Miscellaneous Utilities for DOS
(Utilities that don't fit into present classification: system tools, database, genealogy, antivirus, etc.)

Ratings: [* fair] to [* * * * * excellent]

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OpenDos- Replacement for MS-DOS -free for individual use.

* * * * reviewed 6-7-97

Caldera OpenDOS 7.0 is based on Novell DOS 7.0 (formerly DRDOS), and expands on some of Novell's DOS strengths including networking, enhanced memory and cache management, Stacker 3 compression, and security features. A non-network installation package is available. I've been running OpenDOS since March 20, 1997 without major incident. If you use DOS just to start Windows, I'd suggest bypassing OpenDOS until the bugs are worked out of it.

Bugs and notes:
  • Apparently there is a serious problem with OpenDOS's DPMI support- some DOS games and other software requiring DPMI services will not work using OpenDOS's own DPMI server. (one solution- use a third party DPMI server). Although I can't argue that OpenDos is a more stable platform than MS-DOS (hey, DOS is DOS), I have noticed that it will tell the user if a program has mis-behaved. The current OpenDos is superceded by later versions of Novell DOS and some users have applied Novell's upgrade patch to OpenDos. I don't know if this works, or is legal, or what, but here is the Novell upgrade site.
  • OpenDos can multitask when using DOS as the sole environment but can't under Windows- the user can choose whether to multitask on boot-up.
  • Some DOS 6.22 utilities (e.g., MEM) will not function under OpenDos- they report an "incorrect" DOS version.
  • If you do decide to switch to OpenDos don't delete all your MS-DOS utilities: OpenDos does not include the comprehensive MSBACKUP and Antivirus programs that are packaged with MS-DOS 6.x. OpenDos also does not include Qbasic and a few other utilities specific to MSDOS and PC-DOS.
Availability:

For private/evaluation and education use. For commercial and OEM usage of Caldera OpenDOS contact Caldera sales for more information.

Go to OpenDos page (follow download instructions)


Here are some user sites dedicated to OpenDos or Novell Netware:



Roots Master- Genealogy database with GEDCOM import/export.

* * * *

This program is a database for storing family information and generating documents showing family relationships. Mouse driven, and pretty nice for a free program. Most importantly, it can export to the GEDCOM format, which is readable by most genealogy programs. If you advance to a professional package, you won't have to re-key your information. This is the only genealogy program I've ever used- so I have nothing to compare it with. This app is hard to find on the Web- I have uploaded it to my own server space.

download rm23.zip


Nanobase -xBASE, DBF compatible database.

* * * * reviewed 6-1-97

I'm not qualified to evaluate this program (I don't use a xBASE database), but it appears to be the only free comprehensive database application available for DOS. It's recent too (1-97). From my limited evaluation, it appears to be a solid choice for maintaining just about any type of catalog or database (but xBases aren't strong relational database programs.) nB can access files created with Fox Pro 2, dBASE IV, dBASE III, dBASE III PLUS and CA-Clipper. Mouse compatibile. Nanobase can function as a:
  • Dot command interpreter.
  • Menu driven xBase.
  • xBase program interpreter.
  • Compiler/ executor of simple xBase programs.
  • Remember to download the docs and examples.

    1. download nbase7a3.zip -EXEs for 286 (or higher) PC's with 2M+ RAM (most users should get this.)(490K)
    2. download nbase7a1.zip -EXEs for small PC (372K)
    3. download nbase7a2.zip -Runtime EXEs for small PC (228K)
    4. download nbase7a4.zip -DOCs (364K)
    5. download nbase7a5.zip -Examples (73K)


    InMagic- Database program for textual information.

    unrated

    InMagic is a database program for maintaining textual information such as bibliographic, library, or legal documents. Intended for the business user, and I'm not sure if it is a wise long-term choice for maintaining a large set of records because of it's proprietary format (difficult to convert to another format). But what do I know, right? I haven't played with it much -perhaps I will get around to reviewing it. In the meantime, here is info from the documentation:

    go to INMAGIC download page (read license agreement and scroll to bottom) File size: 441K


    F-PROT- Anti-virus program

    * * * * *

    F-Prot is a shareware anti-virus package that has received rave reviews. Not only is it free for individual (non-commercial) use, but it is constantly updated to keep pace with new virus types. The F-prot scanner/disinfectant and the anitvirus monitoring program (memory resident) are DOS programs. One feature lacking is the ability to scan files packed in archives. Also included in this package is a Windows 3.1 program which scans WORD files for macro viri.

    download fp-227.zip


    Argus- Logs file and system activity (DOS only).

    * * * *

    Although I have no pressing need for this utility, it is included here because it packs a big punch for its small size. Argus is capable of monitoring and logging all file requests and modifications, directory changes, memory modifications, and other exotic system parameters. Argus can be used as a cheap means of monitoring third party usage of your computer if you're worried about someone messing with your system. I use it primarily to troubleshoot. Argus doesn't monitor system parameters under Windows. One warning: the log files created by Argus can grow very large very quickly.

    Options:

    download argus161.zip


    Run and Sched- Run any Windows (3.1) app from windowed DOS prompt.

    * * *

    Sched and Run work together. Sched is a Windows TSR that must be running before you can use Run. You simply type "Run mywinapp" at the windowed DOS command prompt- and it will start the windows program. You can also feed parameters to your windows app and start them minimized. I don't know if it works (or is even needed) under Win95.

    download run18.zip


    Hex- small hex editor handles big files.

    * * *

    Hex is a very small (7.9k) hex editor you can use to edit ascii or binary files of any size. Dual display of hex and ascii panes. Includes a character search feature. Help bar displayed at bottom of screen. Doesn't appear to allow addition or deletion of bytes- only replacement. Written in German but not difficult to use.

    download hexv11.zip


    ASQ- System analysis tool from QUALITAS.

    * * * *

    Qualitas, the company that produces the famed MAX memory management tools for DOS, is freely distributing their system analysis program ASQ on their Web site. You'll need to fill in a web page form with your name and e-mail/ postal addresses to get access to the download page. ASQ is analagous to the MSD tool shipped with DOS and Windows but includes a few more features. It can also analyse your DOS configuration and suggest areas where you can improve performance/ memory management. It is menu driven and contains a helpful tutorial and glossary. Here are some features:

        Memory summary    EMS usage           CMOS detail
        Low DOS memory    XMS memory          Equipment summary
        High DOS memory   Access timing       Video
        ROM scan          Config summary      Drives
        Interrupts        CONFIG.SYS file     Ports
        Extended memory   AUTOEXEC.BAT file   BIOS detail
        Expanded memory   MAX PROfile file    Qualitas information
        ExtraDOS profile  SYSTEM.INI          Windows information 
    
    

    Go to ASQ download page (asq.zip is 230K)


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    (c)1997 Richard L. Green