Operating System CP/M Advances Calmly
In the world of vintage computing, the Command Processor Manufacturing (CP/M) operating system was a popular choice. One of its essential commands was PIP, a utility used for copying files, among other things. However, copying a file from one user to another in CP/M was not as straightforward as it might seem.
The method that some daring users employed was nothing short of ingenious, or so some say. To copy a file from user 0 to an empty disk in user 3, one had to load PIP into memory as user 0, switch users, and then dump the memory out to the disk. This unconventional approach was seen by some as a stroke of genius, while others considered it a step too far into the realm of madness.
This method was not exclusive to loading PIP directly. Some users opted to use a debugger to achieve the same goal, following the same concept of loading the program into memory and then switching users.
The global user concept in CP/M was a modification in some instances, with user 0 treated as a global user. This made the aforementioned method more feasible, as it allowed for operations across different users.
For those who found the cost of a vintage CP/M machine prohibitive, building one was an option. Alternatively, emulating CP/M on modern hardware was another possibility, allowing users to experience the operating system without the need for an actual vintage machine.
Learning how to use CP/M was made easier with resources like Andy Johnson-Laird's textbook, "A Gentle Introduction to CP/M." This book provided a comprehensive guide for users looking to navigate the challenges of formatting disks, adapting software to terminals, and understanding the intricacies of CP/M.
Despite the versatility of PIP, there were limitations to its functionality. For instance, PIP knew about user areas, but it could only copy source files, not target files. Furthermore, it was impossible to copy a file from user 3 to user 3 using PIP. Additionally, CP/M did not have subdirectories; instead, there was only a single level of files in disks.
User areas were a common addition to CP/M, but by default, there was no global user. This meant that users had to resort to the unconventional methods mentioned earlier to copy files between users.
In conclusion, the world of vintage computing, particularly CP/M, presented unique challenges and solutions. The method of copying files between users, though unconventional, highlights the ingenuity and resourcefulness of early computer enthusiasts. Whether seen as genius or madness, it remains an interesting chapter in the history of computing.
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