HDTenEightyP/NetNews huggingface dataset:
From: exuhag@exu.ericsson.se (James Hague)
Newsgroups: alt.lang.basic
Subject: Power BASIC
Date: 16 Dec 92 15:34:36 GMT
Reply-To: exuhag@exu.ericsson.se
Organization: Ericsson Network Systems, Richardson, TX
X-Disclaimer: This article was posted by a user at Ericsson.
              Any opinions expressed are strictly those of the
              user and not necessarily those of Ericsson.

Any users of Power BASIC out there?  I'm familiar with QuickBASIC
and have the PBLITE demo, but was interested in the relative quality
of the compiled code (the demo doesn't include the compiler).  How
does it compare to, say, Turbo Pascal?  How big are the generated
EXE files (i.e. is there lots of overhead for the runtime library, etc.)?

And for a more technical question:  Does PB always generate machine
code when you run a program (from within the environment) or does it
do some sort of interpretation like QB?

Finally, how big/bloated is a PB development system?  Does it need
lots of support tools, does it do lots of swapping, etc.

Any comments would be appreciated.  PB 3.0 looks very nice indeed,
especially the in-line assembler.

--
James Hague   
exuhag@exu.ericsson.se
From: exuhag@exu.ericsson.se (James Hague)
Newsgroups: alt.lang.basic
Subject: Re: Power BASIC
Date: 17 Dec 92 14:36:23 GMT
Reply-To: exuhag@exu.ericsson.se
Organization: Ericsson Network Systems, Richardson, TX
X-Disclaimer: This article was posted by a user at Ericsson.
              Any opinions expressed are strictly those of the
              user and not necessarily those of Ericsson.

Jon Arnold writes:
>
>I called PB, and they
>offer *no* upgrade policy for purchasers of the original TB; full price
>just like everyone else.  That left a bad enough taste in my mouth where
>I bought QB and am looking at VB and PDS.

Not true.  I just received an upgrade offer (really weird, since I 
don't own the product) and you can upgrade to PB 3.0 from any previous
version of PB or Turbo Basic (including version 1.0) for $59.

PB 3.0 seems to have loads of new features:  an in-line assembler,
bit manipulation operators (including rotations), user-defined
data types, additional built-in data types (byte, word, dword),
an editor which can handle files larger than 64K, standalone
debugger, and tons more.  It is being touted as the most robust
and complete programming language/environment available.

I`d still like to hear from anyone using the product (not
necessarily version 3.0).

--
James Hague   
exuhag@exu.ericsson.se
From: francis_g@kosmos.wcc.govt.nz
Newsgroups: alt.lang.basic
Subject: pds users
Date: 18 Dec 1992 21:10:49 GMT
Organization: Wellington City Council (Public Access), Wgtn, Nz
Reply-To: francis_g@kosmos.wcc.govt.nz
NNTP-Posting-Host: kosmos.wcc.govt.nz

Hi guys,
Just wondering how many PDS users there are, my brother has
committed himself to this kit quite some time ago, and he
is now trying to do some tricky things without good
support inside NZ  any takers ??
 
Also does any one know how to get hold of Microsoft, so 
that he can ask them a couple of questions about where
they se the product going ?  etc etc
 
Thanks in Advance
 
Gary
Newsgroups: alt.lang.basic
From: roberts@cscns.com (Robert Schoolfield)
Subject: Re: QB window routines
Organization: Community_News_Service
X-Newsreader: TIN [version 1.1 PL8]
Date: Thu, 17 Dec 1992 16:29:35 GMT


Jon Arnold (jarnold@tixel.mv.com) wrote:

: I've been using Turbo Basic for a long time, and have made a lot of use
: of a package called Turbo Windows with it.  It allows you to define
: windows, titles, shading, text within the window, etc.  I want to switch
: over to QuickBasic (since Borland no longer sells or supports TB), but
: I need a similar tools package for QB, as the Turbo Windows routines
: make specific use of certain things that QB doesn't support.

