8bitfiles.net/archives

home *** CD-ROM | disk | FTP | other *** search

/ 8bitfiles.net/archives / archives.tar / archives / genie-commodore-file-library / Information / SFTWARE-MSGS.ARC / 00SFTWARE.MSGS next >

Wrap

Text File | 2019-04-13 | 47.6 KB | 1,345 lines

rea 3 nor rea 6-7 nor ************ Topic 3 Thu Jul 09, 1992 HOWIE-CBM at 09:53 EDT Sub: Big Blue Reader (Version 4.0) Big Blue Reader (Version 4.0) is like a cornucopia taken from a wish-list of its most ardent users. For just a few of its new enhancements, see message 1. 29 message(s) total. ************ ------------ Category 3, Topic 3 Message 1 Thu Jul 09, 1992 HOWIE-CBM at 09:54 EDT The list of new features doesn't begin to describe just how user friendly and easy this latest version of Big Blue Reader is. A few highlights: (1) Transfers "screen code" files directly to ms/dos. The list of screen code wordprocessors that it now handles is extensive, and includes most all of the popular ones. (2) Transfer ascii and binary files of any length, between any formats. The only limitation is available disk space. (3) Read files from ms/dos and CMD subdirectories. (4) Option to load selective Commodore directories (like *=s). (5) Multiple files transferred in original order. (6) Print option shows name of file (7) Use drive numbers 8-30. BBR installs and runs from CMD's HD and RL. (8) Joystick and keyboard use. (9) New ms/dos formatting programs for both 1571 and 1581. (10) New and improved 17xx support. REU use is user selectable. (11) Displays drive type and number when asked to insert disk. (12) Transfer ms/dos files to CBM disks with your choice of file type, SEQ, PRG, or USR. BBR-128 also has: ================= (1) Built in ms/dos formatting for 1571 and 1581. (2) Load in a different ascii translation table without re-booting. (3) Page thru directory file names, in addition to scrolling. (4) Set BBR clock and date from CMD drive. RL, too! (5) Diskcopy program for CBM (GCR) and ms/dos (MFM) disks (and most CP/M ones as well). Supports 1571, 1581, multiple drives, 17xx REU, and multi-copy feature. BBR-64 also has: ================ (1) new 1581 ms/dos routines for reliable reading. (2) Error retry, and directory bug fixes. (3) Page directory file names. (4) Exit to Basic for running Format program. Big Blue Reader128/64 (both versions) are available for $44.95. Current users can upgrade to Version 4.0, by sending their original disk and $18, to: SOGWOP Software 115 Bellmont Road Decatur, IN 46733 Howie ------------ Category 3, Topic 3 Message 2 Thu Jul 09, 1992 HOWIE-CBM at 09:55 EDT Having sung the praises of the new BRR, I have run into one prob, and wonder if anyone else has seen the same thing. After formatting an ms/dos disk, and writing to it, a directory listing has the time stamped, but no date. This doesn't seem to affect the disk, since two ms/dos laptops have used it quite nicely. Getting a 1581 to format a universally useable ms/dos disk is nice. :) I am not sure why the date doesn't get stamped tho. If it is a prob with the formatting routine, or perhaps because the 1581 has JiffyDos? BBR is the first application to read my new RL clock, and it *IS* terrific to see the time and date displayed on its opening screen. And, it keeps the display updated every second! Howie ------------ Category 3, Topic 3 Message 3 Thu Jul 09, 1992 M.MINNIG at 23:05 EDT Howie, we're kindred spirits i.e., hardware junkies! ;) The new RANCard is nice, no? Michael ------------ Category 3, Topic 3 Message 4 Fri Jul 10, 1992 HOWIE-CBM at 06:44 EDT Michael, Having files stamped with the time/date is one of those features that once you have, you wonder how you ever got along without before... I use it now to track e-mails. As a prompt that I oughta respond, because perhaps it has been lingering around in the directory for too long... I've never been so well organized. :) Howie ------------ Category 3, Topic 3 Message 5 Sat Jul 11, 1992 R.KNOP1 [Rob Knop] at 15:06 EDT Hi- BBR 4.0 sounds good! Especially the CMD compatability. I've got version 3.x right now, and not having a RAMLink or a HD, it doesn't sound like the upgrade would do a whole lot for me... the version I had even came with a (separate) 1581 MS-DOS formatter program. But, it's good to know that SOGWAP is still upgrading its software, to keep it completely compatable with the lastest hardware for C=. -Rob ------------ Category 3, Topic 3 Message 6 Sat Jul 11, 1992 PAUL-MB at 22:33 EDT I really owe it to myself to buy BBR. I'm putting it on Paul's Great Shopping (and Excellent Holiday Idea) List asap. :) --= Paul =-- ------------ Category 3, Topic 3 Message 7 Sun Jul 12, 1992 P.CATCHPOLE [Mike] at 17:56 EDT Dates and / or times missing will not bother dos at all - older versions of dos did not stamp the time and date.. ------------ Category 3, Topic 3 Message 8 Mon Jul 13, 1992 HOWIE-CBM at 00:49 EDT Mike, That seems to be the case, since those disks were read by clones very well. I still haven't had the chance to see why this happened tho. BBR offers two formatting options, one from within the program, and the other from a seperate module. Not sure if selecting another one of these might make a difference. Could be something else now that I think about it. Howie ------------ Category 3, Topic 3 Message 9 Sun Nov 15, 1992 HOWIE-CBM at 02:20 EST SOGWOP has released Big Blue Reader, version 4.01, which makes some changes to the recently released version 4.0: [1] The *date* is written properly to IBM disks. [2] IBM format routines work reliably with any 1571/1581 drive. [3] When using the FD-2000/FD-4000 drives, BBR 128 Version 