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EnigmA Amiga Run 1997 June
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EnigmA AMIGA RUN 19 (1997)(G.R. Edizioni)(IT)[!][issue 1997-06][EAR-CD III].iso
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pc-taskdemo42.lha
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PC-Task4_Demo
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ReadMe.Demo
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PC-TaskDemo 4.2
===============
486 PC with FPU Emulation for the Amiga
Copyright © 1992-7 Chris Hames
All Rights Reserved
ReadMe.Demo rev 2.0 4/05/1997
Copyright © 1997 Quasar Distribution & Chris Hames
Published exclusively by Quasar Distribution
Distribution and License
------------------------
This demo distribution may be freely copied as long as all files are
included and the following conditions are adhered to. No more than USD
$5.00 may be charged for a floppy disk containing it. This
distribution is for evaluation purposes only, any use beyond that
requires purchase of the complete PC-Task 4 package. All references
describing/advertising this distribution must clearly state that it is
a Demo version. This demo distribution may be freely placed on any
CD-ROM as long as the above conditions are adhered to. This demo
distribution may not be placed on any Magazine Cover Disk or Cover
CD-ROM, without the express written permission of Quasar Distribution.
You may not decompile, dissasemble, reverse engineer, modify, or
translate the program or documentation.
About the Program
-----------------
Even though the world computer market is still dominated by PC's, the
Amiga range of computers is excellent. You may wish to run PC software
but do not want to purchase a second computer. This is where PC-Task
is ideal. It allows you to run the majority of PC software packages
making use of the peripherals and memory which you already own.
This new, enhanced version of PC-Task breaks new ground by including
advanced Dynamic Compilation, giving PC-Task faster emulation than
previous versions. You can expect triple the performance in some
programs.
Program Description
-------------------
PC-Task 4 is the fastest software 80486 emulator for the Amiga
range of computers.
The following features are included in this release:
- Compatible with the 80486 processor
- Full FPU emulation
- The fastest software PC emulator for the Amiga
- Uses advanced Dynamic Compilation methods for speed
- Support for up to 16MB RAM (15MB extended) of PC memory under MS-DOS
- Up to 2 floppy drives and 2 hard drives supported
- Supports hard disk files and hard disk partitions
- High density floppies and CD-ROM support
- Select from MDA, CGA, EGA, VGA and SVGA (512K-2MB) video modes
- Support for up to 256 colours on AGA machines
- Compatible with graphic boards (eg. Cybergraphics, EGS Spectrum, Picasso)
- Parallel, Serial and PC speaker emulation
- Mouse support, including Serial Mouse emulation
- Run multiple PC-Task processes on the same machine
- Run MS-DOS applications in a window on a public screen (eg. Workbench)
- Transfer files between your Amiga and MS-DOS
- Support for David Salamon's GoldenGate bridge cards
- Compatible with MS Windows 3.0 - 3.11 *
- Will run Windows for Workgroups in Enhanced mode
* MS Windows 3.1 requires 1.5 MB contiguous RAM and sufficient hard disk
space (around 10MB)
NOTE: Neither MS-DOS or MS Windows are included.
About this Demo
---------------
This demo has been released to give you some idea of the speed and
functionality of the PC-Task package. You will not be able to run
software that needs to write to disk (such as MS Windows, FDisk, Format
etc.).
There are two versions of PC-Task included in this demo release. One,
called PC-TaskDemo_Dynamic and the other called PC-TaskDemo_Interpretive.
PC-TaskDemo_Dynamic uses advanced dynamic compilation methods in order
to achieve much faster emulation speed. Usually you would use this
Dynamic version as it is normally faster than the Interpretive version
(slower loading but faster running), but at a cost (it uses more memory)
PC-TaskDemo_Interpretive is included for those who are low on memory,
but it is unable to do paging. This means you will not be able to run
programs such as EMM386, games such as Descent, and most programs which
use a swap file with the Interpretive version. The Dynamic version does
not have this restriction, and does implement paging.
The full package contains the following features which have been
removed from this demo:
- A comprehensive user reference manual
- Writing to Floppy/HardDiskPartition/HardDiskFile enabled.
- Parallel port emulation enabled.
- The hardfile.device so you can use a Filesystem to access your PC-Task
or Bridgeboard HardDiskFile from AmigaDOS.
