Re: [ql-users] Mouse on the Q40
- Original Message - From: "Phoebus Dokos" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: "QL Users Mailing List" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Sent: Wednesday, November 13, 2002 12:37 AM Subject: [ql-users] Mouse on the Q40 > > Hi all, I've set up Q40 (finally after a full day of drilling cutting etc my case) but I have a > problem with the mouse. I am using a MS compatible 3 button serial/PS/2 mouse (worked > great with superHermes and the regular QL using Sermouse) but isn't recognized by SMSQ/E... > is there anythin I need to run? (I tried sermouse but it doesn't work with that either...) > > > Phoebus > > > try the old type (not PS2) Phoebus, it worked with a three button mouse just fine ( never used the middle button though ). I think it uses sermouse incorporated in SMSQE ( I could be wrong here ) All the best - Bill
Re: [ql-users] SMSQ/E
On 12 Nov 2002, at 12:53, Dave P wrote: > > > Dave, do you think it would be worth it for such a small base? > > There is a conflict with the license, because electronic distribution > is not allowed. Wrong. This was one of the concerns you had already expressed earlier during the discussion about the licence and the licence was changed to take that into account, to wit: quote E Developer versions The registrar may set up a system whereby identified software authors may have access to, and possibly exchange among themselves, source code or binary versions being actually developed. unquote :-)) Wolfgang
Re: [ql-users] SMSQ/E
On 12 Nov 2002, at 21:45, Dilwyn Jones wrote: > > > available from (um Dilwyn's web site ?) > Ummm, no, but I think I have the sources of some of Chas's programs, > which he sent me when re released his ex-DP programs. Not sure if that > includes compare...must have a browse. -- Dilwyn Jones I have the source for Compare, but can't remember at all where I got it from. Wolfgang
Re: [ql-users] Mouse on the Q40
On 12 Nov 2002, at 19:37, Phoebus Dokos wrote: > > I have a problem with the mouse. I am using a MS > compatible 3 button serial/PS/2 mouse (worked great with superHermes > and the regular QL using Sermouse) but isn't recognized by SMSQ/E... > is there anythin I need to run? (I tried sermouse but it doesn't work > with that either...) > I've always used a "normal" serial mouse. That has worked w/o any problems - what kind of Serial/PS2 converter does it have? Wolfgang
Re: [ql-users] Core software and Q60
On 12 Nov 2002, at 12:27, Dave P wrote: (...) > If someone where to, say, make a TVToy, they should be > able to drop all of the redundant modules of SMSQ and alter others as > appropriate, and submit to Wolfgang and have an official branch for > that specific application. Just to go on record (AGAIN), nothing in this licence stops this from happening, I've ALWAYS stated that I'd be open to suggestions in this respect etc. etc. etc... > It would not help the main SMSQ branch much, Who knows? (...) Wolfgang
RE: [ql-users] Q-Emulator 2
> Does anyone know of a way for Q-Emulator to skip the ROM type > detection? The Ultra MG roms do not start as they are 64 K > instead of 48.. Is > there any hidden switch somewhere? Daniele? If you split the ROM in two files of 48KB and 16KB and install the latter as the QL's "back rom", as Marcel says, you get a memory configuration equivalent to a 64KB ROM. However, there's currently no way to disable Q-emuLator's ROM detection. The reason is that Q-emuLator needs to recognise a few spots in the ROM to be able to interact with QDOS, for example to install new directory device drivers. Another option would have been to emulate parts of the QL hardware like the microdrive ports and the QL's coprocessor, and access files this way. It would then work with any ROM that can run on a real, unexpanded QL, but you wouldn't have some of Q-emuLator's capabilities, like the TRAP #3 extensions to access subdirectories (both on QDOS mediums and in the Windows file system), or being able to read QXL.WIN disk images. In a similar way, Q-emuLator tries to do some magic to give you keyboard emulation that is independent of the type of QL ROM and PC keyboard that you use. Finally, Q-emuLator tries to recognize ROMs to be able to apply a few patches that fix ROM bugs. For example, without patches a JS ROM QL would not be able to handle 16MB of RAM. If this ROM is almost like an MG, then it might be easy to change the emulator to accept it. If you send me the ROM I can find out why the emulator is rejecting it. Thanks, Daniele
Re: [ql-users] Core software and Q60
Dave P writes: > I'm worried that the "all features should be available to all platforms" > approach gives us a lowest common denominator result. There aren't any > really good examples, because all of this is talk about future hardware > that doesn't exist yet, but it turns it into a question of how fast SMSQ/E > can be run, instead of what new things can we get it to do? > > For example, it would be nice to see SMSQ used in embedded systems, and in > desktop machines, although both require quite different hings from the OS. > If someone where to, say, make a TVToy, they should be able to drop all of > the redundant modules of SMSQ and alter others as appropriate, and submit > to Wolfgang and have an official branch for that specific application. It > would not help the main SMSQ branch much, but it would result in license > fees. Why use a horse to round up sheep that bite you, when a dog will do? > :o) I think if you carefully read whats already been written on the subject, youll find satisfactory answers there. Time to move on. Per
Re: [ql-users] SMSQ/E
Wolfgang Lenerz writes: > > For those who missed out on that conversation, I offered Wolfgang a > > password protected site where developers could upload/download and > > exchange/communciate code changes - Wolfgang would issue > > usernames/passwords to people who asked him to join the 'developer > > community'. > > Yup, that's right. > > Dave, do you think it would be worth it for such a small base? Ease of access might win over an extra set of fingers or two... Per
[ql-users] Monkey god banana! (ermmm Q40 I mean ;-)
Wahey... Me gots Q40... Off to my hole to assemble it... :-) Phoebus PS. Ouch! No GD2 version... blimey!
[ql-users] Mouse on the Q40
Hi all, I've set up Q40 (finally after a full day of drilling cutting etc my case) but I have a problem with the mouse. I am using a MS compatible 3 button serial/PS/2 mouse (worked great with superHermes and the regular QL using Sermouse) but isn't recognized by SMSQ/E... is there anythin I need to run? (I tried sermouse but it doesn't work with that either...) Phoebus
Re: [ql-users] Qeymail, last call for suggestions...
On 12/11/02 at 15:57 Dave P wrote: >Thanks Nasta. Nice to see you becoming a useful member of society again ;P Why, thank you! I think... N.
