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geos20 on windows 95

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LATIGO A

unread,
Apr 11, 1997, 3:00:00 AM4/11/97
to

I have the same problem than other people in this list

I have not been able to run geoworks20 with windows 95

please advise

Should we ask the Geoworks company to write a program to make it
compatilble

Need help.

thanks

Armando Latigo

ND Main

unread,
Apr 11, 1997, 3:00:00 AM4/11/97
to

<<<
I have not been able to run geoworks20 with windows 95

please advise

Should we ask the Geoworks company to write a program to make it
compatilble
>>>

New Deal is the publisher of New Deal Office 97, an updated
version of what used to be known at Geoworks Ensemble.

New Deal has already made the software more compatible
with Windows 95, by fixing the two most common common
issues, the ones that cause KR-29 and KR-01 errors when
installing it under Windows 95.

I haven't encountered a system yet on which I could not run
Ensemble 2.0 or New Deal Office from Windows 95.

If you have config.sys and autoexec.bat files, and Windows 95
doesn't need them for your machine, then you might need to
remove them in order for Geos and other DOS programs
to run successfully.

If you do need your config.sys and autoexec.bat files to
make Windows 95 run, then you need to tune them up, just
as you always did when runnning DOS. Geos requires at
least 520k free conventional memory in order to perform
successfully, and closer to 600k in order to perform robustly.

Steve


Peggy Landt

unread,
Apr 13, 1997, 3:00:00 AM4/13/97
to

Here are the directions you need. Some info is old but most is applicable
to your needs:

Subject: Re: GEOS under Windows 95From: Nathan Fiedler <nfie...@aol.com>,
Blue Marsh Softworks (http://members.aol.com/nfiedler/)Date: Wed, 17 Jul
1996 09:02:58 -0700

Windows: Ensemble 2.0 and Windows 95

Many of our customers are running Ensemble 2.0 from Windows 95.

The most common problem is a KR-29 "No valid font files in
Userdata\Font" message. This happens because Windows 95 provides a new
version of DOS, MS DOS 7, and GEOS cannot find an appropriate file
system driver for this new version of DOS. Fortunately, Microsoft also
provides SETVER to fix this problem.

Ensemble may be installed from Windows 95, just launch an MS-DOS window
and install normally. If GEOS cannot find your mouse driver, try the one
named for your mouse and try the "No Idea" choice near the top of the
list. If you still can't find an appropriate mouse driver, choose "None"
or "Arrow Key Mouse" and you can install the mouse driver later in
Preferences.

If you're installing on a Pentium or other fast computer and experience
a KR-01 error, see the article about that in this database.

ADD LOADER TO THE VERSION TABLE

Before running Ensemble from Windows 95, you need to add LOADER to the
version table. In your MS-DOS window, enter the following two commands:

CD \WINDOWS
SETVER C:\WINDOWS LOADER.EXE 6.3

(or you can use LOADER.EXE 5.0 or LOADER.EXE 6.0, any version prior to
7.0 should work). If your Windows 95 is installed on a different drive
or in a different directory, modify the commands as appropriate for your
drive and path name, of course. Do not include any path for LOADER,
however.

Now shut down and restart your computer to make the changes to the
version table take effect.

CONFIGURE WINDOWS 95 TO RUN ENSEMBLE

Back in Windows 95, click the right mouse button and choose Explore. In
Explorer, locate the \GEOS20 directory and click the right mouse button
on the GEOS20.PIF file. The file will appear as an MS-DOS icon. Choose
Properties and make sure that the file is a "Shortcut to MS-DOS Program"
and the file name is GEOS20.PIF.

In Properties, click the Program tab and check that the path and working
directory are correct. If you make any changes, click Apply. Click the
Advanced button. Look at the settings for the two items below.
[ ] Prevent MS-DOS based programs from detecting Windows.
[ ] Suggest MS-DOS mode as necessary.
Some folks recommend toggling them both ON. Your mileage may vary. When
you're running Ensemble, if you find that Windows interrupts you to
recommend DOS mode, answer NO. Then return to this setting and try
changing "Suggest MS-DOS mode as necessary" to OFF.

Click the Memory tab. All the items should be set to Auto. At least one
user recommends that Conventional Memory/Protected be toggled OFF and
Extended (XMS) Memory/Uses HMA be toggled ON.

Click the Screen tab. Set Usage to Full-screen, initial size: Default.
Leave the Window and Performance buttons toggled ON. Click Apply, then
click OK.

Now you can double click on the GEOS20.PIF file to run Ensemble 2.0.

MAKE AN ICON OR LAUNCHER FOR ENSEMBLE

Here are three different ways to create an icon or button for Ensemble
on your Windows 95 desktop.

1. Click the right mouse button on the GEOS20.PIF file and choose Create
Shortcut. Drag the "Shortcut to GEOS20" to your desktop.

2. Using the left mouse button, drag the GEOS20.PIF file to the Start
button.

3. Add GEOS20.PIF to your Start/Programs menu.

IF YOUR MOUSE IS NOT WORKING

If your mouse is not working in Ensemble, use keyboard navigation to run
Preferences. Choose the Mouse module and select the Change button. Try
the "No Idea" driver. If that doesn't work, try the "Generic" mouse
driver or the driver named for your mouse.

