Promotion - Neos

                                         
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|   NeOS - новая операционная система   |
|             для Спектрума             |
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(С) 25 мая 1999 Megus/BrainWave/X-Project
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     Идеяcreating a completely new system
we for Spectrum were already in the air
a very long time ago. Perhaps many took up
creation, but not many had the strength to endure
singing, and maybe knowledge to bring such
serious work to the end. In 1997
Pavel Fedin began work on the new OS, but
later he, unfortunately, became disillusioned with
this idea. However, he still has a lot
number of specific theoretical developments
bot, which later formed the basis of NeOS.
Therefore, the author of the NeOS concept is rightfully
is Pavel Fedin,and the development of the idea and
was involved in the implementation of all ideas and
I'm worried, Roman Petrov (Megus/BrainWave/
X-Project).                              
                                         
     The decision to create a new OS for Spectrum
ruma did not appear out of nowhere, but this
mu both me and Pavel Fedin (in the distance)
just the developers) pushed
the following reasons:                       
  1.  Existing alternative to TR-DOS
(iS-DOS) is outdated because was originally
designed for machines with 48Kb memory.
Also in iS-DOS there are some restrictions
restrictions that do not give real freedom to pro-
to the grammer.                               
     2. Currently there are many
many Spectrum models with over 100,000 memory
128Kb, but managing this memory in each
this machine is made according to our own standards
dart, which causes certain difficulties
you from the programmer.                       
     3.  There are also many additional
periphery, however, even in this region
there are no confirmed
Xia standards, because  every developer
strives to do everything his own way.         
     4. TR-DOS, in fact, is not a full
valuable operating system. Actually
it's just a tape emulator
operations on a floppy disk.                     
     5.  Lack of a full-fledged file
systems (both TR-DOS and iS-DOS)
makes it difficult to use external media
large capacity data files (HDD, CD-ROM and
etc.).                                   
                                         
     There are other reasons, however
those that have just been listed are
are the most important. All described
problems solved in NeOS.                  
     Here is a short list of those possibilities
which NeOS provides to the programmer and
to the user:                            
     * RAM capacity supportbefore World War II
(theoretically - up to 1GB);                 
     * implemented a block allocation system
memory, which will make it easier in the future
implementation of (pseudo) multitasking;      
     * a driver system has been implemented that
eliminates the problem of incompatibility between different
noah periphery;                           
     * implemented a system of function libraries
ctions;                                    
 * possible to work with any external
data storage;                      
     * full support for the di- system
rector;                                
     * possible to work with production files
free length (up to ChGb);                  
     * support for file names has been implemented
up to 16 characters long with a three-character
expansion;                             
     * implemented "transparent" support
various file systems.               
                                         
