Uploaded to ftp://ftp.devoresoftware.com/downloads/emm386/ are the files emmx226.zip, EMM386 2.26 and HIMEM version 3.26 memory manager, mostly executable files; and emms226.zip, source code files. The FTP-challenged may find the files at http://www.devoresoftware.com/emm386 .
EMM386 2.26 is really more like version 2.25.1, but we have enough decimals already. Nothing major, 2.26 modifies the way the default NOALTBOOT option works to improve compatibility with some types of rebooting the computer, particularly with FDAPM. There is also minor improvement in behavior when attempting to run HIMEM and EMM386 on sub-80386 machines. Final comments follow: As far as changes, the NOALTBOOT change was already discussed on freedos-devel. FDAPM should be happier for the WARMBOOT or COLDBOOT options on some machines, and, if we're lucky, Ctrl-Alt-Del may work more universally in complex environments. HIMEM and EMM386 now both state that 80386+ CPUs are required on the help screen and they are UPX-compressed with the --8086 option, also as previously discussed on freedos-devel. I am permanently off-list immediately following this post, unless I am e-mailed notice of a major HIMEM/EMM386 emergency or goof before FreeDOS 1.0 release which requires my expeditious attention. This is not a reflection on FreeDOS, but rather a simple statement of retirement from the job: I'm tired of working on HIMEM and EMM386, I'm done with my work, and it's time for me to move on to other projects. If you will indulge me for two paragraphs, I have a few closing suggestions. They carry no greater weight than anyone else's opinion here. Perhaps less. HIMEM and EMM386 could certainly stand a significant clean-up and rewrite at some point. That said, major feature additions and changes should not be in the EMM386 2.x line, which, I think, should be declared a mature version. Whether that means there will be an EMM386 3.x or another memory manager name/revision as next in line is really immaterial. However, small updates, fixes, enhancements, and changes -- such as several of Arkady's changes, like the build DIF -- should easily fit into EMM386 2.x development and revision and are appropriate to incorporate. I strongly recommend against making optimizations in 2.x which have operational side-effects and which depend upon applications always following a specification. A number of the quirks and revisions in EMM386 and HIMEM have accumulated due to misbehaved programs tested over the years. In theory those revisions shouldn't be necessary, but in actuality they are quite necessary for the programs to work. For those interested in being involved in further development, Tom Ehlert is the HIMEM and EMM386 maintainer and holds copyright on the current code. It is incontestably correct to ask him about his preferences and desired degree of involvement in future development on the memory managers before leaping in and changing stuff around. I am confident that the talented people here can quickly reach peaceful accord on how future HIMEM and EMM386 work and releases should proceed. For anyone who needs personal help or has questions concerning the current HIMEM and EMM386, or related FreeDOS and programming topics, they can contact me at my FreeDOS e-mail address: [EMAIL PROTECTED] However, please do not abuse the invitation. I am not interested in the latest FreeDOS gossip or debate, even if it directly or indirectly involves me. *Especially* if it directly or indirectly involves me. Allow me my blissful ignorance. Good luck and good work, everybody. Ciao. ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Using Tomcat but need to do more? Need to support web services, security? Get stuff done quickly with pre-integrated technology to make your job easier Download IBM WebSphere Application Server v.1.0.1 based on Apache Geronimo http://sel.as-us.falkag.net/sel?cmd=lnk&kid=120709&bid=263057&dat=121642 _______________________________________________ Freedos-user mailing list Freedos-user@lists.sourceforge.net https://lists.sourceforge.net/lists/listinfo/freedos-user