If you're loading a MOUSE.COM or MOUSE.SYS driver in your DOS startup
files, you may need to stop doing so and use Windows 95's built in mouse
support.

PRINTING

If you are having trouble printing from Ensemble when running from
Windows 95, there are two different places you may need to change your
configuration. One is in Windows 95 itself, and the other is in
Ensemble's Preferences. The necessary settings vary from one computer to
another.

Run Preferences in Ensemble. Click on the Computer button. Your printer
is most likely on LPT 1. There are four choices for the LPT port: DOS,
BIOS, 5, and 7. Most customers have success using the 7 setting. If that
doesn't work, try the BIOS setting or try the DOS setting.

In Windows 95, choose Printers in the Control Panel. Click the right
mouse button on your default printer and choose Properties. In
Properties, click on the Details tab. Click Port Settings and Spool
MS-DOS print jobs. Click Spool Settings. You'll see the following
choices. If printing isn't working with one choice, try the other one.

[ ] Start printing after the last page is spooled
[ ] Start printing after the first page is spooled

Article#0090
Updated 09/27/95

Archive-name: pcgeos-faq/part1
Last-modified: November 14, 1996
URL:
http://ourworld.compuserve.com/homepages/jbearden/geosfaq1.htm

The most recent version of this file can be found at any
news.answers archive site. One such site is rtfm.mit.edu, in
the /pub/usenet/comp.os.geos subdirectory. The most recent
version of the FAQ is also available from my home page at
http://ourworld.compuserve.com/homepages/jbearden in both
HTML and ASCII format.

DISCLAIMER

I make no claims about the accuracy of this information. Use
it at your own risk. This file is compiled from various
sources, including but not limited to USENET, the internet,
commercial networks, and electronic mail.

This information may be freely distributed, in whole or in
part, in any form, provided that any distributor:
* Tells me, so that I can inform you of updates to the FAQ
and tell the USENET community (I will keep the information
confidential, if you desire)
* Makes every reasonable effort to keep this information
current
* Releases myself and the rest of USENET from any liability.

If this file leaves the confines of USENET for any BBS's,
commercial Networks, or other networks (FidoNet, GeoHolics
Net, GSMN, etc.) or Vendors, please let me know so that I
can pass along the information to others.

Please send submissions, comments, suggestions, or
corrections to 70003...@compuserve.com.

CREDITS

I'd like to give the following folks my thanks:
* William Beagle (wcb...@pitt.edu) credit for doing a great
job with this FAQ before me.
* Steve Main (GWS...@aol.com) for heading up a crack one
man support team.
* Edward Di Geronimo Jr. (edw...@bergen.gov) for reposting
this FAQ to FidoNet.
* Lynn Montelauro (GSMLynn@aol) for making this FAQ a part
of GSMN.
* Blackeagle Services (Mike Walton at blke...@midwest.net)
for distributing copies of this FAQ to its customers.
* Werni Grieder (Basel...@aol.com) for distributing AOL
information and files.
* Doug Taylor (doug-t...@osu.edu) for the IZL
information.
* All the people who have written great GEOS software.
* All the people who mail me information and follow
comp.os.geos.

INDEX

* 1 General GEOS Information

* 1.1 Version and Platform Information
* 1.1.1 What is GEOS?
* 1.1.2 Is GEOS a real operating system?
* 1.1.3 Is GEOS an alternative to Windows?
* 1.1.4 What's the difference between GEOS, Geoworks, and
the desktop versions?
* 1.1.5 What is new in GEOS V3.0?
* 1.1.6 When will GEOS V3.0 be available?
* 1.1.7 What features does the newer desktop versions
include that are not present in the older desktop version?

* 1.2 Miscellaneous Questions
* 1.2.1 Where can I get a demo version of the desktop
version?
* 1.2.2 Does GEOS exist in any other language versions than
English?
* 1.2.3 What fonts are available for GEOS?

* 2 GEOS Software Information

* 2.1 Desktop Software Products
* 2.1.1 What desktop products are available for GEOS?
* 2.1.2 Where in the world can I buy desktop products?

* 2.2 Fourth Wave and Developer Products
* 2.2.1 What fourth wave (PDA) and developer products are
available for GEOS?
* 2.2.2 How can I order fourth wave and development
products?

* 2.3 Breadbox Computer
* 2.3.1 Who or what is Breadbox Computer?

* 2.4 Shareware
* 2.4.1 What shareware available for GEOS?
* 2.4.2 What is IZL?
* 2.4.3 Are there any anonymous FTP sites for GEOS software?
* 2.4.4 Are there any GEOS related BBS's?
* 2.4.5 What is the GSMN?
* 2.4.6 Are there any DOS programs written for GEOS?

* 2.5 Communications Software
* 2.5.1 Are there any communications programs available for
GEOS?
* 2.5.2 Does GEOS do TCP/IP?
* 2.5.3 What DOS based Internet software is available?

* 3 GEOS Compatibility Information

* 3.1 Where to find more compatability information
* 3.1.1 Where can I find more information about running GEOS
with my software and hardware?

* 3.2 DR DOS
* 3.2.1 I switched from MS-DOS/PC-DOS to DR-DOS and GEOS
won't load, even after I run SETUP. What am I doing wrong?
* 3.2.2 Does the desktop version support DR-DOS 6.0 task-
switching?
* 3.2.3 Can I run Windows 3.1 on DR-DOS?
* 3.2.4 DR-DOS is kind of old. Are there any updates?
* 3.2.5 Will ZIP drives work with DR-DOS?

