System Management

Digital Research has a growing list of multiuser applications thatrun on Concurrent DOS, such as Dataflex@, Excalibur~, Bravo~,

Inc~me I!"@, Inmass II@, Medical Manager'", Pegasus'" andOmIcron.

With the Concurrent DOS menu system, you can performstandard operating system functions, such as copying fLIes,printing, and changing directories, without having to rememberand enter a series of commands. Menus are also cllslomizable toioclude the functions that are used the most. Each member ofthe Concurrent DOS operating system family comes with a widerange of utility programs, including a fIle manager, a quickreference cardfile program, and an editor.

DOS FAMIIX OFOPERATING SYSTEMS

.. MultiuserApplications

'PC DOS/MS-DOS:Compatibility

.. :Introduction

Wlcome to the family of Concurrent DOS: ConcurrentDOS'" 386 and Concurrent'" DOS XM (ExpandedMemory). Concurrent DOS is a multiuser,

multitasking operating system for computer systems based onthe Intel~ 8086 series of microprocessors. Concurrent DOSoffers features normally found only in mainframe operatingsystems. It is architected to support multiuser and multitaskingoperations: true simultaneous processing is achieved, therebyout.performing "shell products" over a single·user PC DOSIMS·DOS~ environment that simulate multitasking operations.

The members of the Concurrent DOS family will run the mostpopular PC DOS appHcations, such as Lotus~I.2.3@,

Framework~,dBase~ II and ill, Symphony~,SuperCalc'", andmany others. The GEM~ (Graphics Environment Manager)software team of puhHcation and presentation graphics productsdeveloped by Digital Research, and other GEM·basedapplications, are also supported by Concurrent DOS.

The members of the Concurrent DOS operating system familyare both multiuser and multitasking. A single user can runmultiple DOS programs; multiple users can use the samemultiuser application; or several users can run differentprograms, all at the same time. Each program on the systemconsole runs in a separate window, which can be edited tochange its size, shape, or color. True concurrency means severalapplication programs run simultaneously in the system;programs do not terminate when control is switched to otherprograms. Concurrent DOS utilizes a sophisticated priorityscheduling mechanism guaranteeing timely response to bothhigh. and low.priority jobs in the system. It allows you toprioritize the tasks you wish to run concurrently .

.. :NetworkinglMultiuser:Capability

Multiple users can share applications, fLIes, and peripherals,with integrity maintained through fIle.locking and record·locking features. Concurrent DOS also provides powerfulnetworking capabilities through the DR NET'" networkingextension.

Media SupportConcurrent DOS reads and writes to both PC DOSIMS·DOS andCPIM-86@disk formats. You can use both DOS hierarchicaldirectories and CPIM-86 user areas, transferring data from oneformat type to another. Differences between fIle formats andtheir related disk media are transparent to users andapplications.

DependabilityAnother strength of the Concurrent DOS operating systems isthat, besides being easy-to·use, they are very dependable. Thesoftware has been tried and tested over the past five years byusers allover the world. This experience and field.testing hashelped make Concurrent DOS XM and Concurrent DOS 386solid, problem.free operatiog systems.

Multitasking PC Workstation

~ Other Features• window management

• configurable menu system

• on-line HELP

• hard disk backup

• math coprocessor support

• integrated programmable function keys andkeyboard macros

• command line editing and recall

• support for conditionals in the BATCH processor

• input/output redirection to more than one target

Concurrent DOS XM includes several additional features:

DOSXM~ :Concurrent DOS XM

:Multiuser Support

Concurrent DOS XM can be customized for either single­user or multiuser microcomputer systems througb easy­to-use configuration utilities. Users can set up to six-user

systems by connecting serial terminals to the main console. Themultitasking functions of Concurrent DOS XM, especially whencombined with expanded memory, allow multiple users to takeadvantage of this low-cost alternative to networking with all thebenefits of a shared environment.

:Expanded Memory.Features

Concurrent DOS XM works with conventional memory and/orexpanded memory. It use8 a memory banking mechanism,EEMS (Enhanced Expanded Memory Specification), that mapse panded memory into 8086 addressing range. Through thememory bank 8witc' scheme, Concurrent DOS XM accessesthe memory on up-to four expanded memory boards. This meansexisting al:' .cations can run in expanded memory with multipleapplicati ns accessing up to 8 Mbytes of memory. Concurrent

8'XM performs its own memory management, assigning pagesof memory to running applications. EEMS is totally transparentto application programs. Concurrent also provides expandedmemory board compatibility for applications that conform toLIM-EMS.

~ :Native Mode:vs. DOS Mode

Hardware/MemoryRequirements

Concurrent DOS XM requires the foUowing:

• IBM PC, PCIXT, PC/AT, or 100 percent compatible (a harddisk is recommended for increased performance and formultiple users).

• Minimum of 256 Kbytes memory, when used in conjunctionwith an EEMS expanded memory board. Otherwise 512Kbytes required.

• Monochrome and/or color display monitors can be used. Theoperating system supports ffiM<!> Color Graphics andEnhanced Graphics Adaptor or EGA-compatible cards.