Re: [ql-users] Mouse movement / buttons
On Tue, 12 Nov 2002 at 23:56:00, Marcel Kilgus wrote: (ref: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>) > >Tony Firshman wrote: >>>There used to be ql-developers, but it was turned into a list for Q40 >>>(Linux) specific discussions. >> Indeed? >> I never heard of this one. > >Well, at least on the Quanta page is written: > >"This list is for any discussion related to QL Hardware and Q40-Linux >be it news, developments, help or queries." ... so what about QL hardware (8-)# Mind you I had always taken it as a software discussion area too. -- QBBS (QL fido BBS 2:252/67) +44(0)1442-828255 tony@.co.uk http://www.firshman.co.uk Voice: +44(0)1442-828254 Fax: +44(0)1442-828255 TF Services, 29 Longfield Road, TRING, Herts, HP23 4DG
Re: [ql-users] Q-Emulator 2
On Tue, 12 Nov 2002 at 22:10:14, Dilwyn Jones wrote: (ref: <011701c28a98$c72ef280$70065cc3@blackpc>) > >> [Jonathon Oakley] >> >> I believe he is one of the people who seems to have dropped off the >face of >> the earth? IIRC he was at the Bielefeld meeting all those years >ago... >> >> Nasta >For my sins working for Patientline for the last 11 months...I was >told by Tony Firshman or Laurence that Jonathan Oakley was one of the >original design team working on the originals of these little >Patientline hospital cable TV systems featured on BBC news yesterday, >of all things using either a derivative of QDOS or something >resembling QDOS a few years ago. It's now a mix of Windows CE and >other Windoze flavours from 98 to NT and 2000 (no Jonathan any more >AFAIK). No wonder I moan about the firm all the time is it ;-)) Lau - and he got heavily involved too of course. -- QBBS (QL fido BBS 2:252/67) +44(0)1442-828255 tony@.co.uk http://www.firshman.co.uk Voice: +44(0)1442-828254 Fax: +44(0)1442-828255 TF Services, 29 Longfield Road, TRING, Herts, HP23 4DG
Re: [ql-users] Mouse movement / buttons
??? 12/11/2002 1:52:00 ??, ?/? Tony Firshman <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> ??: > >On Tue, 12 Nov 2002 at 18:06:37, Marcel Kilgus wrote: >(ref: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>) > >> >>TonyTebby wrote: >>> Isn't there a developer's forum where we could stuff all these things? >> >>There used to be ql-developers, but it was turned into a list for Q40 >>(Linux) specific discussions. >Indeed? >I never heard of this one. >Maybe it turned into that by default as people did not talk of anything >else (8-)# > It was actually IIRC Thierry's idea Phoebus
Re: [ql-users] Mouse movement / buttons
In message , Tony Firshman <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> writes TonyTebby wrote: Isn't there a developer's forum where we could stuff all these things? There used to be ql-developers, but it was turned into a list for Q40 (Linux) specific discussions. Indeed? I never heard of this one. Maybe it turned into that by default as people did not talk of anything else (8-)# It is ql-developers. It became a Linux forum by default because it was little used and people got fed up with 'chat' on this list. It then went completely silent except for a lot of sex and other spam. -- Roy Wood Q Branch, 20 Locks Hill Portslade. Sussex. BN41 2LB. UK Tel : +44 (0)1273 386030 Fax : +44 (0)1273 430501 (New number!) Mobile +44(0)7836 745501 Web : www.qbranch.demon.co.uk
Re: [ql-users] Qeymail, last call for suggestions...
In message <011601c28a98$c6658800$70065cc3@blackpc>, Dilwyn Jones <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> writes Huh, just try using the DOS device in QPC (dos1_ = c:\) to access folders of any depth in the "other" OS's hard disk and you'll quickly find 36 to be a limit. I have a habit of dumping downloaded files onto the desktop (not good practice I know but still...) And the more you have on the desktop the more it slows the machine down because it constantly has to refresh all those files. -- Roy Wood Q Branch, 20 Locks Hill Portslade. Sussex. BN41 2LB. UK Tel : +44 (0)1273 386030 Fax : +44 (0)1273 430501 (New number!) Mobile +44(0)7836 745501 Web : www.qbranch.demon.co.uk
Re: [ql-users] Mouse movement / buttons
Tony Firshman wrote: >>There used to be ql-developers, but it was turned into a list for Q40 >>(Linux) specific discussions. > Indeed? > I never heard of this one. Well, at least on the Quanta page is written: "This list is for any discussion related to QL Hardware and Q40-Linux be it news, developments, help or queries." Marcel
Re: [ql-users] Mouse movement / buttons
On Tue, 12 Nov 2002, Tony Firshman wrote: > Indeed? > I never heard of this one. > Maybe it turned into that by default as people did not talk of anything > else (8-)# As a subscriber of ql-developers I was never told it was a Qx0 mailing list either ;) It has been a bit Q60-centric lately, but then that's been the recent development. I do think that D&D could set up a Qx0-linux mailing list of their own if they wished. Plenty of people would offer resources. Dave
Re: [ql-users] Qeymail, last call for suggestions...
In article <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>, Dave P <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> writes >On Mon, 11 Nov 2002, Malcolm Cadman wrote: > >> A good index is essential. > >I plan to give every email a serial number. Whether a single file or one >file per email, there will be an index file with serial number, filename, >length, date, status, etc. > >I am even considering copying exactly the pine mailbox format, so mail >would be portable to-from linux systems. That could be eminently sensible ... as the Q40 / Q60 has ability to run Linux. >> I use multiple mailboxes all the time ... so I guess I am just used to >> it. > >I have thought of a nice, easy way to resolve that issue. I figured as much :-) >> Must have the PE for me. > >*pout* :o) -- Malcolm Cadman
Re: [ql-users] Mouse movement / buttons
On Tue, 12 Nov 2002 at 18:06:37, Marcel Kilgus wrote: (ref: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>) > >TonyTebby wrote: >> Isn't there a developer's forum where we could stuff all these things? > >There used to be ql-developers, but it was turned into a list for Q40 >(Linux) specific discussions. Indeed? I never heard of this one. Maybe it turned into that by default as people did not talk of anything else (8-)# -- QBBS (QL fido BBS 2:252/67) +44(0)1442-828255 tony@.co.uk http://www.firshman.co.uk Voice: +44(0)1442-828254 Fax: +44(0)1442-828255 TF Services, 29 Longfield Road, TRING, Herts, HP23 4DG
Re: [ql-users] Q-Emulator 2
On Tue, 12 Nov 2002 at 13:59:07, ZN wrote: (ref: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>) > >[Jonathon Oakley] > >I believe he is one of the people who seems to have dropped off the face of >the earth? IIRC he was at the Bielefeld meeting all those years ago... Last communications from JonathAn were: - 1999 jonathanDOToakleyATteam-consultingDOTcom 2000 jonathanATwoolliscroftsDOTfreeserveDOTcoDOTuk I looked up Jonathan Oakley on Google, and there are so many people called that. Looks like he doesn't have a web site. Then +"Jonathan Oakley" +minerva came up with some very old Fido archives. Whatever happened to Marco Holmer, Erik Slagter, Tony Price, and all the rest. ... but oddest of all was the American called Oakley whose children were called Minerva and Jonathan -- QBBS (QL fido BBS 2:252/67) +44(0)1442-828255 tony@.co.uk http://www.firshman.co.uk Voice: +44(0)1442-828254 Fax: +44(0)1442-828255 TF Services, 29 Longfield Road, TRING, Herts, HP23 4DG
Re: [ql-users] SMSQ/E
> with regard to a Basic program to do a 'diff' have you looked at the QDOS > version of the diff Unix utility available with C68 ? > Alternatively, Chas Dillon's 'compare' utility to compare two files is > available from (um Dilwyn's web site ?) Ummm, no, but I think I have the sources of some of Chas's programs, which he sent me when re released his ex-DP programs. Not sure if that includes compare...must have a browse. -- Dilwyn Jones
Re: [ql-users] Qeymail, last call for suggestions...