- An MS-DOS program to copy files from AmigaDOS to PC-Task
- An MS-DOS program to copy files from PC-Task to AmigaDOS
- An MS-DOS program to show AmigaDOS directories under PC-Task
- An MS-DOS program to quit PC-Task
- An MS-DOS program to start the mouse driver
- A CD-ROM driver allowing access to CD-ROMs under PC-Task's emulation
- Full technical support
Using the Demo
--------------
- System Requirements
PC-TaskDemo 4.2 requires an Amiga computer with at least 2MB of RAM
and AmigaOS 2.0+. Some display features will also be unavailable if
you do not have an AGA compatible Amiga or a third party graphics card.
- Running the Demo
The PC-Task 4.2 Demo can easily be run by double clicking either
the PC-TaskDemo_Dynamic or the PC-TaskDemo_Interpretive icon. The
program will load and display an option screen.
Click on the START button to start the emulation. Insert a bootable
DOS system disk into the drive specified as A on the option screen.
Pressing return should now boot DOS just like a real PC.
- Creating a Bootable MS-DOS Disk
In order for you to be able to use the PC-Task emulation (or even a
real PC) a bootable MS-DOS disk is needed unless you have a bootable
HardDiskFile or partition from which to boot. To create a system disk
(720K bootable) for use with PC-Task, you can insert a 3.5" DSDD
(double sided double density) disk in a real PC's drive A: and enter
at the MS-DOS prompt:
format A: /s Or
format A: /s /f:720 Or
format A: /s /n:9
Insert this disk when you boot the emulator.
A Brief Guide to some of PC-Task's Options
------------------------------------------
- The Option Screen
The option screen allows you to change the various functions of
PC-Task. To start the emulation just click the start button or press
the return key, after you have set the options to suit your
preferences.
- FPU Options
If you have an FPU in your Amiga, you will be able to select FPU
emulation by clicking in the top right checkbox labelled FPU. This
will allow you to run all PC software which requires an FPU.
- Dynamic Buffer Options
If you are running the Dynamic version of PC-Task4 Demo, you will be
given an option in the top right of the Option screen as to the size
of the Dynamic Buffer (Tiny, Small, Medium, Large, and Huge). The
actual memory these use range from approximately 512Kb for Tiny, right
up to approximately 1Mb + 4 times the memory you are allocating to the
emulation. See above for more information on the Dynamic version.
- Floppy Disk Options
On the bottom left of the option screen are two text gadgets used to
assign PC-Task's floppy drives A and B for use during emulation. The
floppy drives can be assigned to any device, by entering the name of
the drives into the text gadgets.
People who mount their drives as MS-DOS drives, so they can read and
write files using the AmigaOS 2.1+ MS-DOS filesystem, or other such
software, can enter the device names that they use for that (e.g. PC0:
& PC1:) in the text gadgets.
- Hard Disk Options
If you have an existing bridgeboard hard disk file, click the left
mouse button on one of the hard disk text gadgets and enter the file
name (including path) in the text gadget e.g. "Work:IBMHardDiskFile".
PC-Task does not work with JLink virtual drives.
You can also specify an existing MS-DOS partition that has been
FDisk'ed and formatted. Make sure that you do not have a
CrossDOSFileSystem line in your mountlist for that partition.
- Graphics Adapter Options
You can emulate five different display adapters with PC-Task. You can
toggle between modes by clicking the left mouse button on the gadget
right of the Graphics Adapter text.
MDA is a monochrome, text only adapter that gives faster screen updates.
CGA is the default graphics option and has the most complete
implementation and compatibility.
EGA will do the same modes as MDA and CGA and adds some higher
resolution graphics modes.
VGA will do all the modes of MDA, CGA, EGA and higher resolution
graphics modes. One VGA mode requires a machine with the AGA chipset
(such as the A1200 & A4000) or with a graphic board capable of 256
colours in order to display the correct colours. Other machines will
display the mode but with incorrect colours.
SVGA modes are high resolution graphics modes, some of which require a
machine with the AGA chipset or a graphics board capable of 256 colours
in order to display the correct colours. Other machines will display
the mode but with incorrect colours.