Concurrent DOS does not reside on top of PC DOS like sheUprograms do-it is a complete, comprehensive operating system.It executes programs in either of two modes: native mode orDOS mode. In native mode, Concurrent DOS provides me andrecord locking, queue management, memory-managementfunctions, and process priority assigrunenl. DOS mode is used torun standard PC DOS programs in the Concurrent DOS XM andConcurrent DOS 386 multitasking environments.

High PerformancePrinter

T...,.,.. T........

Laser Printer

T...,.,..

Multiuser or Departmental SY8tem

Other FeaturesDOS 386

:Concurrent DOS 386

As the newest member of the Concurrent DOS family,Concurrent DOS 386 takes advantage of the speed ofthe Intel 80386 microprocessor in protected virtual

8086 mode. It is extremely easy to install and use. This operatingsystem uses the 386 memory paging scheme to its full capacity. Alarge number of multiuser, multitasking applications areavailable for use in the Concurrent DOS 386 environment. Thisoperating system can be configured to support up to ten users byconnecting serial terminals to the main console. OEMs andSystem Integrators can extend the number of users bypurcbasing a Concurrent DOS System Builder's Kit.

.. :MemoryConcurrent DOS 386 employs a powerful memory pagingscheme that fully supports the Expanded Memory Specification(EMS-LIM) without the need for additional bardware orsoftware. Under Concurrent DOS 386, the operating system uses80386 internal registers to provide logical-to-physical memorytranslation. The variously dispersed pages of memory all appearto be part of an application'5 address space, thus providing fornormal retrieval of data and execution of program code.Because no co. ring within memory is involved, data retrieval,program e ecution, and task switching are performed at fullproc s l' speed.

oncurrent DOS 386 is capable of addressing up to 4000 Mbytesof linear physical memory, though for practical purposes, theamount of memory that can be fitted into a particularmicrocomputer will be the limiting factor. Concurrent DOS 386fully supports memory banking without the need fOI' specialmemory hardware.

.. :NetworkingThe DR NET networking extension provides powerfulnetworking capabilities to Concurrent DOS users. Workstationscan simultaneously act as servers or requesters in a Local AreaNetwork (LAN), sharing expensive peripherals such as harddisks and laser printers, while maintaining full local processingcapabilities. DR NET is particularly suited to users who want orneed to share databases and program files. Concurrent DOS 386can fully communicate with both the Concurrent DOS XM andDOS Plus operating systems via DR NET.

Concurrent DOS 386 also offers these features:

• window management

• configurahle menu system

• on-line HELP

• hard disk backup

• math coprocessor support

• integrated programmable function keys and keyboard macros

• command line editing and recall

• support for conditionals in the BATCH processor

• input/output redirection to more than one target

• MS-DOS-style device driver support

Hardware/MemoryRequirements

Concurrent DOS 386 requires the following:

• Intel 80386-based microcomputer (a hard disk isrecommended for increased performance and for multipleusers).

• Minimum of 512 Kbytes memory for single-user system.About 1 Mbyte of additional memory is required for eachgroup of 3 additional users in multiuser system environments.

• Monochrome and/or color display monitors can be used. Theoperating system supports IBM@ Color Graphics andEnhanced Graphics Adaptor or EGA-compatible cards.

Fully Integrated Network Gateway

--------

----"

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

W,;.,..=re."lConcurrency allows multiple users to share system resourcesand execute the same programs simultaneously.

How much memory do I need to run Concurrent DOS 386and Concurrent DOS XM?

You need a minimum of 512 Kbytes of memory to runConcurrent DOS. However, if you are using an EEMS ExpandedMemory Board with Concurrent DOS XM, you need only 2561G>ytes.of conventional memory.

What kind of hardware do I need?

For Concurrent DOS 386, you need a Compaqi!lDeskproi!l386 orcompatible. For Concurrent DOS XM you need an IBM PC,PC/AT, PCIXT or 100% compatible. Memory boards to take fulladvantage of the expanded memory capabilities of ConcurrentDOS XM are optional.

How do I install Concurrent DOS?

Concurrent DOS practically installs itself. The installationprocess is entirely menu-driven. You are prompted for aUinstallation options and told when to change disks. Just bootConcurrent DOS from the system floppy and follow the menuinstructions.

Do I need to reformat my hard disk to install ConcurrentDOS?

There is no need to reformat your disk if you already have DOSinstalled. Concurrent DOS creates its own subdirectory for itssystem utilities and gives you the option of loading ConcurrentDOS or regular DOS at boot time. If Concurrent DOS is the onlysystem installed, it has its own utilities for formatting,partitioning and activating Concurrent DOS directly from thehard disk.

What is unique about Concurrent DOS?

It is a real·time, multiuser, multitasking operating systemoffering DOS-compatibility available today for the Intel 8086family of processors.

How many programs can I run at once?

Concurrent DOS can support up to 255 simultaneous tasks.

How many users does Concurrent DOS support?

