─── Packers ───
Users of Spectrum networks on-
have probably encountered the programs ZXZIP and
ZXUNZIP. But not everyone has fully studied them. A
it's a pity... They have much more functions,
than it seems at first glance.
The article posted here was written
a long time ago, but it seems to me that it is relevant and
to this day.
EXPLANATORY NOTE
AFTER THE APPEARANCE OF PROGRAMS
ZXZIP and ZXUNZIP
No matter what the most skeptical people say about it,
ticically minded potential users
tels and championsZX-SPECTRUM,the next
version of Sinclair's ZIP began its
easy(?) long(???) way in the column(?thol-
ne?) Spectrum software products. Ho-
I would like to note some 'innovations',
enrolled in the program (who want to know
more can refer to the description of the first
program version):
- Firstly, this, of course, appeared -
alternative compression methods have finally emerged
tia of your information. The quality of them is high
two original program algorithms were stupid
we are PKZIP (though only version 1.1
...). A few words about the features of their reality
tions:
'fast' - a fast method, for it
typicalhigh packaging and distribution speeds
packaging, the method is universal, there is practically no
depends on the structure of information;
'normal' - the main method of the program.
In terms of unpacking speed, it can easily match
perfet with fast, although speed packing
depends significantly on the structure of the information
mation and under some conditions may cause
slow down. This method usually gives
the highest compression rates among all
implemented in this program. Besides that-
go, they give additional interest gains
files of type 'text' (with a size greater than 5.5
Kb) - we must immediately stipulate that 'text' -
this is just information with a predominance
ASCIIZ characters, i.e. Latin alphabet.
'slow' - this method is well known to you
according to the previous version of the program.
'none' - in fact, it is not a me-
compression method, because it simply transfers the file to
archive without making any attempts to drop
forging
- Secondly, the emergence of new service
possibilities like:
* mode for deleting files from the archive;
* archive content viewing mode
with information displayed on the screen, printer and
file (ZXUNZIP);
* mode for unpacking files to disk,
printer or screen, in the latter case there isability to work in BINARY and AS modes
CII (characters 07h,09h,0Ah,0Dh are considered up-
regulating), with a delay in filling the eq.
wound (MORE) or without it.
- Software interface support
manipulator 'mouse' "KEMPSTON MOUSE".
It is impossible not to leave aside some non-
positive moments. Chief among them is
There is a problem with version incompatibility
1.1 for BASIC files that have consistent
length in bytes and sectors, respectively. fields
header. Error in calculating the length of such
files, corrected in this version, but
took place in the previous one, of course
will inconvenience your work, although
(there is hope...) and not too weighty.
You may also be disappointed after
blowing reasons:
a) in any archive only the first copies are available
vye 512 files;
b) for normal operation of the packer
there must be free space on the disk for
temporary file 255 sectors long.
c) when working with one drive and
discs will often need to be replaced
take out floppy disks (for large files the number
shifts will be reduced when setting the option 'Temp-
file on source').
To avoid loss of information, we recommend
required after creation and/or modification
archive, check its integrity using
'test' mode (for 'new' algorithms this is
won't take much time...). Information about
printer support forthose who are interested in it
fresh and clear:
1) required for printer operation
driver support for it - file 'ZIPPRN.C' on
the floppy disk from which you loaded
ZXZIP/ZXUNZIP. About its structure: address
start - 5B00h, length <= 256 bytes, dots
input: 5B00h - readiness analysis (return
ZF=1, if the printer is ready to receive information
tion, otherwise - ZF=0); 5B02h - byte output
information (input A=). Happy-
new owners of printer interfaces on m/s
KR580VV55 have the honorable duty of ini-
centralize these interfaces independently
carefully before downloading the program.
2) If the specified file is missing, do not
despair. Auto-tuning provided
programs on the following interfaces: -
ZXLPRINT III with the implemented switch-off circuit
reading of the Spectrum ROM (presence in its
printer ROM socket /RF2/ is not required -
but!); - Scorpion 256 (Centroincs) according to
branching computer. 3) If you don’t
hit neither 1) nor 2) then your attempts
prints will result in a timeout error,
and force you to stop your attempts to
chat. Information about the implementation of the program
points 1) and 2) you can obtain at
'splash screen' of the program.
WORKING WITHPROGRAM
After downloading the program, you will be informed
do you have a mouse connected (Kempston mouse),
and whether the printer driver was found; then, press
Pressing any key will take you to the program menu.
frames. All inscriptions in the menu are made in ma-
in small letters with one capital. This
the letter is the control key for
of this item.
Z - Zipfile name - enter the archive name
file
M - work Mode - add files -
You browse the entire directory of the disk and
mark those files that will be included in the ar-
Khiv.
- delete files - From everything
disk directory, the program will only show you
to archive files by selecting the file you need,
You can view its contents and
remove any program from the archive.
- view.ZIPs - View cata-
log of archive files and the ability to obtain
information about the archiving method and
the size of the programs in this archive.
C - Compression method - selection of method
compression
S - Source drive - select the source drive
Nick
E - dEstination drive - select the drive
receiver
D - the same Disk - the inscription appears,
if the source and receiverare on one
drive and means that the file will be
recorded on the same disk.
- different Disk - if the source and
drive are located on the same drive and
The recording will be made to different disks. B
During operation, the program will indicate
which disk should be inserted into the drive.
R - Reread source catalog - read the catalog
source log
V - View output device - screen - result
(de)archiving data are displayed on the screen
- printer - re-
The results of (de)archiving are displayed on
printer
L - select all files - Mark all files
N - uNselect all files - all marks are used
duts reset
Q - Quit - exit the program (requires
confirmation "Y" - exit, any other key
visha - cancellation.)
G - Go - start (de)archiving (required)
no confirmation "Y" - start, any other
gaya - cancel)
P - toP - move the cursor to the first
file
B - Bot - move the cursor to the last
mu file
U - pgUp - move the cursor on the page
tsu up
W - pgdWn - move the cursor to the page
prostrate down
On the right panel under the catalog shows-
The number of marked files is displayed.
For those who were lucky enough to acquire
mouse interface:
- right button - place the cursor on
file
- left button - place the cursor on
file with simultaneous installation or reset
som tags.
- for the Quit and Go commands you will need to press
"Y" key to confirm or any
another mouse button to cancel.
COMMERCIAL AND BUSINESS INFORMATION
ZXZIP and ZXUNZIP programs optional
their author and user advice
ZX-SPECTRUM are announced to product programs
volume category 'SHAREWARE' (see option abo-
utme in earlier DCU programs, and
better - English-Russian dictionary).
All kinds of responses, indignation,
gratitude, healthy criticism and business
proposals will be reviewed, evaluated and
taken into account by the authors.
Applications:
UNZIP48 - ZXUNZIP for 48th Speccy;
ZXUNZIP - ZXUNZIP 1.02;
ZXUNZIPs - ZXUNZIP for Scorpion 256;
ZXZIP - ZXZIP 1.02;
ZXZIPs - ZXZIP for Scorpion 256.
They work fine with a hard drive:
ZXZIP
ZXUNZIPs
On some hard drives (the glitch is replaced
chen on older models), when unpacking with
oneconnected drive to another, like
no such unpacking occurs, although
software indication indicates successful
completion of work.
If this is noticed, before unpacking,
which is necessary in Source and Destination dis-
ki install the disk for unpacking, then
reinstall the Source disk.
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