Vogons Wiki - User contributions [en]

List of CPU speed sensitive games

2013-03-04T17:39:21Z

OPLawaai:

This is a list of games that do not run properly in some ways on CPUs faster than what was common than at the game's release. 1990+ for the most part, since before that, this was more often the case than not: As a general rule, games for IBM XT computers require a 8088 4.77 MHz to play right.

== DOS ==

{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Game title !! Symptoms with faster CPUs !! Recommended CPUs !! Patch available?
|-
| Double Dragon (1988) || Locks up before final battle and player 2 will have fewer moves || 8088 4.77 MHz ||
|-
| Wing Commander (1990) || Too fast? || max. 386DX-33 ||
|-
| Test Drive III (1990) || Too fast || 386 ||
|-
| The Secret of Monkey Island (1990) || Garbled MT-32 music with fast CPUs || ? ||
|-
| Space Quest IV: Roger Wilco and The Time Rippers (1991) || Bugs every time a sequel police is on the screen || ? ||
|-
| Ultima VII: The Black Gate (1992) || ? || ? ||
|-
| Zool (1992) || ? || ? ||
|-
| Star Control II (1992) || ? || ? ||
|-
| Syndicate (1993) || Crashes at startup with glass breaking sound (5x86 133/P166 and Sound Blaster) || ? ||
|-
| Day of the Tentacle (1993) || No sound with >P166MMX || ? ||
|-
| Lemmings 2: The Tribes (1993) || Requires HDD smaller than 504 MB (CHS limit) or else the copy protection checksum calculated by the installer is wrong || ? ||
|-
| SkyRoads (1993) || Too fast || ? ||
|-
| Descent (1994) || Runs too fast with ~higher PIIs || Pentium 233 MMX ||
|-
| Jazz Jackrabbit (1994) || Doesn't start (error message "Runtime error 200") with about PII 233 || plays fine with patch || [http://www.jazz2online.com/downloads/341/jazz-1-tppatch/ TPPATCH] (3rd party)
|-
| Theme Park (1994) || Runs too fast || ? ||
|-
| Warcraft: Orcs & Humans (1994) || Scrolls too fast, rather not playable? || 486 DX2/66? ||
|-
| King's Quest VII: The Princeless Bride (1994) || Speed bug with one or two puzzles || ? ||
|-
| Warlords II Deluxe (1995) || Crashes on startup with fast CPUs || 486DX2-66 ||
|-
| Warcraft II: Tides of Darkness (1995) || Scrolls too fast with PIIs, but playable || Pentium 166? ||
|-
| Descent II (1996) || Normal game speed, but mouse sensitivity drops down on high framerates || Pentium II 350? ||
|-
| Toonstruck (1996) || Speed bug with one or two puzzles || ? ||
|-
| Micro Machines 2: Turbo Tournament (1996) || may work fine? || ? ||
|-
| Hi-Octane (1996) || Speed problems || Pentium 90 ||
|-
| Lotus: The Ultimate Challenge || Crashes with invalid opcode error || Pentium II 350 or below ||
|-
|}

== Windows ==

{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Game title !! Symptoms with faster CPUs !! Recommended CPUs !! Patch available?
|-
| Master of Orion II (1996) || Battle screen scrolls too fast, still playable || Pentium 166? ||
|-
| Wipeout 2097/Wipeout XL (1997) || Runs too fast || ? || supposedly available
|-
| Imperialism (1997) || World map scrolls too fast || plays fine with patch, slight scrolling delay added || Patch 1.1
|-
| Sega Rally Championship (1997) || Direct3D version plays too fast || ? ||
|-
| FIFA Football 2002 (2001) || Crashes to desktop with ~3 GHz || 1,5 GHz? ||
|-
|}

Useful DOS utilities

2013-02-19T20:07:59Z

OPLawaai: fixed links

MS-DOS compatible operating systems often require [[TSR]]s for basic functionality, such as [[DOS memory management|memory management]] or CD-ROM drivers. Many older TSRs, like the drivers included in MS-DOS, often consume large amounts of [[DOS memory management|conventional memory]]. There are however many free and open-source replacements for these TSRs, which use less base memory and/or add extra functionality. This page lists a number of these utilities.

== Utilities ==

=== FreeDOS ===
Full MS-DOS-compatible operating system. Includes most of the utilities and drivers listed below.
[http://www.freedos.org/ Website]

=== UMBPCI ===
UMB memory manager. Provides UMB memory without EMS, uses only 200 bytes of base memory.
[http://www.uwe-sieber.de/umbpci_e.html Website]

=== Jemm386 and HimemX ===
XMS/EMS memory manager, replacement for HIMEM.SYS and/or EMM386.EXE.
[http://www.japheth.de/Jemm.html Website]

=== XMGR ===
XMS memory manager, replacement for HIMEM.SYS.
[http://johnson.tmfc.net/dos/driver.html Website]

=== UIDE ===
Universal IDE/SATA driver. Provides CD/DVD drivers and a large disk cache up to 4GB.
[http://johnson.tmfc.net/dos/driver.html Website]

=== RDISK ===
Utility for creating very large RAM drives in XMS, up to 2GB.
[http://johnson.tmfc.net/dos/driver.html Website]

=== FDAPM ===
APM/ACPI manager. Provides power management and energy saving funtionality. Can also be used to slow down the CPU, which can be useful with certain speed-sensitive programs and games.
[http://www.freedos.org/software/?prog=fdapm Website]

=== 4DOS ===
Command shell with many advanced features, replacement for COMMAND.COM.
[http://www.4dos.info/ Website]