> Finally: a small 'I told you so' for the people who keep saying the file > system is just fine and that 36 characters are enough. Funny how this can > turn out to be a limitation even for a 'simple' application, isn't it? I > TOLD YOU SO! > > Nasta Huh, just try using the DOS device in QPC (dos1_ = c:\) to access folders of any depth in the "other" OS's hard disk and you'll quickly find 36 to be a limit. I have a habit of dumping downloaded files onto the desktop (not good practice I know but still...) and then accessing dos1_windows_desktop_ and there's 16 of your 36 characters gone already. Thank you Marcel for allowing the dos devices to be redefined to work around this! -- Dilwyn Jones
Re: [ql-users] Q-Emulator 2
> [Jonathon Oakley] > > I believe he is one of the people who seems to have dropped off the face of > the earth? IIRC he was at the Bielefeld meeting all those years ago... > > Nasta For my sins working for Patientline for the last 11 months...I was told by Tony Firshman or Laurence that Jonathan Oakley was one of the original design team working on the originals of these little Patientline hospital cable TV systems featured on BBC news yesterday, of all things using either a derivative of QDOS or something resembling QDOS a few years ago. It's now a mix of Windows CE and other Windoze flavours from 98 to NT and 2000 (no Jonathan any more AFAIK). No wonder I moan about the firm all the time is it ;-)) -- Dilwyn Jones
Re: [ql-users] Mouse movement / buttons
Many thanks, Tony. I am trying to put together all these useful snippets of information. SOme of it is on my website. More of it on a little CD-R I call the QL Documentation CD where I compile various useful bits sent to me by various people. Jochen has copies of this, I treat it as freeware and anyone is free to copy it (like the QL Emulators CD it was released simply to try to help further the QL cause). I had suspected that there was no 'official' reading method, as all the information I'd seen seemed to be (vaguely) along the lines of peeking information from this block. Dilwyn Jones - Original Message - From: TonyTebby <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Sent: Tuesday, November 12, 2002 10:43 AM Subject: [ql-users] Mouse movement / buttons Phoebus wrote > Hi all, > I've asked about this awhile ago but lost the reply. > Is there any memory position that can be read to show the mouse movement. > button actions etc.? Furthermore is that position standard or does it change from > platform to platform? This is one of the many dirty areas and dirty questions. If there were a free for all GNU style licence, the answer would be YES but it is different on every different version for every different machine, but I spent a fair amount of time trying to "commonise" as much as I could. I hope we can keep it this way. The following information is not official but I hope it is right. The various mouse interfaces all finish by transfering their actions into the pointer linkage block (file keys_con) where they are then acted on by the pointer interface scheduler routine. Bizarrely, there is only an interface call to set values in the pointer linkage block, there is no interface call to read values so you will need an XTOP to find the block. The value pt_pos is the most recent POINTER position set by the Pointer Interface, the value pt_npos is the value updated by the mouse driver. The value pt_bcurr will give you the current button status (not necessarily de-bounced). Isn't there a developer's forum where we could stuff all these things? Tony
Re: [ql-users] Qeymail, last call for suggestions...
> if you are going to use PE and you want to do it 'easily' get hold of > EasyPtr (somehow) and there is a totally excellent tutorial avaiulable for > download somewhere (Dilwyn's web emporium I think) Indeed, or can be emailed direct if you wish. > Until I wrote that tutorial (oops !) I used to call the system > DifficultPointer - ask Dilwyn, I had many a rant in those days :o) I remember the "DifficultPointer" era well. It was largely my inability to master it at first which caused the long gap between Albin Hessler sending me a sample copy and me actually starting to sell it via DJC. It's not really difficult. Just a lot to master in one go. And a lot of terminology to get used to. Norman's tutorial is a real step by step basics guide. -- Dilwyn Jones
Re: [ql-users] Q-Emulator 2
OK, those who looked into this when it was decreed that the QL ROMs could be distributed, anyone know status of Tyche now? Or how to contact Jonathan Oakley to see if he is able to release it? Dilwyn Jones - Original Message - From: TonyTebby <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Sent: Tuesday, November 12, 2002 10:50 AM Subject: [ql-users] Q-Emulator 2 Tyche is Jonathon Oakley's (Sinclair -> QJump -> Minerva) updated QDOS for the Tyche successor to the QL. The intellectual property rights for this ROM reside with whoever picked up the bits from Amstrad. Tony Tebby
Re: [ql-users] New SMSQ/E reseller!
> AND I will add that the details of allowing distribution with QL ROM > permissions worked out in the USA is being worked out as we type. :-> > > -- > Paul Holmgren > Hoosier Corps #33, L-6 > 2 57 300-C's in Indy Thanks Paul. I was wondering if Phoebus was going to tackle this or simply make copies of the CDs without those files for N AMerica. This will be most helpful. -- Dilwyn Jones
Re: [ql-users] QL Service Manual in HTML Format
> >At this point I am officially sending in my brain for a refund or > >replacement as it is clearly unsuited for the purpose for which it was > >bought. > > > > Nah... no need to throw it away, it just came orignially with an AH rom and dongle, > better upgrade it with minerva mk II ;-) > > Phoebus Actually, it was JM like my QL (Jones Mind). -- Dilwyn Jones
Re: [ql-users] Qeymail, last call for suggestions...
On Tue, 12 Nov 2002, ZN wrote: > 'Has attachment' > 'Attachment removed' > > Every once in a while sort by attachment is VERY useful (as in: someone > sent me a file, where is it?). > Attachment removed is also interesting in case you want to only archive the > actual messages without attachments or just remove attachments after a > while to save space. Both good suggestions, added to the spec. I will extend the bitfield to 16 bits, or two 8-bit fields, one for status and one for content. Or something. :o) Thanks Nasta. Nice to see you becoming a useful member of society again ;P Dave
Re: [ql-users] Qeymail, last call for suggestions...
On 12/11/02 at 14:03 Dave P wrote: >The bitfield will actually be an integer, but I expressed it in this >example as bits: > >0 Received (1=sent with this client 0=sent with any other client) >1 Read >2 Reply sent >3 Forwarded >4 - reserved >5 - reserved >6 Archived >7 Deleted > >[timeasinteger] will be the sent timestamp. timezone will allow the >correct time to be displayed in the client. Subject is, well :o) > >If there's anything else that you think would be useful to have in the >index, please say so now, though it will be quite easy to change later. 'Has attachment' 'Attachment removed' Every once in a while sort by attachment is VERY useful (as in: someone sent me a file, where is it?). Attachment removed is also interesting in case you want to only archive the actual messages without attachments or just remove attachments after a while to save space. N.
Re: [ql-users] Qeymail, last call for suggestions...
