CompuServe Messages

Geoffrey, I am using DR DOS 6.0 instead of MS DOS, and it has everything you want and more, and has given me NO problems in over a year of use with all the programs you have listed. It can usually be purchased for $59 – $69, although I have seen it at computer shows for as little as $15! It includes SuperStor disk compression, a disk de-fragger, and SuperPCK disk cache. Its' extended memory manager puts all available extended memory in a pool via XMS that can be automatically accessed as either extended or expanded memory, depending on what a particular program wants, without having to use different bootup files. My overall disk compression works out to be about 1.9 to 1; ACAD .dwg files are compressed an average 2.3 to 1. In timing tests, it actually loads compressed drawings faster than uncompressed ones; I guess because they're smaller, even though it has to decompress them. And with all these drivers and more installed, (compression, disk cache, digitizer, etc.), I still have 624,400 bytes, (609K), of DOS memory free. I am using it on a 486/33 with AMI bios and 16megs RAM. A few notes: you will have to get the free patch disk from Digital Research for Windows 3.1 compatibility; it works fine. You also have to leave some uncompressed space for Windows swap files and direct windows swap files there. And be SURE to make a bootable floppy that includes the new AUTOEXEC.BAT, CONFIG.SYS, and a file on your new extra drive called DCONFIG.SYS or you will not have access to your files in the event you have a system failure. If you decide to try this route and have questions or need help, drop me a note. John Schmidt