: Any suggestions; commercial, shareware, or PD?

--

I think you would really be impressed with the new PowerBASIC 3.0 from
Spectra - they bought the Borland product.  Microsoft is not intending
to persue upgrading the product, opting to persue the Visual BASIC event
driven model.  It seems that PowerBASIC is poised to be the compiled BASIC of
choice.  Highly recommended you check out the product before buying 
QuickBASIC.  Lots of libraries available for PowerBASIC now.
 
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
    Robert Schoolfield             |      Voice: 719.550.1724
    Electronic Systems Design      |      Cellular: 719.661.6353
    PO Box 26431                   |      BBS: 719.550.1696 8-N-1 2400
    Colorado Springs CO 80936      |      InterNet: roberts@cscns.com
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Newsgroups: alt.lang.basic
From: ST21519@VM.CC.LATECH.EDU
Subject: Re: Microsoft BASIC & New Support Prices
Organization: Louisiana Tech University
Date: Thu, 17 Dec 92 09:17:41 CST

>Any one else out there notice that since December 1st Microsoft does not offer
>free support anymore for their BASIC products (at least PDS).  Now you have to
>call either a 900 number, 800 number with credit card, CI$, or Genie.
 
I heard of Novell doing much of the same thing with their Network products, but
but so far excellent support for their DRDOS 6.0.
 
I have been courted recently by Spectra Publishing for their PowerBasic 3.0
which is to begin shipping at the first of the year.  Since Microsoft tells
me the upgrade path from PDS is Visual Basic, I have also been looking for
a path to take - either another Basic Compiler, a C compiler (know ZERO C) or
pursuing both.  I am tired of having carrots dangled in front of me and then
finding the carrot being moved so I don't plan on getting Visual Basic even
though it is reported to be a good product - I am gaining a bigger distaste
for Microsoft as each day goes by with their compiler and operating systems
tactics. (You might have guessed since I purchased DRDOS 6.0)
 
I have taken Spectra Publishing up on their upgrade offer and they were kind
enough to give me a competetive upgrade from PDS 7.1.  I do not have any
experience with the company, but their advertising keeps beating the drum
about support for their product.  (Note:  PcSig, Shareware Magazine, and
Spectra Publising are either one and the same, or owned by the same holding
corporation).
 
If you think you might be interested in learning more about them, you might
want to give them a ring at 1-800-245-6717 (ext 4114 per letter, but the
person who answered my call helped me).  I have turned on the Quik_basic
echo in Fidonet in hopes of learning more about the company between now and
the arrival of the package.  Oh, BTW, they do promise a 30 day money back
guarantee if not satisfied - price $149, upgrade for $59 from TurboBasic 1.0+,
PowerBasic 2.0+ (and in my case I went from PDS 7.1 for the upgrade price).
 
Eddie
Newsgroups: alt.lang.basic
From: siegman@EE.Stanford.EDU (Anthony E. Siegman)
Subject: Re: Microsoft BASIC & New Support Prices
Organization: Stanford University
Date: Sat, 19 Dec 92 01:57:20 GMT

In article <1992Dec17.223122.12857@microsoft.com> fredf@microsoft.com
(Fred Freeland) writes:

>Visual Basic for Windows, and Visual Basic for MS-DOS.) If I can get an
                                                         ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
>answer to any question you have you may be assured that I will.
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

   Well, since you offer, I just acquired FutureBasic for the Mac at a
very nice low-cost introductory price, and have the box sitting on the
shelf above my terminal.

   So, should I open the box, trash my Mac QuickBASIC stuff, and start
learning FutureBasic?  Why not?

Newsgroups: alt.lang.basic
From: GRP0 <GRP0@UNB.CA>
Subject: music in basic
Organization: The University of New Brunswick
Date: Sun, 20 Dec 1992 01:03:45 GMT

I am trying to find out how to write simple programs for making
music.  qbasic and basic show some details, but they are a bit
cumbersome.

