The section "IS-DOS - for users". No 1
Eliseev V. A.
A brief guide to the IS-DOS system disk.
(C) PENCRAFT 1995
(C) IskraSoft 1995
This guide contains a list of all files that make up the basic IS-DOS package with brief explanations for each file. The files in the list are arranged in alphabetical order by name and grouped into sections corresponding to the directories on the disk, allowing you to quickly find information on any file of interest to you. The guide does not claim to be a description and contains only overview information on the files and commands of the basic disk.
The SHELL directory mainly contains system utilities and file shell programs:
cache.com - a program for servicing the cache memory in the IS-DOS system (recreation, resizing).
coca.com - a program for copying a directory with all its files and subdirectories.
copy.com - a fast file copier that copies files by mask from the command line.
copy25.com - a file copier by mask, automatically called by the coca.com program, but can also be used independently.
delete.com - a program for deleting files.
exebat.com - an interpreter for command bat-files.
exepac.com - a program for unpacking code blocks processed by the cdpacker.com utility (needed to run the screen file printing program ps.com).
exescr.com - a program for displaying screen files.
extkey.txt - a text file describing the system's response to pressing "hot keys".
extprint.txt - a text file defining printing programs for various files.
extview.txt - a text file defining viewing programs for various files.
filecopy.com - the main multifunctional file copier.
flush.com - a utility for managing the cache memory operation mode.
gmen.com - a program for assigning devices (fast, system, and current).
help.com - a program for displaying a hint file.
mask.com - a program for working with file panels by mask-template.
menu.com - a USER-menu interpreter.
menu.mnu - a text file describing the main menu.
mkdir.com - a program for creating directories.
move.com - a program for copying a file while destroying the source file (move).
remote.com - a program for quickly deleting files and directories with all their files and subdirectories, including protected ones (after its application, the arzt.com utility must be used to correct the disk block occupancy map).
rename.com - renaming files and changing file attributes in the directory.
tv.com - a program for viewing text files.
viewtune.com - a program for adjusting the parameters of tv.com.
wait.com - a program for emulating two logical devices on one disk drive (needed for the operation of the English-Russian dictionary).
In addition to the above files, the SHELL directory contains two subdirectories: HELP and MNU. The HELP subdirectory contains help files for all programs located in the SHELL directory, while the MNU subdirectory contains 5 files with descriptions of the USER-menu included in the basic package. It is also recommended to place all your USER-menu files in this directory, except, of course, for local ones.
By default, the MNU subdirectory contains the files:
disk.mnu - menu "Working with the disk".
ms_dos.mnu - menu "Working with MS-DOS".
res.mnu - menu "Resident programs".
rkey.mnu - menu "Location of Russian keys".
tr_dos.mnu - menu "Working with TR-DOS".
The UTIL directory contains general-purpose utilities:
abba.com - a duplicating copier, from device A to B, from C to D and back, recommended for creating working copies of the system.
acca.com - a variant of the copier that works from device A to C, from B to D and back.
adbc.com - a variant of the copier that works from device A to D, from B to C and back.
arzt.com - a program for searching for "lost" blocks on the disk and automatically correcting the disk occupancy map.
arzt+.com - a program for filling empty spaces on the disk left after deleting files, moving the last files to free spaces in the middle of the disk.
bad.com - a program for finding bad blocks and automatically excluding them from disk space.
blk_tune.com - a program for configuring block device drivers.
calcul.com - a calculator program.
calculat.com - a calculator with additional features.
cd+.com - a program for comparing directories on the current and alternative panels.
cls.com - a utility for clearing the screen, useful for bat-files.
cmp.com - bitwise comparison of two files.
copy_all.com - a duplicating copier for creating working copies of the system on one disk drive.
copytune.com - a program for adjusting the parameters of copiers filecopy.com, copy.com, etc.
date.com - a program for setting and displaying the current date, recommended to insert its call in autoexec.bat for setting the date during system boot.
dev.com - setting logical names for devices serviced by various drivers.
diskname.com - a program for setting the disk label.