     Now about all this in more detail.
NeOS supports RAM up to BMB, with
the programmer does not have any problems with this
problems when working with this memory, because
work is carried out through systems -
new NeOS functions, and the programmer is no longer
must take care of supporting all possible
possible ways to implement advanced
memory. For subsequent implementation, many
task management in NeOS, a system was implemented
memory management: block-by-blockhighlight
paging memory. Size allocated
The th/freed block is a multiple of 1Kb.      
     For working with external devices
(and not only with them) was implemented
driver system. Drivers in memory
organized in the form of a “chain”: at the beginning
each driver there is a pointer to
next.  Thus, the total number
quality of drivers installed on the system
mu, is limited only by the available pa-
crumpled.  Each driver has its own
the name by which it is carried out
search.  Drivers are divided into 2 types:
dent and non-resident.  To resident
include drivers called each
interrupt, to non-resident - drivers,
specially called by the program. Everyone
of types has its own chain. From
The driver program can be called as follows:
in the following way: first you need to find
(open) the driver by its name, after che-
go to the received address and page
Match the function number in register A.   
     Since in the future it is planned
implementation of multitasking was implemented
Vana system of function libraries. At this time
at this point this system is not particularly important
Noah.  Organization of libraries in memory
logical organization of drivers ("chain-
ka"), the principles of working with libraries are as follows:
are similar.                           
     Working with external data drives
carried outthrough two levels
drivers: disk drive drivers
file system (FS) devices and drivers.
When working with files, the programmer must
use the FS driver, which is already in
in turn, uses the disk driver
th devices. Thus,
there is support for any FS on any type
disk device. Implemented in NeOS
"transparent" support for various FS. This
means that the system may be installed
several FS and NeOS drivers have been updated
will work with any of them. When choosing
disk device is being accessed
to each FS driver to determine
FS drive accessories. As soon as
some driver recognized the disk as “its own”,
this driver becomes active for this
device, and further operations with
files on this disk will produce
through him. Therefore, in NeOS there is no need
the need for MS-type copiers
DOS<->TR-DOS, because the system itself can
complete such operations.               
     As in any full-fledged DOS, in
NeOS can work with the rolling system
logs, which is so lacking in TR-DOS.
NeOS also has no restrictions on
file length, typical for TR-DOS and iS-
DOS, the maximum file length in NeOS can be
may be equal to ChGB, which can be ignored
limitation.                            
     To carry out elementary con-
tact with the user in NeOS is built-in
a mand interpreter that allows execution
Learn basic system management commands
and simple disk operations. There is a possibility
the ability to combine a sequence
interpreter commands into the so-called
batch files (batcH files), which
are ordinary text
files.  Since the capabilities of the built-in
interpreter are very modest, was introduced
for the possibility of installing external inter-
praetor.                               
     The developers initially decided
but that the system will be placed in ROM in
area occupied by 128 BASIC. This allowed
Lilo maintain compatibility practically
with all existing software for Spectrum
(this page of ROM is used by single
programs, the developers still have not
found not one that would not work in
presence of NeOS ROM). The ROM contains -
whole system core (BrainWave BIOS), which
mand interpreter, as well as the most non-
required drivers, without which work
system is impossible.  Because  please everyone
users regarding the selection of stan-
a complete set of drivers is impossible,
It was decided to write a NeOS installer. C
using the installer, each user
NeOS will be able to configure the system as
he needs it.  He can choose standarddrivers, computer type (for working with
expanded memory), colors, system language -
messages, keyboard layout and
etc.  The result of the installer is
a ready-made ROM image is created, which is already
can be "stitched" into ROM. It should be noted
that NeOS does not work with TR-DOS 5.03 ROM,
for normal operation of NeOS with a disk you need
TR-DOS ROM is required, which has the ability to
the ability to directly read the cos register
drive controller failure (port #1F
VG93).  It is recommended to use NeOS with
TR-DOS 5.13, which will be included with
system.                                 
     Today the core of the system
completely ready and going through the active stage
nogo beta testing;  parallel to the
software is being written, without which the system
cannot exist, and also
A driver library is provided.  Because one
the group will not be able to provide
install the system with the most necessary software, develop
botchiki invite everyone interested -
the system to cooperation. NeOS is
freely distributed (freeWare) software
product, but for a certain amount of money
(it has not yet been defined) anyone can
become a registered user
NeOS. Each registered user
The owner will receive a complete NeOS kit from us
(installer, driver library, basic
new software), complete software documentation
mysta in the form of a smallbooks and us
We undertake to inform such users
lei about the release of the most interesting software for
NeOS and help in purchasing it.      
                                         
  Participated in the development of NeOS:   
  -----------------------------------   
                                         
     * Roman Petrov (Megus/BW/XPJ) - di-
system operation, writing the kernel and more
driver parts;                         
     * Pavel Fedin - system development; 
     * Andrey Mikheev (MAV/BW^XPJ) - written
driver training, constructive criticism;
     * Andrey Isaev - writing a driver
FDD, constructive criticism;             
                                         
     Direct participation in the development
they didn’t accept anyone, but they helped with advice,
criticism and moral support:        
                                         
     * Roman Milyukov - author of the installation idea
lator;                                  
     *  Denis Dmitriev (Dismaster/XPJ) -
constructive criticism;                  
  *  Denis Sotchenko  - constructive
criticism, advice on organizing memory and
implementation of multitasking;              
     *  Jarek Adamski - constructive
criticism, useful advice;                
     *  Evgeny Malkov  (Tim Kelly/KGS),
Alexander Kormishin, Yuri Voynalovich,all
BrainWave, all X-Project, MiHal BukoWski
(YERZMYEY/N-Prog), as well as echo conference
REAL.SPECCY  - moral support.       
                                         
    How to contact me:     
    =====================424019             
            Russia             
      Republic of Mari El      
         Yoshkar=Ola         
       st. Festival        
         77 sq. 13         
  Petrov Roman Sergeevich.   
                                         
