10 replies to this topic

[DonutCity]

Hello, I'm trying to get any information on using OSS's OS/A+ DOS(2.10). Without it having a menu screen, I haven't been able to figure out how to make copies of files from one disk to another or for that matter, to copy an entire disk (it only has a DOS prompt). Does anyone know of any sites that might have any info on this particular DOS or perhaps have first hand knowledge of it? Thanks...

[ijor]

Ok, let’s dig my old OS/A+ manual …

COPY source [dest] [-FQSW]

-S is the parameter you want for copying into a different disk on the same drive.

To copy a whole disk: DUPDSK for single density, DUPDBL for double density.

But let me ask you, any reason in particular you want to use this specific DOS? OS/A+ was already obsolete back in the old days. If you want to use an OSS DOS then why not use its successor, DOS XL?

Edited by ijor, Thu Dec 1, 2005 11:17 PM.

[DamageX]

Also don't forget, in DOS XL you need the COPY.COM file on the disk since it isn't built into the command processor (maybe the older OS/A+ is the same)

When copying files between disks with only one drive, that M: device driver came in handy for holding COPY.COM

[DonutCity]

Let me get this strait - I just need to type in "DUPDSK" at the DOS prompt to copy the disk that is in the drive(for single density)? How about deleting specific files? Excuse the ignorance - getting re-acclimated to antiquated software is tough business...lol...Fair question ijor - when I bought the 810 drive, it came with a disk containing this particular DOS so I figured I'd use it until I replaced it with something else. Thanks in advance...

[ijor]

DonutCity, on Fri Dec 2, 2005 2:55 AM, said:

I just need to type in "DUPDSK" at the DOS prompt to copy the disk that is in the drive(for single density)?

It seems so. According to the manual you will be prompted for selecting source and destination drives.

Quote

How about deleting specific files?

ERA files

I suggest you switch to a more user friendly, menu based, DOS.

Btw, while browsing the OS/A+ manual, I noted something interesting I wasn't aware. OS/A+ version 4 (OS/A+ version 2 is) is NOT Atari DOS compatible. It has a slightly different extended file system structure.

I guess it wasn't very popular. Actually, it probably was so unpopular that the OS/A+ succesor, DOS XL, doesn't even mention OS/A+ version 4.

[DonutCity]

I read the same thing while trying to educate myself on this particular DOS (the lack of compatability with Atari DOS). Thanks again - I'll give that a try. I'm going to get another DOS but for now it's kind of interesting learning some things about this one...

[DonutCity]

Hey, ijor - I tried the DUPDSK command at the DOS prompt but it just gave me a "file not found"...Did I miss something? Any ideas? Thanks...(I know, I know - you're using this DOS for what reason? lol...)

[DamageX]

You'll need the file DUPDSK.COM. After you run it you can swap in the disk that you want to copy. (pssst... you know about DIR right?)

IMO command-line DOSs are something good that the Atari had going for it compared to Apples and the like, I'm not as fond of menus.

[DonutCity]

DIR is one of the commands I do know but I don't recall seeing any DUPDSK.COM file. Man I'm confused I tell ya' what - I'm mainly trying to make a complete copy of the disk that has the OSS DOS on it. Let's say I'm at the DOS prompt, where do I go from here? (progressive instructions anyone??) Thanks again...

[DamageX]

can you give us a list of files that are there?

[DonutCity]

I sure will - let me fire it up and I'll post what files are on the disk...