=== GNU fileutils ===
The GNU file utilities (ls, cp, rm, etc..). If you are experienced with Unix or Linux you may prefer these over the standard DOS commands.
[http://reimagery.com/fsfd/unix.htm#gnufileutils Website]

=== SETEDIT ===
Very advanced text editor, replacement for EDIT.EXE. Features include syntax highlighting, screensaver, integrated MP3 player, calculator and much more. Supports fancy text resolutions such as 132x60 (1056x480 px), depending on your graphics card.
[http://setedit.sourceforge.net/ Website]

== Example configuration files ==
Here are some good example startup files. Selecting the first startup option results in the following MEM /C output:
<pre>
Modules using memory below 1 MB:

Name Total Conventional Upper Memory
-------- ---------------- ---------------- ----------------
SYSTEM 16,288 (16K) 10,864 (11K) 5,424 (5K)
4DOS 5,392 (5K) 272 (0K) 5,120 (5K)
UIDE 5,296 (5K) 0 (0K) 5,296 (5K)
IFSHLP 3,968 (4K) 0 (0K) 3,968 (4K)
NANSI 3,264 (3K) 0 (0K) 3,264 (3K)
CTMOUSE 3,104 (3K) 0 (0K) 3,104 (3K)
Free 678,608 (663K) 642,688 (628K) 35,920 (35K)

Memory Type Total Used Free
---------------- -------- -------- --------
Conventional 639K 11K 628K
Upper 61K 26K 35K
Reserved 324K 324K 0K
Extended (XMS) 261,056K 131,599K 129,457K
---------------- -------- -------- --------
Total memory 262,080K 131,960K 130,120K

Total under 1 MB 700K 37K 663K

Largest executable program size 628K (642,672 bytes)
Largest free upper memory block 21K ( 21,680 bytes)
FreeDOS is resident in the high memory area.
</pre>

'''(Please note I just copied these from my 440BX system, they will probably not work on yours without modifications)'''

=== CONFIG.SYS ===
<pre>
REM 0x12 = 80x50
SCREEN =0x12
REM country code, codepage, country file
COUNTRY =031,437,C:\DOS\BIN\COUNTRY.SYS
VERSION =6.22
BREAK =ON
SWITCHES=/E

MENUCOLOR=7,0
MENUDEFAULT=1
MENU 1 - Load FreeDOS (XMS)
MENU 2 - Load FreeDOS (XMS + EMS)
MENU 3 - Load Windows 2000
MENU 9 - Load FreeDOS without drivers

3?DEVICE=C:\GRUB\GRUB.EXE --config-file="root (hd0,0);chainloader /ntldr"

REM /I= = Include region
1?DEVICE=C:\DOS\BIN\UMBPCI.SYS /I=E000-EFFF

REM /W = Load in workspace buffer
REM /Nn = n XMS handles
1?DEVICE=C:\DOS\BIN\XMGR.SYS /W /N128

REM nM = n MB EMS
REM I= = Include UMB region
REM X= = Exclude UMB region
2?DEVICE=C:\DOS\BIN\JEMMEX.EXE 8M I=TEST X=TEST

12?DOS =HIGH,UMB
12?DOSDATA =UMB
12?BUFFERSHIGH =4
12?FILESHIGH =40
12?STACKSHIGH =9,256
12?LASTDRIVEHIGH=Z

REM /D: = CD device driver
REM /H = Load to HMA
REM /F = Use large (fast) cache blocks
REM /Sn = n MB cache
REM /Rn = Use memory above n MB
1?DEVICEHIGH=C:\DOS\BIN\UIDE.SYS /D:UIDECD01 /H /F /S128 /R63
2?DEVICEHIGH=C:\DOS\BIN\UIDE2.SYS /D:UIDECD01 /H /F /S128 /R63
12?DEVICEHIGH=C:\DOS\NET\IFSHLP.SYS

REM /Txx= Set xx as text mode
REM /P = Pass unknown requests to CON:
12?DEVICEHIGH=C:\DOS\BIN\NANSI.SYS /P /T5C /T5E /T6A /T70 /T71 /T72 /T73 /T74 /T75

REM /E: = Environment size
REM /P= = Autoexec.bat location
12?SHELLHIGH=C:\DOS\BIN\4DOS.COM C:\DOS\BIN /E:1024 /P=C:\AUTOEXEC.BAT
9?SHELL =C:\DOS\BIN\4DOS.COM C:\DOS\BIN /E:1024 /P=C:\AUTOEXEC.BAT
</pre>

=== AUTOEXEC.BAT ===
<pre>
@ECHO OFF

SET /R C:\DOS\ENV\DEFAULT.VAR

REM -h = Human readable file size
REM -a = Show all files
REM -G = Do not show user group
REM -X = Sort by extension
ALIAS LS=*LS --color=auto -haGX
ALIAS REBOOT=FDAPM WARMBOOT
ALIAS HALT=FDAPM POWEROFF
ALIAS SPINDOWN=FDAPM SPINDOWN

BREAK ON

IF "%CONFIG%"=="9" GOTO NODRIVERS

LH DIRCOLORS -b C:\DOS\ENV\DIRCOLOR.CFG

CALL YMF719

REM FastVid 001
CALL FV 0

REM CuteMouse
REM /P = PS/2 port
REM /3 = Three-button mouse
IF "%CONFIG%"=="1" LH CTMOUSE /P /3

REM Logitech mouse driver
REM PS2 = PS/2 port
REM Sn = Speed n
IF "%CONFIG%"=="2" LH MOUSE PS2 S05

LH FDAPM APMBIOS

REM $P = Current directory in uppercase
REM $g = >
PROMPT $P$g

REM Rate 32 = 30 cps
REM Delay 1 = 1/4 sec
MODE CON: RATE=32 DELAY=1

CLS

:NODRIVERS
</pre>

DOS memory management

2013-02-19T20:03:33Z

OPLawaai: /* Upper memory */

With modern operating systems, all memory management you need to do is installing enough RAM. And that's it. The OS determines how to use it, and you usually don't need to worry about it at all.
In DOS, this is different. If you have ever tried DOS without paying attention to how your memory is organized, you may have noticed many programs fail to load with an 'Out of memory' error message. Even if you have four gigabytes of it! To use your RAM effectively in DOS you'll need to know how the x86 architecture splits up RAM in separate regions, what these different regions are for, and what you can do with them. Optimizing your system to reserve as much free space as possible for your programs is called '''memory management'''.