I got hung up on the bitfield and forgot the rest. Let's try again. On Tue, 12 Nov 2002, Dave P wrote: I'm currently working on how much to put in the index - quite a lot, because it'll save a lot of time. 121102001:[EMAIL PROTECTED]::[timeasinteger]:[timezone]:Subject text The bitfield will actually be an integer, but I expressed it in this example as bits: 0 Received (1=sent with this client 0=sent with any other client) 1 Read 2 Reply sent 3 Forwarded 4 - reserved 5 - reserved 6 Archived 7 Deleted [timeasinteger] will be the sent timestamp. timezone will allow the correct time to be displayed in the client. Subject is, well :o) If there's anything else that you think would be useful to have in the index, please say so now, though it will be quite easy to change later. Dave
Re: [ql-users] Qeymail, last call for suggestions...
On Tue, 12 Nov 2002, ZN wrote: > For a file organisation, I would vote for inbox = directory, email = file. This is precisely what i have decided to do, based on the mixed feedback. I'm currently working on how much to put in the index - quite a lot, because it'll save a lot of time. 121102001:[EMAIL PROTECTED]: The bitfield will actually be an integer, but I expressed it in this example as bits: 0 Received (1=sent with this client 0=sent with any other client) 1 Read 2 Reply sent 3 Forwarded 4 - reserved 5 - reserved 6 Archived 7 Deleted A copy of this status will be stored in the header too, so if ever the index does not match the available emails (power failure?) the index can be reconstructed. > The user could then have an option to periodically physically delete all > files marked as deleted. Also, the number of files should be kept to a sane > number, once this is reached, the user could be prompted to compress older I plan that deleted files will be moved to a deleted folder on exit. Deleted folder will expire emails after 7 days (configurable). I will need rationality checks on the system clock, of course, and will include a timed daemon so if you wish, it can automatically set your system clock to the correct time. > Finally: a small 'I told you so' for the people who keep saying the file > system is just fine and that 36 characters are enough. Funny how this can > turn out to be a limitation even for a 'simple' application, isn't it? I > TOLD YOU SO! I would like to see a more linux-like filesystem, and I'm talking about look and feel, not how it's implemented. Access restrictions, groups, etc :o) Now I have bought a copy of SMSQ I feel entitled :o)~ Dave
Re: [ql-users] Q-Emulator 2
[Jonathon Oakley] I believe he is one of the people who seems to have dropped off the face of the earth? IIRC he was at the Bielefeld meeting all those years ago... Nasta
Re: [ql-users] Qeymail, last call for suggestions...
[Qeymail] Darn, I can't keep up with you all even with a broadband connection - and to think that a few weeks ago people were complaining the list was dead... IIRC there is a serious limitiation in SOME file systems, and this is a _TOTAL_ number of files on a drive, which, IIRC is 65535 (if coded correctly) and 32767 if the author forgot to use unsigned 16-bit integers. The problem is endemic to all purely FAT based systems because the structure is based on a table where each entry means physical sector (index in table) is sector X of file Y - where both X and Y are of some predetermined size - 12 bits on floppy, 16 on hard drive. The same structure is inherited into directories, because you want to alow one directory to use the whole available number of files, if needed. But, there is always a limit. I am not sure what it is for TTs HDD (and QXL.win) driver, though. For a file organisation, I would vote for inbox = directory, email = file. Basically, keep the inbox organisation in the index file - this includes any sub-folders in it, deleted files, compressed files, etc, etc. Directory and file names should obviously be kept short (36 characters to a path + name limit...), so I suppose the file names should be somehow 'hashed' or encoded from a date or just have an ever increasing number. One could encode a 32-bit number plus a few extra flag bits into 6 bit + offset ASCII. This would give us 10 character names. The index file would hold the actual structure (which email file goes where). The user could then have an option to periodically physically delete all files marked as deleted. Also, the number of files should be kept to a sane number, once this is reached, the user could be prompted to compress older files - these could simply be zipped into one larger file. This would then also have an encoded name, which would, for example, reference the newest message in the archive (for search purposes). Finally: a small 'I told you so' for the people who keep saying the file system is just fine and that 36 characters are enough. Funny how this can turn out to be a limitation even for a 'simple' application, isn't it? I TOLD YOU SO! Nasta
Re: [ql-users] SMSQ/E
On Tue, 12 Nov 2002, Wolfgang Lenerz wrote: > Dave, do you think it would be worth it for such a small base? There is a conflict with the license, because electronic distribution is not allowed. I just feel that for the known core developers, it might be appropriate to get them using a common exchange. If people know what projects others are working on, and if their code is available to others, the benefits of co-operation and cross-checking/testing benefit everyone. It would benefit the developers, and not be too much work for me. imho. Dave
Re: [ql-users] Core software and Q60
On 12 Nov 2002, at 18:29, TonyTebby wrote: > > (and, hopefully, functionally identical !!!) Yes! > OK, so if the open source system is working fine, why are some people > making such of fuss Beats me. > > In this case, Fabrizio is playing entirely by the rules and hasn't > > asked for any money (nor has Marcel Kilgus for the other code > > developped by him). > > This, of course, does not stop generous users or groups offering such > developers donations to encourage them to make improvements that they > would like to see, does it? No, of course not - as you are well aware, the licence also allows for that... > I don't know if Fabrizio has had any reward other than the Golden Glow > from helping other people, but the total revenue earned by Marcel for > QPC, or the brothers Graf on the Q40 or . cannot come anywhere > near the real cost of the work they have done. I don't think anybody ever said that. We all know how it is in the Ql World... > The rules don't say > that developers cannot be rewarded, do they? No (not yet :-))) Let's see, what did Dave want to change in the licence? Wolfgang
Re: [ql-users] Mouse movement / buttons
On 12 Nov 2002, at 12:43, Phoebus Dokos wrote: > > I can make one with my majordomo if anyone's interested :-) Why not keep things a bit more centralized? On this list... Wolfgang
Re: [ql-users] Core software and Q60
On Tue, 12 Nov 2002, TonyTebby wrote: > OK, so if the open source system is working fine, why are some people > making such of fuss Hi Tony, I'm one of the people making one of the fusses. It's a very simple fuss and is well intentioned :o) I'm worried that the "all features should be available to all platforms" approach gives us a lowest common denominator result. There aren't any really good examples, because all of this is talk about future hardware that doesn't exist yet, but it turns it into a question of how fast SMSQ/E can be run, instead of what new things can we get it to do? For example, it would be nice to see SMSQ used in embedded systems, and in desktop machines, although both require quite different hings from the OS. If someone where to, say, make a TVToy, they should be able to drop all of the redundant modules of SMSQ and alter others as appropriate, and submit to Wolfgang and have an official branch for that specific application. It would not help the main SMSQ branch much, but it would result in license fees. Why use a horse to round up sheep that bite you, when a dog will do? :o) > This, of course, does not stop generous users or groups offering such > developers donations to encourage them to make improvements that they > would like to see, does it? I concur that people making contributions to SMSQ conditional on income back to them is short sighted. My very, very humble opinion. Dave
