional programmer. The combination of high-speed
execution, powerful CodeView(TM) debugger, and extensive library support makes
this the premier C compiler. QuickC is the ideal C compiler for programmers who
want to get up and running fast and experience the power of C. And the two
products are completely compatible."
   Both products will be available in September.
   With a special introductory retail price of just $99, Microsoft QuickC
offers the first-time C user an easy, inexpensive way to begin using the C
language. The product comes with a 30-day return guarantee.
   Microsoft QuickC comes with an integrated editor, compiler, MAKE facility,
and source-level debugger. Users can write, compile, edit, debug, and run their
programs within the same environment. Extensive documentation includes a
tutorial to get programmers new to the C language up to speed quickly, a
reference section containing hundreds of tested examples, and a context-
sensitive on-line help facility.
   Microsoft C Optimizing Compiler Version 5.0 is designed to provide the
professional C programmer with the fastest possible execution speed, plus the
convenience of a complete development environment. It includes both the QuickC
in-memory compiler and the advanced optimizing compiler, so programmers can
develop prototypes quickly and then optimize them for the fastest possible
performance. Microsoft C Version 5.0 produces the fastest executable code of
any PC version of C, and the code typically executes 30% faster than under
Microsoft C 4.0.
   C 5.0 users also have a choice of two source-level debuggers: the integrated
Microsoft QuickC debugger for quick debugging while prototyping, and the
enhanced Microsoft CodeView debugger for more complex debugging. QuickC and C
5.0 are completely source-level and object-level compatible, and QuickC emits
CodeView-compatible executables.

Third-Party Vendors Announce Support
   More than 70 third-party vendors have announced support of Microsoft C,
including Arity Corp., Blaise Corp., Essential Software, Greenleaf, Media
Cybernetics, Lifeboat, Phoenix, Polytron, Raima, Software Bottling, Softcraft,
and Solution Systems. Publishers writing books about Microsoft C and QuickC
include Osborne/McGraw-Hill, Scott, Foresman and Company, Merrill Publishing,
and Microsoft Press.
   Microsoft C Optimizing Compiler Version 5.0 has a suggested retail price of
$450. Persons who license Microsoft C 4.0 after June 1 are entitled to a free
upgrade to 5.0 in September; those who licensed C 4.0 before June 1 can upgrade
to 5.0 for $75.
   Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ "MSFT") develops, markets, and supports a wide
range of software for business and professional use, including operating
systems, languages, and application programs as well as books and hardware for
the micro-computer marketplace.

# # #

   Microsoft and the Microsoft logo are registered trademarks and CodeView and
QuickC are trademarks of Microsoft Corporation.

######################################################

MICROSOFT AND NATURAL LANGUAGE INCORPORATED ANNOUNCE
PRODUCT LICENSING AND EQUITY FINANCING AGREEMENT

   REDMOND, WA -- JUNE 3, 1987 -- Microsoft Corporation and Natural Language
Incorporated (NLI), of Berkeley, California, today jointly announced a product
licensing and equity financing agreement. The two companies have signed a
product licensing agreement granting Microsoft(R) the rights to license NLI
technology, and integrate it with existing and future Microsoft applications.
NLI has received $1 million in equity financing from Microsoft. Further
financial details were not disclosed.
   NLI, founded in 1984, develops and markets natural language software based
on proprietary technology. The company's first product, the NLI DataTalker(TM),
is an English language interface that enables untrained users to access
databases in plain English. The DataTalker is currently available on Digital
VAX(R) computers and Sun(R) workstations. NLI markets its natural language
products to OEMs and VARs for integration with commercial applications.
   "NLI's goal is to establish its unrestricted English technology as the
natural language standard," commented NLI President, Bob Bozeman. "Microsoft's
investment and product licensing agreement is a clear affirmation of the
superiority of our natural language technology."
   Microsoft President, Jon Shirley, commented, "Microsoft reviewed the entire
natural language market and chose NLI's technology as the most powerful. This
agreement for long term product development demonstrates our commitment to
natural language technology and ensures us a position in this emerging market."
   NLI is the first company to offer natural language systems that incorporate
knowledge representation and deductive reasoning. NLI's systems understand the
concepts and context of sentences. The software understands rules stated in
English and uses them to build database queries or give advice. These unique
capabilities allow NLI's systems to understand plain English and process it
independent of any application.
   Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ "MSFT") develops, markets, and supports a wide
range of software for business and professional use, including operating
systems, languages and application programs as well as books and hardware for
the microcomputer marketplace.
   NLI develops and markets software products that bring computer information
to people in real English. The company's headquarters are in Berkeley,
California, with sales and support offices in Cambridge, Massachusetts.

