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ALIB Version 1.0
==================
Copyright (C) 1994 Owens Consulting and
Jeff Owens, 04-09-94
24551 Metzler Park
Estacada, OR 97023
kowens@teleport.com
What is it?
-------------
ALIB is a library of common functions needed by assembly
language programmers. Some of the functions included in
ALIB are:
* Database * Compression * Memory Manager
* Menuing * Floating Math * Hyper text
* Windowing * Hardware analysis
Why was it written?
-------------------
For years assembly language has been regarded as somewhat
tedious and difficult, but its small size, unlimited
freedom, and performance have kept it very much alive.
This library attempts to remove some of the tedium by
adding a set of high level functions to the programmers
arsenal. With ALIB it is possible to write DOS programs
in a few minutes.
What hardware and software is needed?
-------------------------------------
For use with IBM PS/2, XT, PC and compatibles with DOS 2.1
or greater capability. The following software will be
needed to make use of ALIB:
1. Assembler for 8088,8086,80386, etc. Known assemblers
are: A86 (Shareware), MASM (Microsoft), TASM
(Borland), OPTASM (SLR Systems).
2. Linker to handle the .OBJ file produced by
the assembler. Linkers are usually sold
with the assembler except in the case of
A86.
3. Debugger for testing. Many assemblers have
a companion debugger which is sold separately.
All of these debuggers are adequate. The
old standby DOS DEBUG program will work, but
it needs symbolic capability for serious
work. The independently produced Periscope
debuggers are also very good.
How do I install it?
--------------------
To initially explore ALIB it is best to place it in a
separate directory and work with it there. No special
installation process is necessary. Eventually, the
library itself (ALIB.LIB) can be placed in a common
directory of assembly tools and the remaining files
archived.
What files make up ALIB?
------------------------
ALIB.LIB Library of functions
ALIB1.DOC General information
ALIB2.DOC Summary of library functions
ALIB3.DOC Detailed description of library functions
TEMPLATE.ASM Sample format for most programs
COMMON.INC Inputs for sample programs
MAC.INC Macros for sample programs
LOAN.ASM Sample program, computes loan parameters
LOAN.EXE
COMPRES.ASM Sample program, compress a file
COMPRES.EXE
RESTOR.ASM Sample program, uncompress a file
RESTOR.EXE
EDREC.ASM Sample program & library utility (see file)
EDREC.EXE
HYPER.ASM Sample program to demonstrate hyper text
HYPER.DAT Hyper text data for HYPER.EXE
HYPER.EXE Sample program and tutorial
FILE_ID.DIZ Short description for BBS usage
What files help with understanding ALIB?
----------------------------------------
Assembly language programmers can get started by looking at
TEMPLATE.ASM and then using ALIB2.DOC, ALIB3.DOC and the sample
programs as reference maternal. Novice programmers should probably
execute the sample program called HYPER and study the material,
then study the sample programs, starting with TEMPLATE.ASM.
Is registration necessary?
--------------------------
Registration of ALIB is not required for personal or
commercial use. However, ALIB is a shareware product and
without support will not continue in its development. Three
levels of registration are recognized:
1. Programmers who have the time and interest can register
by evaluating ALIB and sending their comments to the
author. The reward will be a clear conscious and lead
to an improved ALIB. The minimum information needed
is the version reviewed and general impressions.
2. Programmers wanting to keep current can send $20 to
receive the next update and obtain access to a support
line.
3. Serious programmers who want to actively assist with
development should contact the author about adding
functions, evaluating problems, and obtaining source.
Program and Manual by Jeff Owens
Owens Consulting, 24551 Metzler Park
Estacada Oregon 97023
Can I distribute ALIB to others?
--------------------------------
You are free to distribute this program, provided that
neither the program nor this document are changed, and the
program and this document are kept together. Only a
marginal fee may be asked for shipment and handling when
distributing. You are not allowed to sell this program.
What if problems occur?
-----------------------
Problems? What problems? After two years of work no
programmer wants to talk about problems. But, the truth
is that problems will occur. Either the documentation
will not be adequate, bugs will be found, or necessary
features will be missing. The answer to all these
problems is the same, either discard ALIB or support it.
My pledge is to support ALIB without any monetary gain as
long as there is a reasonable interest level.
Legal disclaimer
---------------
THIS SOFTWARE IS PROVIDED "AS IS" WITHOUT WARRANTY OF ANY
KIND, EITHER EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING, BUT NOT
LIMITED TO, THE IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND
FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. THE ENTIRE RISK AS TO
THE QUALITY AND PERFORMANCE OF THE PRODUCT IS WITH YOU.
SHOULD THE PRODUCT PROVE DEFECTIVE, YOU ASSUME THE COST OF
ALL NECESSARY SERVICING, REPAIR OR CORRECTION.
IN NO EVENT WILL OWENS CONSULTING, OR ANY OTHER PARTY WHO
MAY HAVE REDISTRIBUTED THE PRODUCT AS PERMITTED ABOVE, BE
LIABLE TO YOU FOR DAMAGES, INCLUDING ANY GENERAL, SPECIAL,
INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES ARISING OUT OF THE USE
OR INABILITY TO USE THE PRODUCT (INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED
TO LOSS OF DATA OR DATA BEING RENDERED INACCURATE OR
LOSSES SUSTAINED BY YOU OR THIRD PARTIES OR A FAILURE OF
THE PRODUCT TO OPERATE WITH ANY OTHER PROGRAMS), EVEN IF
SUCH HOLDER OR OTHER PARTY HAS BEEN ADVISED OF THE
POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES.
Limitations:
-------------
ALIB is definitely not for everyone. If you are interested in
graphic screens, buttons, etc. then look elsewhere. This
library is not for graphic applications. On the other
hand, lack of graphics greatly increases compatibility,
speed, and reduces code size.
ALIB is not designed to be accessed from other languages.
It is possible, but not advised. The use of registers,
memory, and display all are designed as if ALIB is the
main program.
ALIB is not designed for use with TSR (Terminate and
Stay Resident) programs. Most of the f