Re: [ql-users] SMSQ/E
On 12 Nov 2002, at 10:57, Dave P wrote: > > > > On Tue, 12 Nov 2002, Wolfgang Lenerz wrote: > > > The relatively small take up is also the reason I haven't yet seen > > fit to call upon Dexter's help for setting up a website for the > > sources. > > For those who missed out on that conversation, I offered Wolfgang a > password protected site where developers could upload/download and > exchange/communciate code changes - Wolfgang would issue > usernames/passwords to people who asked him to join the 'developer > community'. Yup, that's right. Dave, do you think it would be worth it for such a small base? Wolfgang
Re: [ql-users] SMSQ/E
On 12 Nov 2002, at 16:55, Dave Walker wrote: > > Wolfgang, > > The 'diff' program mentioned can produce context sensitive 'diff' > files in the Unix style. This can be used in conjunction with the > port of the Unix "patch" program to intelligently apply patches to > existing sources. Thanks, that will be quite helpfull. Now, where did I have my C68 disks... Actually, the prog I want just notes the different files (new and or changed) and zips them all up... Does diff do that? > It occurs to me that there should be no licensing > issues with making such "patch" files generally available as they > cannot be used without the original source to apply the patch to! I agree - I never said there was a licencing issue. However, the files contained in the zip patch file still fall under the licence (at least the ones I'll be distributing). > There is also the QDOS port of the Unix RCS Source Control System if > we wanted a full version/change tracking system running entirely under > SMSQ/E. Where? Wolfgang
Re: [ql-users] gold card and SMSQ/E
On 12 Nov 2002, at 17:58, Andreas Berger wrote: > > Hi, > > i have heard that SMSQ/E is free for users of Gold Card/Super Gold > Card. Can anyone enlighten me? > > regards, Andreas > > No, SMSQ/E isn't free for GC or SGC users. As with all other SMSQ/Es, there is the 10 EUR payment to TT, and then whatever amount a dealer wants to charge you for the service provided. Wolfgang
RE: [ql-users] SMSQ/E
On 12 Nov 2002, at 16:14, Norman Dunbar wrote: > > Wolfgang, > > with regard to a Basic program to do a 'diff' have you looked at the > QDOS version of the diff Unix utility available with C68 ? No, I haven't (yet). > Alternatively, Chas Dillon's 'compare' utility to compare two files is > available from (um Dilwyn's web site ?) I know about that one and use it relativelyofte, but it can't help me here. I just need a program that runs through the entire (!) win2_, and notes the differences with programs existing on another drive (the older version) Wolfgang > Why re-invent the wheel :o) Indeed! Wolfgang
[ql-users] Core software and Q60
Wolfgang Lenerz wrote > This is exactly what happened in fact.> Fabrizio Diversi took the code in the sources, removed the MOVEP > instructions from it by replacing it with other instructions. He then > renamed the resulting modified files AND MODIFIED THE Q60 link > files, to point to the new files. He then passed that on to me. So > now, the source tree had two versions of certain files, some > specific to the Q60, others still perfectly the same. (and, hopefully, functionally identical !!!) OK, so if the open source system is working fine, why are some people making such of fuss > In this case, Fabrizio is playing entirely by the rules and hasn't > asked for any money (nor has Marcel Kilgus for the other code > developped by him). This, of course, does not stop generous users or groups offering such developers donations to encourage them to make improvements that they would like to see, does it? I don't know if Fabrizio has had any reward other than the Golden Glow from helping other people, but the total revenue earned by Marcel for QPC, or the brothers Graf on the Q40 or . cannot come anywhere near the real cost of the work they have done. The rules don't say that developers cannot be rewarded, do they? Tony Tebby Tony Tebby
Re: [ql-users] Q-Emulator 2
Την 12/11/2002 5:50:43 ��, ο/η "TonyTebby" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> έγραψε: > > > Από: "TonyTebby" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> > > Προς: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> > Θέμα: [ql-users] Q-Emulator 2 > Ημερομηνία:Tue, 12 Nov 2002 11:50:43 +0100 > > > > Tyche is Jonathon Oakley's (Sinclair -> QJump -> Minerva) updated QDOS for > the Tyche successor to the QL. The intellectual property rights for this ROM > reside with whoever picked up the bits from Amstrad. > > Tony Tebby Aha! That's why it looks so much like Minerva during startup :-) Amstrad has (supposedly) relinquished all rights, however it would be good to contact him for a. ask permission to distribute it and b. get some more info on it... (for historical reasons) Phoebus
Re: [ql-users] Core software and Q60
TonyTebby wrote: > The Q60 developers would, however, be quite justified in asking for > 1% of the price they paid for the Q40 version of the GD2 QL driver - > 1% of nothing is not too much to ask for, is it? Speaking of GD2, do you remember why in iod_con2_qxl16_sppcch_asm you disabled mode 32 native sprites? --- pt_sppref dc.w $FEDC,$0210,$021f,$0100 ; the QXL native mode is not supported pt_spnative dc.w $0220; ... this is usually first pref --- And why $FEDC? Unfortunately this way there's currently no high colour sprite format in QXL/QPC (and if anybody's wondering that's one of the reasons why the high colour wman is still not finished). Marcel
Re: [ql-users] Qeymail, last call for suggestions...
Sounds very clean. I am looking forward to your program. It should also fit very cleanly into the QDT environment, especially since you plan to use the pointer environment. QDT will also be able to take advantage of the standard config blocks and will eventually offer a 'free' to use installer based on scripts which you might like to adapt to your distribution (does not require QDT to run). This will be available sometime next year. Have fun, Jim On Tuesday, November 12, 2002, at 06:57 AM, Dave P wrote: On Mon, 11 Nov 2002, James Hunkins wrote: I don't like the idea of a single file. Take a look at Microsoft's email program - there have been many problems with the single file once it gets too large. Things slow down, corruption is possible, and trying to extract and save individual emails gets 'interesting'. I don't like the idea of a single file either, because removing an email from the middle of a file and closing up thew gap is slow if done on a drive, or would exhaust memory. I don't want to divide email by date either. Finally, I do not want to divide email by sender email, because the penalty is that the ones who send most mail have the largest files and slowest response. Instead, I am aiming towards a subdirectory structure, thus: inbox_index inbox_1211020001 . . inbox_121102 (ie can handle 65536 mails a day) delet_index delet_1211020001 etc... I will also allow people to create their own folders and move mail between folders. Someone else mentioned the QL file limitations per directory. This could become a problem for someone who gets a lot of emails. You might I think if people really store that much mail, I will have it auto archive mail, and inform the user. EG: on start up it can say "You have over 30,000 emails. Call Geeks Anonymous on..." *grins* Also, are you aiming this at all users including floppy and microdrive types? If so, what happens if a user fills up a floppy, etc (for some of us, this is a real possibility). I will allow each folder to be on a different drive, so inbox could be on flp1_ and others on flp#_ - all user-assignable. I think it will be important to include mail backup facilities, just to be on the safe side for everyone. Dave
Re: [ql-users] Mouse movement / buttons
