>> When FCELL * is used to start FCELL, it means that STDIN (or standard
>> input) is used to get input while the program runs. This can be redirected
>> from a file, or typed in at the keyboard (FCELL can tell what you are
>> doing, and it uses verbose mode if input is coming from the keyboard a line
>> at a time, or terse mode if it is coming from a file with more than one
>> line per system call).
>
> I see. So I can do something like:
>
> <<<
> echo "24" | FCELL *
>>>>
>
> to start the program in dos mode?
>
I suppose, but it wouldn't make much sense. If you want to solve game 24, type
FCELL 24 to start it up. If you want to type in several games, type FCELL * to
start it up, then manually enter 24 (return), and <game number> (return) for each
game to be solved. A final (return) will terminate the program. I think this is
pretty clear on the website and in the Usage display that occurs when you simply
start it up with FCELL (and no parameters).
>
>>
>> I agree with Danny Jones, if you want to run FCELL try to find a real DOS
>> box. FCELL has been written and only tested on the DOS window of Windows
>> 2000, and Windows XP. It will probably run just fine on any older version
>> of Windows that has a CPU capable of 32-bit instructions.
>>
>
> Hmmm... does this mean I need at least a 386 or upper CPU? (32-bit
> instructions, etc.) Does it put the processor in 386-mode ("protected mode",
> IIRC) or does it simply uses these extraneous instructions while in 8086 or
> 80286 mode.
>
The program code uses the 386 "real mode" that is put into effect when DOS activates
any .COM file as a program. In addition, I use a prefix in front of a few instructions to
turn them into their 32-bit equivalents. This is to implement the random number generator.
> BTW dosbox and dosemu are supposed to be "real DOS boxen". In fact, I was told
> than Windows 2003 Service Pack 1 completely breaks a lot of DOS compatiblity,
> while dosemu still runs these applications fine. I've been using dosbox to
> run some very nice old DOS games. I don't know what happened, but who knows.
>
>> >>> BTW, have you given any consideration in regards to the license of the
>> >>> solver?
>> >
>> > You mean:
>> >
>> > <<<<
>> > Although protected by Copyright, I grant permission to copy my articles
>> > and software, but only if not-for-profit, and only if they include my
>> > Title and Copyright, and a reference to this website. Notification to me
>> > and courtesy copies of the publication would be appreciated. For other
>> > publication, please contact me directly.
>>
>> Yes, this text is from my website.
>
> OK. Have you verified this text with a lawyer? Such legal texts must be
> verified for legal integrity or else they can allow non-intended use (or
> disallow intended use).
>
I'm not much interested in hiring a lawyer. To what end? If someone wants to
use my code for something and can do it without my help, more power to them.
What does the program do? It solves freecell games, not much money there.
Why did I write it? For my own amusement. I continue to reap that benegit.
Sure, I'd like to see it incorporated as THE solver in someone's FCPro or
equivalent, but that would take direct consultation with most likely. At that
point we'd agree on the specifics of copyright. Until that happens, I'm
happy with the notice as it reads (above). If anyone wants to implement
one of your scenarios, I'm sure they will get in touch, but I'm not holding
my breath.
-Gary Campbell
Received on Sun Nov 27 2005 - 11:49:12 IST