eliminat.com - a program for removing resident programs and drivers from memory.
exhumer.com - a program for reading text information from "dead" disks.
fdir.com - a program that allows access to subdirectories and files of a destroyed directory.
fileshow.com - a program for displaying the disk occupancy map and showing the localization of the current file on it.
find.com - searching for a specified file on the disk.
free.com - determining the amount of free space on the disk.
freenew.com - displaying the disk occupancy map on the screen.
from_trd.com - a file copier from TR-DOS disks to IS-DOS disks.
mark.com - searching and marking files by pattern-mask.
mon.com - command line monitor.
path.com - a program for setting file search paths.
path.txt - a list of paths for file search.
qu.com - recovering deleted files.
renam.com - a program for renaming files.
run.com - launching a program specified as a parameter in response to "Run ?Y/N", usually used in bat-files.
show.com - a program for displaying system information.
sort.com - sorting files in the directory.
to_trdos.com - a file copier from IS-DOS disks to TR-DOS.
tree.com - displaying the "Tree of directories" and quick navigation to the desired directory.
treecat.com - a program for creating a "Tree of directories".
treefile.com - a program that generates a list of all files on the disk by directories, indicating the creation date and size in blocks.
unicolor.com - a universal utility for adjusting colors in IS-DOS programs.
wait_ent.com - a program that stops the execution of the command file, waiting for the ENTER key to be pressed.
The UTIL directory has only one subdirectory HELP, containing descriptions of the files in the UTIL directory.
The RES directory contains resident programs and drivers for some devices:
attr.bat - a command file for automatically removing the "hidden" attribute from all files in the current directory.
attrh.bat - a command file for setting the "hidden" attribute for marked files.
bat.res - resident interpreter for bat-files.
calc.bat - a command file for calculating file checksums.
calc.com - a program for calculating the checksum of a file.
calc.res - a resident program for calculating file checksums.
ch.bat - a command file for checking file checksums.
ch.com - a program for checking the checksum of a file.
ch.res - a resident program for checking the checksum of a file.
choose.com - an extended device selection program, allowing work with eight devices instead of six.
choose.res - a resident variant of the device selection program.
clock.res - a program emulating a clock, displaying the current time in the upper right corner of the display.
clockset.bat - a command file for launching the clock emulator and setting the current time.
clockset.com - a utility for setting the current time.
coder.res - a text re-encoding program, converts files from IBM format to IS-DOS, as well as from wet format to normal.
contig.res - a program for converting segmented files into continuous ones.
cpfil.res - a program for bytewise comparison of two files.
date+3.res - a program that displays the creation date of the current file and other useful information in a special line of the file shell.
del.res - deleting a group of files, can work by mask from the command line.
dry.bat - a command file for converting text files from wet format to normal (used in the USER-menu "Working with the disk").
dump.com - a program for outputting a hexadecimal dump of the current file to a text file.
dump.res - a resident variant of the dump program.
gmen.res - a program for assigning devices (system, fast, and current).
indi.res - a program indicating the status of keyboard registers for the command line monitor.
junc.com - a utility for servicing re-encoding programs, as well as drivers for character input-output devices, allows connecting a character re-encoding table to the file.
mkdir.res - a program for creating a directory.
mon.res - resident command line monitor.
ren.res - a program for renaming files and changing attributes, working from the command line by mask.
scan.res - a utility for servicing resident programs, performs search and selection of files by mask.
set.com - a program for loading resident programs.
standart.bat - a command file for loading the standard set of resident programs installed in the system by default, useful after removing residents with the eliminat.com command with the /r key.
star.bat - a command file for launching the "Starry Sky" program.
star.res - a resident program "Starry Sky" for screen blanking during pauses in work.
svres.com - a program for saving a resident program or driver installed in memory to disk, useful when modifying drivers or resident programs.
univ.res - a utility for servicing resident programs, performs search and selection of files by mask or marking for other resident programs.
The RES directory also contains 4 subdirectories: HELP, which contains program description files, TRANS, which contains a set of re-encoding programs for all occasions, TYP with display drivers for 42 and 64 characters per line, and KEY with keyboard drivers.
