Adventurer #13 31 марта 2002

Софт

Interface - Overview of Windows like shells and systems for ZX Spectrum.

     (C) Nuts


          ZX-DOSes and WINDOWSes

  A review of the aforementioned Staff,

   produced during a certain Nuts'om

       severe SpekoDepressii.


     That's already that time starts grinding bone to all those 
who wanted obyat neobyatnoe and write its operating

system ...

     There will not be written next
review on the topic "Do IS-DOS" or
"Benefits for CP / M Profi" - data
surveys have repeatedly called the set
disputes and discord in the pages of the electronic media. No, 
I will now review other DOSov and OSov are less, or, more 
correctly, even less known to the public .... 


     The fact is that the dream was to create
something more convenient to manage than the bare TR-DOS. The 
story begins with numerous and helluva lot of clever casks and 
then Commanderie having capability to run external programs 
loaded. 

     And, for some time, began to run not only BASICi and 
MagickI, but also code blocks, and then the modules in a 
special format. The breakthrough began with the release of

Version Jemminy Commander, who at
pressing a button downloaded and
ran the highly specialized file written specifically to run 
this Commanderie (and only him!). 

     It should be noted that before this there was a serious 
complex Professional Hacker Tool, which load the plug-in 
modules for different functions of the program. Unfortunately, 
not known whether this was a broad package dissemination and 
application, but the first a stone was thrown ...


     In addition, Smash Commander v2. 0
by OHG by pressing a specific key execute external programs 
with a strictly given name.


     But the avalanche began just Jemminy
Commander, in later versions of which
a set of attached disk doctor
HELP, run only from that commander. And the structure of these 
files are not documented, and the author of this

text known successful attempts
Opening the format of these files.

     Nevertheless, this feature
komanderostoiteley interested. For example, Consul Commander 
v3. xx by Phantom Family contains several Included Parts

tens of loadable modules.

     Another option is elected the author of Real
Commander (Kislyak Paul), which was maintained at a given page, 
and run programs have the ability to detect

it there and run.


     Thus, clearly and distinctly
manifested the need for a comfortable jacket,
which would run the program, and went into it on completion. 
But the functions operating system on it's not

end - it should contain some of the procedures for working with 
files, memory and peripherals. Except Furthermore, many wanted 
to work with GUI: trite saying, repaired Windu in Speke. 


     And so, when such ideas were born,
They must begin to be realized. Perhaps many implementations 
just are not widely known, and can not be say exactly who is 
also the first simulated Windows in Speke.


     But the way the GUI
paved, perhaps, known to all program DCU, in any way been 
implemented rudiments of a graphical interface, and, of course, 
more famous Art Studio. 

     One of the first BOOT arrow
Nicholas became BOOT Rodionova, though there were
others.


     Many programs are also described below are actually the 
boot - with icons and arrows. But the contents of many of them

already starting to resemble the operating system. The main 
reason for these offices programs from simple boot is exactly

that they use executable files
its format - no BEYSIKovskogo boot, although work on the file 
system TR-DOS. 


     One of the first OS on Speke
(At least - the first known OS)
became Pink Floid Domen OS. Unlike
known even then IS-DOS with built-in
shell Nortonopodobnogo type this OS
has a fairly advanced graphics
interface:



     In practice, this was a close copy of
Windows 3. x, because "Collapse" of the program were placed at 
the bottom of desktop as an icon.


     Despite all the glitches, it was
a very advanced system: it was the initial setup at boot time, 
starting Menu:



In addition, the system was multi-tasking:
although some problems were not satisfied in parallel, but 
nevertheless it was possible to switch with icons already 
described. The most important thing as a memory used a portion 
of a floppy disk: organize the so-called swap file. Such a 
solution allows less restricted in the number of simultaneously 
running programs, but very impede the process of switching 
between them. 


     The most original feature is the presence of the so-called 
mouse emulator designed to control the arrow on the keyboard. 
And was the possibility of switching the control keys to 
control mode by an arrow in the regime text input.



The same flexibility was also observed
when working with files: transparent for all
Other software supported file systems: TR-DOS and MSDOS and 
disks these formats are recognized automatically.



     Among the composition of the software under this OS the 
most distinguished "HTML browser.




     And this was not the HTML, apply online, but he also was 
not of control codes, and from the tags (text commands), 
slowing down the speed. 


     Despite the relatively high degree of
completeness, the system could not
become commonly used by some
unfriendly, uncomfortable configuration (text editor) and a 
large number of glitches, which leads to reboot

system.


     Among other early programs also
should recall Micro Windows, sealed under Boris Fedotov layblom 
WELCOME CORP. in 1996 to the year. 