??? 12/11/2002 12:06:37 ??, ?/? Marcel Kilgus <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> ??: > >TonyTebby wrote: >> Isn't there a developer's forum where we could stuff all these things? > >There used to be ql-developers, but it was turned into a list for Q40 >(Linux) specific discussions. > >Normally the traffic of this list isn't as heavy as it was the last >few days (sometimes whole days or weeks without mails), so there >didn't really seem to be the need for an extra forum. > >Marcel > > I can make one with my majordomo if anyone's interested :-) Phoebus
Re: [ql-users] gold card and SMSQ/E
??? 12/11/2002 11:58:42 ??, ?/? "Andreas Berger" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> ??: > >Hi, > >i have heard that SMSQ/E is free for users of Gold Card/Super Gold Card. >Can anyone enlighten me? > >regards, Andreas > > Andreas, I think you misunderstood me. I said that SMSQ/E is (currently) free as an (recent) upgrade for users of GC/SGC SMSQ/E (Which means you need to own SMSQ/E first) Noticed this? ^ Simple ownership of the hardware doesn't entitle you to ownership of SMSQ/E. See my other personal email and look at the posts in this list... Of course you can always get the sources from Wolfgang and compile it yourself... then yes it's practically free Phoebus
Re: [ql-users] Mouse movement / buttons
TonyTebby wrote: > Isn't there a developer's forum where we could stuff all these things? There used to be ql-developers, but it was turned into a list for Q40 (Linux) specific discussions. Normally the traffic of this list isn't as heavy as it was the last few days (sometimes whole days or weeks without mails), so there didn't really seem to be the need for an extra forum. Marcel
Re: [ql-users] SMSQ/E
On Tue, 12 Nov 2002, Wolfgang Lenerz wrote: > The relatively small take up is also the reason I haven't yet seen fit > to call upon Dexter's help for setting up a website for the sources. For those who missed out on that conversation, I offered Wolfgang a password protected site where developers could upload/download and exchange/communciate code changes - Wolfgang would issue usernames/passwords to people who asked him to join the 'developer community'. Dave
[ql-users] gold card and SMSQ/E
Hi, i have heard that SMSQ/E is free for users of Gold Card/Super Gold Card. Can anyone enlighten me? regards, Andreas
Re: [ql-users] SMSQ/E
Wolfgang, The 'diff' program mentioned can produce context sensitive 'diff' files in the Unix style. This can be used in conjunction with the port of the Unix "patch" program to intelligently apply patches to existing sources. It occurs to me that there should be no licensing issues with making such "patch" files generally available as they cannot be used without the original source to apply the patch to! There is also the QDOS port of the Unix RCS Source Control System if we wanted a full version/change tracking system running entirely under SMSQ/E. Dave - Original Message - From: "Norman Dunbar" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Sent: Tuesday, November 12, 2002 4:14 PM Subject: RE: [ql-users] SMSQ/E > > Wolfgang, > > with regard to a Basic program to do a 'diff' have you looked at the QDOS > version of the diff Unix utility available with C68 ? > Alternatively, Chas Dillon's 'compare' utility to compare two files is > available from (um Dilwyn's web site ?) > > Why re-invent the wheel :o) > > Cheers, > Norman. > > PS. I will be requesting the latest version of the source - just as soon as > I find time to (a) do so and (b) do something with it :o) > > - > Norman Dunbar > Database/Unix administrator > Lynx Financial Systems Ltd. > mailto:Norman.Dunbar@;LFS.co.uk > Tel: 0113 289 6265 > Fax: 0113 289 3146 > URL: http://www.Lynx-FS.com > - > > > -Original Message- > From: Wolfgang Lenerz [mailto:wlenerz@;free.fr] > Sent: Tuesday, November 12, 2002 4:08 PM > To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] > Subject: Re: [ql-users] SMSQ/E > > > > Hi all > > Just a small progress report on the sources for SMSQ/E. > > > > > > This email is intended only for the use of the addressees named above and > may be confidential or legally privileged. If you are not an addressee you > must not read it and must not use any information contained in it, nor copy > it, nor inform any person other than Lynx Financial Systems or the > addressees of its existence or contents. If you have received this email > and are not a named addressee, please delete it and notify the Lynx > Financial Systems IT Department on 0113 2892990.
Re: [ql-users] Qeymail, last call for suggestions...
On Tue, 12 Nov 2002, Wolfgang Lenerz wrote: > For, it would be PE, Prowess or nothing... It'll be open source, and I can do it with pointers, and anyone who wants it without pointers can take the source and edit it ;) > If you want, I could probably rapidly build you a prototype PE > application, all in Sbasic, to which you could add later. > > Prowess would take a bit more time... I appreciate the offer, but I really should learn how to do it myself. :o) Dave
Re: [ql-users] Core software and Q60
On 12 Nov 2002, at 14:01, TonyTebby wrote: > The specific solution is to re-write the QL colour mode driver to > eliminate all "MOVEP" instructions. I had started this work before > passing the partially modified MC68060 routines over to Peter Graf. > The modified code works on earlier processors, but is not as fast. It > is, therefore, necessary to provide separate MC68060 and MC680x0 > versions of the GD2 QL mode drivers, even though they are >99% the > same. This is exactly what happened in fact. Fabrizio Diversi took the code in the sources, removed the MOVEP instructions from it by replacing it with other instructions. He then renamed the resulting modified files AND MODIFIED THE Q60 link files, to point to the new files. He then passed that on to me. So now, the source tree had two versions of certain files, some specific to the Q60, others still perfectly the same. > One of the registrar's jobs is to ensure that the modifications are > properly recorded. They are :-). You can'tbe more explicit that I am in the "changes_txt" file! > In this case, he would have to ensure that the > lower performance MC68060 version did not crawl through into the > "standard" versions. Exactly. I'll also have to check that, if in the future one of these two versions is changed, the change shouldn't also be reflected in the other version. > Naturally, other suppliers of MC68060 based > machine could use this version because it is in the "open > source". > The > Q60 developers would, however, be quite justified in asking for 1% of > the price they paid for the Q40 version of the GD2 QL driver - 1% of > nothing is not too much to ask for, is it? In this case, Fabrizio is playing entirely by the rules and hasn't asked for any money (nor has Marcel Kilgus for the other code developped by him). Wolfgang
RE: [ql-users] SMSQ/E
Wolfgang, with regard to a Basic program to do a 'diff' have you looked at the QDOS version of the diff Unix utility available with C68 ? Alternatively, Chas Dillon's 'compare' utility to compare two files is available from (um Dilwyn's web site ?) Why re-invent the wheel :o) Cheers, Norman. PS. I will be requesting the latest version of the source - just as soon as I find time to (a) do so and (b) do something with it :o) - Norman Dunbar Database/Unix administrator Lynx Financial Systems Ltd. mailto:Norman.Dunbar@;LFS.co.uk Tel: 0113 289 6265 Fax: 0113 289 3146 URL: http://www.Lynx-FS.com - -Original Message- From: Wolfgang Lenerz [mailto:wlenerz@;free.fr] Sent: Tuesday, November 12, 2002 4:08 PM To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: Re: [ql-users] SMSQ/E Hi all Just a small progress report on the sources for SMSQ/E. This email is intended only for the use of the addressees named above and may be confidential or legally privileged. If you are not an addressee you must not read it and must not use any information contained in it, nor copy it, nor inform any person other than Lynx Financial Systems or the addressees of its existence or contents. If you have received this email and are not a named addressee, please delete it and notify the Lynx Financial Systems IT Department on 0113 2892990.