4.01 does not crash when trying to access a 1.44 meg disk. This version, however, will not read/write to the high density 1.44 megs. [4] Using the Set-Clock program between 12 Midnight and 1 AM with the CMD RAMLink and Hard Drive has been fixed. (This fix is for all those early to rise users.) [5] One or two typos [spelling errors] were fixed. --------------------------------------------------- I had written earlier about the IBM disk dating prob, which is now fixed, and works properly. I also wrote about the Set-Clock prob, along with *MY* fix for it. The present routine uses part of my suggestion. For those who are `particular', I'd suggest using the full implementation. So, I'd suggest changing the zero at the end of the following line to a 146, instead (so, use: t(4)=146 instead of t(4)=0): if t(4)=18 and t(7)=0 then t(4)=0 What's the difference? My suggestion makes 12 AM to 1 AM read: 12:34:00 AM, like on my VCR and other digital displays. The part implementaion will have that time read as: 00:34:00 AM. Howie ------------ Category 3, Topic 3 Message 10 Sun Nov 15, 1992 YLR.ROSE [* Mistress *] at 09:37 EST Howie.. where can we write for an upgraded version?? I have the old one and of course, there are so many bugs it isnt worth it to use it. :< HUGs ------------ Category 3, Topic 3 Message 11 Mon Nov 16, 1992 HOWIE-CBM at 04:11 EST YLR, The Big Blue Reader 128/64 upgrade is available from: SOGWAP Software 115 Bellmont Road Decatur, IN 46733 Tel: (219) 724-3900 For the upgrade, send your original BBR disk, and $18. For those ordering for the first time, the cost is $44.95, check or money order. No credit cards. Canada and Mexico add $4. Overseas, $5. Howie ------------ Category 3, Topic 3 Message 12 Mon Nov 16, 1992 YLR.ROSE [* Mistress *] at 20:06 EST thanks fer the info, Howie! ;* ------------ Category 3, Topic 3 Message 13 Sat Jun 12, 1993 RHHAYDEN [Robert H.] at 04:52 EDT Howie, Thanks for the clock fix. I captured your message. After I clean it up (remove the RETURN prompt, etc.), I'll print it and keep it with the BBR 4.1 docs. Robert ------------ Category 3, Topic 3 Message 14 Sat Jun 12, 1993 HOWIE-CBM at 12:11 EDT Robert, You are welcome! :) Howie ------------ Category 3, Topic 3 Message 15 Sat Sep 25, 1993 R.KIRK7 [Dick] at 16:55 EDT I see Big Blue has a new Version 4.1. Does anyone know how it differs from 4.0? ------------ Category 3, Topic 3 Message 16 Sat Sep 25, 1993 CMD-DOUG at 20:46 EDT The Main program and BBR Format program have been modified to support the CMD FD Series drives' capability to read and write IBM 1.44 MB disks. ------------ Category 3, Topic 3 Message 17 Sun Nov 28, 1993 CAPT.CARL at 02:57 EST Just thought I'd drop in and briefly sing the praises of BBR 4.1. I've successfully transferred all permissible types of C= files to MS-DOS and have had no problems at all with the tranfers. This program is amazing! And it works fine with my RAMLink, and REU. For anyone needing to transfer C= to MS-DOS, get this program, you won't be sorry. ------------ Category 3, Topic 3 Message 18 Sun Nov 28, 1993 C.EFTHIMIOU [brat] at 08:00 EST Where do u get it. I mean order it from thanks ------------ Category 3, Topic 3 Message 19 Sun Nov 28, 1993 GEOS-TIM at 11:49 EST Check out message #1 in this message thread, and it gives you ordering info and features of the BBR. Message #9 gives you the added features of 4.01 and message 11 gives you more ordering info. So check out message 1,9,and 11. It should answer most of your questions. :) -Tim ------------ Category 3, Topic 3 Message 20 Sun Nov 28, 1993 CMD-DOUG at 12:05 EST BBR is also available from CMD. See Category 12, Topic 10. ------------ Category 3, Topic 3 Message 21 Sun Nov 28, 1993 RHHAYDEN [Robert H.] at 19:26 EST I've got one complaint about BBR 4.1 on the 64. When I print a large printer file, I have to press the [RETURN] key after every 32K segment. I don't have to do this with data going from one diskette to another. Robert ------------ Category 3, Topic 3 Message 22 Sat Dec 11, 1993 LLOYD at 12:55 EST Afraid that I still have version 2.0 for the C64 & version 3.1 for the C128 . (I don't have a CMD Hard-drive or Ram-link, yet) But, I've run into a problem with transferring ibm files from a 1581 drive to a 1571 disk. I can go the other way without a problem. And I can transfer it from a 1571 to a 1571. But not from the 1581 to the 1571 using the C64. Any ideas? Or is the only sulution to upgrade, which isn't a bad idea? Lloyd ------------ Category 3, Topic 3 Message 23 Sun Dec 12, 1993 S.GOLDSMITH2 [Iron.Man] at 23:53 EST Lloyd, I think there is a bug in 3.1 because it doesn't work on IBM to C= xfers greater that one buffer (52K I think). If your going from IBM to C= CP/M you can use a PC shareware program called 22DISK (in the GEnie CP/M RT?). 22DISK will format Epson QX-10 format disks which C= CP/M can read without xfering it first. It's a lot faster than BBR too... SG :) ------------ Category 3, Topic 3 Message 24 Fri Dec 17, 1993 LLOYD at 21:09 EST It does work with any size file using two 1571 drives. The problem is a 1571 and a 1581 drive. I probably should upgrade, but I hate picking up IBM habits. Lloyd ------------ Category 3, Topic 3 Message 25 Sun Dec 19, 1993 L.SCHONDER [Lou] at 23:19 EST Big Blue Reader works with large files (which seems the norm for Messy-DOS) very well with an REU. ------------ Category 3, Topic 3 Message 26 Mon Jan 03, 1994 D.TUOMI [Doctor] at 03:52 EST I had got into the habit of downloading LZH'ed Commodore files on a PC and then use a 3 1/2" disk on an FD-4000 to transfer the file to the Commodore. The problem is when I tried to extract it using CS-DOS on the 128, it would crash CS-DOS at the end, the file wouldn't completely undo. However, it would after I null-modemed it to the Commodore. Strange program... Doc. ------------ Category 3, Topic 3 Message 27 Mon Jan 03, 1994 TOM.PATCH at 05:18 EST I have version 4.01 of BBR but have seen references to a program called Little Red Reader. Is this program for real? Is there such an animal? Or is it a joke? If, by some chance, it is real, freeware or shareware or commercial, where can I find it. Have seen references to it on other networks but have never seen the program. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thank you. ------------ Category 3, Topic 3 Message 28 Mon Jan 03, 1994 C128.JBEE at 12:22 EST Yes, LRR (Little Red Reader) is alive and well :) Just search for the uploader R.KNOP1 :) ------------ Category 3, Topic 3 Message 29 Mon Jan 03, 1994 C128.JBEE at 12:37 EST String: lrr Uploader: R.KNOP1 Days Back: ALL ALL Libraries. No. File Name Type Address YYMMDD Bytes Access Lib ----- ------------------------ - ------------ ------ ------- ------ --- 10862 LRR.SFX X R.KNOP1 930117 38400 89 31 Desc: Read MS-DOS disks End of Directory. ------------ 3 ************ Topic 6 Sun Aug 15, 1993 M.ROCKOFF [Rocky1] (Forwarded) Sub: B8 Print Driver Printer drivers for Basic 8 21 message(s) total. ************ ------------ Category 3, Topic 6 Message 1 Sun Aug 15, 1993 M.ROCKOFF [Rocky1] (Forwarded) I'm looking for a driver for a CITOH PROWRITER (8510). Can anyonr eelp? ------------ Category 3, Topic 6 Message 2 Sun Aug 15, 1993 C128.JBEE (Forwarded) Does the CITOH PROWRITER (8510) emulate any type of printer? ------------ Category 3, Topic 6 Message 3 Sun Aug 22, 1993 M.ROCKOFF [Rocky1] at 16:49 EDT Not at e CITOH dosent emulate I can set dip swites to use it on apple Apple II I ink it's i Imagewriter compatable is way. I can also set it fot r IBM, TRS80, ATARI, B but I don't know at printers ey emulate , if any. BTW I'm using a Super Xetec Su Super Grafix Sr. interface. anks, Mike ike (Rocky1) ------------ Category 3, Topic 6 Message 4 Mon Aug 23, 1993 R.KNOP1 [Rob Knop] at 02:50 EDT Rockey- That last message was severly garbled. I think you might want to check your terminal configuration on GEnie, as it seems that the message editor is not doing what you think it is. A few tips: Before sending the message, type "*p" and hit RETURN at the beginning of a line. This will let you see what the message will look like to others. Depending on your terminal program, you might be able to edit a message offline in the terminal programs buffer. If you can do this, when replying to a message type "*up" at the "1>" prompt and then transmit your buffer to GEnie once you see "READY FOR INPUT." (You will need to consult your termianal program manual to figure out how to do this, or drop by an RTC and ask the folk there for help.) Send a break to GEnie (probably CTRL-C, but it varies depending on your setup), and then type "*s" when you get a "xx>" prompt back. -Rob ------------ Category 3, Topic 6 Message 5 Mon Aug 23, 1993 C128.JBEE at 09:58 EDT > M.ROCKOFF Your message came out a bit mixed up. If you can set it to "IBM" mode, then either the IBM or FX-80 drivers should work. Your interface should be set to "transparent". Have you tried those? ------------ Category 3, Topic 6 Message 6 Sun Oct 03, 1993 M.ROCKOFF [Rocky1] at 11:59 EDT To: JBEE I've tried both drives neither one worked. I'll have to try to write one. This will take a while and if it works I'll upload it. To: RKNOP Thanks for the info. If it works you'll be able to read this. ------------ Category 3, Topic 6 Message 7 Sun Oct 03, 1993 C128.JBEE at 17:03 EDT I would suggest NOT using the examples in the Basic 8 book and just writing a program that prints the data by reading the VDC memoy since this is a lot faster. That is what I did for my HP PaintJet driver. Just find the beginning of the screen by reading the VDC registers. ------------ Category 3, Topic 6 Message 8 Sat Nov 13, 1993 R.KANE [edgarderby] at 09:54 EST You'e right, that's much faster than using the Basic 8 calls to print. But there should be one caution: If the program you're using such a driver with uses virtual screens, you'll need to be sure you're scroll to the top of the picture. Another caution: I don't know if this is the case for any Basic 8 paint program, but if it double-buffers-- displays one screen while drawing one another-- you'll get the image displayed during the printout (which could be different than the one you want to print). Again, I don't know if any Basic 8 program does this, but I Paint does when using a Basic 8 driver instead of an I Paint driver. There are a couple of memory locations that store the addresses of the draw- and view-screens; I'll have to look around a bit & pass'em along. ------------ Category 3, Topic 6 Message 9 Wed Dec 01, 1993 C128.JBEE at 18:59 EST Is there any place left selling Basic 8? ------------ Category 3, Topic 6 Message 10 Thu Dec 02, 1993 H.HERMAN1 at 07:36 EST JBEE, Well, I've just received the latest Software Saupport International catalog. It lists *THOUSANDS* of Commodore software titles. Not exactly sure on the mumber of titles, but the listing is *HUGE*. However, I do not recall seeing Basic 8 in that list. It may have been there, and I could have miissed it. Just so many names. BTW, anyone wanting this catalog can request a copy by calling: 1-800-356- 1179. Be sure to ask for the Commodore edition of the Winter 1993 Catalog. Howie ------------ Category 3, Topic 6 Message 11 Thu Dec 02, 1993 C128.JBEE at 19:02 