Appendix L

L.1   FEATURES TO BE INCLUDED IN MS-DOS VERSION 2

ITEM       DESCRIPTION

1. A DOS function call will be added to the DOS to allow a program to load/give control to a ".EXE" file beginning at the current DMA address. The calling program would simply provide an FCB formatted with the called program filename, any parameters, the segment at which to set up the PSP, and a flag (more on flag later). The function would (1) set up the program segment and parameters, (2) load the program (any file can be loaded this way, but if its extension is .EXE, it is relocated on the way in), and (3) optionally give the program control.
   
   
2. A volume identification will be internally stored on a diskette and a mechanism for specification and display of this identification will be provided.
   
   
3. Function key assignments will be made to facilitate use of the most commonly used DOS functions. An external command will allow character strings to be assigned by the user, with special keyword or parameter to reset keys back to DOS defaults.
   
   
4. XENIX-compatible function calls.
   
   
5. The DOS will be modified to allow the use of more disc I/O buffers as memory allows.
   
   
6. A spooling utility will be incorporated for the printer that will allow processing to continue with printing performed in a background environment. A mechanism will be provided to disable this function for users that cannot spare the necessary spooling disc space.
   
   
7. A conditional continuation will be added to the BATCH facility that allows the user to conditionally continue with a batch file based upon the results of preceeding programs and utilities. As a part of this capability a function call will be added to allow user programs to terminate and store the user program termination condition code.
   
   
8. The I/O system is redefined to perform character I/O using named device drivers. When input or output with a named device is requested by a program, the device name table is searched for the needed driver. If no matching name is found as a character device, the name is assumed to refer to a disc file.
   
   
9. Device error trapping will be expanded such that at the option of the program, I/O device errors are trappable, in the same manner (but using a different interrupt vector) as disc errors are trapped. This approach is consistent with XENIX Signals.
   
   
10. Console input and/or console output may be assigned to a file before execution of a command or program. Or, the output of one command or program may be directed as the input to the next. This approximates the XENIX Pipe. This goes beyond the CP/M XSUBMIT facility.
    
    
11. The utility EDLIN will be enhanced and modified with the following:
    
    



1. The backup file is not deleted until necessary.
2. It is possible to recover from a full disc.
3. Multiple commands are allowed on one line.
4. Search and Replace commands continue searching with the line after the previous match (ie. default first parameter is current line plus one).
5. Search and Replace default to the previous search string.
6. A new listing command "P" moves the current line as it lists.
7. Lines may be referenced relative to the current line.
8. Allow the user to move text around within the file.
9. Allow the user to copy outside files into his text.


12. Microsoft will consolidate MS-DOS messages within the DOS and utilities.
    
    
13. DEBUG - add an ASSEMBLE option using M86 assembler syntax, and change UNASSEMBLE to use the same syntax.
    
    
14. CLS command to clear the screen from the console or batch file - this could also be a useful function call.
    
    
15. Disc catalogue - holds names/volids of all files, used for prompting user to insert required diskette when correct volume not currently mounted.
    
    
16. Security scheme for data integrity/protection (file ?). Details unknown
    
    

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Last revision 29/01/2005