Date   : Tue, 15 Jan 1985 17:43:15 GMT
From   : Chuck McManis <cem%intelca.uucp@BRL-TGR.ARPA>
Subject: Re: Unix for CP/M 2.1 or > on a z80

I saw microshell once, and was impressed by the similarity of the
user interface with UNIX's. It implemented pipes by redirecting
I/O through a temporary disk file and seemed to work fairly well
until you needed to change the disk with the pipe file on it. This
of course wouldn't be a problem on a hard disk. If I might make a
suggestion, look into the ZCPR3 package on Simtel20 or your local
computer BBS. It implements a rather large part of the Unix user
interface, adds TERMCAP capabilities, a nice shell package with
variables and parameter substitution similar to csh and some 
limited flow control. (If-Then-Else) But no CASE WHILE and UNTIL.
Still some pretty involved shell scripts are possible. It
does not offer I/O redirection or pipes, however the company
handling bug reports and distribution of a self installing version
,Echelon inc., have hinted strongly that their new version of the
BDOS will do just that. The best part is that if you can find a
local BBS that has it you can get it FREE by just downloading it.
That includes copies of a zillion utilities. It does make the
CP/M user interface usable, but you will need a Z80 to take full
advantage of it. 

--Chuck

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