Re: [ql-users] Qeymail, last call for suggestions...
On 11 Nov 2002, at 13:33, Dave P wrote: > Finally, how important would it be to use a pointer environment, or would > you be happy to use industry standard CTRL-key combinations? For, it would be PE, Prowess or nothing... If you want, I could probably rapidly build you a prototype PE application, all in Sbasic, to which you could add later. Prowess would take a bit more time... Wolfgang
Re: [ql-users] SMSQ/E
Hi all Just a small progress report on the sources for SMSQ/E. This weekend, I integrated code kindly donated by Marcel Kilgus into the Q60/QXL versions (to draw nicer shadows). If and when more machines come out with higher graphics, this can be adapted for them, too. I also integrated code kindly donated by Fabrizio Diversi to incorporate italian language versions into all versions of SMSQ/E. More code from Fabrizio was incorporated into the Q60 version only, it takes out "MOVEP" instructions out of that code, thus making it faster. A big thanks to Marcel and Fabrizio for their support! This is version 2y99 of SMSQ/E. The code is being tested and will be released to the resellers when it seems OK - but it can already be obtained as source code. What I want to do now is write a basic program, to collect the changes from one version of the source with respect to the previous version. This will make it easier for me to send (perhaps per email) only the changed code to those interested. If you would like to participate in such a scheme, please let me know. All in good time! Just for those who have asked me: Up to now, I sent the source code to about 25 people, only 5 of which have, up to now, requested the latest version. The relatively small take up is also the reason I haven't yet seen fit to call upon Dexter's help for setting up a website for the sources. Finally, on the legal side, I can confirm that D&D have indeed contacted me by now. We'll see what comes out of that, I'll let you know. Wolfgang
RE: [ql-users] Qeymail, last call for suggestions...
Dave, try here : http://www.soft.net.uk/dj/qldocs/eptutor.zip Cheers, Norman. - Norman Dunbar Database/Unix administrator Lynx Financial Systems Ltd. mailto:Norman.Dunbar@;LFS.co.uk Tel: 0113 289 6265 Fax: 0113 289 3146 URL: http://www.Lynx-FS.com - -Original Message- From: Dave P [mailto:dexter@;spodmail.com] Sent: Tuesday, November 12, 2002 3:32 PM To: '[EMAIL PROTECTED]' Subject: RE: [ql-users] Qeymail, last call for suggestions... On Tue, 12 Nov 2002, Norman Dunbar wrote: > Hi Dave, Hi Norman, > if you are going to use PE and you want to do it 'easily' get hold of > EasyPtr (somehow) and there is a totally excellent tutorial avaiulable for > download somewhere (Dilwyn's web emporium I think) which shows how to use it > without having to go through the same steep learning curve that the author > had to. I'll look out for it. I'll keep my eyes open for easy manuals. I tend to not retain things as well as when I was younger, so these days I seem to spend half my time writing wrappers so I can address difficult-to-do things in easy ways. I look forward to writing lots of tasty S*BASIC wrappers for SOQL. :o) This email is intended only for the use of the addressees named above and may be confidential or legally privileged. If you are not an addressee you must not read it and must not use any information contained in it, nor copy it, nor inform any person other than Lynx Financial Systems or the addressees of its existence or contents. If you have received this email and are not a named addressee, please delete it and notify the Lynx Financial Systems IT Department on 0113 2892990.
RE: [ql-users] Qeymail, last call for suggestions...
On Tue, 12 Nov 2002, Norman Dunbar wrote: > Hi Dave, Hi Norman, > if you are going to use PE and you want to do it 'easily' get hold of > EasyPtr (somehow) and there is a totally excellent tutorial avaiulable for > download somewhere (Dilwyn's web emporium I think) which shows how to use it > without having to go through the same steep learning curve that the author > had to. I'll look out for it. I'll keep my eyes open for easy manuals. I tend to not retain things as well as when I was younger, so these days I seem to spend half my time writing wrappers so I can address difficult-to-do things in easy ways. I look forward to writing lots of tasty S*BASIC wrappers for SOQL. :o) > Until I wrote that tutorial (oops !) I used to call the system > DifficultPointer - ask Dilwyn, I had many a rant in those days :o) Yup. All these counter-intuitive commands and unpredictable/conditional results based on factors you have no use over. One thing I am considering is putting up some of the useful procedures, like the SOQL wrappers, unix->QL date format converters, etc up on my site so people can use them in their projects. Life is too short not to have fun! :o) Dave
Re: [ql-users] Tyche ROM
> >Hi all, >I was playing with my QXL's pc today and I manage to start the Tyche ROM >using Q-Lay... it crashes with the first basic command, but it's interesting... I realise I might have dozed off sometime around 2000, but what is the Tyche ROM??
Re: [ql-users] Core software and Q60
I am led to understand that this is the most communicative Mr T has been in many years. I am flattered that my return to the scene has had such an impact :o) <=- *chuckle* On Tue, 12 Nov 2002, TonyTebby wrote: > One of the registrar's jobs is to ensure that the modifications are > properly recorded. I propose that a web page be set up, with a simple table on it. This table would simply name every SMSQ module in the left column, and in successive columns to the right, list the characteristics/changes for each system. EG: [fixed width best here, and these are made up examples] StandardCG/SGC Q40 Q60 etc Driver A1.26 1.26a1.321.32 Changed X Changed Y Changed Z Driver B and etc. This way people can see shanges and status in the development tree. Also, those who store SMSQ in flash could update the laterst modules, with appropriate software. Just a suggestion (because this makes the structure of the OS much clearer to me) Dave
Re: [ql-users] Qeymail, last call for suggestions...
On Mon, 11 Nov 2002, James Hunkins wrote: > I don't like the idea of a single file. Take a look at Microsoft's > email program - there have been many problems with the single file once > it gets too large. Things slow down, corruption is possible, and > trying to extract and save individual emails gets 'interesting'. I don't like the idea of a single file either, because removing an email from the middle of a file and closing up thew gap is slow if done on a drive, or would exhaust memory. I don't want to divide email by date either. Finally, I do not want to divide email by sender email, because the penalty is that the ones who send most mail have the largest files and slowest response. Instead, I am aiming towards a subdirectory structure, thus: inbox_index inbox_1211020001 . . inbox_121102 (ie can handle 65536 mails a day) delet_index delet_1211020001 etc... I will also allow people to create their own folders and move mail between folders. > Someone else mentioned the QL file limitations per directory. This > could become a problem for someone who gets a lot of emails. You might I think if people really store that much mail, I will have it auto archive mail, and inform the user. EG: on start up it can say "You have over 30,000 emails. Call Geeks Anonymous on..." *grins* > Also, are you aiming this at all users including floppy and microdrive > types? If so, what happens if a user fills up a floppy, etc (for some > of us, this is a real possibility). I will allow each folder to be on a different drive, so inbox could be on flp1_ and others on flp#_ - all user-assignable. I think it will be important to include mail backup facilities, just to be on the safe side for everyone. Dave
RE: [ql-users] Qeymail, last call for suggestions...