The TRANS subdirectory contains the following programs:
bas_is.com, bas_is.res - re-encoders from SPECTRUM-BASIC format to IS-DOS text format.
cc_is.com - re-encoder from HiSoft C Compiler format to IS-DOS text format.
convert.com, convert.res - re-encoders from TLW2M format (produced by MOA with non-standard encoding).
from_tlw.com - re-encoder from TLW2+ format (produced by Cordial with KOI7 encoding).
gens_is.com, gens_is.res - re-encoders from GENS assembler format to IS-DOS text format.
ibm_is.com, ibm_is.res - re-encoders from IBM format to IS-DOS text format (removes the second byte of the newline).
inv.com - service program for switching code tables to reverse re-encoding.
is_cc.com - re-encoder from IS-DOS text format to HiSoft C Compiler format.
is_gens.com, is_gens.res - re-encoder from IS-DOS text format to GENS assembler format.
is_ibm.com, is_ibm.res - re-encoder from IS-DOS text format to IBM format (inserts the second byte of the newline).
is_pas.com - re-encoder from IS-DOS text format to HiSoft PASCAL format.
pas_is - re-encoder from HiSoft PASCAL format to IS-DOS text format.
tasw.com, tasw.res - re-encoders from TASWORD text editor format to IS-DOS text format.
tran.res - a universal re-encoder, working with code tables attached by the junc.com utility (the table files are collected in the directory Q:RES\TRANS\TABL).
The TABL subdirectory of the TRANS directory contains various tables for translating texts from different formats to IS-DOS format. If necessary, you can create tables for reverse re-encoding using the inv.com utility.
List of tables:
bulg_alt.cod - Bulgarian encoding
koi8_alt.cod - KOI8
main_alt.cod - Main GOST
tasw_alt.cod - TASWORD
tlw2ms.cod, tlw2ms.tab - TLW2M with non-standard MOA encoding
The TYP subdirectory of the RES directory usually contains three display drivers with command files necessary for their installation:
ty42.typ - standard display driver for 42 characters per line.
ty42_f.typ - extended display driver that also allows displaying graphical images of characters with codes less than 20H (useful for debugging printing programs).
ty64.typ - additional driver for 64 characters per line, used in the text editor and the text file viewer tv.com.
The KEY subdirectory of the RES directory usually contains the standard keyboard driver for ZX SPECTRUM and a set of tables that allow selecting various layouts of Russian characters on the keyboard. Since July 1995, a new, extended keyboard driver has been released, also with a set of tables. It allows for a more convenient organization of work in the text editor by increasing the number of function keys. So, the contents of the KEY subdirectory:
...ktest.com - a utility for displaying the code of the pressed key, useful for creating the extkey.txt file and developing your programs in the IS-DOS environment.
ttyin.key - standard keyboard driver for ZX SPECTRUM.
йцукен.tab, цукенг.tab, яверты.tab - various options for the layout of Russian characters.
йцукен.bat, цукенг.bat, яверты.bat - command files for setting various layouts of Russian characters.
The SERVICE directory mainly contains system files and utilities necessary for configuring, setting up, and servicing the system:
atomizer.com (in versions up to 3.0 - atom.com) - a utility for connecting an ink file containing modified colors to the shell.
bad.com - a utility for automatically finding and excluding defective blocks from the disk occupancy map.
boot.com - a utility for creating the system loader area when creating a new system boot disk.
check.com - a utility for managing the mode of automatic checksum verification of com files when they are launched.
con.com - a utility for attaching a modified system file to the boot area of the disk (applied after reconfiguring the system and saving the new configuration with the sv.com program).
connect.bat - a command file that connects system files and creates a boot disk.
create.com - a high-level formatting program for devices for IS-DOS (creates directory structure).
demon.com - a monitor for viewing the contents of the disk in hexadecimal or character form with disassembly capability (similar to the DOCTOR program by N. Rodionov).
doctor.com - a utility for testing and recovering disks in IS-DOS 800K format.
