MS-DOS Machines Research Articles

Development of Simplified Database System for Earth Deposited Mineral Resources.

We developed a simple data base system that can be used for personal computer. Though it's function is not better than some marketing data bases such as DBASE towards personal computer, it has a characteristic that the schema is definite and simple. The structure of data is a relational data base type, and from preparing a parameter file which described the schema, a user can make a data file with one record ranging to 4096 bytes not necessary to change the executing file. Furthermore, according to preparing some reference files, almost of the inputting of the data base can be completed by using the cursor key only. Finally, our system can be used for various MS-DOS machines, and used on the network with the client-server model.

A Computer Program Demonstrating the Effect of the Payoff Matrix on the Signal Detection Measure, Beta

The computer program described in this article demonstrates the basic concepts of signal detection theory and illustrates the effect of changes in the payoff matrix on beta, a measure of response bias. Observers attempt to identify the trials on which there was a signal in a noisy visual display. They earn or lose points for correct or incorrect answers. After three sets of 100 trials, with a different payoff matrix for each set, the program provides observers with their hit rates, false alarm rates, d' scores, and beta scores for the three sets of trials, as well as the total points they have earned for the 300 trials. The program runs on MS-DOS machines and does not require a computer with graphics capabilities.

Using transputers in a TCP/IP environment: the PCserver approach

MSDOS machines have always been the favourite host platforms for transputer networks. Unfortunately, it is hard for MSDOS-hosted transputers to be easily integrated within a network environment, due to the lack of native support for networking on the host. The availability, nowadays, of cheap hardware for Ethernet access has made it possible to use MSDOS machines as general purpose interfaces between TCP-IP networks and peripheral devices (modems, printers etc.). In this paper we show how to use the same approach to interface transputer networks to the Internet, with some advantages over solutions using dedicated hardware, or Unix workstations, as host machines. The result of our work is PCserver, public domain software that allows a single MSDOS machine to host several independent transputer networks which can be completely controlled from other machines on the Internet. Performance issues related to the implementation of PCserver and in general to the network interfacing of transputers are also discussed in some detail.

Control system with a software simulator for JAERI-FEL

The control system for the JAERI-FEL consists of the hardware control process and the simulator process. The design concept is based on the hierarchical structure to separate the machine dependent parts. The system is implemented on the LAN of MS-DOS machines. The user interface employs the windows system basically; Smalltalk which has a good graphical user interface is used as a primary language at the top layer of the hierarchy. The control system includes several support tools such as a beam optics code, a data base manager, and a guidance system. Using such a control system, the development/ maintenance/ update tasks become easy and advanced control can be attainable.

Examining compiled code

The use of annotated listings of compiler-generated code has the potential to make teaching more effective in several different courses. We consider the production of such listings for several popular compilers and computer systems, including Turbo Pascal on MS-DOS machines and Pascal on Ultrix and VMS systems. The usefulness of these listings in assembly language, computer organization/architecture, and compiler courses, as well as introductory courses, is also considered.

Software Reviews : Statistix, Version 1.1 Publisher: NH Analytical Software, 801 West Iowa Avenue, St. Paul, MN 55117 (telephone: 612-488-4436) Years of Publication: 1985, 1986 Materials: Two disks (not copy-protected) and a spiral-bound manual Price: $75 Availability: IBM PC/XT/AT and compatible MS DOS machines. The reviewer tested the program on two machines, an IBM XT and a Zenith 158, both

STATISTIX is easy to learn and use. It is a powerful and flexible statistical toolbox. Some routines are included that are not present in higher-priced competing products. At $75, STATISTIX is a bargain.

Software Reviews : Guru, Version 1.00 Staff review Publisher: Micro Data Base Systems Inc., P.O. Box 248, Lafayette, IN 47902 (telephone: 317-463-2581) Year of Publication: 1985 Materials: Menu User's Guide; Command User's Guide; Reference Manual (2 vols.); Demonstration Program booklet; 5 disks Price: $2,995; site license and multicopy discounts available Machine Specificity: IBM PC and most MS-DOS machines; multi-user version

Summary: GURU is an expensive but powerful relational database package with a variety of integrated features, including spreadsheet features, forms management, color graphics, text processing, report generation, remote communications, and expert systems. It emphasizes "artificial intelligence" (AI) features through its expert system ability to create rule-based prescriptive systems. The AI features include forward and backward chaining and explanation of its reasoning process step by step in expert systems consultations, and a natural language interface for its database operations. It can be used in either menu-driven or command language mode, or it can be programmed for unique user input screens. GURU is a highly complex integrated package particularly useful for social scientists using databases in conjunction with decision support systems and willing to invest substantial learning time in development of these systems.