EST I have not seen Basic 8 anywhere! ------------ Category 3, Topic 6 Message 12 Sun Dec 05, 1993 F.OGLE [Color BBS] at 21:11 EST Isn't Briwall in business anymore? Seems I got a catalog from them last summer and B8 was there ... ------------ Category 3, Topic 6 Message 13 Mon Dec 06, 1993 L.SCHONDER [Lou] at 00:07 EST I heard that briWall is out of business. ------------ Category 3, Topic 6 Message 14 Mon Dec 06, 1993 CMD-DOUG at 00:35 EST Briwall went out of business a few months ago. Before summer I believe. ------------ Category 3, Topic 6 Message 15 Mon Dec 06, 1993 H.HERMAN1 at 07:34 EST Doug, I am sorry to hear this. I was especially impressed with Janet's vigor and enthusiasm from the very first time I met her at a WOC. I always liked Briwall. Howie ------------ Category 3, Topic 6 Message 16 Tue Dec 07, 1993 F.OGLE [Color BBS] at 01:42 EST I liked doing business with them. Sorry to see them bite the dust. :( ------------ Category 3, Topic 6 Message 17 Fri Dec 10, 1993 D.TUOMI [Doctor] at 03:33 EST Is anyone going to pick up the distribution rights to their software? Doc. ------------ Category 3, Topic 6 Message 18 Sun Dec 12, 1993 L.SCHONDER [Lou] at 23:33 EST I've gotten the impression that Basic 8 is very hard to find. ------------ Category 3, Topic 6 Message 19 Mon Dec 13, 1993 C128.JBEE at 05:58 EST Impossible is more like it. ------------ Category 3, Topic 6 Message 20 Thu Feb 17, 1994 M.KIRBY2 at 19:49 EST Hmm... No posts here in almost three month biut here goes. I have a Star NX- 2420 Rainbow with a G-Wiz interface. Can anyone tell me what driver and settings I should use to get a color printout from Basic 8? I've been going crazy trying to figure it out myself. One of the reason I got a color printer was for Basic 8. ------------ Category 3, Topic 6 Message 21 Sat Mar 12, 1994 L.SCHONDER [C128.LOU] at 11:07 EST Epson LQ-2500 is worth a try. ------------ ************ Topic 7 Sun Dec 27, 1992 G.HOYLE (Forwarded) Sub: Search for a Simple ARC Program Basically, I want an easy-to-use program to archive files for easy upload/download. Is there such a thing? You tell me! 50 message(s) total. ************ ------------ Category 3, Topic 7 Message 1 Sun Dec 27, 1992 G.HOYLE (Forwarded) All the archival programs I've seen are pretty complex and confusing, and all I want to do is upload some files. Does anybody have any good advice? ------------ Category 3, Topic 7 Message 2 Sun Dec 27, 1992 CBM-ED [e.g.bell] (Forwarded) The easiest thing to do is to learn how to use ARC. I don't mean that to sound condescending or snitty or anything. I know what you mean about learning it. I have been in CBM computers since 1982 and only learned to make SFX files within the last 4 months. GEOS is a prog I have never taken time to learn, thus can understand exactly what you are talking about. I simply do not want to learn GEOS and have no reason to learn it. Symbol Master is a symbolic disassembler I use which is quite complicated, but I have a great interest in it and need it frequently. See what I mean. You probably have little desire to learn ARC, but you do apparently have a reason to do it. There is a LOT of good help info here in the B to use it and lots more for the asking. You didn't say whether you are using a 64 or 128. But once you learn, at least, what you need to archive the files it will seem very simple. Me, I plan on avoiding GEOS like the plague but I'm reasonable proficient with ARC, which is probably right up there on the 'confusing and hard to use' list. Ask away. We can help! ------------ Category 3, Topic 7 Message 3 Sun Dec 27, 1992 C128.JBEE (Forwarded) BTW: we will have menu driven versions of ARC in 93 along with a Geos version. If you buffer and read the CS-DOS topic I am sure you will find just about every question you could ask already answered. ------------ Category 3, Topic 7 Message 4 Sat Jan 02, 1993 C.OGLE2 [breadstick] (Forwarded) While we're on the subject, I'm wondering if it'll ever be possible to to zip/unzip (as in the c64 version, not pkzip) and LYNX files in the CS-DOS environment. I can't think of how many times that would've come in handy while checking out a plethera of new downloads at one sitting. Just a thought. Breadstick ------------ Category 3, Topic 7 Message 5 Sat Jan 02, 1993 C128.JBEE (Forwarded) We are starting on a geoARC for the C-64 and C-128 in a few days. It will be completely menu driven. After that we will do a non-Geos menu driven program for both the C-64 and C-128 that runs without the CS-DOS shell. The deARCer will be freeware. I have no plans on supporting C-64 style zips or Lynx files as I think they are terrible to work with and are an obsolete way of archiving files. ------------ Category 3, Topic 7 Message 6 Sat Jan 02, 1993 GULLIBLE [Jon] (Forwarded) Zip code is useful in archiving 1541 disks to 1581 format. But, the program is already menu driven and I don't see how it could be made simpler. Lynx is a useless program. ------------ Category 3, Topic 7 Message 7 Tue Jan 19, 1993 D.HUFFMAN1 (Forwarded) I am starting to look around on Internet. Anybody have any ideas as to the existence or the feasibility of .Z decompression for the C64 ? Barring that, does anybody know where to find specs or C source code that might be adapted ? ------------ Category 3, Topic 7 Message 8 Tue Jan 19, 1993 C128.JBEE (Forwarded) If you mean C source code for .zip decompression it is in Lib#1 or #5 and was recently uploaded by B.Lucier1. I have found the ATARI ST or Orphan RT is packed with source code files for everything under the Sun. ------------ Category 3, Topic 7 Message 9 Tue Jan 