PCjs

This document is a digital version of the book The New Peter Norton Programmer's Guide to the IBM PC and PS/2 by Peter Norton and Richard Wilton, sourced from the Microsoft Programmer's Library 1.3 CD-ROM.

It serves as a comprehensive reference for programming the IBM PC family, including the original PC, PC/AT, and the Personal System/2 (PS/2) series. The guide covers hardware anatomy, ROM BIOS services (video, disk, keyboard), DOS basics, interrupts, and DOS functions, with a focus on writing portable code that works across different members of the PC family.

The Microsoft Macro Assembler (MASM) 6.0 Professional Development System is a collection of tools designed to increase DOS and OS/2 programming efficiency. It integrates several key components into the Programmer's WorkBench (PWB) environment, allowing developers to edit, build, run, and debug programs within a single interface.

Core components include:

• Microsoft Macro Assembler (MASM): The assembler itself.
• Programmer's WorkBench (PWB): A customizable, window-oriented editor and integrated environment.
• Debugger: A source-level, window-oriented debugger (including Microsoft CodeView).
• Make Utility: A project-management utility (NMAKE).
• Source Browser: A tool to cross-reference program procedures.
• Online Reference System: Accessible via Microsoft Advisor and QuickHelp.

The IBM PC AT 5170 is a high-performance system based on the Intel 80286 microprocessor. It is available in two primary models with different standard configurations:

• Model 68: Includes 256Kb of memory. It can be expanded to 512Kb using the #0202 memory module kit.
• Model 99: Includes 512Kb of memory, a 20Mb fixed disk drive, and a Serial (Asynchronous)/Parallel (Printer) adapter.

Both models support 24-bit addressing, a 16-bit data path, and are compatible with the IBM Personal Computer family. They feature eight I/O expansion slots (six supporting 16-bit or 8-bit cards, and two supporting 8-bit only).

The Microsoft Windows 3.0 Software Development Kit (SDK) is a collection of utilities, libraries, debugging aids, manuals, and sample source programs designed for creating Windows applications for MS-DOS and PC-DOS operating systems.

Key components include:

• Development Tools: Utilities for building and optimizing applications.
• Debug/Analysis Tools: Programs for testing and debugging.
• Link Libraries: Windows C run-time libraries.
• Sample Source Code: Examples for learning and implementation.
• On-Line Reference: Documentation in Windows Help and Microsoft Advisor formats.

The Microsoft Macro Assembler (MASM) provides two online reference systems:

1. Microsoft Advisor: Accessible from within the Programmer's WorkBench (PWB) and CodeView environments. It provides a table of contents and indexes for the Professional Development System.
2. QuickHelp: Accessed directly from the OS/2 or DOS command line.

Both systems provide language-specific information and details about utilities like the CodeView debugger and PWB.

The MS-DOS Encyclopedia contains a Subject Index for looking up MS-DOS concepts, commands, and symbols. This specific index lists entries by subject only. For specific command or system call entries, users should refer to the dedicated Command and System Call Index instead.

Key categories in the Subject Index include:

• Symbols and Numerals: Mapping characters (like !, *, :, |) to their functions in tools like SYMDEB, DEBUG, ECHO, or EDLIN.
• Alphabetical Entries: Detailed coverage of MS-DOS components such as ANSI.SYS, AUTOEXEC.BAT, BACKUP command, BIOS, and Batch file(s) directives.

The Windows SDK 3.10 includes a wide variety of sample projects organized by functional area. These samples provide source code, header files, and makefiles to demonstrate specific Windows API capabilities.

Key sample categories include:

• Graphics & UI: BITMAP, BLANDMDI (Multiple Document Interface), CURSOR, COMMDLG (Common Dialogs), DIBIT, DIBVIEW, EDITCNTL, MENU, PALETTE, and SHOWGDI.
• System & Memory: MEMORY, WINMEM32, TOOLHELP, and DBWIN (Database/Debugging).
• Input & Interaction: CLIPTEXT (Clipboard), DRAGDROP, INPUT, MOUSE, and PENCNTL.
• Communication & Data: DDE (Dynamic Data Exchange), COMMDLG, MIDI (via MIDIMON), and SREC.
• Specialized Utilities: BOUNCER (Screen Saver), CDDEMO, and SRVRDEMO (Server Demo).

The ROM (Read-Only Memory) provides the fundamental programs required to start and operate the computer. In the IBM PC family, ROM occupies:

• F000:0000H through F000:FFFFH (PC/XT/AT and PS/2 models 25/30).
• E000:0000H through F000:FFFFH (other PS/2 models).

The four elements of PC ROM are:

1. Start-up routines: Perform the Power On Self Test (POST), initialize chips/equipment, set up the interrupt-vector table, and load the OS.
2. ROM BIOS (Basic Input/Output System): A collection of machine-language routines providing support services for ongoing operation.
3. ROM BASIC: Provides the core BASIC programming language.
4. ROM extensions: Programs added to the main ROM when optional equipment is attached.

IBM video subsystems are responsible for generating screen images via a video buffer (dedicated memory). Most subsystems support two modes: text mode (displaying characters) and graphics mode (complex drawings).

Key subsystems include:

• MDA (Monochrome Display Adapter): Text mode only.
• CGA (Color Graphics Adapter).
• EGA (Enhanced Graphics Adapter).
• MCGA (Multi-Color Graphics Array): Built into PS/2 models 25 and 30.
• VGA (Video Graphics Array): Built into PS/2 models 50, 60, and 80; also available as an adapter for PC/XT/AT and PS/2 Model 30.