doctor_2.com - a utility for testing and recovering disks in TR-DOS 630K format.
format.com - a utility for low-level formatting of disks in IS-DOS format.
image.com - a program for unpacking the image of a block device previously saved in a file by the sv_image.com program, useful for quick installation of an electronic RAM disk.
is_dos.sys - the main system file containing the core of the IS-DOS system, as well as drivers and resident programs installed in the system by default.
is_tune - a utility for adjusting colors in programs format.com, doctor.com, etc.
isrld.com - a program for quickly reloading system files, useful when immediate configuration changes are needed.
shell.com - restart of the file shell.
shelltune.com - a program for adjusting the colors of the file shell and saving them in an ink file for subsequent connection by the atomizer.com utility.
sv.com - a program for saving a copy of the current system with all installed drivers and resident programs in the system file, used during user system configuration.
sv_image.com - a program for creating an image of a block device in a file for subsequent use by the image.com program.
In addition to the traditional HELP subdirectory, the SERVICE directory also contains a BLK subdirectory, where block device drivers are located. Usually, these are drivers for electronic RAM disks, allowing the organization of a virtual disk in the page memory of Spectrum 128, 256, 512, 1024, etc., differing in very high data transfer speed. Since February 1995, the BLK subdirectory has been supplemented with TR-DOS disk drivers, allowing work (albeit currently only for reading) with TR-DOS disks directly in file panels without using copiers. So, the contents of the BLK subdirectory:
ed_*.blk - one of the RAM disk drivers depending on the type of computer, by default the system comes with the driver ed_128.blk for Spectrum 128, or with the driver ed_scorp.blk for the SCORPION 256 computer.
menu.mnu - text of the local USER-menu for loading block drivers.
ram*.bat - one or more command files designed for creating RAM disks of various configurations.
tr-dos.blk, tr-dos0.blk - TR-DOS disk drivers.
In the HELP subdirectory of the BLK directory, among other things, there is a text file ed_blk.hlp, which contains a list of all existing block drivers with short annotations for each of them.
The EDIT directory contains all the files necessary for the operation of the IS-DOS text editor:
coder.com - a converter for text files from wet format to normal.
cut.com - a utility for splitting long lines into lines of specified length.
dry.com - a service subprogram of the editor.
ed*.ovr - editor overlays.
ed_copy.com - subprogram for creating a backup of the edited file.
ed_ext.txt - a list of file extensions that allow editing in the text editor.
ed_mac.txt - description of editor macros.
edit.com - the main working module of the editor.
edit_aux.wet - temporary buffer file of the editor.
editor.com - subprogram for launching the editor (initial menu).
segm80.res - a special resident program that tracks the degree of segmentation of a file and allows for more stable operation with very large files (hundreds of kilobytes).
tab.com, wet.com - service subprograms of the editor.
The EDIT directory also contains a KRYPTON subdirectory, which contains a package of programs for encrypting text files using an individual code-password. The program is useful when there is a need to protect texts from prying eyes.
The PRINT directory contains files related to printing programs, device drivers for printing, and some service files:
dump.lpr - a printer device emulator intended for debugging the printing program, user drivers, and allows displaying a hexadecimal dump of the printed file, including all control codes, initialization bytes, etc.
inilp+.com - a program for initializing non-standard printing devices. When launched, it sends the contents of the text file inilp+.txt to the printer port, which contains all the necessary codes for setup.
inilp+.com - a text file containing commands for initializing the printer with the inilp.com command.
print.com - launching procedure for the printing program.
print.txt - a text file containing a description of print control directives with a table of control codes for the user printer. This system allows using printers with a non-standard command system for printing texts.
printune.com - setup of the text printing program.
prt.com - the main working file of the text printing program.
prt_menu.com - an additional working file of the printing program, organizing the user interface.
window+.lpr - a printer device emulator allowing to display all printed information, including control codes, in character form. It can be used for debugging printing programs and drivers together with the extended display driver ty42_f.typ.
In the HELP subdirectory of the PRINT directory, there are text files with descriptions of the text printing program, as well as a text file prt.txt with a detailed description of entry points and variables of the text printing procedure for independent use.