Is there a way of writing an executable file in basic language,
i.e., without having to enter into qbasic or basic?

I would also like any information on simple, cheap programs for
writing music.

Gail R. Pool
Department of Anthropology
University of New Brunswick
P.O. Box 4400
Fredericton, New Brunswick
E3B 5A3
CANADA
email: GRPOOL@UNB.CA
fax:   (506) 453-4599
tel:   (506) 543-4975

Newsgroups: alt.lang.basic
From: fredf@microsoft.com (Fred Freeland)
Subject: Re: Advice on SUB and FUNCTION management in MSBasic 7.0(7.1)
Date: 16 Dec 92 21:34:56 GMT
Organization: Microsoft Corporation

In article <42RuVB1w165w@tcscs.UUCP> zeta%tcscs@src.honeywell.com writes:
>I need to be able to determine what program calls which routine.  These
>are all going to be in a library and I have to make sure that there are
>no functions or subroutines called that were removed as obsolete.  
>
>I need to make sure there is a subroutine or function call for each one
>declared.  That there is one declared for every one that is called.  

Vernon Buerg once had a shareware product called QBXREF that would probably
do what you want to do.  The last version I saw was 3.00a dated sometime in
1987, but very usable with BC 7.0 or 7.1 source code.  I have no idea
where you could get a copy but I suspect that one of the archive sites
has it around. Good luck.  I hope you find what you need.




-- 
Frederick F. Freeland Jr.                        "Of all the things I've lost,  Microsoft Corporation                               I miss my mind the most!"   One Microsoft Way  
Redmond, WA 98052 (206) 882-8080                                                                                                                                internet: fredf@microsoft.com                                                   arpanet:  fredf%microsoft@uw-beaver.ARPA
uucp:     uunet!microsoft!fredf                                                                                                                                 Opinions expressed over this signature are my OWN and not those of my employer!
From: Paul.Leonard@p111.f48.n105.z1.fidonet.org (Paul Leonard)
Newsgroups: alt.lang.basic
Subject: Has PRINT been used yet?
Date: 20 Dec 92 21:55:14 GMT

On or about <Dec 18 02:39>, Jon Arnold (1:105/7@fidonet.org) scribbled:

 JA> From: jarnold@tixel.mv.com (Jon Arnold)
 JA> Newsgroups: alt.lang.basic
 JA> Reply-To: jarnold@tixel.mv.com

 JA> This might be more an MS/DOS question, but I'll post it here, since 
 JA> I'm
 JA> trying to accomplish this using Basic.  In DOS (v5.0), the *first* 
 JA> time
 JA> you go to use the PRINT command, DOS will ask you where you want the
 JA> file printed to;  You can override this question by using the "/D:"
 JA> switch on the PRINT command line.

 JA> However, *after* the first time you print, the "/D:" switch is no 
 JA> longer
 JA> valid; in fact, it generates an error message.

 JA> I've got a program where I want to shell out to DOS to print a report.
 JA> However, I don't know how to setup the program so that it will know 
 JA> whether
 JA> it needs to PRINT/D: or just PRINT.  Is there an environment variable
 JA> or something that can be examined to determine whether or not the 
 JA> "/D:"
 JA> switch will be required, or if a PRINT has already been done since the
 JA> last boot?

Get a hold of the MS-DOS Programmer's Reference.  PRINT.EXE is a TSR - when
you 
first load it, you can/must specify certain parameters that remain in effect
for 
the duration of its existence in memory.  The device to send output to is one

such parameter - if you specify it on subsequent calls, it generates an error,

as you see.  If you need to specify different devices on subsequent calls, you

might want to use a "mark & release" strategy - mark the memory location
before 
loading, then release it before the next call.  If that's not the case, INT
2Fh 
has a function that returns the state of PRINT.EXE (loaded or not).

        mov     ax, 0100h       ;Get PRINT.EXE Installed State
        int     2Fh             ;Multiplex Interrupt

Upon return, the AL register contains 0FFh if PRINT.EXE has been loaded or 00h

if it has not (from pages 132-134 of MS-DOS Programmer's Reference version 5).
 