- Advanced Video Options
Underneath the Graphics Adapter options you are able to select Advanced
Video Options. This will bring up another window allowing you to
select the Amiga screen mode for each graphics mode available and
whether to open a window on seperate screen. The method of screen
update may also be changed.
- Video Modes
The modes supported by PC-Task are listed below:
Mode Type Size Graphics Adapters Colours
Mode $00 Text 40*25 CGA,EGA,VGA,SVGA 2
Mode $01 Text 40*25 CGA,EGA,VGA,SVGA 16
Mode $02 Text 80*25 CGA,EGA,VGA,SVGA 2
Mode $03 Text 80*25 CGA,EGA,VGA,SVGA 16
Mode $04 Graphics 320*200 CGA,EGA,VGA,SVGA 4
Mode $05 Graphics 320*200 CGA,EGA,VGA,SVGA 4
Mode $06 Graphics 640*200 CGA,EGA,VGA,SVGA 2
Mode $07 Text 80*25 MDA,EGA,VGA,SVGA 2
Mode $0D Graphics 320*200 EGA,VGA,SVGA 16
Mode $0E Graphics 640*200 EGA,VGA,SVGA 16
Mode $0F Graphics 640*350 EGA,VGA,SVGA 2
Mode $10 Graphics 640*350 EGA,VGA,SVGA 16
Mode $11 Graphics 640*480 VGA,SVGA 2
Mode $12 Graphics 640*480 VGA,SVGA 16
Mode $13 Graphics 320*200 VGA,SVGA 256
Mode $100 Graphics 640*400 VGA,SVGA 256
Mode $101 Graphics 640*480 SVGA 256
Mode $102/6a Graphics 800*600 VGA,SVGA 16
Mode $103 Graphics 800*600 SVGA 256
Mode $104 Graphics 1024*768 SVGA 16
Mode $105 Graphics 1024*768 SVGA (1Mb),SVGA (2Mb) 256
Mode $106 Graphics 1280*1024 SVGA (1Mb),SVGA (2Mb) 16
Mode $107 Graphics 1280*1024 SVGA (2Mb) 256
- Mouse, Parallel, Serial & Sound Options
You can toggle the Parallel, Serial, Mouse and Sound gadgets to on or
off by clicking the left mouse button on these gadgets at the top
right of the option screen.
The Mouse option emulates a Microsoft compatible serial mouse on COM2.
The Sound option emulates basic PC motherboard sound. (simple beeps etc.)
- Memory Options
In the bottom right of the option screen there are three sets of
left/right gadgets that allow you to change memory options of the PC.
Conventional Memory
Sets the amount of memory PC-Task will allocate for emulation with the
maximum base memory allowed being 704K, if MDA or CGA graphics adapter
selected, and 640K if EGA, VGA or SVGA is selected. For best
compatibility select 640K. If the emulator fails to get the amount set
it will try for a smaller amount until it gets too low to be
functional.
Extended Memory
Sets the amount of extended memory which will be allocated for
emulation. You are able to select up to 15MB of extended memory. It
is best if you do not allocate all available fast RAM on your Amiga for
emulation. If you allocate more, PC-Task may use Chip memory, which
will slow down the emulation. To use extended memory you must use
HIMEM.SYS. Consult your MS-DOS manual for futher details.
Minimum Leave Available
This is the minimum amount of memory that the emulator will leave
available for other Amiga programs, after it has allocated the main
memory.
- ToolTypes and Keywords
LANGUAGE = ENGLISH, DEUTSCH or FRANÇAIS - Forces PC-Task's language
PUBSCREEN = (PUBSCREEN NAME) - Select which Public Screen
PC-Task windows will open on.
FORCEFASTMEM
Force PC-Task to get the PC memory from Fast RAM. This is only of use
if you have more chip memory than fast memory. Normally Fast RAM is
allocated first, but if you have more Chip memory than Fast Memory, Chip
will be used first. But Chip memory is slower than Fast memory, so
sometimes you may wish for speed over memory.
TIMERFACTOR keyword/tootype allows changing of the PC system timer.