19, 1993 R.KNOP1 [Rob Knop] (Forwarded) .Z files are produced by the Unix "Compress" command, and I'm pretty sure they're different from .zip files. Right now, I'm pretty sure there are no .Z decompressers for the 64, but I would expect that it probably can be done. (Making a .Z compressor, on the other hand, is probably a lot harder.) I will look around and see what I can find. Re: stuff that shows up on the ftp site I run, I try to rearchive it using a more "normal" C= archiver Sometimes for whatever reason (e.g. you might want to read the file under Unix) I will leave the .Z version there. -Rob ------------ Category 3, Topic 7 Message 10 Wed Jan 20, 1993 HOWIE-CBM (Forwarded) There is a perfectly fine un `.z' filer that runs in the 128's CP/M personality. I've used it many times. Most all of the CP/M programs today come with source code included. You might take a look at that file over in the CP/M RoundTable. Howie ------------ Category 3, Topic 7 Message 11 Sat Feb 13, 1993 F.OGLE [Color 64 BBS] at 14:44 EST I disagree re: Zip being obsolete, it's very nice to back up copy-protected disks that have hidden directories, etc. I do prefer arc tho -- easier to use :) ------------ Category 3, Topic 7 Message 12 Sun Feb 14, 1993 R.KNOP1 [Rob Knop] at 10:58 EST 3-7 Fred- Funny to hear you say that! I hear a lot of people say that arc is really hard to use. (Apparently arc on the 64 isn't as dependable or as easy to use as arc128 under CS-DOS? Dunno, I stick with arc128.) Meanwhile, they extol the virtues of zipcode.... A lot of people also greatly prefer Lynx to Arc, though I really don't know _what_ they are thinking :) . Maybe Lynx is faster, but I've only had trouble every time I've tried to use Lynx... and, anyway, I'm all for compression, and self-dearchiving archives whenever possible. -Rob ------------ Category 3, Topic 7 Message 13 Wed Feb 17, 1993 F.OGLE [Color 64 BBS] at 23:11 EST The answers, as a SysOp, are simple -- Some folks are not inclined to be very technical-minded, and LYNX, being all menu driven, caters to their needs. There are some SDA modules that are menu-driven, so SDA doesn't have quite the rep that ARC64 has for being SLLLLLOOOWWW, and not being menu- driven (to those reading this who are of this opinion, ARD-AID adds menus to ARD230 or ARC250). Using Zip-Code is very easy and painless (although it doesn't like RAMLINK), and in some cases, is necessary. I use ARC128 as much as possible, but in the C= world, Zipcode will always be used, simply because it fills a huge need. ------------ Category 3, Topic 7 Message 14 Sat Feb 27, 1993 CBM-ED [e.g.bell] at 09:16 EST Howie: I got a reply from Kent, and I think Noel would know more. Not only that, but I think Noel is the more technical... he has tons of stuff in the old Transactors... he was one of the major contributors... Besides, I met him in 1990, and I believe it was him that is the genius behind the SwiftLink. I don't have access to Internet except for here, and that is a premium service isn't it? I'm going to work with it for awhile today and then if I can't get it to go I'm going to put it on the back burner for awhile. This Kermit you mention... is it object file or source file. If it is object file it would be more trouble than it is worth. Besides, you know what Kent told me... most people have had trouble getting a transmit buffer to work and ended up going without it. Go figure... I may be barking up the wrong tree ------------ Category 3, Topic 7 Message 15 Sat Feb 27, 1993 HOWIE-CBM at 13:46 EST Ed, I do not know about source vs: object. All I know is it is a program which runs fine. If you need (or want) something transmitted to Noel, I'll gladly do it for you thru my INet connection. Feel free to send me whatever you may want sent. However, I see that ou are now close to getting this prob licked in any event. Quite an achievement considering how many others have tried. Howie ------------ Category 3, Topic 7 Message 16 Thu May 13, 1993 B.MCCANN2 [Bridget] at 20:59 EDT I am having a little difficulty, I'm not sure if this is the right place, but I'll give it a try. If this is not the right place to ask, please direct me to the proper topic. I'm not sure if it is me and my machine (being an IBM), however, I recently downloaded a couple files for a friend of mine who works with a Commodore 64 and is not a member of GEnie, two of them were with the extension of .ARC. However, when I went in to unpack them I got an error in the archive. Is this because of a corrupted file or because I am attempting to unpack a Commodore ARC'd file with an IBM machine. Any and all assistance would be appreciated as I will have to explain what to do to my friend once I get the files. One last thing, two of the other files I downloaded showed as having two separate designates for file name, ie. QUICK SHEET and COLUMN CALC, however that is not allowable on my IBM, will my downloading these files with my machine and new file name cause a problem when he attempts use them on his machine? Once again, thanks for any and all assistance forthcoming from both me and my friend. ------------ Category 3, Topic 7 Message 17 Thu May 13, 1993 CBM-ED [e.g.bell] at 23:26 EDT Bridget: BM> however, I recently downloaded a couple files for a friend BM> of mine who works with a Commodore 64 and is not a member of BM> GEnie, two of them were with the extension of .ARC. BM> However, when I went in to unpack them I got an error in the BM> archive. Is this because of a corrupted file or because I BM> am attempting to unpack a Commodore ARC'd file with an IBM BM> machine. More than likely, you