* 3.3 Novell DOS
* 3.3.1 What about the Task Switcher/Multitasker in Novell's
NW-DOS 7?

* 3.4 Linux
* 3.4.1 How can I get GEOS to run under Linux?

* 3.5 Macintosh
* 3.5.1 How can I get GEOS to run on my Macintosh?
* 3.5.2 How can I exchange files between my Mac and my GEOS
platform?
* 3.5.3 Will GEOS work with a DOS Compatibility Card?

* 3.6 Network
* 3.6.1 How can I use one document directory for different
drives?
* 3.6.2 Are there any versions of GEOS made specifically for
networks?

* 3.7 Windows NT
* 3.7.1 Is GEOS compatible with Windows NT?

* 3.8 HP 200-LX and OmniGo 700
* 3.8.1 Will the desktop version run on my Hewlett Packard
200-LX or OmniGo 700 palmtop computer?

* 4 Where to Get More Information

* 4.1 On-line Services
* 4.1.1 What kind of support for GEOS is available on
America On Line?
* 4.1.2 What kind of support is there for GEOS on
CompuServe?

* 4.2 BBS Networks
* 4.2.1 Is there much GEOS activity on FidoNet?

* 4.3 USENET Newsgroups
* 4.3.1 Is there a USENET newsgroup for GEOS?
* 4.3.2 Is it OK to post binaries to comp.os.geos?
* 4.3.3 I don't have access to comp.binaries.geos at my
site. How can I get the files posted there?

* 4.4 GeoInfo Database
* 4.4.1 What is the GeoInfo Database, and why should I care?

* 4.5 FOD Files
* 4.5.1 What are FOD files, and why should I care?

* 4.6 Publications
* 4.6.1 Are there any GEOS related publications available?

* 4.7 The World Wide Web
* 4.7.1 What are some good GEOS related URL's?

* 4.8 More Zoomer and HP OmniGo Information
* 4.8.1 Is there an HP OmniGo FAQ? Where can I find it?
* 4.8.2 Is there a Zoomer FAQ?

* 5 Customizing GEOS

* 5.1 The Standard User Interface
* 5.1.1 I don't like the interface. Can I customize it?
* 5.1.2 Which character set does GEOS use? Most European
languages need the special characters above CHR(127)...
* 5.1.3 When I install other fonts, they are displayed in
the fonts menu in the order they were installed. Is there a
way to have them in alphabetical order?
* 5.1.4 I want to make a graphics file into a GEOS
background. How do I do that?
* 5.1.5 How can I keep the splash screen from showing up?

* 5.2 The GEOS.INI File
* 5.2.1 What is the GEOS.INI file, and why would I want to
mess with it?
* 5.2.2 Is there an easy way to tweak the GEOS.INI?
* 5.2.3 How do I associate DOS files with programs?
* 5.2.4 How do I get rid of drives in GeoManager?
* 5.2.5 How do I get rid of the link button?
* 5.2.6 How do I enable the floating keyboard?

* 6 Common Problems

* 6.1 It's broke!
* 6.1.1 When I try to start GEOS, I get a message saying
that unable to find /userdata/fonts! What's the problem?
* 6.1.2 I installed GEOS on my zippy new computer, but it
won't load up. What's the problem? It dies with a KR-01
error (divide by zero).
* 6.1.3 I keep getting SHARE or File Lock errors when I run
* 6.1.4 I'm running the desktop version with Stacker
installed. Drive C is my Stacker volume. For some reason
GeoManager insists on looking at drive E for the
/Geoworks/world directory, even though when I exit GEOS I'm
on drive C. Any ideas?
* 6.1.5 I keep having problems with GEOS 2.0 and
DoubleSpace/SuperStor/Stacker. What can I do?

1 General GEOS Information

1.1 Version and Platform Information

1.1.1 What is GEOS?
GEOS is a 16 bit, graphical operating system from Geoworks
(formerly Berkeley Softworks) that is generally platform
independent. The most common version runs on top of a MS-DOS
or compatible operating system such as DR-DOS, OS/2, or
Win95, and provides a preemptive multitasking,
multithreaded, object-oriented environment for almost any
DOS based computer. For modern versions of GEOS, an 80286
based computer with at least 2 Megabytes of memory is
strongly recommended. All versions provide built-in memory
management, virtual (disk) memory, a single imaging model,
outline font technology, automatic scrolling and scaling,
complex graphic and management tools, and a flexible,
scaleable GUI. V3.0 is the current version of GEOS, but can
be currently found only on the Nokia 9000 Communicator.
GEOS is also defined by the platform that it is running on.
Currently it runs on the Apple, Commodore, IBM PC
Compatible, Hewlett Packard OmniGo 100 and 120, Nokia 9000
Communicator, and 3 other DOS based PDA's collectively
referred to as the Zoomer. Then OmniGo 700 is not a native
GEOS platform, and for the rest of the FAQ all references to
the OmniGo refer to the OmniGo 100 or 120. New GEOS devices
from Ericsson, NEC, Toshiba, and Brother are expected soon.
A version of GEOS that runs on the RISC architecture is
currently under development. The IBM PC version, also
referred to as the desktop version, was originally marketed
as QuickStart, then Ensemble, and now the New Deal Office.
The desktop version contains more software than any other
GEOS package, out of the box. This FAQ does not contain any
information on the Apple and Commodore versions except for
the following:
* APPLE GEOS has been discontinued. Berkeley Softworks is no
longer selling, distributing, or supporting any Apple GEOS
products. Commodore GEOS is available from:
* Creative Micro Designs
Order number: 800-638-3263
Tech support (Commodore GEOS only!): 413-525-0023

Some support for Commodore GEOS is available on
comp.sys.cbm, CompuServe's CBM Applications forum, and
Creative Micro Design's homepage at
http://www.the-spa.com/cmd/.