* Phone: (8362) 22-66-09               
  from 14:00 to 22:00 (Moscow time).        
* FidoNet: 2:5052/7.37                   
* ZXNet: 500:8362/1                      
* E-mail: megus_bW@mail.ru               
                                         
                  -----                  
                                         
    Official NeOS FAQ v1.0     
    NeOS Frequently Asked Questions     
           as of July 1999.            
                                         
(C) 1999 Megus/BrainWave/X-Project Ass.  
-------------------------------------------------------
Q: Why do you need another one?operating system,
After all, we have iS-DOS and CP/M?           
A:  Each of these operating systems has
your shortcomings, and get rid of them
them, while remaining within the system, it is impossible
possible.  That is why the new
new operating system NeOS, in which
there are no such disadvantages.  Details
read "NeOS Info #1" and Documentation
Programmer.                            
                                         
Q: Where does such a strange name come from - NeOS?
A:  The history of the name is as follows: first system
The topic had no working title at all.
One day I named my operating system NeW
OS, but such a name did not sound, so
I threw out the extra letter and got NeOS. A
all the speculation that NeOS is not an OS exists
the result of a sick imagination :)        
                                         
Q: What are the distribution conditions for NeOS?  
A:  NeOS is a freeWare product. I allow
freely distribute firmware throughout the world
Tyam, mail with a mandatory link to the car
tora. I'm not against commercial distribution
wounding the system, but before the complete release
I don’t recommend doing this with a kit.Q:  I heard that you can become a registered
by a qualified user. How to do this? 
A: Registration consists of forwarding
the author of a certain sum of money.  Such
the user receives from us a complete comp-
NeOS lect with everything existing for the current
moment of the software, a book with documentation and obligatory
the obligation of the authors to inform users
information about new software for NeOS.  Amount for
not determined at the moment, because computer
the lecture has not yet been formed.                 
                                         
Q:  Is it possible to run programs under NeOS
for TR-DOS/iS-DOS?                       
A:  No, because NeOS is an independent system
topic, and not an extension of any su-
existing. Without appropriate adaptation
programs for other OS will not work
blow.                                     
                                         
Q: Does NeOS support 512x video mode 
192?                                     
A: Yes.                                   
                                         
Q:Where you can find information and
programs for NeOS?                      
A: Personally from the author.                       
A:  Fidosh echo conference REAL.SPECCY
declared an official support center,
there are new firmware and software.      
A: It is planned to create a WWW site dedicated to
whelped NeOS.  Implementation period is undetermined
lazy                                  
                                         
Q:  Is it possible to install NeOS on a proprietary
Spectrum that doesn't have TR-DOS?        
A:  You can, you just need to write a driver
FDD for FDC used in this machine
no.                                      
                                         
Q: Can NeOS run on other machines?
nah, based on the Z80?                
A:  Yes, it can. Only programs written
nye using direct access to
video memories will be incompatible. Emphasis
to ensure compatibility between different Z80-
based machines will be made in NeOS v2.0.Q: I heard that NeOS will have multitasking
ness.  This is true?  But won't it be
Is it scary to slow down?                       
A:  It is planned to implement
cooperative multitasking. Brake
this shouldn't be the case, because... programming style
perfect for multitasking systems
another.  Will be compatible with NeOS v1.0
complete.                                  
                                         
Q:  I started NeOS, but when I start it
immediately writes Fatal ergog. What is this - evil-
Is it a glitch or something else?                 
A:  This is the wrong version of TR-DOS. NeOS
works fine only with TR-DOS ROM
5.12, 5.13, as well as with ROM TR-DOS Scorpio-
new with firmware v2.95 and older.          
                                         
          APPLICATION           
          ==========           
                                         
   In the “appendix” to the magazine there are three ver-
These ROM firmwares for NeOS. Or rather, a version
the same thing, but for different computers -
Spectrum-128, Pentagon-512 and Scorpion.I
I’m very sorry, but the authors did not make the
these under the cache, which makes it difficult to pre-
assessment of the advantages and disadvantages of the system
topics. It turns out that to be convinced of the inappropriate
compliance with NeOS is possible only after pro-
sewing it into ROM, and this is extra stress for
computer and user.  Especially for
conservative part of users, to whom
I am partly one of them. Complete with
The firmware contains accompanying texts,
informing about the internal structure of NeOS
and in general - how to work with it, but in
they are not located due to lack of space
it's on disk. Who is interested - please contact
directly to the authors of NeOS as indicated -
any address or telephone number.                
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