Normally a timer interrupt happens 18.2 times a second. The problem is
when games and other programs change this to a more frequent value and then
excute a large amount of code in the interrupt causing slowdown or halt of
the CPU emulation if PC-Task cannot keep up. So this keyword fixes the
timer to the factor you set eg:-
TIMERFACTOR=1 Timer 18.2 times a second and never change from this
TIMERFACTOR=2 Timer 9.1 times a second and never change from this
etc
- Rebooting & Quitting the Emulator
PC-Task can be rebooted just like a real PC, using the same keys as a
PC. To do this, press the Ctrl-Alt-DEL keys all at the same time.
To quit the emulator press LeftAmiga-RightAmiga-DEL or RightAmiga-DEL.
General notes - Please Read!
----------------------------
It is very important for speed that PC-Task is not using chip(graphics)
memory for CPU emulation make sure you are not trying to get too much
PC memory (or Dynamic Buffer) and ending up have some of it allocated
in your slower memory. You can if in doubt use the FORCEFASTMEM
keyword/tooltype which will make sure PC-Task will not use slow memory
to get the PC memory you requested.
PC-Task_Dynamic takes a long time to execute a CONFIG.SYS with a
HIMEM.SYS line that doesn't have the option /TESTMEM:OFF in it. eg:-
PC-Task_Dynamic is considerably slower loading/start software but excels
when all that is done and code is just executing (but not continually
self modifying like some games do including Doom).
PC-Task_Dynamic is very memory instensive so performance may be
disappointing with some programs compared to PC-Task_Interpretive if you
have slow memory (like A3640 that is in stock A4000/040/25).
PC-Task_Dynamic's buffer settings currently use Tiny(512K), Small(1.5Meg),
Medium(5.25 Mb), Large(9.5 Mb), Huge (PC memory times 4, plus 2 Mb) memory.
640K conventional counts as 1 meg. The huge setting is usually gives the
fastest CPU emulation.
PC-Task_Interpretive does not do paging so you cannot run emm386, Windows
in 386 enhanced, and generally programs that have a swap file with that
version.
If you are unhappy with graphics update please go to advanced options and
change the update method (for every PC mode or just the one you are unhappy
about) to after 4 frames and see if that is better, or if already at that
setting try the immediate update method.
Don't run EMM386 (check your config.sys) unless you really want to as
it slows down PC-Task.
Windows runs faster in standard mode so if you don't need 386 enhanced you
might want to use win/s command line to force windows into standard mode.
If your mouse isn't working under Windows, go into the Windows directory
under MS-DOS, and change the MOUSE.INI text file to read "MouseType=SERIAL2"
instead of "MouseType=PS2".
Cybergraphics users should select 8bit cybergraphics screen modes if they
are going to use cybergraphics modes. If they select >8bit the
cybergraphics routines would be used as they only know 8 bit case.
If you are running a grater than 8bit Workbench screen under Cybergraphics,
and PC-Task isn't starting, either change Workbench so it is on 256 colours
or less, or add the ToolType PUBSCREEN=Workbench.
If you aren't getting a cursor, and using a graphics board, change the
graphics update to something other than Immediate (in Advanced video
options).
Purchasing the full PC-Task product
-----------------------------------
- Availability
PC-Task 4 is available from Quasar Distribution, Authorised
Distributors and their dealers. PC-Task is available as:
PC-Task 4.2 - PC-Task 4.2 English program and documentation
PC-Task 4.2 DEU - PC-Task 4.2 German program and documentation
PC-Task 4.2 is NOT available directly from Chris Hames
- Ordering from Quasar Direct
Current pricing from Quasar Distribution is:
PC-Task 4.2 AUD $114.00 (including shipping)
Quasar Distribution are able to accept payment in the following forms:
Visa / Mastercard (please include expiry)
International Money Order (made payable to Quasar Distribution)
Bank Draft (made payable to Quasar Distribution)
Cash (we don't recommend sending cash through the mail)
Bank Cheque drawn in US or Australian Dollars
Orders should be forwarded to Quasar Distribution at the address below.
Please contact your local Authorised Distributor for local pricing and
availability.
- Upgrades from previous versions
Registered users of Version 3.0/3.1 of PC-Task are currently being mailed
update offers via the mail. The cost of an upgrade from Version 3.0/3.1
is AUD$60 (including delivery). Feel free to order PC-Task before you
receive your update offer by calling/faxing/emailing us at the details
listing above. Please remember to supply your registration number.