have a Commodore ARC'd file that is not compatible with the IBM ARC dissolve code. There *are* some Commodore ARChives that are compatible, and the kick is that the .arc extension is the same. But... BM> I downloaded showed as having two separate designates for BM> file name, ie. QUICK SHEET and COLUMN CALC, however that is BM> not allowable on my IBM, will my downloading these files BM> with my machine and new file name cause a problem when he BM> attempts use them on his machine? This will cause more of a problem for you than for him. However, you and your friend will have to figure out some way to get the files from your hardware to his/hers. This can be a simple as a null-modem or as involved as uploading to another BBS and downloading again (yuch!). ------------ Category 3, Topic 7 Message 18 Fri May 14, 1993 B.MCCANN2 [Bridget] at 00:09 EDT -=-=-=- To: CBM-ED [e.g.bell] -=-=-=- > More than likely, you have a Commodore ARC'd file that is not > compatible with the IBM ARC dissolve code. There *are* some > Commodore ARChives that are compatible, and the kick is that the > .arc extension is the same. But... Okay, next question would be, I have the ARC. program, will my giving it to my friend by some means (re: your additional comments) enable him to unpack that file or will he need an ARC program specifically made for Commodores. If that is the case, what is the file number? > This will cause more of a problem for you than for him. > However, you and your friend will have to figure out some way > to get the files from your hardware to his/hers. This can be > a simple as a null-modem or as involved as uploading to > another BBS and downloading again (yuch!). Hmmmmm, this sounds as though it may be more complicated than I had originally thought since the computer that he uses is at his place of employment and I am not sure as to whether it has modem capabilities in order to allow him to access GEnie or any other BBS, nor do we have the flexibilty nor the knowledge to do a null-modem transfer. <sigh> Any suggestions as to where he might find a spreadsheet and/or database program that will work with his Com64 instead? Thank you for the assistance! ------------ Category 3, Topic 7 Message 19 Fri May 14, 1993 G.NOGGLE [Greg] at 00:30 EDT Big blue reader to convert the files from ibm format to c= works good in my experience. except for sone the upper/lower case on letters(sometimes) I think there is a sharwhare or public domain utility that will do that also,don't becasue I ust BBR Greg ------------ Category 3, Topic 7 Message 20 Fri May 14, 1993 CBM-ED [e.g.bell] at 02:28 EDT Greg: That program, Big Blue Reader, will not solve her problem for 1, and perhaps 2, reasons. First, she is talking about executable files, which BBR does not convert unless I'm way off base. Second, since her friend has a C64, it us very likely that he also only has a 1541, which BBR does not support. Bridget: I am dialing in from work, and only at 1200, and on a Wang workstation, which is klunky at best. I'll try to give you better answers tomorrow when I get home and can manipulate things faster/ better. In the meantime someone else may provide some answers wrt database/spreadsheet programs. There are a lot of them available, mostly commercial as far as I know, but when available,they are far less expensive than their Big Blue counterparts. I will tell you this... you certainly posted your question in the right place. If you don't get an answer here within a short time, you may have a hard time finding it at all. ------------ Category 3, Topic 7 Message 21 Fri May 14, 1993 CBM-ED [e.g.bell] at 09:28 EDT Bridget: Ok, I'm home now and on at 2400, so..... BM> Okay, next question would be, I have the ARC. program, will BM> my giving it to my friend by some means (re: your additional BM> comments) enable him to unpack that file or will he need an BM> ARC program specifically made for Commodores. If that is BM> the case, what is the file number? He will need a program that runs on Commodores. Even if he has a PC and can use it to dissolve the Commodore archive (some are compatible) he would not be able to get it onto a Commodore disk that way, where it must be for him to use it. I did a search for the string 'arc' in our libraries. Here are a couple file numbers: eb> 2586 ARC230.4 X C.SMEETS 861107 13860 eb> 8014 CSX.SDA X ED.BELL 900603 13860 File 2586 is used to dissolve Commodore type archives. File 8014 is the set of files needed to dissolve IBM type archives on Commodore equipment. BM> Any suggestions as to where he might find a spreadsheet BM> and/or database program that will work with his Com64 BM> instead? I'm not sure what is available in the public domain or shareware. One solution that may prove most favorable is to contact a supplier of shareware/pd software. JBEE, the sysop here in the *FlagShip*, has such a library... a large one. Ordering software that way would definitely be advantageous. It would be cost efficient in terms of not having to download and dissolve files. Beyond that, it might be possible to watch for what others are selling. There are ALWAYS good deals to be had, and you can, in this vein, check out what has already been offered for sale over in category 10 of our BB. ------------ Category 3, Topic 7 Message 22 Fri May 14, 1993 B.MCCANN2 [Bridget] at 21:18 EDT Thanks Ed for the assistance, answering my questions and pointing me to other areas and additional things to investigate into further. Hopefully I'll be able to find something in the future that will work. ------------ Category 3, Topic 7 Message 23 Sat May 15, 1993 C128.JBEE