     This system was conceived as a collection
Window procedures designed for use in loadable programs.
To select these programs are offered
Built-in icon's Arrow-BOOT-shell. Description of all procedures 
(seated at the bottom of memory) is contained in the attached 
HELP - this is the only program in a set of system: 



     Obviously, the ugly interface
nobody has interest in those years did not cause.
Yes, and it was not needed in this era began
demomeykinga heyday. Rather, the program
gone unnoticed, even with detailed documentation, designed in 
an executable program.



     In addition, in ancient times went
rumors about some ZX-Windows. The authors have released a text 
viewer FreeReader, where promised to give the system for people 
to enjoy "right first night (on their own assurances). But 
obviously, this black and white zakos under Windows 3. x sunk

in the summer ...


     Nevertheless, at bootOstroenie
Spectrum is actively going on. And in
the end of 1998 there was a program
Program Box v2. 0 manufactured by Alex
XorOM and TinkerOM. The authors have not held back
explicit zakos under WINDOWS - was already the 98th
:)

     Nevertheless, this span was a bit more seriously simple 
boot: it was the custom, and most importantly - for her there 
were special run-ins (Commanderie, font editor) and all 
skrinsaverY. The most important thing - it was describes how to 
create and use developments part of the authors: it was a 
description of and examples of such programs. True, they had to 
run quite original way: under the guise of screen savers or 
packed wallpaper. 

     We should also note the beautiful icons, is in the set of 
BOOTa. Here of course appropriate comments directly to the 
authors, and authors of the journal Adventurer note that it is 
in their wonderful magazine was first Published on this 
wonderful program. AND that she was in an annex, and

the magazine itself was a great article describing this program 
and suspiciously similar to the reprinting of HELP to this 
program. And then what Commanderie of this program was released 
in a separate form. Yes then again the authors thereof, as the 
program began publish its printed edition, devoted to our 
favorite computer, a Spectrum and that they take over the 
newspaper quite a reasonable price, while as for the above 
programs was supposed to take price quite absurd, and bucks, 
and absolutely not an appropriate opportunity this program and 
its ease of use. But I personally did not write would be:)



     So, as time went on ...


     And I do not know since when, but a beginning
Ascendancy Creative labs. supergraficheskuyu write his 
operating system. As promised by an idea, and in graphic 
design, the system could become something for the Spectrum.


     But the real situation was quite different: first, this 
system is called the Doors, then - Doors 2000, a case stood on 
the spot. Was released a few demos, as well as running multiple 
intriguing speculation. At the same author group was constantly 
changing email addresses, content, ideas, and ideas. 

     Thus, at the moment
a: Two demos from the beautiful movie and one or two 
malofunktsionalnyh examples of programs under this system, 
although run for some reason they are not of primary

program, but as usual BASIC.

     Once again I must mention a very beautiful graphics 
systems - a beautiful screen saver: 



     In one of the demos can be found
just an example of a few favorites in the
one window on each of them is text and some buttons:


     In another Deme can see an example
desktop - or rather an example of a shell
under the title:


     Directly to the desktop looks very nice, but that's to do 
it almost nothing is impossible - just click on

icon:


     As an example suggests that the editor of the most icons 
are not fully funktsionabelny.



     Thus, we should note a remarkable, if not the best design 
of such a system, but not its inner essence, though, the 
assurances of the authors, it should be similar to a very 
complex and serious system. 


     In the same end of the same 1998-year
there is another system Windowish
with a simple name ZX-Windows. Its author
worked hard and has released version 1. 1,
1. 2 1. 3 1. 4 and (rumored) 1. 6.



     Ideology ZX-Windows came out very suitable for serious use
at the Spectrum. The system is in
page and in the process of memory allocation pages are also 
manipulates that provides relative ease and, most importantly, 
the stability of the backup process memory.


     In addition, this system can be called fully completed: it 
is there are many programs, adapted to the system, including 
several debuggers and graphical editors. There is also a disk 
utility. 

     Thus, the system is
almost complete set of tools for
writing your startup programs.

     In addition, a system adapted and written a number of
games, some of which retain
its state when switching from them
in the system and restore it - that
is reminiscent of multi-tasking.

     Among the shortcomings should be noted
poor graphic design: although the overall
view does not hurt the eyes, but in comparison with
design of other systems is felt
clear up the slack.


     A common feature of these systems is
relative antiquity: they began to develop more in the century:)

     The following discussion focuses on the system, created as 
it were, on the border of two centuries - despite the fact that 
its development started summer of 1999, the documentation states

that the reason for its development was the lack of support for 
other systems, including Doors, which is like 2000. In 
addition, this system was conceived very serious, with 
reference to other major systems. 