This page will try to explain, in simple language, all the technical terms you will encounter in DOS memory management, and provide you with practical information to get your favourite games and programs running. If you really want to understand how this all works, see the Wikipedia article on [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/DOS_memory_management DOS memory management], or use your web search engine of choice.

== Types of memory ==
=== Conventional memory ===
Conventional memory, or base memory, is the most useful type of memory. All programs and TSRs load in conventional memory. Problem is, you only have 640KB of it.
(todo: expand)

=== Upper memory ===
The upper memory is all memory between the first 640KB and 1MB. It is normally marked as reserved memory for hardware, but memory management software can determine which parts are actually used and which are not, and enable you to access the unused areas as more-or-less 'normal' RAM. The unused parts of the upper memory area are referred to as Upper Memory Blocks.

=== High memory area ===
HMA is the first 64KB above the 1MB limit. This can be a bit confusing if you're just getting started in memory management, since the name is similar to upper memory area and is usually referred to in the same context as upper memory. They are in fact separate regions, where the upper memory is '''below''' the high memory area. If you really want to know how this became a separate region, use your favourite search engine. All you really need to know is that you can load parts of DOS into it by specifying '''DOS=HIGH(,UMB)''' in your config.sys file.

=== Expanded memory ===
(todo)

=== Extended memory ===
(todo)

== Memory management ==

=== Getting more conventional memory ===
The most important and challenging aspect of memory management is to gain more free conventional memory. To do this, you will need to move as many drivers and TSRs as possible to UMBs. However, not all TSRs can load in upper memory, and even if they do they may not work correctly (usually in the form of completely crashing your system without giving any clues to a possible cause). If you notice any instability in your DOS system, try to move TSRs back into conventional memory to find the culprit. You may even need to use different hardware if the drivers for it won't load in upper memory.

(todo: expand)

== Software ==
(todo: list of memory managing software?)

General DOS articles

2013-02-19T19:57:31Z

OPLawaai: added link to memory management

*[[DOS memory management]]
*[[How to disable vertical mouse movement in DOS]]
*[[Useful DOS utilities]]

DOS memory management

2013-02-19T19:56:05Z

OPLawaai: created page stub

With modern operating systems, all memory management you need to do is installing enough RAM. And that's it. The OS determines how to use it, and you usually don't need to worry about it at all.
In DOS, this is different. If you have ever tried DOS without paying attention to how your memory is organized, you may have noticed many programs fail to load with an 'Out of memory' error message. Even if you have four gigabytes of it! To use your RAM effectively in DOS you'll need to know how the x86 architecture splits up RAM in separate regions, what these different regions are for, and what you can do with them. Optimizing your system to reserve as much free space as possible for your programs is called '''memory management'''.

This page will try to explain, in simple language, all the technical terms you will encounter in DOS memory management, and provide you with practical information to get your favourite games and programs running. If you really want to understand how this all works, see the Wikipedia article on [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/DOS_memory_management DOS memory management], or use your web search engine of choice.

== Types of memory ==
=== Conventional memory ===
Conventional memory, or base memory, is the most useful type of memory. All programs and TSRs load in conventional memory. Problem is, you only have 640KB of it.
(todo: expand)

=== Upper memory ===
The upper memory is all memory between the first 640KB and 1MB. It is normally marked as reserved memory for hardware, but memory management software can determine which parts are actually used and which are not, and enable you to access the unused areas as more-or-less 'normal' RAM. The unused upper parts of the upper memory area are referred to as Upper Memory Blocks.

=== High memory area ===
HMA is the first 64KB above the 1MB limit. This can be a bit confusing if you're just getting started in memory management, since the name is similar to upper memory area and is usually referred to in the same context as upper memory. They are in fact separate regions, where the upper memory is '''below''' the high memory area. If you really want to know how this became a separate region, use your favourite search engine. All you really need to know is that you can load parts of DOS into it by specifying '''DOS=HIGH(,UMB)''' in your config.sys file.

=== Expanded memory ===
(todo)

=== Extended memory ===
(todo)

== Memory management ==

=== Getting more conventional memory ===
The most important and challenging aspect of memory management is to gain more free conventional memory. To do this, you will need to move as many drivers and TSRs as possible to UMBs. However, not all TSRs can load in upper memory, and even if they do they may not work correctly (usually in the form of completely crashing your system without giving any clues to a possible cause). If you notice any instability in your DOS system, try to move TSRs back into conventional memory to find the culprit. You may even need to use different hardware if the drivers for it won't load in upper memory.

(todo: expand)

== Software ==
(todo: list of memory managing software?)

Useful DOS utilities

2013-02-18T22:05:12Z

OPLawaai: added SETEDIT

MS-DOS compatible operating systems often require [[TSR]]s for basic functionality, such as [[memory management]] or CD-ROM drivers. Many older TSRs, like the drivers included in MS-DOS, often consume large amounts of [[conventional memory]]. There are however many free and open-source replacements for these TSRs, which use less base memory and add extra functionality. This page lists a number of these utilities.