at 04:58 EDT In the Flagship library: File # 7475 AX.ARC will let you dissolve C-64 SDA and .ARC files on an IBM computer. There is also an IBM PC shareware program that will read and write to a 1541/1571 disk drive with a special cable. You would have to check the IBM library for that one. Loadstar64 has easy to use database/spreadsheet programs for the C-64 for fairly inexpensive prices. Not the most powerful software but not the most expensive either :-) ------------ Category 3, Topic 7 Message 24 Sat May 15, 1993 HOWIE-CBM at 09:16 EDT Bridget, For spreadsheet and database programs I'd recommend getting the Digital Solution's SuperPak, which includes the integrated Pocket Writer2, Pocket Filer2, and Pocket Planner2. Word processor, data base and spread sheet programs. Nice thing about these three is that they are very easy to get up and running, yet _VERY_ powerful and flexible to do some very intense work with. Howie ------------ Category 3, Topic 7 Message 25 Sat May 15, 1993 R.KNOP1 [Rob Knop] at 09:35 EDT Ed, a couple of messages back you are "way off base" :) Big Blue Reader can transfer executable files just fine. Just download them as binary files, and do the BBR transfer with no translation and no LF stripping, and the binary file will arrive at the 64 intact. I do that sort of thing myself all the time. The 1541 problem is more serious however, because BBR will indeed not work with a 1541. There is a program I've got called x1541 for the IBM which, if I understand correctly, is advertised to read and/or write 1541 disks in an IBM 5.25" disk drive. I have no idea if this works, because I have never tried it myself, and only infrequently use an MS-DOS machine myself. (My BBR transfers are done with 3.5" MS-DOS disks written by Amigas or Sun Workstations.) If I can find x1541, I will upload it shortly. -Rob ------------ Category 3, Topic 7 Message 26 Sat May 15, 1993 R.KNOP1 [Rob Knop] at 09:49 EDT Hmm, as it turns out, I was confused about what x1541 will do. The software is a driver which will let you read a 1541/1581 connected to the parallel port of an IBM. The catch is, you have to build the cable necessary to make the connection. This shouldn't be difficult for somebody who knows which end of a soldering iron not to scratch your head with, but is more of a production than I had at first thought. Let me know if folks would be interested in this. -Rob ------------ Category 3, Topic 7 Message 27 Sat May 15, 1993 HOWIE-CBM at 12:33 EDT Rob, So.... Which end of a soldering iron do I not scratch my head with? Did I just say this? :/ Howie ------------ Category 3, Topic 7 Message 28 Sat May 15, 1993 CBM-ED [e.g.bell] at 14:26 EDT Howie: HH> Which end of a soldering iron do I not scratch my head with? HH> Plug it in and wait about 5 minutes or so. After that, touch each end ever so lightly to your tongue. The end that doesn't stick is the one you scratch your head with. Geez... I gotta tell you guys EVERYTHING! ;^) ------------ Category 3, Topic 7 Message 29 Sun May 16, 1993 CMD-DOUG at 00:22 EDT Rob, Can you get that file and cable spec to me? Thanks. :) Doug ------------ Category 3, Topic 7 Message 30 Sun May 16, 1993 M.NEUS [Neusoft] at 22:57 EDT I am definately interested in the X1541 program...please send it I've also heard roumers of a C64 emulator for the IBM, does anyone know about that??? Mike ------------ Category 3, Topic 7 Message 31 Tue May 18, 1993 C128.JBEE at 03:04 EDT It exists, I don't have it though. Obviously SID and VIC things are not going to work well, mostly for porting applications. ------------ Category 3, Topic 7 Message 32 Tue May 18, 1993 HOWIE-CBM at 08:25 EDT Ed! LOL!!! Howie ------------ Category 3, Topic 7 Message 33 Tue Aug 17, 1993 R.ALBRECHT3 [commieuser] at 01:08 EDT OK, I just recieved a program bug fix for my BBS and it was uploaded in the "ARC" format. I don't have any idea how to unpack this program, which I need to repair some problems with my BBS. It's a 128 file (for a Commie 128) I have tried to use some kind of Arc program which I donloaded from another BBS, but I can't seem to get it to work. All I want is for the files to be de- compressed or whatever so I can use them! Any help would be appreciated. Thanks. ------------ Category 3, Topic 7 Message 34 Tue Aug 17, 1993 HOWIE-CBM at 02:44 EDT Commieuser, The syntax for unarcing a file is: arc/xd a:filename.arc The "x" tells arc to unarc The "d" is optional, but if used will tell arc what drive to write the files contained in the arc. The "a" is also optional but can be used to direct arc to the drive where the arced file is located. Filename.arc is the file with all the goodies. :) Howie ------------ Category 3, Topic 7 Message 35 Fri Aug 20, 1993 G.CORREA [RAMRunner] at 22:43 EDT Okay, this is going to sound a bit crazy- just warning you folks in advance. I was at the local users group meeting last Monday, and a new guy walks up to me and asks me if I know anything about Plus 4's. I guess everyone referred him to me while my back was turned. At any rate, my answer was, I knew I had one in my closet. Encouraged, he asked me about software and all, and sooner or later that night, I was up here, accumulating a list of all the Plus-4 files in the base. Now, if you're curious, take a quick look- it won't take long, and it's all in it's own section. What struck me was the amount of ARCed files ang (whups) and the corresponding LACK of anything to de-ARC them. Unless I missed something, which is possible, there isn't a version of ARC in the Plus-4 library, which makes me think there isn't one for the Plus-4 at all. Good ol' Omega-Q (sorry!) to the rescue here, which is fine, but as all this guy has is a Plus-4, he can't very well run O-Q on it, now can he? And I for one do not wish to be long-term involved with his quest for software. I don't mind much, but I know in time it'll get on both our nerves. So: can anyone think waaay back to the dark ages of computing, and remember if there actually was a program that ARCed or deARCed on a Plus-4? Don't mention high-voltage stuff, either. I might be tempted. ;) As it is, I fried mine trying to get a Hayes modem to go on it to test out a term program for him. Thanks! ------------ Category 3, Topic 7 Message 36 Fri Aug 20, 1993 HOWIE-CBM at 23:25 EDT Gil, Good questions... Howie ------------ Category 3, Topic 7 Message 37 Sat Aug 21, 1993 C128.JBEE at 05:53 EDT There never was an ARC version for the +4 and there never will be. To get online you need a modem and terminal program for downloading. There never was one (that worked well) so you had to use a C-64 to grab any +4 files you needed. Since the biggest advantage of .arc is to compress files for online transfer and you could not transfer files online with the +4 there was never a need for an archive program for the +4. :) ------------ Category 3, Topic 7 Message 38 Sun Aug 22, 1993 G.CORREA [RAMRunner] at 22:13 EDT Yeah, that's about what I figured. At this point, I'd almost consider arguing with you as to the "there never will be"- I'm sure I could write one. :) So, has PARSEC got anything for a PLUS-4...? :) ------------ Category 3, Topic 7 Message 39 Sun Aug 22, 1993 G.CORREA [RAMRunner] at 22:31 EDT Okay, now that my foot has been firmly planted (good thing I don't need my mouth to type...), I know there's source code for ARC somewhere. Can someone point me in the right direction...? :) Thanks. ------------ Category 3, Topic 7 Message 40 Mon Aug 23, 1993 C128.JBEE at 10:25 EDT Source code for the Commodore .ARC has never been released. If it was I never would have bought .ARC and CS-DOS from Chris Smeets. Though a deARCer is possible, I think you will have to go a ways to implement an ARCer. Source code for almost all the various formats of compression can be found in the other computing RTs such as the TI/99 - Orphan RT. The basics for squeeze and unsqueeze routines were published in Transactor at one time. There was a Jim Butterfield column that mapped out the +4 in Transactor if I am not mistaken. You convince me there are more than 100 people with a +4 and a modem and I will add support for it :) ------------ Category 3, Topic 7 Message 41 Fri Sep 03, 1993 G.CORREA [RAMRunner] at 01:05 EDT Well, it's a moot point now as my friend who started the whole ball of wax rolling now has a 64. Hey, saves me some trouble. ...And as to having more than 100 Pluggers out there... well, I'm sure there's something close to that figure. World-wide. And I'd doubt very many could be found on GEnie... ;) I *will*, however, check out the source codes. Isn't the Commodore implimentation of ARC different from what CS-DOS' supports...? ------------ Category 3, Topic 7 Message 42 Sat Sep 04, 1993 J.JONES36 [LOADSTAR] at 02:32 EDT I have THE COMPRESSION KIT from MADMAN SOFTWARE. Archiving can't be any easier than that. Menu driven. BELLTERM and RTCMASTER will unarc while downloading. Can't get much easier than that -- Except maybe if you're downloading to a CMD native partition, a subdire for the unarced files is made available. ------------ Category 3, Topic 7 Message 43 Sun Sep 05, 1993 CBM-ED [e.g.bell] at 11:32 EDT JJ> BELLTERM and RTCMASTER will unarc while downloading. Can't get JJ> much easier than that -- Except maybe if you're downloading JJ> to a CMD native partition, a subdire for the unarced files is JJ> made available. BellTerm will do it... RTCMaster won't (yet) ;) Not sure what you mean about the CMD native partition tho. ------------ Category 3, Topic 7 Message 45 Sat Sep 11, 1993 C128.JBEE at 17:48 EDT I found it many times faster (like the 10x range) just to dump the labels to disk and then print them with a compiled Basic program, instead of using Superbase for dumping the labels. ------------ Category 3, Topic 7 Message 46 Sun Feb 13, 1994 D.BOBER [RENTaLASER] at 00:18 EST I've downloaded some files that have been arced (.arc). Is there a utility that will de-arc them. Perhaps a utility that works in GEOS and outside of GEOS? I have searched the libs and can't find anything. I have OMEGA-Q, leftover from Q-Link. (gag!) Woudld rather have something else... ------------ Category 3, Topic 7 Message 47 Mon Feb 14, 1994 LLOYD at 03:33 EST I don't know why the "gag!". Omega-q is probably the easiest and fastest way to un-arc files. I use ARC250.04 to arc files and Omega-q to un-arc them. However, ARC250.04 could do both. Lloyd ------------ Category 3, Topic 7 Message 48 Tue Feb 15, 1994 C128.JBEE at 15:35 EST > D.BOBER > I've downloaded some files that have been arced (.arc). Is there a utility > that will de-arc them. Perhaps a utility that works in GEOS and outside The new "arc" archives (in SFX form) will be available this week and uploaded to library #9. ------------ Category 3, Topic 7 Message 49 Tue Feb 15, 1994 C128.JBEE at 15:40 EST > G.HOYLE > Basically, I want an easy-to-use program to archive files for easy > upload/download. Is there such a thing? You tell me! The new archives for ARC64 (with the SDA modules included) will be available in Library #9 soon. ARC64 is pretty easy to use if you read the docs. ------------ Category 3, Topic 7 Message 50 Thu Feb 17, 1994 LLOYD at 01:53 EST NEW ARC64 !!!!? Where's the excedren....... Lloyd ------------ 3