On Sunday 27 November 2005 21:47, Gary Campbell wrote:
> >> 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 see. Well, it doesn't match my expectations from a UNIX command line
program.
> >> 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.
>
I see. So I cannot run them on a machine below 386?
> > 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.
Don't be too sure about it. People might be able to abuse your program and
because your licensing terms are mal-specified and do not hold water in
court, you won't be able to do anything about it.
Regards,
Shlomi Fish
---------------------------------------------------------------------
Shlomi Fish shlomif_at_iglu.org.il
Homepage:
http://www.shlomifish.org/
95% of the programmers consider 95% of the code they did not write, in the
bottom 5%.
Received on Sat Jan 14 2006 - 06:40:34 IST