# # #

   DataTalker is a trademark of Natural Language Incorporated.
   VAX is a registered trademark of Digital Equipment Corporation.
   Sun is a registered trademark of Sun Microsystems, Inc.
   Microsoft is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation.

#######################################################

Microsoft QuickC's Fast Compiler and Interactive Debugger
Provide High Performance for Modest Price

   REDMOND, WA -- June 3, 1987 -- Microsoft Corporation today announced
Microsoft(R) QuickC(TM), a $99 compiler featuring extremely fast compilation
speed, excellent code generation, and an integrated debugging environment far
superior to any other PC language product.
   By allowing programmers to edit, compile, and debug programs from within the
same development environment, Microsoft QuickC helps programmers new to C get
their programs running quickly.
   QuickC, which will be available in September, comes with a 30-day money-back
guarantee. Its compilation and executable speeds are comparable to Turbo C(TM),
and QuickC includes many additional features.
   These features include an in-memory compiler capable of 10,000 lines per
minute, support of the Microsoft Mouse, and an integrated source-level
debugger. The debugger, based on Microsoft's powerful CodeView(TM) debugger,
helps programmers locate and fix bugs quickly.
   QuickC includes a free graphics library with a wide range of screen-control
functions that allows users to take advantage of the extensive graphics
capabilities of the IBM(R) PC and the IBM Personal System/2(TM). Microsoft
QuickC's extensive documentation includes detailed tutorial and reference
sections and on-line, context-sensitive help.
   "Microsoft QuickC is the ideal C compiler for BASIC or Pascal programmers
who want fast compilation and execution speed and who want to debug their
programs quickly," said Microsoft Chairman Bill Gates. "The integrated source-
level debugger makes it easy to write bug-free programs, and the documentation
is the best available anywhere. No other product provides this much
functionality at such a low price."
   Microsoft QuickC is completely source-level and object-level compatible with
Microsoft C Optimizing Compiler Version 5.0, providing users of QuickC with an
upward path toward a high-end development system.

Quick debugging
   Microsoft QuickC's integrated source-level debugger helps users get their
programs running quickly. Unlike most other C compilers, QuickC lets users
debug at the source level, so they don't have to guess what their programs are
doing: they can see exactly what is going on and what is needed to fix the
problem. With the Microsoft QuickC debugger, programmers can:
   o Pinpoint errors by stepping through the source code while it is executing,
using animate, trace, or single-step modes.
   o Set, examine, and clear dynamic breakpoints to stop execution as needed,
so programmers can take a closer look at what the program is doing.
   o Use the Watch Window to observe the contents of both local and global
variables and expressions, seeing them change as the program executes.
   o Back-trace within the stack to check history to find out how they got to a
particular point.
   o Use the screen-swapping feature for screen-intensive applications,
switching between the source code and program output during debugging.

In-memory compiling and editing
   Microsoft QuickC's exclusive in-memory compilation feature makes compilation
extremely fast, at 10,000 lines per minute. The compiler can catch up to 26
errors during a single compilation, allowing the programmer to fix many
problems at once before recompiling. During recompilations, an in-memory MAKE
utility saves programmers additional time by recompiling only the changed
modules.
   At the end of a compilation, the editor helps the programmer by placing the
cursor at the point of the first error. It also speeds the correction process
by providing detailed information about the nature of each error and subsequent
errors.
   The compiler's integrated full-screen editor includes a broad range of
helpful functions, including Cut, Copy, Paste, Undo, Search and Replace,
Overtype, and Insert. A "hot key" allows users to toggle between two program
modules when editing multiple-module programs. Unique features of the editor
include full support of the Microsoft Mouse and brace, bracket and parenthesis
matching.