== Utilities ==

=== FreeDOS ===
Full MS-DOS-compatible operating system. Includes most of the utilities and drivers listed below.
[http://www.freedos.org/ Website]

=== UMBPCI ===
UMB memory manager. Provides UMB memory without EMS, uses only 200 bytes of base memory.
[http://www.uwe-sieber.de/umbpci_e.html Website]

=== Jemm386 and HimemX ===
XMS/EMS memory manager, replacement for HIMEM.SYS and/or EMM386.EXE.
[http://www.japheth.de/Jemm.html Website]

=== XMGR ===
XMS memory manager, replacement for HIMEM.SYS.
[http://johnson.tmfc.net/dos/driver.html Website]

=== UIDE ===
Universal IDE/SATA driver. Provides CD/DVD drivers and a large disk cache up to 4GB.
[http://johnson.tmfc.net/dos/driver.html Website]

=== RDISK ===
Utility for creating very large RAM drives in XMS, up to 2GB.
[http://johnson.tmfc.net/dos/driver.html Website]

=== FDAPM ===
APM/ACPI manager. Provides power management and energy saving funtionality. Can also be used to slow down the CPU, which can be useful with certain speed-sensitive programs and games.
[http://www.freedos.org/software/?prog=fdapm Website]

=== 4DOS ===
Command shell with many advanced features, replacement for COMMAND.COM.
[http://www.4dos.info/ Website]

=== GNU fileutils ===
The GNU file utilities (ls, cp, rm, etc..). If you are experienced with Unix or Linux you may prefer these over the standard DOS commands.
[http://reimagery.com/fsfd/unix.htm#gnufileutils Website]

=== SETEDIT ===
Very advanced text editor, replacement for EDIT.EXE. Features include syntax highlighting, screensaver, integrated MP3 player, calculator and much more. Supports fancy text resolutions such as 132x60 (1056x480 px), depending on your graphics card.
[http://setedit.sourceforge.net/ Website]

== Example configuration files ==
Here are some good example startup files. Selecting the first startup option results in the following MEM /C output:
<pre>
Modules using memory below 1 MB:

Name Total Conventional Upper Memory
-------- ---------------- ---------------- ----------------
SYSTEM 16,288 (16K) 10,864 (11K) 5,424 (5K)
4DOS 5,392 (5K) 272 (0K) 5,120 (5K)
UIDE 5,296 (5K) 0 (0K) 5,296 (5K)
IFSHLP 3,968 (4K) 0 (0K) 3,968 (4K)
NANSI 3,264 (3K) 0 (0K) 3,264 (3K)
CTMOUSE 3,104 (3K) 0 (0K) 3,104 (3K)
Free 678,608 (663K) 642,688 (628K) 35,920 (35K)

Memory Type Total Used Free
---------------- -------- -------- --------
Conventional 639K 11K 628K
Upper 61K 26K 35K
Reserved 324K 324K 0K
Extended (XMS) 261,056K 131,599K 129,457K
---------------- -------- -------- --------
Total memory 262,080K 131,960K 130,120K

Total under 1 MB 700K 37K 663K

Largest executable program size 628K (642,672 bytes)
Largest free upper memory block 21K ( 21,680 bytes)
FreeDOS is resident in the high memory area.
</pre>

'''(Please note I just copied these from my 440BX system, they will probably not work on yours without modifications)'''

=== CONFIG.SYS ===
<pre>
REM 0x12 = 80x50
SCREEN =0x12
REM country code, codepage, country file
COUNTRY =031,437,C:\DOS\BIN\COUNTRY.SYS
VERSION =6.22
BREAK =ON
SWITCHES=/E

MENUCOLOR=7,0
MENUDEFAULT=1
MENU 1 - Load FreeDOS (XMS)
MENU 2 - Load FreeDOS (XMS + EMS)
MENU 3 - Load Windows 2000
MENU 9 - Load FreeDOS without drivers

3?DEVICE=C:\GRUB\GRUB.EXE --config-file="root (hd0,0);chainloader /ntldr"

REM /I= = Include region
1?DEVICE=C:\DOS\BIN\UMBPCI.SYS /I=E000-EFFF

REM /W = Load in workspace buffer
REM /Nn = n XMS handles
1?DEVICE=C:\DOS\BIN\XMGR.SYS /W /N128

REM nM = n MB EMS
REM I= = Include UMB region
REM X= = Exclude UMB region
2?DEVICE=C:\DOS\BIN\JEMMEX.EXE 8M I=TEST X=TEST

12?DOS =HIGH,UMB
12?DOSDATA =UMB
12?BUFFERSHIGH =4
12?FILESHIGH =40
12?STACKSHIGH =9,256
12?LASTDRIVEHIGH=Z

REM /D: = CD device driver
REM /H = Load to HMA
REM /F = Use large (fast) cache blocks
REM /Sn = n MB cache
REM /Rn = Use memory above n MB
1?DEVICEHIGH=C:\DOS\BIN\UIDE.SYS /D:UIDECD01 /H /F /S128 /R63
2?DEVICEHIGH=C:\DOS\BIN\UIDE2.SYS /D:UIDECD01 /H /F /S128 /R63
12?DEVICEHIGH=C:\DOS\NET\IFSHLP.SYS

REM /Txx= Set xx as text mode
REM /P = Pass unknown requests to CON:
12?DEVICEHIGH=C:\DOS\BIN\NANSI.SYS /P /T5C /T5E /T6A /T70 /T71 /T72 /T73 /T74 /T75