1.1.2 Is GEOS a real operating system?
It depends on how you define operating system, but by most
standards, it certainly is a real operating system. DOS is
only used for the file system support. Many people consider
Windows 3.1, 3.11, and 95 to be a real operating systems
even though they also use DOS for the filing system. GEOS
was the first object-oriented operating system (OOOS) for
the PC.

1.1.3 Is GEOS an alternative to Windows?
That depends on what you mean by alternative. It won't run
Windows applications, but it will provide you with a lot of
functionality that Windows won't, especially if you have a
low-end machine (less than a '386, and/or less than 4
megabytes of RAM). You can run the desktop version from most
other operating system like Win95, OS/2, or even Linux, in
which case it acts like a sophisticated, integrated
application suite and environment.

1.1.4 What's the difference between GEOS, Geoworks, and the
desktop versions?
Geoworks is the name of the company that created the GEOS
operating system. The company was formerly called Berkeley
Softworks, and until recently, spelled its name GeoWorks.
Geoworks is a public company, and Novell, Hewlett Packard,
Nokia, Ericsson, and Toshiba have made equity investments in
it. Legally, GEOS doesn't stand for anything, since you
can't trademark an acronym. Each desktop version is a suite
of programs that were developed by Geoworks to run under the
GEOS operating system, and has changed names for almost
every time a new version has been released. The order is
Ensemble (v1.0), Ensemble (v1.2), GeoWorks Pro (v1.2.8),
Quick Start (v1.2.9), Ensemble (v2.0), Ensemble (v2.0.1),
New Deal Office (v2.5).
Quick Start is basically the same as GeoWorks Pro without
the Pro (no Quattro Pro bundled with it). Many folks run
Quick Start on their XT and AT compatible machines since it
is even less resource intensive than more modern versions.
Quick Start can be bought from Surplus Software (US orders 1-
800-753-7877, International 541-386-1375). Quick Start has
now been renamed to New Deal Designer and is available from
the usual republishers.
Ensemble (v2.01) contained a brand new operating system, all
new versions of the applications sold with Quick Start, and
a spreadsheet and a flat file database. New Deal Office
(v2.5) applications have only minor bug fixes, but the
underlining operating system has some significant
improvements.

1.1.5 What is new in GEOS V3.0?
Steve Main (GWS...@aol.com) says:
GEOS 3.0 adds new libraries and objects for communications
support, in the form of things like a tcp/ip stack, an e-
mail library, and pager and fax library. The rest of the
GEOS system remains the same (except for perhaps the odd bug-
fix here and there).

1.1.6 When will GEOS V3.0 be available?
Your guess is as good as mine. The initial version of V3.0
was completed in July of 1996, and the Nokia 9000
Communicator was released in September of 1996. However, a
desktop upgrade is expected around May of 1997.

1.1.7 What features does the newer desktop versions include
that are not present in the older desktop version?
The main features are:
* GeoWrite: Text wrapping around pictures, a built-in
thesaurus, importing from and exporting to WordPerfect,
WordStar, MultiMate, Ms-Word and Xywrite, search-and-
replace, and built-in graphic capabilities.
* GeoComm: Hasn't been substantially altered, but at least
it doesn't crash on the VT-100 change-scroll-region code
like the old one did. Third-party communications
applications are now becoming available.
* GeoFile: New forms-based graphical database with import-
export functionality and built-in text, graphic, and
spreadsheet capabilities.
* GeoCalc: New graphical spreadsheet with import-export
functionality and built-in text, graphic, and database
capabilities. The worksheets have been debugged and are now
usable.
* Calculator: New math functions and multiple memory
registers. Metric/Imperial conversion functions are also
included.
* GeoDraw: Now has a whole range of import/export filters
(PCX, TIFF, GIF, MAC, PICT, and Windows clipboard formats).
It allows conversion between bitmaps and graphic object,
editing of bitmaps, advanced object manipulation,
polycurves, skewing, and much more, and also has full text
capabilities.
* Spell Checker: Now operates across all text applications,
and multiple dictionaries are available for American English
and British English. A thesaurus has been added, which is
also available system-wide.
* Text File Editor: New text file editor, allowing multiple
documents to be open simultaneously, plus spell-checking and
thesaurus capabilities.

1.2 Miscellaneous Questions

1.2.1 Where can I get a demo version of the desktop version?
Geoworks has made a shareware version of the desktop version
2.01 available with a copy of GeoManager, GeoWrite, and a
few other gadgets. It's available on the major on-line
services as well as FTP sites that have GEOS content.
GeoPublish includes only the bare minimum number of files
necessary to run GeoManager and a slightly crippled version
of GeoWrite. The most notable side effects of this is that
GeoPublish has no spell checking, thesaurus, or
inport/export filters. Also, most GEOS shareware will not
run on GeoPublish. However, some functionality and programs
like Tetris and the AOL client can installed by applying the
2.0.1 patch.