A less optimal/technical way of finding PRINT.EXE is to do a shell to DOS and

redirect the output of MEM/C to a file, then open the file and look for
"PRINT" 
- not very elegant, but it'll do the trick.

Happy coding,
ptl

paul.leonard@p111.f48.n105.z1.fidonet.org

"We come into this life naked, bloody, and screaming.  But it doesn't have
to end there if you know how to live right."
                                          === Dana Gould
  
Newsgroups: alt.lang.basic
From: d.gellert@trl.oz.au (Dennis Gellert)
Subject: Re: databasing libraries for PDS, VB
Organization: Telecom Research
Date: Tue, 15 Dec 1992 22:04:38 GMT

In article <1992Dec4.182936.42@vms.huji.ac.il> tabitha@vms.huji.ac.il writes:
>From: tabitha@vms.huji.ac.il
>Subject: Re: databasing libraries for PDS, VB
>Date: 4 Dec 92 18:29:35 GMT
>
>In article <dennis.1.0@trl.oz.au>, dennis@trl.oz.au (Dennis Gellert) writes:
>> In article <ByHLLq.18t@cscns.com> roberts@cscns.com (Robert Schoolfield) writes:
>>>From: roberts@cscns.com (Robert Schoolfield)
>>>Subject: databasing libraries for PDS, VB
>>>Date: Sun, 29 Nov 1992 16:53:49 GMT
>>>--
>>>
>>>I am looking for a dBase compatible database library that would
>>>be compatible with PDS7.1 and Visual BASIC 2.00.  LAN file
>>>locking is also required.  Anyone have any comments about what is
>>>available?  Also, any other comments about usability,
>>>documentation quality, etc. is appreciated.
>>>-----------------------------------------------------------------
>>>  Robert Schoolfield           |    Voice: 719.550.1724
>>>  Electronic Systems Design    |    Cellular: 719.661.6353
>>>  PO Box 26431                 |    BBS: 719.550.1696 8N1 14.4k
>>>  Colorado Springs CO 80936    |    Internet: roberts@cscns.com
>>>-----------------------------------------------------------------
>> You could look at db/LIB from AJS. I used db/LIB with QB 4.5 extensively
>> before moving to VB. db/LIB works well, but requires much programming
>> to do anything useful. I believe the current version available are-
>> db/LIB for QB4, db/LIB for PDS 7, and db/LIB for LAN
>> And for Windows, an almost compatible version (I think) called Visual/db
>> for single user.
>>
>> I am using vxBase 2 with VB 1.0 now, and this is what I would rather
>> recommend for VB. Supports LAN file locking.
>>
>> All of the above support dBASE III files, except vxBase uses Clipper
>> type Index files.
>>
>> For more info on this subject, see BASIC Pro Magazine July/Aug 92.
>>
>> Dennis
>
>
>Dennis,
>could you please upload vxBase to cica?  Many of us in small
>countries don't have access to the big libraries of shareware
>in the us.
>
>-dennis turner
>
I have uploaded my most recent version to cica (ftp.cica.indiana.edu)
in /pub/pc/win3/uploads. This was my first access to this site, so hope
thats OK. vxBase is updated quite regularly. I think the author will send
an evaluation copy for a small fee. I can post Phone & Fax numbers &
address if anyone wants, but the Compuserve address is 70524, 3723.
Dennis
From: villalj@xanth.CS.ORST.EDU (John Villalovos)
Newsgroups: alt.lang.basic
Subject: Microsoft BASIC & New Support Prices
Date: 17 Dec 1992 03:13:31 GMT
Organization: Oregon State University
NNTP-Posting-Host: xanth.cs.orst.edu

Any one else out there notice that since December 1st Microsoft does not offer
free support anymore for their BASIC products (at least PDS).  Now you have to
call either a 900 number, 800 number with credit card, CI$, or Genie.