The DRIVE subdirectory contains a set of printer drivers for organizing printing on EPSON-compatible printers with various encoding options. The set usually includes 10 variants of the driver for printers with different encodings, the first 1 or 2 characters of the driver name (up to the underscore) denote the type of encoding, the rest - the type of interface. This subdirectory also contains a text file lpr.txt with a technical description of most special printing device drivers created by Iskra Soft for various printer connection options.
The standard IS-DOS package contains a set of drivers for the typical printer connection scheme ZX LPRINT III or a special set of drivers for the SCORPION computer. In addition, the PL subdirectory of the PRINT directory usually contains the program for printing graphic images ps.com with all necessary files:
$Grafprn.pac - a packed block of working procedures of the graphic image printing program.
*.tab - various options for re-encoding tables for printers with non-standard graphic modes.
*.scr - examples of screen files.
lptb.com - a program for precise adjustment of the image printing program, allowing to set the margins, etc.
ps.com - the launching file of the graphic image printing program.
The HELP directory located in the root directory of the system disk contains the following files:
autoexec.hlp - description of the command file autoexec.bat, automatically called upon system boot.
error.txt - a list of system errors with the codes displayed by the system on the screen.
extent.txt - description of the extent.txt file.
main.hlp - description of the USER-menu, automatically called upon system boot.
shelhelp.hlp - a brief reference for the IS-DOS file shell, displayed on the screen by the HELP command (key "1" of the shell).
The MSDOS directory contains programs that allow organizing diskette-level communication with IBM PC computers operating in the MS-DOS environment. It contains the following files:
form_msd.com - a program for formatting diskettes in MS-DOS 720K format.
from_msd.com - a file copier from MS-DOS diskettes to IS-DOS diskettes.
msdos.com - an emulator of the MS-DOS file shell, allowing renaming and deleting files on MS-DOS diskettes, creating new subdirectories, and viewing the disk directory.
to_msdos.com - a file copier from IS-DOS diskettes to MS-DOS diskettes.
And finally, the last directory, which first appeared on the IS-DOS system disk version 3.0, is called ADVERTISING and usually contains the price list of the Iskra Soft company with a list of all available programs in the IS-DOS environment and other advertising information.
In conclusion, it remains only to add that the root directory of the disk contains three very important files, namely:
autoexec.bat - a command file containing commands executed automatically upon system boot.
extent.txt - a text file containing a description of the system's response to pressing the ENTER key on files with various extensions.
main.mnu - the text of the initial menu called after system boot from the autoexec.bat file. Additionally, the root directory may contain the file treecat.txt, which is a special text file used by the tree.com utility for quick navigation to any directory at any level of nesting.
Contents of the publication: ZX Format #01
- IS-DOS
IskraSoft introduces IS-DOS Classic 4.0 with advanced text editing features, a disk utility, a hard drive controller for ZX Spectrum, and a program debugger.
- IS-DOS - Владимир Елисеев
Overview of IS-DOS for ZX Spectrum, highlighting its advantages over TR-DOS. Discussion on installation, usage, and file management features of IS-DOS. Introduction to system utilities and interface similar to Norton Commander.
- IS-DOS - Владимир Елисеев
The article provides a concise guide to the IS-DOS system disk, listing all essential files with explanations. Files are sorted alphabetically and grouped by directories for easy navigation. The guide focuses on a basic overview of files and commands without extensive descriptions.
- IS-DOS - Владимир Елисеев
Discussion on the UniColor standard for color settings in IS-DOS programs, its implementation, and advantages for user customization.
- IS-DOS - Владимир Елисеев
Discussion of IS-DOS window interface features. Implementation of window system in IS-DOS and its advantages. Example programs for creating windows and frames.
- IS-DOS - Владимир Елисеев
Description of the internal workings of the gmen.com program for IS-DOS, focusing on device management and menu handling with detailed source code and comments.