1.2.2 Does GEOS exist in any other language versions than
English?
GEOS 2.01 is available in 4 versions: American,
Australian/UK, Finnish, German, and Spanish. Each of these
versions comes with drivers for other language keyboards, so
if you can speak one of these languages, you can probably
use the software. Geoffrey Tobin
(g.to...@ee.latrobe.edu.au) writes:

Actually, Australia uses US keyboards, and our currency is
also called the 'dollar'. Australia is similar to the UK in
our spelling system, though Americanisms such as 'color'
(vs. 'colour') are gradually prevailing. So I would guess
that the only reason for Geoworks to group Australia and the
UK would be for the purpose of spell-check software.

1.2.3 What fonts are available for GEOS?
All DOS based versions of GEOS can use the same fonts..
There are several font packs available from republishers
that provide a variety of typefaces. A wide variety of fonts
are also available via FTP, networks, and supporting BBS's.

Terri Ferrier sells a collection of over 3400 GEOS fonts,
over 5400 clip art images, and over 250 GEOS programs. The
CD costs $50 and can be found at:
* Terri Ferrier
P. O. Box 5516
Victoria, TX 77903
Phone: 512-575-6243
Email: tfer...@viptx.net
WWW: http://home.viptx.net/~tferrier

Other font CD's are also sold by:
* Fantazia Concepts, Inc.
PO Box 5142
Willowick, OH 44095
* Laser Magic
Lasersoft, Inc.
Eden Prairie, MN 55344

2 GEOS Software Information

2.1 Desktop Software Products

2.1.1 What desktop products are available for GEOS?
* New Deal Publish - Shareware version of New Deal Office
* New Deal Office - GEOS 2.5 and bundled applications
* Font Collection for New Deal Office
* Clip Art Collection for New Deal Office
* Escape game pack for New Deal Office
* Quintessence game pack for New Deal Office
* Quick Designer template packs for New Deal Office
* New Deal Designer - GEOS 1.2.8 and bundled apps
* Fun Fonts for New Deal Designer
* Business Fonts for New Deal Designer
* Newsletter Fonts for New Deal Designer
* Clip Art I for New Deal Designer
* Clip Art II for New Deal Designer
* Clip Art III for New Deal Designer
* Escape game pack for New Deal Designer

2.1.2 Where in the world can I buy desktop products?
Desktop products are only available through republishers, as
Geoworks does not sell them directly.

* North America
Universal Software (USI)
P.O. Box 965
Pointe-Claire, Quebec
H9R 4R6 Canada
Sales: 1-800-985-4263 (Mon - Fri 9AM - 8PM EST)
International Sales: 1-514-990-4246 (Mon - Fri 9AM - 8PM
EST)
Fax Orders: 1-514-633-6315 (24 hours)
Email: NewDe...@aol.com
Customer Service: 1-514-990-4302 (Mon - Fri 9AM - 8PM EST)
Technical Support: 1-900-555-4367 (Mon - Fri 9AM - 8PM EST)
$25 Tech. Call Back: 1-514-990-4302 (Mon - Fri 9AM - 8PM
EST)

* United Kingdom and Ireland
Mike Phillips
Warwick Electronics
Richmond House
125 Binley Road
Coventry
West Midlands
England
CV3 1HX
Phone or fax 01203 635992
E-mail: mik...@cix.compulink.co.uk
mike.p...@warwick-electronics.compulink.co.uk
Mikew...@aol.com

* Mexico
Centro de Soluciones en Informatica
Rio Tiber 40 - 901 Col. Cuahtemoc
Mexico DF, CP 06500
MEXICO
Phone: +52-5-525-4568
Fax: +52-5-207-1309

* Australia/New Zealand
Computermate Services Pty Ltd
17 Wollongba Place
Toormina NSW 2452
AUSTRALIA Office: (61 66) 58 4388
Fax: (61 66) 58 4395
Technical Support: (61 43) 29 1322 Monday and Friday, 9.30AM
to 3.30PM
E-mail: cmat...@aol.com
cm...@ozemail.com.au
paper mail:
Computermate
PO Box 540
Toormina NSW 2452
AUSTRALIA

* Germany/Austria
digIT Ostermann
Bodenseestra 19
D-W81241 Munich 60
GERMANY
Phone: +49-89-834-0255
Fax: +49-89-820-1101

* Switzerland
DRESOHN AG
Abteilung Informatik
Herr Leander Gutzwiller
Erspachstr. 26
CH 8932 Mettmenstetten.
Tel: 01 768'52'30 or 768'52'31 or 01 768'52'11
Fax: 01 768'52'55

* Finland
GeoTrack
Olympiakatu 16
SF-65100 Vaasa
FINLAND
Phone: +358-61-320-0310
Fax: +358-61-320-0311

* South Africa
Ensemble, Inc.
8 Airlie Place
Constantia 7800 South Africa
Voice and Fax: +27-21-794-3414
E-mail: hel...@argo-navis.com
WWW: http://argo-navis.com/ensemble/