REM /E: = Environment size
REM /P= = Autoexec.bat location
12?SHELLHIGH=C:\DOS\BIN\4DOS.COM C:\DOS\BIN /E:1024 /P=C:\AUTOEXEC.BAT
9?SHELL =C:\DOS\BIN\4DOS.COM C:\DOS\BIN /E:1024 /P=C:\AUTOEXEC.BAT
</pre>

=== AUTOEXEC.BAT ===
<pre>
@ECHO OFF

SET /R C:\DOS\ENV\DEFAULT.VAR

REM -h = Human readable file size
REM -a = Show all files
REM -G = Do not show user group
REM -X = Sort by extension
ALIAS LS=*LS --color=auto -haGX
ALIAS REBOOT=FDAPM WARMBOOT
ALIAS HALT=FDAPM POWEROFF
ALIAS SPINDOWN=FDAPM SPINDOWN

BREAK ON

IF "%CONFIG%"=="9" GOTO NODRIVERS

LH DIRCOLORS -b C:\DOS\ENV\DIRCOLOR.CFG

CALL YMF719

REM FastVid 001
CALL FV 0

REM CuteMouse
REM /P = PS/2 port
REM /3 = Three-button mouse
IF "%CONFIG%"=="1" LH CTMOUSE /P /3

REM Logitech mouse driver
REM PS2 = PS/2 port
REM Sn = Speed n
IF "%CONFIG%"=="2" LH MOUSE PS2 S05

LH FDAPM APMBIOS

REM $P = Current directory in uppercase
REM $g = >
PROMPT $P$g

REM Rate 32 = 30 cps
REM Delay 1 = 1/4 sec
MODE CON: RATE=32 DELAY=1

CLS

:NODRIVERS
</pre>

Hanging note bug

2013-02-18T20:52:07Z

OPLawaai: created page stub

The so-called ''hanging note bug'' is a bug present on certain models of the [[Creative Sound Blaster]] series.

== Cause ==
...?

== How to find out if a card is affected ==
*Start [[Hexen]] with '''hexen -warp 02'''. You will notice hanging notes almost immediately.
*...?

== Sound card model numbers ==
=== Bugged ===
*CT...?

=== Bug-free ===
*CT...?

== External links ==
[http://vogons.zetafleet.com/viewtopic.php?t=20849 Related thread on the VOGONS forums]

Yamaha

2013-02-18T20:31:49Z

OPLawaai:

Yamaha is a Japanese company that manufactures audio equipment, among many other products. Their audio chips are often used on third-party sound cards.

== Sound chips ==

=== OPL2 ===
The Yamaha OPL2 (YM3812) is the chip used on the original [[AdLib]] card and clones. This is an FM-synthesizer chip, featuring 9 two-operator channels.
OPL2 is an abbrevation of 'FM Operator type L2'.

=== OPL3 ===
The Yamaha OPL3 (YMF262) is an extended version of the original OPL2 chip, adding an extra register base for a total of 18 two-operator channels. Twelve of these channels may be combined to form six four-operator channels.
Each channel can be routed to a maximum of 4 output channels, though there are no sound cards that actually use all four. Normally only the first two channels are connected to a DAC (YAC512), providing crude stereo support.
The first soundcards equipped with an OPL3 chip include the [[Creative Sound Blaster Pro 2]] and the [[AdLib Gold]].
OPL3 is an abbrevation of 'FM Operator type L3'.

=== OPL3-SAx ===
The Yamaha OPL3-SAx is an all-in-one sound chip, featuring [[Creative Sound Blaster Pro 2|SBPro2]], [[Windows Sound System|WSS]], [[Roland MPU-401|MPU-401]] and OPL3 compatibility. Chipsets featuring it include YMF-701, YMF-711, YMF-715, YMF-718 and YMF-719. The last two are probably rebranded YMF-715s.
Drivers include a XG-compatible softsynth which although having some tuneable options is largely inferior to other such solutions from Yamaha.
Windows 2000 and XP support these chipsets out of the box, requiring no external drivers.
Sound cards using these chips were manufactured by Aopen, Labway, Genius and Addonics, possibly others.
The OPL3-SAx is a popular choice with retro gamers, and is often praised for its excellent compatibility and low noise level. Its MPU-401 interface does not suffer from the [[hanging note bug]] present in certain [[Creative]] sound cards.

== Wave Blaster modules ==

=== OPL4 ===
...?

=== DB50XG ===
Released in 1995, the Yamaha DB50XG is a wavetable synthesizer daughter card for the [[Wave Blaster]] connector. It is compatible with General MIDI and the Yamaha XG standards. The unit features 676 instruments, 16 Parts and maximum 32-note polyphony. It features 2 operation modes: XG and TG300B. The software synthesizer S-YXG50 is 100% identical to this particular series of hardware, with the 4 MB soundfont possibly being a dump of this card's ROM.

=== DB60XG ===
The Yamaha DB60XG is an extended version of the DB50XG, sold only in Japan. In the rest of the world this card is known as the NEC XR385.
It is exactly identical to the DB50XG, with two extra analog sound inputs that can be routed through the effects processor. It is rumored that the analog inputs were meant for karaoke or related applications.

== Expansion cards ==

=== SW60XG ===
16-bit ISA expansion card, standalone version of the DB50XG/DB60XG. Not a fully-featured soundcard.

== Sound modules ==

=== MU80 ===
The first XG compatible device, released in 1994. 729 instruments, 32 parts, 64-note polyphony.

=== MU10 ===
Sound module version of DB50XG released in 1996, no LCD screen.