Documentation helps users get up to speed quickly
   Microsoft QuickC comes with extensive documentation designed to help new C
programmers get up to speed quickly while also providing useful information for
experienced programmers. A tutorial section is ideal for helping BASIC or
Pascal programmers make the transition to C, while new and experienced
programmers alike will benefit from the detailed "how to" and reference
sections. The documentation includes an extensive index to make it easier for
users to find answers to their questions.
   A unique feature of QuickC is a context-sensitive, on-line help for the C
language and for the support libraries. A programmer, for example, can
highlight a certain C construct to find out its syntax and what parameters are
required, if any.
   Other powerful features of Microsoft QuickC include:
   o Support of the proposed ANSI C standard and the IBM Systems Application
Architecture (SAA).
   o Small, medium, compact, and large libraries as well as NEAR and FAR
keyword allows users to make optimum use of the available memory.
   o Ability to generate in-line code for the 8086, 80286, 8087, and 80287
chips, resulting in faster programs.
   o A choice of math libraries. When an 8087 or 80287 co-processor is present,
the compiler automatically uses high-speed math with 80-bit accuracy. Users
without a co-processor can choose the floating-point emulator with equal
accuracy.
   o Library extensions to support DOS and BIOS interrupts.
   o Interlanguage calling to Microsoft Macro Assembler, Pascal, and FORTRAN,
allowing users to combine different languages into a single program.
   o Support of 43-line mode on the Enhanced Graphics Adapter, allowing
programmers to use a high-resolution monitor and see greater amounts of text
displayed on the screen.
   o Support of the IBM PS/2 graphics modes.
   o Support for file sharing and record- and file-locking, allowing the
compiler to be used in MS-DOS(R) and IBM networking environments.
   o Compatibility with ProKey(TM), SideKick(R), and SuperKey(R).
   The compiler also comes with several utilities that help programmers make
more efficient use of their time. In addition to MAKE, which automates the
rebuilding of modified applications, the compiler includes a LIB utility for
creating, organizing, and maintaining object module libraries, and a LINK
utility for combining relocatable object modules into a single program. LINK
and LIB can be used not only for modules written in C, but also for those
written in other Microsoft languages.

Compatible with Microsoft C 5.0
   Microsoft QuickC is completely compatible with Microsoft C 5.0, a
sophisticated compiler designed for the professional C programmer. Not only do
the two compilers support the same languages and libraries, but Microsoft
QuickC is also included with C 5.0, giving professional programmers an
integrated environment for quick prototype development. QuickC executable files
are CodeView compatible.

System requirements, pricing, and availability
   System requirements for Microsoft QuickC are an IBM Personal Computer or
compatible, 384K memory, MS-DOS 2.0 or higher, and one double-sided disk drive.
Microsoft QuickC is available in both 5.25-inch and 3.5-inch disk formats. The
$99 suggested retail price is a special introductory offer.
   For more product information, contact Microsoft Customer Service at 1-800-
426-9400 (in Washington State and Alaska, call 206-882-8088), or write to
Microsoft at 16011 NE 36th Way, Box 97017, Redmond, Washington 98073-9717.
   Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ "MSFT") develops, markets, and supports a wide
range of software for business and professional use, including operating
systems, languages, and application programs as well as books and hardware for
the micro-computer marketplace.

# # #

   Benchmark results are based on an Personal System/2 and Model 60.
   Microsoft, Microsoft logo and MS-DOS are registered trademarks and QuickC
and CodeView are trademarks of Microsoft Corporation.
   IBM is a registered trademark and Personal System/2 is a trademark of
International Business Machines Corporation.
   SuperKey and SideKick are registered trademarks of Borland International,
Inc.
   ProKey is a trademark of RoseSoft.
   Turbo C is a trademark of Borland International Inc.