2.2 Fourth Wave and Developer Products

2.2.1 What fourth wave (PDA) and developer products are
available for GEOS?
* Software Development Kit (SDK) - Create GEOS applications
(http://www.geoworks.com/htmpages/devrel/devrel.htm)
* Geoworks Bindery - Electronic publishing tool
(http://www.geoworks.com/htmpages/devrel/bindery.htm)
* Quick Shuffle - PCMCIA card games for Zoomer
(http://www.geoworks.com/htmpages/qs.htm)
* Form Factor - Data collection software for Zoomer by Meta
Pacific (http://www.geoworks.com/htmpages/ff.htm)

2.2.2 How can I order fourth wave and development products?
These can be ordered by contacting Geoworks directly.
Geoworks
960 Atlantic Avenue
Alameda, California 94501
510-814-1660 -- Geoworks main business phone number
510-814-4250 -- Geoworks main business fax line

Fourth Wave and Developer Products 510-814-5745 -- SDK
installation help only
510-814-5846 -- Local customers
800-436-7735 -- Long distance customers
ord...@geoworks.com -- Internet customers

2.3 Breadbox Computer

2.3.1 Who or what is Breadbox Computer?
Breadbox Computer is the leading third party application
developer for the desktop GEOS 2.x software platform.
Breadbox products currently available for the desktop are:
* FM Stereo Radio (hardware/software)
* Americas Clock
* Home Inventory Plus
* Breadbox Gourmet
* Font Magick
* Breadbox Banker
* VESA Video Drivers
* TimeTool

New applications are always in development and Breadbox is
also available for contract development of all GEOS
technology based products. For more information about
Breadbox Computer, including new software, check out
www.breadbox.com.

For additional information about Breadbox Computer products,
visit the Customer Classified section of the Geoworks
Support Center on America Online or contact one of the
following:

* USA
Breadbox Computer
PO Box 808
Port Richey, FL 34673-0808
Tel/Fax (813) 847-6996
E-mail: Bbox...@aol.com

* Germany
GEOS User Club
Jurgen Heinisch/Thomas Haberland
Moerser Str. 11
D-46286 Dorsten
Voice and Fax: (+49) 02866 - 376
BTX: *geos#
E-mail: GeoGe...@aol.com
WWW: http://users.aol.com/geogermany/index.htm

* Switzerland and Austria
GEOS Optimismus Crew
Herrn Werni Grieder
Im Birspark 2
CH 4147 Aesch
Switzerland
Voice and Fax 061 / 701 54 48
E-mail: Basel...@aol.com
CompuServe: 100626,423

* United Kingdom and Ireland
Mike Phillips
Warwick Electronics
Richmond House
125 Binley Road
Coventry
West Midlands
England
CV3 1HX
Phone or fax 01203 635992
E-mail: mik...@cix.compulink.co.uk
mike.p...@warwick-electronics.compulink.co.uk
Mikew...@aol.com

* Aulstralia
Ray Firth
Computermate Services Pty Ltd
P O Box 540
Toormina NSW 2452
Australia
Phone: (61 66) 58 4388
Fax : (61 66) 58 4395
Email: cmat...@aol.com
WWW: http://www.ozemail.com.au:80/~cmate/index.html

* South Africa
Ensemble, Inc.
8 Airlie Place
Constantia 7800 South Africa
Voice and Fax: +27-21-794-3414
E-mail: hel...@argo-navis.com
WWW: http://argo-navis.com/ensemble/

2.4 Shareware

2.4.1 Is there any shareware available for GEOS?
The list of GEOS shareware is large and growing. Too much,
in fact, to list here.

2.4.2 What is IZL?
Feras Information Technologies has written an easy to use,
powerful GEOS scripting language with which you can write
entire GEOS applications. IZL is available in the desktop
version, Zoomer, and OmniGo flavors. More information,
including an OmniGo IZL FAQ, can be found at
http://www.netaxs.com/~jferas/izl.htm. More information can
also be found in the GEOS Programmer's FAQ. Some IZL
software can be found at
ftp://ftp.netaxs.com/people/jferas/download.

2.4.3 Are there any anonymous FTP sites for GEOS software?
For a more complete listing of GEOS related FTP sites, check
out
http://ourworld.compuserve.com/homepages/jbearden/gfiles.htm
. Some of the bigger ones are:
* ftp://arginine.umdnj.edu/pub/geos: Arginine FTP Site
* ftp://ftp.cdrom.com/.2/dresden/geos: Dresden FTP Site
* ftp://ftp.gen.com/pub/argo-navis/ensemble/: Helmar's FTP
Site
* ftp://ftp.coast.net/SimTel/msdos/geos1x: SimTel GEOS 1.x
Site
* ftp://ftp.coast.net/SimTel/msdos/geos2x: SimTel GEOS 2.x
Site

2.4.4 Are there any GEOS related BBS's?
The following BBS's are the only ones I know that have GEOS
related content:
* The Police Academy (Voice: +49-611-66165) in Germany
* G-OS BBS ((03) 9803 6498) in Australia
* GeoZ Online Services - Home of GeoNet (03)9803-6498
(222:222/0)

2.4.5 What is the GSMN?
The GSMN is a GEOS users group, originally started in the
US, that is now expanding with international regions. GSMN
collects and distributes files and information to its users
in the form of a monthly ground mailing consisting of (3)
3.5 inch HD floppies. The mailing contains a wide variety of
GEOS 2.x files, newsletters, technical information, Geoworks
News, etc.