     And this is a system for MythOS
Name Myth Corp. - The author of this development.



     Unfortunately, this system was get by unnoticed: the 
beginning of the development of hidden in memory of the 
authors, then the first version appeared in the networks and 
then from the authors do not there are not hearing, nor spirit: 
( 

     The development of the whole system seems was done on the 
PC, since all the documentation and Examples zasipovanny 
without HOBETTnogo header just *. DOC, *. TXT, *. ASM. But 
again, the system is quite serious: apply the concept of 
so-called. Libraries - and refers to a dynamically linked 
library (DLL), executable files, the console and memory 
allocation in blocks of 256 bytes.


     The complete system includes several programs, but the 
general conclusion of this operating system to make very 
difficult, especially those who do not click:)


     In addition, nowhere origin of the author, and therefore 
no information on the prospects for the OS, if they have: ( 


     But the author of the following systems can be
found without problemma, at least because
He has an email address. A
system it s called XDOS. But the author
name Boh / Image Crew.


     As seen from the screen saver, this system has even had 
its own installer, made at international standards: what is 
wanted, then set - no more bytes. 



     Why is this system belongs to the modern? Although she 
does not like, and graphics. But the fact that this system also 
uses a serious idea, although not all the author's ideas were 
implemented. Yes, this system is not so simple, despite the 
command line. 

     The most interesting thing is that it is and
mouse support, and work with a graphic
interface! Although the programs that use
these possibilities, NO!

     Nevertheless, the programs under this system very much 
lacks. Frankly: under this system software is written and 
adapted more than under other systems: and not only games, 
though games, too missing. There are many different tools

its Commanderie (pretty simple):


     All of this is the author of this review found
by direct e-mylinga with the author. The latest version of the 
system - 1. 51, while very common

was only a basic kit version
1. 41 - performed just as described above installer.

     As already stated above - this system is not graphical and 
command-line, single-tasking. According to the structure, it 
resembles good old IS-DOS (MS-DOS) uses only 48-I memory: at 
the bottom of the core, above - the program. Pages are used for 
the needs of startup programs and no management of upper memory 
is not provided. 

     On the assertions of the author, this system
highly compatible on different versions, but for
it had to introduce some restrictions.

     Among the software would like to mention e-books with 
bookmarks (!); Several viewer, which may take the name of the 
previewed file from the command line, but may Filer

his show, the original music player, started under the 
cantilever type, but with all sorts of plug-ins: visualization 
and formats support, and used

metafiles that contain himself Mouzon (as
object) and its description ....

     Looking at this system matures
the idea that one person can not be
immediately to achieve powerful programming concepts and good 
graphic design, and Only one of these two. Examples are several 
programs that will be described below.


     These programs just focus on
arrows and icons at the same time claiming the title louder than
simple boot.


     The most far away from the boot
could, perhaps, the program ZX-Navigator
v1. 3, the previous versions which were
name FireStarter. Zababahana And this piece by Lynx / Explos! 
Ve Team. 

     So, this prog, (especially in the first edition) already 
claims the title simplest OSes, under which you can

write programs. This emphasizes support for "long names" in the 
first versions of the system. The latter, however, was 
considered unsuccessful by the author, and new versions of its 
already gone. 

     Nevertheless, the core of this system contains a set of 
procedures for writing programs.      Visually, as the whole 
system is a normal desktop with icons. 



     The most interesting is that the initial
versiyak Bylkov button-style FUSK "from the taskbar. But the 
task was actually a plus player, plus a screensaver. Therefore, 
the task bar was removed, and the menu system hung on the icon. 



     This interface is convenient enough to
work: supported by mouse, but the right mouse button is 
emulated by hot key. 

     Another interesting feature was
the presence of a file panel loading
simultaneously functions to manipulate
and downloading files. As a result,
has turned out some sort of combination of old
Goodwill prokonsolnoy panel and a graphical interface. However, 
it was quite convenient solution.


     But now the file panel declined
in size and shape acquired filers
with the ability to not only download, but also
other file operations. This Fyler
is the standard for software systems, resulting in the 
programmer does not have to worry about downloading files, and 
executable program is reduced in volume. 

     As a result of such co-operation
frequently used procedures in the core system was written quite 
a few simple but useful tools that are part of the program. 
Among them there are several different utilities for working 
with graphics, text viewer, a resident player.


     Most importantly, the Included Parts Delivery includes 
documentation and examples writing programs under this system.



     But other systems, which are discussed
goes on, this description does not possess.

     This is especially noticeable in the
applied to VRCP Windows, smastryachennuyu
Dmitry Saltykov in 2001. Main
case - a description of her is, is even
description of the entry points, etc., but no
No words, why this system was written and that finally can be 
expected. 