They don't seem to do this with programs like Excel.

I wonder if they do it with their C compliler.  Probably not since Borland
competes with them in that language.  But since MS is around the only one who
does BASIC and controls most of the market I guess they think that they can
force people to pay for support.  I asked them if they supported the Internet
and the said no.

Anyone know of any good BASIC compilers out there from company's who are willing
to support their product.

Later,
-- 
John Villalovos
Certified Netware Engineer
villalj@xanth.cs.orst.edu
(503) 753-7883
Newsgroups: alt.lang.basic
From: GRP0 <GRP0@UNB.CA>
Subject: music in basic
Organization: The University of New Brunswick
Date: Sun, 20 Dec 1992 01:00:30 GMT

I would like information on how to write music in basic.  While the
essentials are in qbasic and basic literature, I am not sure how to
write an executable file which will produce music.

Also, basic seems to be a rather cumbersome language to use.

If there are any suggestions regarding simple music programs I would
appreciate it.  I know of Cubase, but it is a little more than I
needs and cost about $300.

Gail R. Pool
Department of Anthropology
University of New Brunswick
P.O. Box 4400
Fredericton, New Brunswick
E3B 5A3
CANADA
email: GRPOOL@UNB.CA
fax:   (506) 453-4599
tel:   (506) 543-4975


Newsgroups: alt.lang.basic
From: dixon@spot.Colorado.EDU (Life is real?)
Subject: Re: Microsoft BASIC & New Support Prices
Organization: University of Colorado, Boulder
Date: Sun, 20 Dec 1992 01:49:09 GMT

In article <1gor8rINN63l@flop.ENGR.ORST.EDU> villalj@xanth.CS.ORST.EDU (John Villalovos) writes:
>Any one else out there notice that since December 1st Microsoft does not offer
>free support anymore for their BASIC products (at least PDS).  Now you have to
>call either a 900 number, 800 number with credit card, CI$, or Genie.
>
>They don't seem to do this with programs like Excel.
>
> [stuff deleted]
>
Well....I work for HP and I've got a number of systems which are now using
QuickBASIC for the production software.  It's version 4.5.  MS is REALLY
backing off from support of BASIC.  We considered going to PDS v7.x, but
found out the new compiler object modules won't link with some of our
earlier object modules (variety of stuff: MS C v5.0, MS C v5.1, QB v4.5 etc).
Rather than buy the latest BASIC from MS, and then rewrite/recompile the
earlier stuff, we are just switching to MS C/C++ v7.0, i.e. since BASIC
doesn't seem to be charted as a long-term supported language (at least at
MS), we decided to switch to a language that IS.  Of course, that means
we will finally be forced to rewrite that ol' HP BASIC stuff that we've
been getting by with.....   (YUK...LINE NUMBERS!)

:*)

Brian


Newsgroups: alt.lang.basic
From: hutch@bellman.lanl.gov (John Hutchinson)
Subject: Looking for GFA Basic users
Reply-To: hutch@bellman.lanl.gov
Organization: Los Alamos National Laboratory
Date: Tue, 15 Dec 1992 19:04:39 GMT

Hi netters,

I'm looking for other users of GFA Basic for DOS or Windows in hopes of
organizing some exchange of source code, hints, tips, etc.

If you are using GFA, please contact me via email.  Thanks.
---

___________________________ John "HUTCH" Hutchinson _________________________
_________________ Fair Dinkum Technologies     Member - IAAD  _______________
________________ "No worries, mate... it's from Fair Dinkum!" _______________
____________ email: hutch@bellman.lanl.gov   GEnie: FAIR-DINKUM _____________


Newsgroups: alt.lang.basic
From: ST21519@VM.CC.LATECH.EDU
Subject: Re: Questions on QBX 7.1 and Visual Basic
Organization: Louisiana Tech University
Date: Sun, 13 Dec 92 07:41:21 CST

>        Is there a discount on QBX 7.1 that Visual Basic owners can get?
 