The Network is run by volunteers and the only cost to each
member is the disks, mailer and postage to and from thier
assigned hub each month.

For more information and an application, send a self-
addressed stamped #10 envelope to:

* America
GSMN - Information/Central Hub
Lynn Montelauro
57664 Heritage Way
Goshen, Indiana 46526
USA

* Europe
GSMN European Information
Peter Vanspauwen
Eikerweg 6A
B-3740 Bilzen
Belgium

* Australia
GSMN Australian Information
Len Ripper/ Peter Campbell
c/o GEIGA
Box 415
North Hobart Tas 7002
Australia

* Canada
David Grabill
44 Aspendale Dr.
Scarborough, ON, Canada
M1P 4J6

Contact GSM...@aol.com for more information about GSMN.

2.4.6 Are there any DOS programs written for GEOS?
* PicLab V1.83 - Excellent for converting graphics to 16
color. Later versions aren't as good at this
* BKGD2PCX - Converts PCX files to GEOS backgrounds
* IconMake - Converts PCX files and Windows icons to GEOS
icons
* GeoDir - Lists the full GEOS filenames at the DOS prompt
* EdFolder - Allows you to change the folder icons
* GeoKermit - An excellent general communications package

2.5 Communications Software

2.5.1 Are there any communications programs available for
GEOS?
For the desktop version there is GeoComm, AOL, and
CompuServe software. For the Zoomer there is ZCommLite, AOL,
and CompuServe software. For the OmniGo there is CompuServe
and OmniCom. The CompuServe software, CIM4GEOS, requires a
patch for it to work correctly for the desktop and the
OmniGo. There are also several more shareware Zoomer and
OmniGo communications programs and connectivity packs that
work more or less on all GEOS platforms. Check out the
Zoomer HomePage at http://www.grot.com/zoomer/ for more
details. A variety of file transfer software is available
for a variety of platforms (including UNIX and Macintosh),
and there are also several communications programs under
development. As far as the internet is concerned, most folks
use DOS based packages.

2.5.2 Does GEOS do TCP/IP?
Not on the desktop, it doesn't. At least two people are
working on a DOS based TCP/IP wrapper for GEOS, but your
best bet is to just wait for V3.0. V3.0 will include much
better communications support, bug fixes, and new features
like the system mailbox. GEOS V3.0 is currently being sold
only for the Nokia 9000 communicator.

2.5.3 What DOS based Internet software is available?
The number of generic DOS communications programs is huge.
There are basically 4 DOS based Internet suites that people
have reported using with GEOS: Minuet, Net-Tamer, Terminate,
and DosLynx. After listening to more than a few people, it
seems that Net-Tamer provides the best internet access.

3 GEOS Compatibility Information

3.1 Where to find more compatability information

3.1.1 Where can I find more information about running GEOS
with my software and hardware?
The GeoInfo database is an excellent source of compatibility
information.

3.2 DR DOS

3.2.1 I switched from MS-DOS/PC-DOS to DR-DOS and GEOS won't
load, even after I run SETUP. What am I doing wrong?
Make sure that you have FILES=120 or MORE. DR-DOS uses files
differently and needs more available. NWDOS USUALLY works
with about 50 files open.

3.2.2 Does the desktop version support DR-DOS 6.0 task-
switching?
The desktop versions currently only supports DR-DOS TaskMax
switching. Dormant tasks will appear in the Express Menu to
be picked. Switching is nearly instantaneous.

3.2.3 Can I run Windows 3.1 on DR-DOS?
Pensey (pen...@ozemail.com.au) says:
Windows 3.1 can be installed on DR-DOS, but you will need
the DR-DOS upgrade patches. Also, don't let Windows modify
your CONFIG.SYS and AUTOEXEC.BAT. Do it yourself. Otherwise
it will try and put in HIMEM.SYS, change your EMM386.SYS and
add SMARTDRV.

3.2.4 DR-DOS is kind of old. Are there any updates?
Yes. Some DR-DOS updates can be found at
http://www.novell.com/.

3.2.5 Will ZIP drives work with DR-DOS?
Pensey (pen...@ozemail.com.au) says:
Nope! Try Novell DOS 7.0. Patches are also available for
Novell DOS.

3.3 Novell DOS

3.3.1 What about the Task Switcher/Multitasker in Novell's
NW-DOS 7?
The Multitasker and GEOS doesn't work together AT ALL on
most systems, although a few people have had good luck with
it. You can get the task switcher to work with GEOS by
making sure that it uses the correct key combination. Select
the DR-DOS TaskMax switcher in GEOS preferences and it
should work, although cutting and pasting between DOS and
GEOS will not work.

3.4 Linux

3.4.1 How can I get GEOS to run under Linux?
Obtain and figure out the shareware DOS emulator DosEmu.
Michael Hirsch (hir...@mathcs.emory.edu) writes:

GEOS can run quite well under the Linux DOS emulator but you
need to set up the /etc/dosemu.conf file correctly. The
important thing is that DOSEMU must have full partition
access (or even full disk access) to whatever partition
contains GEOS. You can't give partition access to a mounted
partition, so you may have to unmount the DOS partition
before running DOSEMU. Of course, you could write a script
that does this automatically.

