Date   : Sat, 13 Jun 1981201:22:00-MDT
From   : Bill Sholar <William.Sholar@CMU-10A>
Subject: Help getting started . . .

 
I've just started using CP/M on my TRS-80 Mod II, P&T version of CP/M.  I've
been trying to make use of some of the public domain software, without success.
 
I have Microsoft's Macro-80 (plus the Digital Research ASM), which will gladly
generate 460 fatal errors when I try to assemble any of the .ASM files that
sit about here and there.  Lacking the software to download a .COM file, 
those files seem useless.  My current trick to download .ASM files (etc.) is
to use a TRS-80 terminal package, then dump the files to a TRS-80 disk.
Then I have to transfer the file to a CP/M disk, and try to assemble it.
COM files won't down load because some of the characters cause my system
to burp (and worse) if they are received "straight".  HEX files would be
useful, but no one seems to keep those around. 
 
I am getting ready to buy a batch of CPMUG disks -- would appreciate any
advice on which modem packages work well, and on where to obtain similar
public software.  
 
I'd also appreciate comments on the relative merits of MAC, as compared 
with MACRO-80.  
 
Thanks,
 
Bill Sholar
<SHOLAR@CMUA>