The information I received last Spring said the offer was for a limited time
(QuickBasic owners upgradedable to PDS 7.1).  More than anything I think it
was a bone being thrown to QuickBasic owners to keep us loyal and move along
the path to Visual Basic and to spite Spectra Publishing. (Purely an opinion
and not supported by proof since I do not work for Microsoft.)
 
You might try toll-free directory assistance and ask for Microsoft End Users
Sales and Service as I believe that is where the offer originated.
Newsgroups: alt.lang.basic
From: ST21519@VM.CC.LATECH.EDU
Subject: Re: Power BASIC
Organization: Louisiana Tech University
Date: Thu, 17 Dec 92 09:14:10 CST

>Unfortunately, the last time I called Borland for support, they told me
>that they no longer support TB, call the PB folks.  I called PB, and they
>offer *no* upgrade policy for purchasers of the original TB; full price
>just like everyone else.  That left a bad enough taste in my mouth where
>I bought QB and am looking at VB and PDS.
 
Strange that the offer I received for PowerBasic 3.0 offered an upgrade to
TurboBasic 1.0 owners for $59.  Maybe you got a igit at the other end of the
phone line? 8-)
From: autry@sgi.com (Larry Autry)
Newsgroups: alt.lang.basic
Subject: Sources
Date: 14 Dec 1992 17:19:08 GMT
Organization: Silicon Graphics, St. Louis, MO
NNTP-Posting-Host: magellan.stlouis.sgi.com

Is there an archive of source?  Specifically, I am looking for the basic
language source for an advanced (HP-ish) calculator program.


Thanks,
--
Larry Autry
Silicon Graphics, St. Louis
autry@sgi.com 
Newsgroups: alt.lang.basic
From: fredf@microsoft.com (Fred Freeland)
Subject: Re: Microsoft BASIC & New Support Prices
Date: 17 Dec 92 22:31:22 GMT
Organization: Microsoft Corporation

In article <1gor8rINN63l@flop.ENGR.ORST.EDU> villalj@xanth.CS.ORST.EDU (John Villalovos) writes:
>I asked them if they supported the Internet and they said no.

I can assure you that charging for Basic language support is not done because
we own the market.  That's simply not true.  It is my understanding that all
too often, people find it easier to pick up the phone and call a free 
support number to ask a question that they could have answered for themselves
if they had read the documentation.  Since we go to a lot of trouble
to create accurate documentation, we don't think it's unreasonable to expect
people to read it when they have a problem. In fact, we'd like them to
read it before they have a problem but that rarely happens.

After a while support costs begin to get all out of proportion with what
you're making on the product. Now I don't suppose to know all of the ins and
outs of these things, but that's the gist of what I've heard about it.

As for the Internet support, we don't have any official support people dedi-
cated to support on the Internet, but we do have a number of people who
regularly read this newsgroup.  And those people regularly posts responses
to people who have posed problems or asked questions.  I suspect that
unless there's a compelling reason not to continue this practice, we will.
Contrary to popular belief, we don't go around trying to think up ways to
aggravate people.  We want happy customers who use our products to do
useful things.  I am a longtime Basic user and I just happen to work in
the group that develops Microsoft Basic products (including BC7.0, BC7.1, 
Visual Basic for Windows, and Visual Basic for MS-DOS.) If I can get an
answer to any question you have you may be assured that I will.


-- 
Frederick F. Freeland Jr.                        "Of all the things I've lost,  Microsoft Corporation                               I miss my mind the most!"   One Microsoft Way  
Redmond, WA 98052 (206) 882-8080                                                                                                                                internet: fredf@microsoft.com                                                   arpanet:  fredf%microsoft@uw-beaver.ARPA
uucp:     uunet!microsoft!fredf                                                                                                                                 Opinions expressed over this signature are my OWN and not those of my employer!