     The general impression about this system
a fairly bad. The cursor is slow and does not work to increase
its speed. The method of access to commands
terribly inconvenient. Setup does not start properly documented 
and only the program itself:) And run it by himself

currently combines inconvenience stopping arrows and 
uncomfortable selecting the launch:) 

     I would like to write and something positive about this 
thing: after all, the new initiatives should be supported. It's 
nice that there is HELP painted with at least some

content. But some disadvantages of this
system should be immediately eradicated, in principle,
until this version is 0. 2 is not turned into
something more serious and uncomfortable. After
even the choice of drives (all four - that
is good) stick to the overall team
menu, and take it, prebiray his arrows back and forth!

     I note even the concept of the system interface - it is 
close to the next program this review.



     Here only be called complete
name of this program, nor the name of its author. Isolnyaemy 
file has a name "SRV2.0.B" and be accompanied by a file-*. m

Mouzon, and two file type *. p - something
interesting about the later.



     So, this stuff is out
a ikonochny boot with a rich set of
viewer. Moreover, as stipulated avtodetekt format, using the 
appropriate viewer, and context menu - by ENTER.


     Already, because of these viewer prog is of interest: 
there is, and WAV-player and PCX-viewer, and even Disassembler! 
Last, the truth is inconvenient to operate, but He has all the 
same! 

     Glitches of this program could be
call-documented features
if there was documentation. But it's not, and
the origin of the bend is covered with darkness of obscurity. A 
lack of glitches. 

     First, run the prog need to
48k mode, open the pages, otherwise
begins to be discharged this very disassembler.

     Secondly, something strange in the management - if you 
click on the icon image, then it loads and seems to pair

interrupts, and then back will
icons. And in disassembler opposite: harvest
scroll up or down (the arrow) and
text starts to scroll quickly
specified direction. Until then, until
press the spacebar.

     Third, if the same cause disassembler Enter the address, 
then exit This entry is rather difficult.



     But there are also nice features. For example, you can 
choose any of the four disk drives (which can not be done in 
some modern prog). There convenient skrolbar.


     Some chips are generally unique.
For example, a quick search for a file named
(But I do not understand how it works).
Working with the catalog for the 159th track
(Switches to a small white triangle). You can run the code files
and specify the load address and the address
run.


     In general, if correct bugs and
add at least a modicum of documentation,
You can comfortably work with.


     And finally - the most promising program: the mention of 
her recently appeared in the networks to The same authors keep 
it a secret and information share is not in a hurry. 
Nevertheless, the secrets revealed, and the authors have agreed 
to this description.


     And the name of this program is extremely
usually for Spectrum Windu: window shutters, the author of 
which had been on WARlord of WARgroup. Now scheduled is the 
fourth version, with serious twists. 

     Demonstratsiiyu system interface
You can watch the programs Fantasy
Editor, Earth Shaker Editor by the same authors, as well as 
direct demonstration of the shell, as occurs in the network: 



     As can be seen in the screenshot, this system
very similar to the above programs,
but the humble opinion of the author, graphic design all sorts 
of frames and buttons in conjunction with the font provides the 
most pleasing effect than other

system.


     Windows to hang an original way that requires a good color 
monitor. And the whole system is so colorful that it is not on 
any monitor will be look good. But this full-color

very pleased at the quality monitors.


     But the disadvantage of the system, or rather, the shell 
(the navigator, Commanderie, eksplorera) should note the support

only two drives, more
adds labels such as "Please insert the disc
Commanderie "," Insert the disk with the program. "


     But this system is going to evolve,
its author notified of the deficiencies and is full of
Plans ...


     And quite a bit about not TR-DOS shells. Under CP / M for 
the pros, there are also "Window". Met a version called Windows 
Apr-1993 by Krestyanikov AA - by the assurance of the author 
himself: a set of procedures for the organization of windowing. 
That's why this kit system includes the few program files and a 
lot of documentation. 

     According to some reports, this (or
similar) system has spread to some extent on the profiles and 
under it written by several major programs. But

of these, a few fragmentary, information
difficult to obtain an overall picture. But still the 
availability of programs from the authors show that because of 
peculiarities of CP / M similar to the shell underneath it has 
turned out more suitable for programming under it. 


     As a result of what I want to say:
windsurfing at Speke need to arrow
icon poke. Needs and the operating system to a utility on each 
100-byte do not hang zdorovyuschy filers.


     But people on the Spectrum are not used to write under any 
system, this independence is to identify the highest creative 
freedom. Therefore the manifold shells persist, let alone what 
they will, depends not only on the authors, but from interested 
developers ...