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X-DOS Version 5.0
Disk Operating System
User's Manual
COPYRIGHT NOTICE
X-DOS 5.0 is a copyrighted product and thus is protected by U.S.
and international copyright law. X-DOS 5.0 refers to the X-DOS
operating system, its utilities and help files as well as the
manual. You are granted a license to use X-DOS only under the
terms and conditions specified in this license agreement.
SHAREWARE DEFINITION
X-DOS 5.0 is distributed as a shareware software, which can be
copied and distributed by anybody as long as the content of X-DOS
is not altered. The 'Shareware' mark in the X-DOS boot up and
copyright screen should not be removed. X-DOS is not public
domain software. When you obtain a copy of X-DOS 5.0 from
Bulletin Board System, friends, computer clubs, or any other
ways, you are granted the right to try X-DOS on one computer for
21 days. If after this period of time you decide to continue to
use X-DOS, you must buy a registered version from HBS.
REDISTRIBUTION OF X-DOS
You may redistribute your shareware version of X-DOS as long as
the X-DOS files are not modified. You cannot use any of X-DOS
program files, help files ... into another commercial package.
However you are entitled to distribute the X-DOS.SYS file freely
if it is included in a demo package for auto boot providing that
this demo is distributed free of charge.
DISCLAIMER
HBS Inc. makes no representations or warranties with respect to
the contents or use of this manual, and specifically disclaims
any express or implied warranties of merchantability or fitness
for any particular purpose. HBS Inc. reserves the right to make
changes to its content, at any time, without obligation to notify
any person or entity of such revisions or changes.
In no event shall HBS Inc. or its suppliers be liable for any
damages whatsoever (including, without limitation, damages for
loss of business profits, business interruption, loss of business
information, or other pecuniary loss) arising out of the use of
or inability to use X-DOS, even if HBS Inc. has been advised of
the possibility of such damages.
Hitech Business Software
P.O. Box 1052
Cambridge, MA 02238-1052, USA
Tel 1-(617)-783-0878
Fax 1-(617)-787-7804
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
X-DOS is the registered trademark of Hitech Business Software
Inc. All trademarks mentioned in this manual are the registered
trademarks of their respective companies.
Chapter 1.
An Introduction to X-DOS
Introduction
X-DOS 5.0 is an enhanced Disk Operating System (DOS) for personal
computers. It runs on 8088, 8086, 80186, 80286, 80386, i486 and
compatible microprocessors and supports a wide variety of
additional hardware. X-DOS is versatile, fast, and user-friendly
and is designed as a replacement for other disk operating systems
for personal computers.
What is a Disk Operating System?
You may be wondering why you need a disk operating system like X-
DOS 5.0 in the first place. The reason is simple; you will not be
able to run any existing application programs on your personal
computer without first loading a disk operating system. The disk
operating system is the link between the hardware (your computer)
and the software (any program you may wish to use on your
computer). Without going into too much detail, disk operating
systems handle all input and output between the computer, its
peripheral equipment, and the software program.
What is Special about X-DOS?
If you have a PC you must already be using a disk operating
system, so you may well may be wondering why you should switch to
X-DOS. If you start using X-DOS you will soon find out that there
are many reasons. X-DOS 5.0 has a user-friendly interface as well
as an extensive help on all commands, to guide you through the
initial stages.
In addition, X-DOS 5.0 includes a number security measures that
were not previously available at the operating system level.
These security features include the following:
* Partition password protection for partitions on hard disks
with the FDISK command.
* Management of password protection on partitions with the LOCK
and UNLOCK commands.
* Read-Only protection for partitions on hard disks with the
FDISK command.
* File encryption with the ENCODE and DECODE commands.
* The capability to hide files and directories from prying eyes
with the ATTRIB command.
* Deletion of files so they cannot be undeleted with the
WIPEFILE command.