Yamaha

2013-02-18T20:30:22Z

OPLawaai:

Yamaha is a Japanese company that manufactures audio equipment, among many other products. Their audio chips are often used on third-party sound cards.

== Sound chips ==

=== OPL2 ===
The Yamaha OPL2 (YM3812) is the chip used on the original [[AdLib]] card and clones. This is an FM-synthesizer chip, featuring 9 two-operator channels.
OPL2 is an abbrevation of 'FM Operator type L2'.

=== OPL3 ===
The Yamaha OPL3 (YMF262) is an extended version of the original OPL2 chip, adding an extra register base for a total of 18 two-operator channels. Twelve of these channels may be combined to form six four-operator channels.
Each channel can be routed to a maximum of 4 output channels, though there are no sound cards that actually use all four. Normally only the first two channels are connected to a DAC (YAC512), providing crude stereo support.
The first soundcards equipped with an OPL3 chip include the [[Creative Sound Blaster Pro 2]] and the [[AdLib Gold]].
OPL3 is an abbrevation of 'FM Operator type L3'.

=== OPL3-SAx ===
The Yamaha OPL3-SAx is an all-in-one sound chip, featuring [[Creative Sound Blaster Pro 2|SBPro2]], [[Windows Sound System|WSS]], [[Roland MPU-401|MPU-401]] and OPL3 compatibility. Chipsets featuring it include YMF-701, YMF-711, YMF-715, YMF-718 and YMF-719. The last two are probably rebranded YMF-715s.
Drivers include a XG-compatible softsynth which although having some tuneable options is largely inferior to other such solutions from Yamaha.
Windows 2000 and XP support these chipsets out of the box, requiring no external drivers.
Sound cards using these chips were manufactured by Aopen, Labway, Genius and Addonics, possibly others.
The OPL3-SAx is a popular choice with retro gamers, and is often praised for its excellent compatibility and low noise level. Its MPU-401 interface does not suffer from the [[hanging note bug]] present in similar [[Creative]] sound cards.

== Wave Blaster modules ==

=== OPL4 ===
...?

=== DB50XG ===
Released in 1995, the Yamaha DB50XG is a wavetable synthesizer daughter card for the [[Wave Blaster]] connector. It is compatible with General MIDI and the Yamaha XG standards. The unit features 676 instruments, 16 Parts and maximum 32-note polyphony. It features 2 operation modes: XG and TG300B. The software synthesizer S-YXG50 is 100% identical to this particular series of hardware, with the 4 MB soundfont possibly being a dump of this card's ROM.

=== DB60XG ===
The Yamaha DB60XG is an extended version of the DB50XG, sold only in Japan. In the rest of the world this card is known as the NEC XR385.
It is exactly identical to the DB50XG, with two extra analog sound inputs that can be routed through the effects processor. It is rumored that the analog inputs were meant for karaoke or related applications.

== Expansion cards ==

=== SW60XG ===
16-bit ISA expansion card, standalone version of the DB50XG/DB60XG. Not a fully-featured soundcard.

== Sound modules ==

=== MU80 ===
The first XG compatible device, released in 1994. 729 instruments, 32 parts, 64-note polyphony.

=== MU10 ===
Sound module version of DB50XG released in 1996, no LCD screen.

Yamaha

2013-02-18T20:14:59Z

OPLawaai:

Yamaha is a Japanese company that manufactures audio equipment, among many other products. Their audio chips are often used on third-party sound cards.

== Sound chips ==

=== OPL2 ===
The Yamaha OPL2 (YM3812) is the chip used on the original [[AdLib]] card and clones. This is an FM-synthesizer chip, featuring 9 two-operator channels.
OPL2 is an abbrevation of 'FM Operator type L2'.

=== OPL3 ===
The Yamaha OPL3 (YMF262) is an extended version of the original OPL2 chip, adding an extra register base for a total of 18 two-operator channels. Twelve of these channels may be combined to form six four-operator channels.
Each channel can be routed to a maximum of 4 output channels, though there are no sound cards that actually use all four. Normally only the first two channels are connected to a DAC (YAC512), providing crude stereo support.
OPL3 is an abbrevation of 'FM Operator type L3'.

=== OPL3-SAx ===
The Yamaha OPL3-SAx is an all-in-one sound chip, featuring [[Sound Blaster Pro 2|SBPro2]], [[Windows Sound System|WSS]], [[MPU-401]] and OPL3 compatibility. Chipsets featuring it include YMF-701, YMF-711, YMF-715, YMF-718 and YMF-719. The last two are probably rebranded YMF-715s.
Drivers include a XG-compatible softsynth which although having some tuneable options is largely inferior to other such solutions from Yamaha.
Windows 2000 and XP support these chipsets out of the box, requiring no external drivers.
Sound cards using these chips were manufactured by Aopen, Labway, Genius and Addonics, possibly others.

== Wave Blaster modules ==

=== OPL4 ===
...?

=== DB50XG ===
Released in 1995, the Yamaha DB50XG is a wavetable synthesizer daughter card for the [[Wave Blaster]] connector. It is compatible with General MIDI and the Yamaha XG standards. The unit features 676 instruments, 16 Parts and maximum 32-note polyphony. It features 2 operation modes: XG and TG300B. The software synthesizer S-YXG50 is 100% identical to this particular series of hardware, with the 4 MB soundfont possibly being a dump of this card's ROM.

=== DB60XG ===
The Yamaha DB60XG is an extended version of the DB50XG, sold only in Japan. In the rest of the world this card is known as the NEC XR385.
It is exactly identical to the DB50XG, with two extra analog sound inputs that can be routed through the effects processor. It is rumored that the analog inputs were meant for karaoke or related applications.