Users of the Quasar Distribution package who have not returned their
product registration card, should contact Quasar Distribution, or their
local authorised distributor for upgrade pricing and availability.
Registered users of version 2.0 or before are also being mailed out an
offer. The cost to register these version is AUD$84.00 including delivery.
Contact Information
------------------
Quasar Distribution (Publisher) can be contacted at:
Quasar Distribution
P.O. Box 101
Vermont
Victoria 3133
Australia
Phone +61 (0)3 9887 2411
Fax +61 (0)3 9887 2511
BBS +61 (0)3 9587 5004
InterNet: pctask@ozemail.com.au
WWW: http://www.ozemail.com.au/~pctask
Authorised Distributors (as of 4/5/97)
----------------------------------------
Australia (and anywhere else not listed)
Quasar Distribution
P.O. Box 101
Vermont
Victoria 3133
Australia
Phone +61 (0)3 9887 2411
Fax +61 (0)3 9887 2511
BBS +61 (0)3 9587 5004
Germany
Casablanca Multimedia
Wiemelhauser Straße 247a
44799 Bochum 1
Germany
Phone +49 (0)234 7 20 35
Fax +49 (0)234 7 20 60
Canada and North America
Wonder Computers
1315 Richmond Road
Ottawa, Ontario
K2B 8J7
Phone: 613-721-1993
Fax: 613-721-1994
U.K.
Wizard Developments
PO Box 490,
Dartford, Kent
England DA1 2UH
Phone +44 (0)1322 527800
Fax +44 (0)1322 527810
Italy
AG Computer
Via Plebis Rea, 25 A/B
Agrigento 92100
Italy
Phone 0922/21954
Fax 0922/27805
Norway
DataKompaniet
Prof. Brochs gt. 6
N-7030 Trondheim, Norway
Phone: +47 7354 0375
Fax: +47 7394 3861
New Zealand
Haydon Computers
P.O. Box 12018
Christchurch
New Zealand
Phone/Fax ++64 3 3899674
All distribution enquiries should be directed to Quasar Distribution.
Trademarks
----------
PC-Task is a trademark of Chris Hames used under exclusive license by
Quasar Distribution. IBM, VGA, EGA, CGA & MDA are trademarks of
International Business Machines Corp.. MS-DOS is a registered
trademark and Windows is a trademark of Microsoft Inc.. All other
trademarks are trademarks of their respective owners.
Disclaimer
----------
No responsibility or liability will be accepted for any damage that may
appear to have resulted from use of this program. All use is at your
own risk. The software is provided "as is" without any warranty
implied or otherwise to the fitness or accuracy of the software and
documentation. The documentation is believed to be correct but the
author and/or publisher reserves the right to update the software
and/or documentation without notice.
PC-Task History
---------------
V4.0 Version 4.0 Commercial Release
V4.1 Changed default to update after 2 frames for some PC display modes
because it is usually faster for them.
Improved after # frames EGA/VGA 2/16 color modes compatability, for
some games. Now more compatible than immediate update.
Fixed some CPU problems with some DPMI's.
Improved CPU emulation speed when paging.
Improved CPU emulation speed a bit when in protected/virtual86 mode.
Improved cybergfx support for some PC display modes.
Fixed Dynamic CPU emulation for some BASIC programs.
V4.2 Dynamic now has FPU emulation for machines with FPU. Can now
watch Quake without third party pc fpu emulation software!
Mode 3 (80*25 text) added update after # of frames, it renders
the cursor instead of using sprite (hip hip..).
Faster cybergraphics routines for Mode 3 both immediate and
after # frames (new), also Mode 13 after # frames.
Tweaked interpretive version a bit for branch prediction.
Dynamic now faster adding code to the cache so software
including Windows loads faster. Testing memory (eg HIMEM.SYS)
now faster.
Dynamic now handles self modifying code better causing less
recompiles (Doom much faster, probably other DOS4GW stuff).
Dynamic buffer sizes now bigger Medium 5Meg->5.25Meg, Large
9Meg->9.5Meg, Huge 4*PC + 1Meg -> 4*PC + 2Meg. Speeds up
loading of Windows 386 enhanced, lots of code etc.
Dynamic small speed improvements in code generated.
Dynamic less cache clearing with 68040/60.
Possible crashing when OpenScreen/OpenWindow failed fixed.