| Miscellaneous
Utilities for DOS (Utilities that don't fit into present classification: system tools, database, genealogy, antivirus, etc.) Ratings: [* fair] to [* * * * * excellent] |
Front Page PROGRAMS GROUPED BY FUNCTION
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* * * * 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:
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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:
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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.
* * * * 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:
Remember to download the docs and examples.
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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:
INMAGIC Plus is designed to help you build, maintain, and use text databases. Included with INMAGIC are all the tools you need to: define a database, load and retrieve information, create reports, keep your databases healthy, and more.
Most of the information your organization tracks is in the form of text: letters, client information, catalogs, reports, case histories, and so on. INMAGIC Plus (called INMAGIC, hereafter) is a software program that focuses on the special needs of tracking and managing text-based information, while still providing the ability to manage and work with numeric information. INMAGIC is used quite widely in libraries and law firms, but its flexibility means that it can help people from a variety of businesses successfully handle their information management.
Using INMAGIC, you can create databases and store information in them. You can quickly and easily search these databases, retrieving exactly the information you want. You can design reports to display or print information in the format that best suits your needs. INMAGIC's combined speed and ease of data entry, searching, and reporting make it a powerful database management tool.
go to INMAGIC download page (read license agreement and scroll to bottom) File size: 441K
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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.
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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:
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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.
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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.
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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