== Expansion cards ==

=== SW60XG ===
16-bit ISA expansion card, standalone version of the DB50XG/DB60XG. Not a fully-featured soundcard.

== Sound modules ==

=== MU80 ===
The first XG compatible device, released in 1994. 729 instruments, 32 parts, 64-note polyphony.

=== MU10 ===
Sound module version of DB50XG released in 1996, no LCD screen.

Yamaha

2013-02-18T20:11:25Z

OPLawaai:

Yamaha is a Japanese company that manufactures audio equipment, among many other products. Their audio chips are often used on third-party sound cards.

== Sound chips ==

=== OPL2 ===
The Yamaha OPL2 (YM3812) is the chip used on the original AdLib card and clones. This is an FM-synthesizer chip, featuring 9 two-operator channels.
OPL2 is an abbrevation of 'FM Operator type L2'.

=== OPL3 ===
The Yamaha OPL3 (YMF262) is an extended version of the original OPL2 chip, adding an extra register base for a total of 18 two-operator channels. Twelve of these channels may be combined to form six four-operator channels.
Each channel can be routed to a maximum of 4 output channels, though there are no sound cards that actually use all four. Normally only the first two channels are connected to a DAC (YAC512), providing crude stereo support.
OPL3 is an abbrevation of 'FM Operator type L3'.

=== OPL3-SAx ===
The Yamaha OPL3-SAx is an all-in-one sound chip, featuring [[SBPro2]], [[WSS]] and OPL3 compatibility. Chipsets featuring it include YMF-701, YMF-711, YMF-715, YMF-718 and YMF-719. The last two are probably rebranded YMF-715s.
Drivers include a XG-compatible softsynth which although having some tuneable options is largely inferior to other such solutions from Yamaha.
Windows 2000 and XP support these chipsets out of the box, requiring no external drivers.
Sound cards using these chips were manufactured by Aopen, Labway, Genius and Addonics, possibly others.

== Wave Blaster modules ==

=== OPL4 ===
...?

=== DB50XG ===
Released in 1995, the Yamaha DB50XG is a wavetable synthesizer daughter card for the [[Wave Blaster]] connector. It is compatible with General MIDI and the Yamaha XG standards. The unit features 676 instruments, 16 Parts and maximum 32-note polyphony. It features 2 operation modes: XG and TG300B. The software synthesizer S-YXG50 is 100% identical to this particular series of hardware, with the 4 MB soundfont possibly being a dump of this card's ROM.

=== DB60XG ===
The Yamaha DB60XG is an extended version of the DB50XG, sold only in Japan. In the rest of the world this card is known as the NEC XR385.
It is exactly identical to the DB50XG, with two extra analog sound inputs that can be routed through the effects processor. It is rumored that the analog inputs were meant for karaoke or related applications.

== Expansion cards ==

=== SW60XG ===
16-bit ISA expansion card, standalone version of the DB50XG/DB60XG. Not a fully-featured soundcard.

== Sound modules ==

=== MU80 ===
The first XG compatible device, released in 1994. 729 instruments, 32 parts, 64-note polyphony.

=== MU10 ===
Sound module version of DB50XG released in 1996, no LCD screen.

User:OPLawaai

2013-02-18T19:37:56Z

OPLawaai: created profile page

My name is ''jwt27'' on the VOGONS forums.

Useful DOS utilities

2013-02-18T19:31:17Z

OPLawaai: added example config files.

MS-DOS compatible operating systems often require [[TSR]]s for basic functionality, such as [[memory management]] or CD-ROM drivers. Many older TSRs, like the drivers included in MS-DOS, often consume large amounts of [[conventional memory]]. There are however many free and open-source replacements for these TSRs, which use less base memory and add extra functionality. This page lists a number of these utilities.

== Utilities ==

=== FreeDOS ===
Full MS-DOS-compatible operating system. Includes most of the utilities and drivers listed below.
[http://www.freedos.org/ Website]

=== UMBPCI ===
UMB memory manager. Provides UMB memory without EMS, uses only 200 bytes of base memory.
[http://www.uwe-sieber.de/umbpci_e.html Website]

=== Jemm386 and HimemX ===
XMS/EMS memory manager, replacement for HIMEM.SYS and/or EMM386.EXE.
[http://www.japheth.de/Jemm.html Website]

=== XMGR ===
XMS memory manager, replacement for HIMEM.SYS.
[http://johnson.tmfc.net/dos/driver.html Website]

=== UIDE ===
Universal IDE/SATA driver. Provides CD/DVD drivers and a large disk cache up to 4GB.
[http://johnson.tmfc.net/dos/driver.html Website]

=== RDISK ===
Utility for creating very large RAM drives in XMS, up to 2GB.
[http://johnson.tmfc.net/dos/driver.html Website]

=== FDAPM ===
APM/ACPI manager. Provides power management and energy saving funtionality. Can also be used to slow down the CPU, which can be useful with certain speed-sensitive programs and games.
[http://www.freedos.org/software/?prog=fdapm Website]

=== 4DOS ===
Command shell with many advanced features, replacement for COMMAND.COM.
[http://www.4dos.info/ Website]

=== GNU fileutils ===
The GNU file utilities (ls, cp, rm, etc..). If you are experienced with Unix or Linux you may prefer these over the standard DOS commands.
[http://reimagery.com/fsfd/unix.htm#gnufileutils Website]

== Example configuration files ==
Here are some good example startup files. Selecting the first startup option results in the following MEM /C output:
<pre>
Modules using memory below 1 MB:

Name Total Conventional Upper Memory
-------- ---------------- ---------------- ----------------
SYSTEM 16,288 (16K) 10,864 (11K) 5,424 (5K)
4DOS 5,392 (5K) 272 (0K) 5,120 (5K)
UIDE 5,296 (5K) 0 (0K) 5,296 (5K)
IFSHLP 3,968 (4K) 0 (0K) 3,968 (4K)
NANSI 3,264 (3K) 0 (0K) 3,264 (3K)
CTMOUSE 3,104 (3K) 0 (0K) 3,104 (3K)
Free 678,608 (663K) 642,688 (628K) 35,920 (35K)

Memory Type Total Used Free
---------------- -------- -------- --------
Conventional 639K 11K 628K
Upper 61K 26K 35K
Reserved 324K 324K 0K
Extended (XMS) 261,056K 131,599K 129,457K
---------------- -------- -------- --------
Total memory 262,080K 131,960K 130,120K

Total under 1 MB 700K 37K 663K

Largest executable program size 628K (642,672 bytes)
Largest free upper memory block 21K ( 21,680 bytes)
FreeDOS is resident in the high memory area.
</pre>

'''(Please note I just copied these from my 440BX system, they will probably not work on yours without modifications)'''

=== CONFIG.SYS ===
<pre>
REM 0x12 = 80x50
SCREEN =0x12
REM country code, codepage, country file
COUNTRY =031,437,C:\DOS\BIN\COUNTRY.SYS
VERSION =6.22
BREAK =ON
SWITCHES=/E

MENUCOLOR=7,0
MENUDEFAULT=1
MENU 1 - Load FreeDOS (XMS)
MENU 2 - Load FreeDOS (XMS + EMS)
MENU 3 - Load Windows 2000
MENU 9 - Load FreeDOS without drivers

3?DEVICE=C:\GRUB\GRUB.EXE --config-file="root (hd0,0);chainloader /ntldr"

REM /I= = Include region
1?DEVICE=C:\DOS\BIN\UMBPCI.SYS /I=E000-EFFF

REM /W = Load in workspace buffer
REM /Nn = n XMS handles
1?DEVICE=C:\DOS\BIN\XMGR.SYS /W /N128

REM nM = n MB EMS
REM I= = Include UMB region
REM X= = Exclude UMB region
2?DEVICE=C:\DOS\BIN\JEMMEX.EXE 8M I=TEST X=TEST

12?DOS =HIGH,UMB
12?DOSDATA =UMB
12?BUFFERSHIGH =4
12?FILESHIGH =40
12?STACKSHIGH =9,256
12?LASTDRIVEHIGH=Z

REM /D: = CD device driver
REM /H = Load to HMA
REM /F = Use large (fast) cache blocks
REM /Sn = n MB cache
REM /Rn = Use memory above n MB
1?DEVICEHIGH=C:\DOS\BIN\UIDE.SYS /D:UIDECD01 /H /F /S128 /R63
2?DEVICEHIGH=C:\DOS\BIN\UIDE2.SYS /D:UIDECD01 /H /F /S128 /R63
12?DEVICEHIGH=C:\DOS\NET\IFSHLP.SYS

REM /Txx= Set xx as text mode
REM /P = Pass unknown requests to CON:
12?DEVICEHIGH=C:\DOS\BIN\NANSI.SYS /P /T5C /T5E /T6A /T70 /T71 /T72 /T73 /T74 /T75

REM /E: = Environment size
REM /P= = Autoexec.bat location
12?SHELLHIGH=C:\DOS\BIN\4DOS.COM C:\DOS\BIN /E:1024 /P=C:\AUTOEXEC.BAT
9?SHELL =C:\DOS\BIN\4DOS.COM C:\DOS\BIN /E:1024 /P=C:\AUTOEXEC.BAT
</pre>

=== AUTOEXEC.BAT ===
<pre>
@ECHO OFF

SET /R C:\DOS\ENV\DEFAULT.VAR

REM -h = Human readable file size
REM -a = Show all files
REM -G = Do not show user group
REM -X = Sort by extension
ALIAS LS=*LS --color=auto -haGX
ALIAS REBOOT=FDAPM WARMBOOT
ALIAS HALT=FDAPM POWEROFF
ALIAS SPINDOWN=FDAPM SPINDOWN

BREAK ON

IF "%CONFIG%"=="9" GOTO NODRIVERS

LH DIRCOLORS -b C:\DOS\ENV\DIRCOLOR.CFG

CALL YMF719

REM FastVid 001
CALL FV 0

REM CuteMouse
REM /P = PS/2 port
REM /3 = Three-button mouse
IF "%CONFIG%"=="1" LH CTMOUSE /P /3

REM Logitech mouse driver
REM PS2 = PS/2 port
REM Sn = Speed n
IF "%CONFIG%"=="2" LH MOUSE PS2 S05

LH FDAPM APMBIOS

REM $P = Current directory in uppercase
REM $g = >
PROMPT $P$g

REM Rate 32 = 30 cps
REM Delay 1 = 1/4 sec
MODE CON: RATE=32 DELAY=1

CLS

:NODRIVERS
</pre>

Useful DOS utilities

2013-02-18T18:46:24Z

OPLawaai: added FDAPM

General DOS articles

2013-02-18T18:41:44Z

OPLawaai: added link to Useful DOS utilities

*[[How to disable vertical mouse movement in DOS]]
*[[Useful DOS utilities]]

Useful DOS utilities

2013-02-18T18:40:54Z

OPLawaai: page created

Yamaha

2013-02-18T18:18:56Z

OPLawaai:

Yamaha

2013-02-18T18:18:30Z

OPLawaai: page created