Date   : Tue, 29 Oct 1985 06:59:26 GMT
From   : bower@DCA-EUR.ARPA
Subject: Re: CPM and Modula et al

   In response to the "Is CPM dead issue", Consider the quality of newer
programs and tools coming out now.  This little OS and its derivative,
ZRDOS, are really entering maturity.  EFFICIENT tools are becoming avail-
able as evidenced by newer languages like Modula-2, which in the case of a
recent issue of Computer Languages (I think) comparing a pre-release of
Borland's Modula-2, Hochstrasser's Modula-2 (Which I use, and distributed
by Workman & Associates in the US), and three systems for MS-DOS.  The 8-
bitters under CPM compared VERY favorably to the MS-DOS systems.

   The ease of tailoring CP/M systems to specific applications while not
destroying compatibility should not be overlooked.  I have a system that
adapts to nearly any disk format by coding the disk layout on track 0,
sector 1 in single-density.  I can therefore play around with things like
skew factors and physical sector sizes.  Why be locked into 4.5 kb per
track on a 5"disk when room exists for a full 5 k per track.  The Ampro
little boards and SB-180 can provide very graphic examples of high-perfor-
mance systemsd managed by a flexible and capable OS like CP/M.

   A while ago, a round-table discussion occured here on the "ideal CP/M
environment".  I contend that the current state of CP/M has advanced even
more in the past year.  The problem, as one contributor mentioned, is that
the information is not getting out to the masses.  Consider the following:

        DateStamper - Adds real-time or pseudo-time and date capability to
                CP/M systems.  It stays resident after loading and occupies
                less than 1k.  I have used it  for quite a while in both
                below CCP and above-BIOS locations, and have found NO glitches.

        Mix Editor - I don't have this program, but the ads say it supports
                split-screen and dual-file editting, such as the touted
                "cut-and-paste" capability of "larger" machines.

        Hochstrasser Modula-2 - Very efficient code generation, adaptable
                to run-time CP/M machine, supports shared data areas needed
                for overlays, chaining, etc.

        Dazzlestar - Available from Simtel20.  Screen-oriented disassembler.
                This is an amazingly friendly disassembler, with a non-standard
                .MAC output format, but very capable.

   Eventually, I am sure that knowledge of MS-DOS may be required, but I keep
hoping that something offering the flexibility, capability, and efficiency of
CP/M will displace it before that time.  (Hope springs eternal...etc).
                Hal