Hi Dave, if you are going to use PE and you want to do it 'easily' get hold of EasyPtr (somehow) and there is a totally excellent tutorial avaiulable for download somewhere (Dilwyn's web emporium I think) which shows how to use it without having to go through the same steep learning curve that the author had to. Until I wrote that tutorial (oops !) I used to call the system DifficultPointer - ask Dilwyn, I had many a rant in those days :o) Cheers, Norman. - Norman Dunbar Database/Unix administrator Lynx Financial Systems Ltd. mailto:Norman.Dunbar@;LFS.co.uk Tel: 0113 289 6265 Fax: 0113 289 3146 URL: http://www.Lynx-FS.com - This email is intended only for the use of the addressees named above and may be confidential or legally privileged. If you are not an addressee you must not read it and must not use any information contained in it, nor copy it, nor inform any person other than Lynx Financial Systems or the addressees of its existence or contents. If you have received this email and are not a named addressee, please delete it and notify the Lynx Financial Systems IT Department on 0113 2892990.
Re: [ql-users] Qeymail, last call for suggestions...
On Mon, 11 Nov 2002, James Hunkins wrote: > > Yes, ProWess is much, much, MUCH easier to program and more powerful. > > You could even, one day, add HTML email rendering... That isn't a 'one day' thing. I plan to incorporate understanding of HTML from day 1, and have configuration that allows people to select what HTML elements get displayed. There will also be a header handler, so if you email a file/program to another QLer, the file can be saved on their system with header. > > I really don't understand why people don't program using the ProWess > > window manager. The usual complain was that it needed a fast QL. But Since this is email for those with ethernet, and ethernet would be highly unsatisfactory on a <20MHz machine, I don't think it s TOO important to serve that group. I do plan that keypresses will work, and the key labels on screen (bottom two lines, just like pine) will also be clickable. > And there are a lot of people around who can help. I believe that the > intent was to do the development work in S-Basic. Easy pointer should > work well there. Adding GD2 (full color) takes a bit of experimenting > but can be done after all the major window/menu work is complete. I am > doing the QDT color tuning towards the end of all the actual code > myself. In a way I am lucky. You have all been playing with these goodies for years, and here I am, back after a 12 year absense, and there's all this new stuff! Ok, back to work. Dave
[ql-users] Core software and Q60
There have been a number of confusing statements about licences, core software and patches for the Q60. I do not know whether they confused you, they certainly confused me. A licence is not a restriction - it is a permission. The SMSQ/E licence gives explicit permission to software developers to do a lot of things that they could not do before. The only effect on "end-users" should be more, better quality, support (and still free). If you are a software developer, all you have to do is ask. SMSQ/E is delivered as a number of modules. The difference between SMSQ/E modules and Windows modules, for example, is that Windows modules are selected and linked together (using the registry) for the hardware configuration on installation (about an hour), whereas SMSQ/E modules are selected and linked together using "soft" linkage blocks in a few seconds every time you boot the system. Admittedly, Windows is more complicated - if you were to include all the core functionality of Windows into SMSQ-E you would need to wait a few seconds more for it to boot. The modular structure of SMSQ/E is historical rather than logical. There are some small modules such as the hardware initialisation module that are completely hardware environment dependent. There are some large modules that are completely hardware independent, such as the SBasic interpreter. Most of the modules, however, have a set of machine independent core routines with hardware dependent routines and data definitions. In principle, only one version of SMSQ/E needs to be delivered which has all the different modules for all machines with only the "right" modules being selected for the configuration. In practice, the number of different versions bundled together is limited. To change the behaviour of part of the system, all that a developer / supplier needs to do is to replace the module concerned by a new version add a new module to the end of the operating system "package". These extensions may modify the core functions (subject to licence conditions) add new core functions (subject to licence conditions) add new luxuries (it would be nice for QL users if you complied with the licence conditions) When QLCF contributed towards the development costs of the 16 bit colour drivers for the Q40, it would have been much simpler and cheaper to have resticted the colour drivers to Q40 colours only. What was actually developed was a frameword for colour capability from 1 bit to 24 bit with drivers specifically produced for monochrome, QL 2 bit and 3 bit colours and any 15/16 bit fixed colour scheme. The sources were then passed to developers for the Aurora and QPC to develop drivers specifically for their systems. The intention was to ensure that modified core functions and new core functions remained as compatible as possible with older versions and across the new versions. This is the purpose of the licence. All SMSQ/E developers are building on the back of work done by others. If they make a significant contribution to the core functions, they may be justified in asking for royalties for their contribution, but that does not justify their refusing to share their work with other developers - the principle is open source not "everyone for himself". The licence conditions are designed to favour this type of co-operative development. The effect of the licence conditions can be seen more easily if we sort the sheep from the goats in the patched Q60 version of SMSQ/E story. Someone somewhere is confusing two totally separate issues. The first issue was a bug in the Q40 hardware initialisation module (not in the SMSQ memory manager (software) as stated in this list, but in the initialisation of the MC68040 MMU (Memory Management Unit - hardware) ). This was a one bit error in a 1046 byte SMSQ module. A genuine bug which meant that some Q40s (depending on the brand of memory module fitted) sometimes ran more slowly than usual because the caches were disabled. This never happened on my Q40 and it was the sort of error where you could look at the code a hundred times and not spot it. This affected only the Q40 specific version of SMSQ/E and so there was no impact on other machines. It was fixed in Version 2.99, but the modification was provisionally made to the V2.98 shipped by Peter Graf. The second issue was the reduced instruction set for the MC68060. The MC68060 cannot execute all the MC680x0 instruction set and if you try to run MC680x0 programs on the MC68060, they quite often crash terminally (reset button time). For most modules, replacing the deleted instructions by alternative code sequences has no real impact on performance on any machine, so this was done. However, a critical instruction in the QL colour mode drivers is no longer supported by the MC68060. The general solution is to provide an "illegal instruction" trap to process the exceptions generated when the 68060 came across a
[ql-users] Q-Emulator 2
Tyche is Jonathon Oakley's (Sinclair -> QJump -> Minerva) updated QDOS for the Tyche successor to the QL. The intellectual property rights for this ROM reside with whoever picked up the bits from Amstrad. Tony Tebby
[ql-users] Mouse movement / buttons
Phoebus wrote > Hi all,> I've asked about this awhile ago but lost the reply.> Is there any memory position that can be read to show the mouse movement. > button actions etc.? Furthermore is that position standard or does it change from > platform to platform? This is one of the many dirty areas and dirty questions. If there were a free for all GNU style licence, the answer would be YES but it is different on every different version for every different machine, but I spent a fair amount of time trying to "commonise" as much as I could. I hope we can keep it this way. The following information is not official but I hope it is right. The various mouse interfaces all finish by transfering their actions into the pointer linkage block (file keys_con) where they are then acted on by the pointer interface scheduler routine. Bizarrely, there is only an interface call to set values in the pointer linkage block, there is no interface call to read values so you will need an XTOP to find the block. The value pt_pos is the most recent POINTER position set by the Pointer Interface, the value pt_npos is the value updated by the mouse driver. The value pt_bcurr will give you the current button status (not necessarily de-bounced). Isn't there a developer's forum where we could stuff all these things? Tony