####################################################### 9

MICROSOFT OPERATING SYSTEM/2 SOFTWARE DEVELOPMENT KIT RELEASED TO DEVELOPERS
TWO MONTHS AHEAD OF SCHEDULE

   Redmond, WA -- JUNE 2, 1987 -- Microsoft Corporation today announced the
first release of the MS OS/2(TM) Software Development Kit, which allows
software developers to begin the work of moving applications software to the
new MS OS/2 environment for 80286 and 80386-based personal computers.
   Very high demand for the MS OS/2 kernel software prompted Microsoft to
release the toolkit two months earlier than originally anticipated. The release
came in conjunction with a three-day technical seminar held by Microsoft for
developers who licensed the toolkit. An attendance credit for the technical
seminar was provided as part of the support services included with the package.
   "Developers asked us to release the toolkit now because they wanted to get
started writing applications for this new environment," said Steven Ballmer,
vice president of systems software at Microsoft, in explaining Microsoft's
decision to release the toolkit ahead of schedule. "Developers have accepted
delivery with the understanding that pre-release software will have some
problems."
   Ballmer noted that because of the early release schedule, the specifications
for the MS OS/2 presentation manager was not included as part of the first
toolkit. It will, however, be in the August update, in accordance with the
original schedule.
   Routine updates to the software toolkit, which are part of the package, will
improve performance and reliability as the product moves toward final release.
"We are still in our testing phase with this product, and we are still tuning
performance," Ballmer said. "Over the next few months we will be releasing
updates that will further improve the quality of the product. We are soliciting
feedback on the toolkit and on any problems that developers have with it."
   Release of the developer's toolkit marks the point at which protected-mode
applications software development can really begin for MS OS/2, a multi-tasking
operating system system designed to run on existing PC-AT(R) class personal
computers and newer 80286 and 80386 systems.
   The developer's toolkit contains a pre-release version of the MS OS/2 system
kernel and technical specifications for the kernel and the MS OS/2 LAN Manager.
Also included are new versions of Microsoft(R)'s macro assembler (MASM) and C
language compilers, the CodeView(TM) debugger and other software development
tools, including a programmer's editor.
   Updates will include the MS OS/2 Windows presentation manager specification
and software and MS OS/2 LAN Manager software and associated development tools.
In addition to the training, Microsoft will also be providing intensive support
services to users of the toolkit.
   Priced at $3,000 (U.S.), the development toolkit includes, in addition to
the software and technical seminar, a one-year license for Microsoft's Direct
Information Access Line (DIAL) system, an electronic mail technical support
service, and a subscription to the Microsoft Systems Journal.
   Demand has been so high for the toolkit that technical seminars in Seattle
this week and in New York July 7-9 have already been filled. Developers who
license the toolkit now will be able to attend one of the additional seminars
scheduled by Microsoft for September 22-24 in Anaheim, California or October
21-23 in Dallas.
   Among those systems supported by the initial release of the toolkit are the
IBM(R) PC-AT, the COMPAQ DESKPRO 286(R) and COMPAQ DESKPRO 386(R), the COMPAQ
PORTABLE 286(R) and COMPAQ PORTABLE III(TM), and the Zenith Z-241 and Z-248
(both ROM 1.9 or later) and the Z-386. Other systems will be supported in later
updates.
   Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ "MSFT") develops, markets, and supports a wide
range of software for business and professional use, including operating
systems, languages and application programs as well as books and hardware for
the microcomputer marketplace.

# # #

   Microsoft and the Microsoft logo are registered trademarks of Microsoft
Corporation.
   MS OS/2 and CodeView are trademarks of Microsoft Corporation.
   COMPAQ DESKPRO 286, COMPAQ DESKPRO 386 and COMPAQ PORTABLE 286 are
registered trademarks of COMPAQ Computer Corporation.
   COMPAQ PORTABLE III is a trademark of COMPAQ Computer Corporation.
   IBM and PC-AT are registered trademarks of International Business Machines
Corporation.