Besides protecting your data X-DOS also provides utilities to
ensure the integrity of your data. These features include:
* Checking of up to 256 files for a possible virus attack with
the VIRUSCHK command.
* Making FORMAT perform a SAFE FORMAT of diskettes and hard
disks so that all data can be recovered from an accidentally
formatted hard disk.
* Making CHKDSK perform a surface analysis of a diskette or hard
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disk to check for bad sectors which may have developed since
the disk(ette) was formatted.
* CHKDSK will mark any bad sectors unusable and try to recover
any data which is located in the same area (cluster) as the
bad sector.
* Recovering of accidentally deleted files with the UNDEL
command.
In addition to the above mentioned features, X-DOS 5.0 gives you
many other commands and utilities which are not included in other
DOSs.
How to Use this Manual
Below is given a brief overview of the contents of each chapter
in this manual to enable you to quickly find the information you
require.
Chapter 1. - An Introduction to X-DOS
A brief overview of the X-DOS operating system.
Chapter 2. - Special Terms and Features in X-DOS
An introduction to the terminology used when discussing the
components of an operating system. Most of this terminology is
common to the industry and experienced users will not need to
read a large part of this chapter.
This chapter also introduces some of the special features of X-
DOS and how X-DOS differs from other operating systems so we
suggest that all users glance through this chapter in order to
appreciate some of the advanced features of X-DOS.
Chapter 3. - Backing Up your X-DOS Diskette
Details of how to boot up your PC with the X-DOS operating
diskette and use the X-DOS Diskcopy command to create a backup
copy of the diskette. All users should read this chapter.
Chapter 4. - Installing X-DOS
This chapter provides an introduction to the files on the X-DOS
diskette and instructs you how to install X-DOS on a diskette or
hard disk using the X-DOS INSTALL program. A brief description of
the settings that can be automatically made in your CONFIG.SYS
file using the X-DOS INSTALL program is also given. All users
should read this chapter.
Chapter 5. - Internal Configuration Commands
A detailed description of the internal configuration commands
that can be entered in the CONFIG.SYS file, as introduced in
Chapter 4. You can refer to this chapter if you wish to
understand more about the full range of settings available with
the X-DOS internal configuration commands or would like to modify
your CONFIG.SYS file.
Chapter 6. X-DOS Command Reference
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A complete reference to all the internal and external X-DOS
commands. You should refer to this chapter when you do not
understand how to use a command and wish to fully understand the
range of options available with each command.
Chapter 7. - The X-DOS Batch Language
A complete reference to the commands and parameters that can be
used to create batch files. Batch files, of which AUTOEXEC.BAT is
the most common example, can be used to automate repetitive
tasks.
Chapter 8. - The X-DOS Shell
A complete explanation of how to use the X-DOS Shell, which
provides a full screen menu drive interface to carry out all your
file and disk drive operations. Instructions are also given as to
how to use the Applications function in the shell to create your
own easy to use menus to run your favorite programs.
Chapter 9. - The X-DOS Editor
Detailed instructions on all the functions of ED, the X-DOS full
screen editor.
Chapter 10. - The X-DOS Backup and Restore Program
Full instructions on using the XBACK program to backup the data
on your hard disk(s).
Chapter 11. - Debug Command Reference
A complete command reference for the X-DOS DEBUG program.
Chapter 12. - Using X-COM
Complete instructions as to how to use the X-COM data
communications program which can be run from the command line or
from the X-DOS shell. This chapter includes basic information
about using a data communications program and a detailed command
reference.
Hardware Requirements
The following minimum system configuration is required for you to
be able to use the X-DOS 5.0 disk operating system on your
personal computer:
* A personal computer based on the Intel 8088, 8086, 80186,
80286, 80386, or 80486 microprocessor or compatible.
* A monochrome, Hercules, CGA, MCGA, EGA, or VGA graphics
adapter and supporting monitor.
* A minimum of 256K of memory recommended.
* One 360K, 720K, 1.2M, or 1.44M floppy drive.
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