- Hardware - Vladimir Larkov
Discussion on modifying Scorpion ZS-256 hardware for compatibility with specific software. Describes blocking port #1FFD to run incompatible programs. Provides technical details for implementation.
- Железо - Nemo
Discussing hardware braking devices for ZX Spectrum. Focus on creation and impact of brakes on overclocked processors. Warning about potential side effects.
- Железо
Discussion of the impracticality of repairing old computers and the economic sense in replacing them with modern hardware. The article highlights challenges in DIY repairs and suggests alternative solutions. Emphasizes the benefits of upgrading to newer, more reliable components.
- Железо
Discussion of new peripheral developments for Scorpion ZS 256, including an innovative universal controller and MIDI interface. Highlights enhancements in keyboard and mouse controllers and expansion of built-in software capabilities. Offers details on professional ROM extension and turbo mode for improved performance.
- Игрушки - Ruster
A detailed walkthrough of the game Crystal Kingdom Dizzy, including solutions to puzzles and tips for progressing through the story.
- Игрушки - Павел Рындин
Description of the logic game 'Bulls and Cows', its mechanics and gameplay. Explains levels of difficulty and the goal to guess a number with minimal attempts.
- Игрушки - Вячеслав Медноногов
Discussion on the nuances of 'UFO: Enemy Unknown' game, focusing on alien species, their tactics, and gameplay strategies. Details on game mechanics and future sequel 'UFO-2: Devils of the Abyss'. Includes programming insights and development history.
- Игрушки - SParker
Overview of games and software on the Saint Petersburg market in 1995.
- Интервью
Vyacheslav Mednonogov shares his journey as a programmer, from assembling his first Spectrum-48 to developing notable games like 'UFO. Enemy Unknown'. He describes challenges and insights in game development and the rise of Russian game localization. His experiences highlight the evolution of programming and software distribution in the 1990s.
- Информация
Introduction to ZX-Format, a new electronic magazine for ZX Spectrum enthusiasts, focusing on games, programming, hardware, and community interaction.
- Конкурс
Discussion on organizing a new competition for the magazine. Readers are invited to submit their theme ideas. Selected themes will be featured in future issues.
- Конкурс
ZX Format announces a competition for the best mission created using the mission editor for the game Laser Squad. Submissions are accepted by mail or in person. Winner receives a box of 3M disks and the next issue for free.
- Отдохнём - Килат Амор
A programmer's day filled with dreams, gaming, and casual conversations. Vasetchkin balances ambition with relaxation, embodying the programmer's spirit. Reflects on the demands and enjoyment of a programmer's life.
- Mailbox - Максим Романов
Discussion on hardware and software offers in St. Petersburg by LOGROS and Create Soft, including detailed insights on Kempston Mouse interface.
- Mailbox - SParker
Compilation of cheat codes for ZX Spectrum games by Sergey Pavlov. Techniques for extra lives and immortality. Not recommended for fans of fair play.
- Mailbox
Description of submission guidelines for letters and articles to the magazine, including formatting and submission preferences.
- Премьера - Алексей Щекин
Gameplay of Lines game on ZX Spectrum, similar to Color Lines. Move balls to form lines of the same color. Scoring and controls are described.
- Программистам - Дмитрий Рудовский
Introduction to advanced BASIC programming techniques for ZX Spectrum 48, highlighting its advantages over 128 BASIC. Plans for future articles include service programs and language extensions. The article serves as a guide for experienced programmers.
- Программистам - Михаил Спицын
Introduction to assembly language on ZX Spectrum. Explanation of Z80 processor structure, registers, and basic commands. Includes example programs for learning.
- Программистам - Андрей Седов
Mission editor for Laser Squad by Andrey Sedov allows fans to create new missions. Includes user-friendly interface with minimal controls. Offers features like object editing, price adjustments, and sprite assignment.
- Various
History of Amiga computer development, its creators, and key features. Evolution from arcade games to a leading home computer. Amiga's market success and technological advancements.
- Разное
Review of upcoming ZX Spectrum software products with demos. Highlights include adventure games, RPG trials, and strategic tactics. Several well-known developers contribute to these releases.
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