#######################################################

Microsoft C 5.0 Generates Fastest Executable Code Ever;
QuickC Included for Fast Prototyping and Compilation

   REDMOND, WA -- June 3, 1987 -- Microsoft Corporation today announced
Microsoft(R) C Optimizing Compiler Version 5.0, an advanced compiler for the
professional C programmer. The optimizing compiler helps programmers generate
the fastest possible code -- typically 30% faster than Microsoft C 4.0.
   Microsoft C 5.0 comes with an enhanced version of the powerful Microsoft
CodeView(TM) debugger, more than 100 new library functions (including a full
graphics library and BIOS and DOS calls), and significantly enhanced
documentation.
   Included with C 5.0 is Microsoft QuickC(TM), whose in-memory compiler,
editor, MAKE, and debugger give programmers the ability to do fast prototyping.
Compilation speed for QuickC is 10,000 lines per minute.
   "This is the premier C compiler for the professional C programmer," said
Microsoft Chairman Bill Gates. "It has everything the serious programmer needs
-- it produces fast code, it has powerful tools to minimize development time,
and a complete development environment, including a full-featured source-level
debugger. It also comes with the most complete documentation available for the
C language, including coding techniques on how to write the fastest possible
programs."
   Microsoft C 5.0 will be available in September. Anyone who licenses
Microsoft C 4.0 after June 1 is entitled to a free upgrade to C 5.0.
   Benchmarks show the following reductions in timings on standard benchmarks
from C 4.0 to C 5.0: Sieve, 25 iterations, 5.7 to 3.3 seconds; Float, 19.9 to
0.1; Dhrystone, 22.8 to 19.1; Pointer, 14.2 to 7.4; Loop, 11.0 to 0.0 (loop
optimizations eliminate the null loop used in this test).

Fastest executable code available on a PC
   Microsoft C Optimizing Compiler Version 5.0 produces the fastest executable
code in the industry; the code typically executes 30% faster than code produced
under Microsoft C 4.0. The speed increase is due in part to new loop
optimizations -- including invariant hoisting, loop enregistering, and
induction variables -- and in part to the presence of in-line code for many key
functions, eliminating much of the function call overhead.

The ultimate C development environment
   By including Microsoft QuickC with C 5.0, Microsoft gives programmers a
complete set of tools: an in-memory compiler, editor, MAKE, and source-level
debugger for quick prototype development; and an optimizing compiler and more
powerful debugger for final development.
   QuickC and C 5.0 are completely source-level and object-level compatible,
and QuickC emits CodeView-supported executables. QuickC outputs the standard
MAKE file format and uses identical command-line switches to get fast
compilation times by using QuickC in batch mode.
   In-memory compilation and linking for quick prototype development. During
prototype development, programmers can take advantage of QuickC's in-memory
compilation, which compiles at 10,000 lines per minute. The standard linker is
twice as fast as the one with C 4.0.
   Enhanced Microsoft CodeView for debugging complex programs. The powerful,
full-featured CodeView debugger, first introduced with C 4.0 and unmatched in
the industry, has been further enhanced to allow source-level debugging of
larger programs. It supports expanded memory boards, allowing users to debug
very large programs and programs with overlays. Other enhancements allow users
to debug mixed-language programs, including programs with Microsoft C, BASIC,
FORTRAN, and Macro Assembler modules.
   CodeView gives users total control over program execution while they are
debugging. Using the debugger's multiple-window feature, users can set and
watch expressions and variables (both local and global), watch CPU registers
and flags, trace the stack, set dynamic breakpoints, and trace, single-step, or
animate their way through the program's execution. All windows are updated
automatically to show the current values as the program executes. For screen
intensive applications, a screen-swapping feature lets users switch quickly
between the source code and the program output seen by the user.
   Microsoft CodeView works at both source and assembly levels, allowing users
to debug source or object code. It features an easy-to-use visual interface,
similar to that of Microsoft Windows, and offers both keyboard and Microsoft
Mouse support.

More than 100 new library functions
   Microsoft C 5.0 comes with more than 100 new library functions, bringing the
total in the support library to more than 350. Some of the new features
include:
   o A full graphics library that automatically configures graphics programs to
the available graphics adapter and monitor.
   o Functions for debugging and "walking" the heap (that is, to detect
corruption of heap data structures).
   o New DOS and BIOS calls.
   o A function to find out how much memory is available.
   o Functions for incorporating start/stop times into programs.
   Microsoft also will make its run-time library source code available as a
separate product for programmers who want to customize their C libraries. (This
is in addition to the startup source code that comes standard with the
product.)

