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Subject: RE: VFP 5.0 : Text files
Author: Andy Davies
Posted: 2006/10/31 10:18:28
 
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>... the bootstrap loader is virtually the same as DOS ...
>HALinNY

wrote one of those once (for the IBM 360) - that really was getting down to
the nitty gritty.
Not everyone realised it but you could punch hex machine code into an 80
col card by hand; the machine was hard wired to read in iirc 40 bytes and
execute it. 40 bytes of machine code was just about enough to write a
'channel' program to read the remaining 40 bytes followed by the next card.
IBM supplied pre-written 'lace punched' cards to duplicate a card deck or
print a card deck. I wrote one to do both (amazing things these
computers!!!).
I am prepared to wager as much as a couple of pints that it's not possible
to get more functionality on one 80 col card <bg>

Andrew Davies  MBCS CITP
  - AndyD        8-)#


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©2006 Andy Davies
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