Software Reviews : Pc-File/R Staff review Publisher: ButtonWare, Inc., P.O. Box 5786, Bellevue, WA 98006 (telephone: 800-J-BUTTON or 206-454-0479) Year of Publication: 1985 Materials: Unlocked program disk; 150-page spiral-bound manual; plastic case Price: $149 plus $5 shipping; quantity discounts negotiated Machine Specificity: IBM PC and most MS-DOS machines, including Tandy 2000 System Requirements: 128K memory (256K if built-in word processor

This is the powerful successor to PC-FILE III, the user-supported software with an installed base of a quarter million users. Now sold as a conventional copyrighted product, PC-FILE/R is an inexpensive, powerful, fast, and user-friendly database manager which is also relational (43 databases may be open simultaneously, compared to 10 for dBASE III). Though PC-FILE/R can be run with only 128K of memory, it will take full advantage of additional memory up to 640K. It supports 32,767 records, 42 fields per record, and 1,665 characters per record. It has an integrated form letter package with a mini word processor, plus two standard report options. Data may be exchanged with LOTUS 1-2-3, dBASE III, and VISICALC, as well as with MAILMERGE, WORD, WORDPERFECT, and PEACHTEXT. Pop-up help screens are available at all times. If you can get by with 42 fields and don't need a built-in programmable database language, this package could be more attractive than dBASE III, the industry de facto standard. (Future versions may eliminate even these drawbacks.)

Book Reviews : The Best Book of dBASE II/III Ken Knecht Publisher: Howard W. Sams, 4300 West 62nd St., Indianapolis, IN 46268 (telephone: 1-800-428-SAMS) Date of Publication: 1985 Materials: 249 pages Price: $19.95 Machine Specificity: mM and Ms-DOS machines; CP/M machines including Apple II with CP/M card. Intended Audience: Novice users of dBASE II and II Usefulness: Moderate Clarity: High

This is an introductory text for dBASE Il version 2.4 (the current version at this writing), with two chapters (mere command summaries) tacked on for dBASE III coverage. Although written for the Hts-nos version, where differences exist in the CP/M version they are noted. Also covered are the add-on products Quickcode (an automatic code generator) and dGRAPH (for charts).

Small-X — a language and interpreter for building expert systems

This paper describes a programming language and its interpreter that have been developed for the construction of expert systems on microcomputers. The language has been developed with attention to simplicity and functionality. Its interpreter, now running on MS-DOS machines executes expert system programs written in small-X and provides a simple environment for expert system development.

Software Reviews : DB Master, Macintosh version Reviewed by: Mark D. Shermis, University of Pittsburgh Publisher: Stoneware, Inc., 50 Belvedere St., San Rafael, CA 94901 (telephone: 415-454-6500) Year of Publication: 1984 Materials: Copyable program disk and manual. Price: $195.00 Machine Specificity: Apple Macintosh (reviewed); similar but not identical versions available for Apple II and for MS-DOS machines. System Requirements: 128k

Summary: DB Master for the Macintosh is designed as an information management system for anyone who has to store, organize, retrieve, or reproduce numeric or alphanumeric data. Similar to earlier Apple II and MS-DOS versions, DB Master performed its basic functions in an effective manner. The program documentation was excellent and was accompanied by plenty of examples. Finally, DB Master took advantage of the Macintosh to make it a relatively user-friendly package.

Computing for Engineers and Scientists with FORTRAN 77

From the Publisher: This book is also available through the Introductory Engineering Custom Publishing System. If you are interested in creating a course-pack that includes chapters from this book, you can get further information by calling 212-850-6272 or sending email inquiries to engineerjwiley.com. A complete treatment of the American National Standard FORTRAN 77 language, this book also offers good coverage of debugging. Promotes clear programming style and easily maintainable programs, via top-down, modular design techniques. Examples are representative of those written on interactive terminals, and many of the runs are illustrated as they appear on MS-DOS machines and Macintoshes. The examples provided (over 135, in all) are highly transportable--all programs have been tested on several systems. Flexible enough for one-quarter to two-semester courses.