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1990-05-15
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┌────────────────────────┐
│ VIzMARK version 2.00 │
└────────────────────────┘
(c) 1990 by FM de Monasterio All rights reserved
SUMMARY
VIzMARK measures the performance of several video input and output functions
of DOS and the ROM BIOS, that are commonly used by many programs, as well as
ANSI escape sequences in MDA-HGC-CGA-EGA-VGA video adapter systems. Requires
DOS 2+. Pressing <Ctrl-Break> aborts execution and returns to the DOS shell
at any time.
OPERATION
The first part of the test writes text to the video via various DOS and BIOS
interrupts; it can be avoided with switch T. Each category writes 10 screens
of text without scrolling and then 240 lines of scrolled text. Miscellaneous
BIOS services are also tested. If the video is in alphanumeric mode, page 0,
200 screens of text are mapped directly on the video buffer. The second part
sends a number of ANSI escape sequences to the screen via DOS interrupt 29h;
it can be avoided with switch A.
Many, but not all, video functions are tested. Their selection, and relative
testing weights, was based on a survey of the functions used in an arbitrary
sample of major commercial programs that do not use direct screen writes for
text display, as well as the DOS system files and their shell COMMAND.COM:
DOS services reflect processing time via interrupt 21h, function 40h ('write
to file or device') directed to handle #1, the Standard Output device. This
is the preferred DOS-mediated video service for DOS versions 2.0 and higher.
CON services reflect processing time via interrupt 29h, an undocumented back
door into the console output driver (bit 4=ON in the Device Header Attribute
word) providing a fast way to output characters to the screen.
BIOS services reflect processing time via interrupt 10h, testing many of the
basic text video functions provided by the BIOS. The 'teletype' function is
especially tested, as it is a most used BIOS-mediated video service.
OUTPUT
The data are displayed (default) or written/appended to the file VIZMARK.DAT
in the current drive and directory (switch W). Because of the nature of the
measurements, it is recommended that several readings be averaged. Selection
of switch W allows for appending such data samples, and for the use of batch
files to test different video conditions.
USAGE
Syntax: VIZMARK [/switches]
where
/A Avoids testing of video ANSI escape sequences.
/T Avoids testing of DOS/BIOS video text writing.
/W Writes the results to the file VIZMARK.DAT in the default (current)
drive/directory. If this file already exists, the data are appended
to the file contents.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
COPYRIGHT
These programs and their documentation (the "Software") are the copyrighted
property of F.M. de Monasterio. All rights are reserved. You may freely use
the Software for personal, non-commercial purposes. However, for corporate
or commercial applications, or both, you must obtain the written permission
in advance from the author and copyright owner at the address below:
F.M. de Monasterio
P.O. Box 219
Cabin John, MD 20818-0219
DISTRIBUTION and INJUNCTIONS
You may distribute this Software via magnetic, digital or electronic means,
but you are specifically prohibited from:
* Charging fees or asking donations in exchange of or payment
for copies of the Software.
* Distributing the Software with commercial products without
the written permission from the author and copyright owner.
* Distributing the Software via a for-profit organization or
group, either alone or with other software.
* Any unauthorized copying, decompiling or disassembling of
the Software.
LIMITATIONS
The author makes no warranty, either implied or expressed, including, with-
out limitation, any warranty with respect to this Software documented here,
its quality, performance, or fitness for a particular purpose. In no event
shall the author be liable for damage whether direct, indirect, incidental,
special, or consequential, that arises from the use of or any defect in the
Software. The entire risk as to the quality and performance of the Software
is solely with the user, and not with the author and copyright owner.
By using the Software, you acknowledge: (1) to have read and understood all
parts of this document, and (2) to have agreed with and accepted all of its
provisions.
----------------
Messages may be left at: The DC Information Exchange BBS (PC Board)
(202) 433-6639 (Sysop: Bill Walsh) 2400+
[END]