Concurrent DOS XM will support a maximum of six users whileConcurrent DOS 386 supports up to ten users. With aConcurrent DOS System Builder's Kit, you can extend thenumber of users, limited only by memory or disk space.

Will the DOS programs I have now ron on Concurrent DOS?

Yes, most DOS programs will run on Concurrent DOS includingsuch popular programs as Lotus 1.2.3, dBase II and III,Symphony, SuperCalc, Framework, and many others. GEMpresentation and publication graphics applications and otherGEM·based programs also run on Concurrent DOS.

What about CP/M.86 programs?

CPIM-86 programs also run in native mode on Concurrent DOS.

What control does a programmer have over programsrunning on the system?

Concurrent DOS provides for prioritization, timing andparent/child process control as part of the system service calls.Programs may also transfer and communicate information witheach other.

Can programs share mes?

Yes, the programming interface provides for file sharing as wellas a full-featured file and record-locking scheme.

Are there any multiuser applications available that arespecifically designed to ron onder Concurrent DOS?

There are hundreds of applications available that take advantageof the unique properties of Concurrent DOS such 3S .backgroundprocessing, file sharing,intertask communication and processsynchronization. There are packages for accounting systems,point of sale, office automation, database systems, real-timeprocess control and communications. A catalog of theseapplications can be obtained from your Authorized Dealer ordirectly from Digital Research.

----"----" PROGRAMMING TOOLS

System Builder's Kit

The XIOS is the software interface between Concurrent DOS 386 or Concurrent DOSX.M and the physical hardware. With the Concurrent DOS System Builder's Kit,Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) and Value Added Resellers (VARs) can

modify the XIOS software to tailor it to almost any 8086-, 80186-, 80286- or 80386-basedcomputer system. They can also modify the XIOS to support additional users as well ascustom add-<>n boards and unique peripherals.

DR NET, Digital Research's Networking utility, is included in the System Builder's Kit. ASystem Guide and Programmer's Utilities Guide for your particular version of ConcurrentDOS are also included.

~ Programmer's Toolkitindependent Software Vendors (lSVs) and VARs can use Concurrent DOS to support andwrite sophisticated vertical market applications in single-user, or multiuser environments.Applications written to the Concurrent DOS environment will work unmodified on DR NET,providing application transparent networking solutions. Developers can provide completesoftware solutions at the microprocessor level without losing PC DOSIMS-DOS compatibility.The progranuning interfaces of both Concurrent DOS X.M and Concurrent DOS 386 arefully compatible with each other, providing a flexible system environment for pre-existingand new applications.

A System Guide, Programmer's Guide, and Programmer's Utilities Guide are included withthe Programmer's Toolkit.

WORLDWIDE OFFlCES

Digital Research lnc.Box DR!Monterey, CA 93942 USATEL: (408) 649-3896

(BOO) 443-4200FAX: (408) 649-0750TLX: 910 3605001

North American Sales4401 Great America ParkwaySuite 200Santa Clara, CA 95054 USATEL: (408) 982-0700FAX: (408) 982-0715

Digital Research (UK) Ltd.Oxford House, Oxford Street,NewburyBerkshire RG13 lJBEnglandTEL: + (44) 635 35304FAX: + (44) 635 35834TLX: 851 847891 DIGUKL G

Digital Research GmbHHansaslrasse 158000 Munich 21West GennanyTEL: + (49) 895 74036FAX: + (49) 895 74038TLX: 841 523581 DRG D

Digital Research S.A.17 rue des Pins92100 Boulogne sur SeineFranceTEL: + (33) 1460 30440

Digital Research (Japan) lnc.NCR Sbibuya Building, 14th Floor16-16 Nanpeidai-choSbibuya-kuTokyo 150JapanTEL: + (81) 347 63868FAX: + (81) 349 62086TLX: 781 23711

All registered users of Concurrent DOS XM and Concurrent DOS 386 will be offered product upgradesat a nominal charge directly by Digital Research.

lIID DIGITAL RESEARCH@

Dealer:

ConCUJTent, CP/M-86, DOS PlulI, DR NET. GEM. Digital Re8e&I'Ch and ita logo are trademarks or registered trademarke of DigitalResearch Inc. 1De foUowing are trademark! or registered trademarks of the companies shown: mM·lntemationafBusi.nes8 Machines;Lotus 1·2-3 and Symphony-totw Development Company; dBase n, dBase m, and Framework-Ashton-Tate Inc.; SuperCa.lc-ComputerAs80ciatea International; Datafle:~-DataAccess Corporation; Excaliber and Bra~Armor SYlltertUl; Income II and Inmass II-MeSoftware; Medical Manager-Sy8tertUI PIUlI Inc.; Pegasus-Pegasw Ltd.; Omicron-Omicron Management Software; MS-OOS-MicroeoftCorJlOf"Btion; Intel-Intel Corporation; Compaq and Deskpro-Compaq Corporation. Specificatioru are subject to change without notice.Copyright © 1987 Digital R~arch Inc. All rights reserved.

1090-1411-001