Msg: 1326 *Conference*

01-15-92 01:11:51

From: CORY HAWKINS

To : ALL

Subj: DOS-ENVIROMENT

Rick - 
        I'm working on a program for my DOS that I wanted to  discuss with you.
        DOS-ENVIROMENT is a BASIC "shell" program that manages  the RAM and the
DISK storage at the same time through the DOS.   I'm currently using James Yi's
PakDOS.  With it I can define a  command string and call the DOS to operate the
command string and return to the "shell", like a sub-routine.  In this way, I
can  load and enter .DO .BA or .CO programs from the "shell" without  passing
through the main menu.  So, the "shell" is actually the  menu and I can create
it to be like any enviroment I like.  Both  RAM and DISK files are listed so I
can select from either.  BASIC programs that are used can be amended to call
the "shell", rather than the main menu, upon ending.  And some .CO programs
that end  and leave you in BASIC can return you also to the "shell".   PakDOS
allows me to "move" a file from RAM to DISK, removing it  from RAM as it stores
on DISK.  It also allows me to compress and stack or "Pak" several files into
one file (a sort of root menu  system).  I can also view or print the file on
DISK without  loading it to RAM.  These things can also be done by TS-DOS, but
can I run TS-DOS from a "shell" program so I can further develope this
"enviroment" system?  I would prefer the ROM to save the 5k  of memory PakDOS
occupies in my little 24k bank. Whataya think??  Can I tell you more, or have
you got the idea??  Ya' think TS-DOS will work this way??
  
        ))Cory((
  
PS. if you know how to get FROM text TO the "shell" WITHOUT  passing main menu
(do not collect $200), let me know!
  
PSS. isn't there a program that checks the status of my rs-232 so I can have
the program check that the drive is on before it sends a DOS command?