Date   : Fri, 15 Aug 1986 15:11:46 EDT
From   : Robert Bloom AMSTE-TEI 3775 <rbloom@APG-1.ARPA>
Subject: Any TurboDOS Users out there?

I am a new user of TurboDOS, the multi-processor and multi-user 
operating system.  I am not yet on the plateau of my learning 
curve from the supplied documentation, but am rapidly approaching 
it.  The machine in question is a NorthStar Horizon running 8 
TurboSlaves, 2 HD18's, 2 printers and some commo ports.  It's 
currently running TurboDOS version 1.3 (N* v1.1.1).  (NorthStar 
never released a 1.4 version.)

Is there any TurboDOS users out there that can aid me in some 
slightly past initial type questions?  (in order of priority:)

     . WordStar does not properly close files when they're saved, 
they're truly closed only when WS is exited.  A second person in 
a file previously opened but not properly closed is not allowed 
to make changes and save them.  (And how I have the COMPAT flag 
set, you don't even get an error!)  So, is there a patch so WS 
*will* correctly close a file that is saved with the common ^K^D?

     . MXO-TD30 is the MEX overlay for TurboDOS using the printer 
port on the user processor.  It works fine for my dial-up Modem.  
However, it can't send a <break> on my Earth TurboSlave card.  Of 
course, that what I need to do.  Before I try to tackle the 
hardware specifics in the overlay, has anyone already solved it?

     . MEX-TDOS is the mex overlay for TurboDOS to use a port off 
of the master processor and involves defining a new user (t-41) 
call for better response.  Also of course, it's very hardware 
specific (written for a JCS s-100 computer.)  Likewise, before I 
tackle this one, has anyone done an overlay for the NorthStar 
Horizon HSIO/4?

     . d/Multi is a dBase II enhancement that turns it into a 
true multi-user DBMS with the record and files locks of TurboDOS.  
Anybody use it?  It is any good?  Is there something better?

     . With the potentially huge (well, relivitively huge) 'BIOS' 
memory space availability with banked slaves, has any one written 
QuickKey or similar function key enhancements?  After 5 years 
with a TeleVideo terminal, I *still* haven't found any use for 
the unredefinable 'function' keys!  The enhancements I have found 
and are working on are fanled and timecl.

     . So far I know of only one book about/for TurboDOS 
("TurboDOS made easy," by Steven Marks) other than the two 
binders that came with my NorthStar version 1.3.  (The upgrade to 
Version 1.4 is on order.)  Are there any other books on the 
subject?  (An example: the use of the AUTOLOAD command to create 
command line synonyms [or ZCPR3 aliases] is not mentioned at all 
and is probably more usefull have the functions that are listed!)  
Sure it's fun to figure these things out yourself, but I wonder 
what I'm missing.  (mini-review: The Marks book is not bad, adds 
sections on why one would want to do things to the information 
that already is in the user's guide, written in a plain language.  
Unfortunated marred by some bad typos, some which are opposite of 
what was wanted.  An example: 'set filename.ext ;-r' sets the r/o 
flag *ON*.)


Any of the above need not be public domain and/or 'free', though 
it sure does make procurement easier!  As the system in question 
belongs to Uncle Sam, some funds should be available somewhere :-)

Bob Bloom