Compatible With Standards, Provides Path to MS OS/2
   Microsoft C 5.0 conforms with the IBM System Application Architecture (SAA)
and supports the proposed ANSI C standard. C 5.0 provides the ideal upward
migration path to Microsoft OS/2(TM). Applications developed under Microsoft C
5.0 can be ported directly to MS OS/2(TM).

Other new features added
   o Improved error reporting indicating where the error came from and how
severe it is.
   o Automated installation program to simplify setup.
   o New pragmas (i.e., structures) for controlling at the source level such
features as loop optimizations, intrinsic functions, structure packing
alignment, stack checking, and segment allocation.

Many other powerful features
   Other powerful features offered by Microsoft C 5.0 include:
   o Support for 8087/287/387 co-processors, allowing users to generate fast
in-line code whenever a co-processor is present. If no co-processor is present,
the run-time module automatically switches to 8087 software emulation routines
that offer the same 80-bit math accuracy. Users without a co-processor who
prefer higher speed can also choose Microsoft Alternate IEEE Math routines,
offering 64-bit accuracy.
   o A complete range of memory models, including small, medium, compact,
large, and huge models. NEAR, FAR, and HUGE key words let users mix models to
achieve the greatest speed and best use of memory space.
   o Full implementation of the UNIX(R) System V C language, plus many of the
main features in the proposed ANSI C standard as well as Microsoft's own
extensions.
   o Direct interlanguage calling to Microsoft FORTRAN, Microsoft Pascal, and
Microsoft Macro Assembler, allowing users to mix languages within a program.
The documentation includes detailed explanations of how this is done.
   o Support for file sharing and record- and file-locking, allowing the
compiler to be used in MS-DOS(R)-based networks and IBM local area networks.

Time-saving utilities
   Microsoft C 5.0 comes with several utilities that help simplify the
programmer's job and speed development time. These include:
   o MAKE, to automate the rebuilding of applications after source files have
been changed.
   o LIB, to create, organize, and maintain libraries of Microsoft language
object modules.
   o EXEPACK, to compress sequences of identical characters from an executable
file and optimize the relocation table.
   o EXEMOD, to modify header fields according to the user's command-line
instructions.
   o LINK, a new release of the Microsoft linker, that is twice as fast as the
linker with C 4.0.
   o SETENV, to let the user set and enlarge the MS-DOS environment variable
table.

Pricing and availability
   System requirements for Microsoft C Optimizing Compiler Version 5.0 are an
IBM Personal Computer or compatible, 385K memory, MS-DOS 2.0 or higher, and two
double-sided disk drives (although a hard disk is highly recommended). The
product will be available in retail outlets during the third quarter of 1987 in
5.25-inch disk version; a coupon included in the package allows users to order
a 3.5-inch disk at no additional charge by contacting Microsoft directly.
   The new compiler has a suggested retail price of $450. In addition to the
free update to anyone who licenses Microsoft C 4.0 after June 1, those who
licensed C 4.0 before that date can upgrade for $75; and users of earlier
versions of Microsoft C can upgrade for $150.
   For more information, contact Microsoft Customer Service at 1-800-426-9400
(in Washington State and Alaska, call 206-882-8088), or write to Microsoft at
16011 NE 36th Way, Box 97017, Redmond, Washington 98073-9717.
   Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ "MSFT") develops, markets, and supports a wide
range of software for business and professional use, including operating
systems, languages, and application programs as well as books and hardware for
the microcomputer marketplace.

# # #

   Benchmark results are based on an IBM Personal System/2, Model 60
   Microsoft, the Microsoft logo, and MS-DOS are registered trademarks and
CodeView, Microsoft OS/2, MS OS/2, and Quick C are trademarks of Microsoft
Corporation.
   IBM is a registered trademark and Personal System/2 is a trademark of
International Business Machines Corporation.
   Unix is a registered trademark of AT&T.