If you have the GEOS SDK, another solution is available.
Ross J. Reedstrom (ro...@repressor.pharmacy.wisc.edu) writes:

I got GEOS to recognize my lredired \\linux\dos drive as
drive C: and start up off of it. This allows me to leave my
DOS partition mounted, and access files safely from both
GEOS and Linux. I can even access all my Linux files (with
mangled names, however, if their not 8.3). The trick was to
grep though my SDK documentation and discover the msnet.geo
file system driver, and how to force GEOS to recognize a net
drive. The key is the following lines in GEOS.INI:

[system]
fs = {
msnet.geo
cdrom.geo
}

According to the SDK documentation, this section loads
'secondary file system drivers' if they are not
automatically recognized properly. I load both the
msnet.geo, described as being for generic drive redirectors,
and the cdrom.geo, for mscdex CD-ROM access, of course,
since I have a CD-ROM and use the DOSEMU CD-ROM driver.

3.5 Macintosh

3.5.1 How can I get GEOS to run on my Macintosh?
Some folks have reported success running GEOS on a Macintosh
using SoftPC, a PC emulation program. I would really
appreciate more information on this!

3.5.2 How can I exchange files between my Mac and my GEOS
platform?
Creative Digital Publishing has released a shareware program
called MacPCCOM (TM) available at:
* Creative Digital's web site http://www.slip.net/~cdi
* Creative Digital's Newton vendor forum on CompuServe - GO
NEWTVENS
* ftp://newton.uiowa.edu/submissions
* American Online (Computing/PDAs/New Files and Free
Uploading)

Look for the Stuffit archive MacPCCOM.sit.

MacPCCOM lets Macintosh users upload and download files to
and from GEOS devices, like the HP OmniGo and the Casio
Zoomer, and navigate the GEOS file system from the Mac. It
requires a serial cable connecting the GEOS device to the
Mac's modem port.

MacPCCOM has been tested with an OmniGo and a Centris 610
running System 7.3d0. Although it should work with other
Macs, Mac OS versions, and GEOS devices, it has not been
tested on other configurations.

3.5.3 Will GEOS work with a DOS Compatibility Card?
Edward Di Geronimo Jr. (edw...@bergen.gov) reports success
getting this to work , once he set the mouse to PS/2.

3.6 Network

3.6.1 How can I use one document directory for different
drives?
Pensey (pen...@ozemail.com.au) says:
You can change the default document directory Geoworks uses
for one directory for all copies of Geoworks running to keep
a common pool of letters or databases etc. Set up an
identical directory structure on the server
where you want to store documents and add a paths section to
GEOS.INI

[paths]
top = n:\geos20 (where n: is the network drive)

Alternatively specify an additional document directory:

[paths]
document = n:\docs

GEOS will add the two directories together. Documents on the
network drive will appear with their names underlined.

3.6.2 Are there any versions of GEOS made specifically for
networks?
Yes, but none are currently available to the average
consumer. A network version of GEOS, developed for Novell
but shipped, is supposedly available form Geoworks'
Australian Republisher. The new republisher is rumored to
offer a network version soon. IBM's SchoolView is also made
to run on a network, but is intended for academic use.

3.7 Windows NT

3.7.1 Is GEOS compatible with Windows NT?
Unfortunately not.

3.8 HP 200-LX and OmniGo 700

3.8.1 Will the desktop version run on my Hewlett Packard 200-
LX or OmniGo 700 palmtop computer?
Yes, people have reported good performance running the
desktop version on these computers. However, there are some
problems. First of all this requires a flash disk. GEOS is a
GUI OS, so a mouse is highly recommended. The ALPS
Glidepoint has been reported to work with these computers
and GEOS. Perhaps the worst problem running GEOS on these
computers is that GEOS takes over the keyboard and prevents
the use of the suspend feature until exiting from GEOS.

4 Where to Get More Information

4.1 On-line Services

4.1.1 What kind of support for GEOS is available on America
On Line?
AOL is the main form of support for the desktop version. To
get to the Geoworks forum on America Online, use keyword
GEOWORKS. Once you get to the forum, there's plenty of GEOS-
related files, and you can receive an answer for any
question you post. In addition, there is a dedicated team of
volunteers called GeoReps who host on-line discussions as
well as answer questions.

4.1.2 What kind of support is there for GEOS on CompuServe?
CompuServe is the official on-line place for GEOS Developer
and Bindery support. GO PALMB to get to the GEOS Programming
section. Peer support for the desktop version is available
in the PCAPP forum. The OmniGo is supported by Team HP in
the HPHAND forum.

4.2 BBS Networks

4.2.1 Is there much GEOS activity on FidoNet?
There is an active FidoNet Echo for GEOS. Bug your local
FidoNet SysOp.

4.3 USENET Newsgroups

4.3.1 Is there a USENET newsgroup for GEOS?
Yes, it is named comp.os.geos. The newsgroup
comp.os.msdos.pcgeos also exists, but avoid using this group
if at all possible. The pcgeos-list mailing list is
gatewayed to the new group, although problems do crop up
every now and then. There is also a moderated newsgroup for
binaries called comp.binaries.geos, and a GEOS development
newsgroup called comp.os.programmer should be on-line
sometime soon.

4.3.2 Is it OK to post binaries to comp.os.geos?
No. There's a special group for GEOS binaries called
comp.binaries.geos. It's moderated, though, so don't expect
your postings to show up right away. Send submissions to
comp-bina...@pilot.njin.net. The moderator is Dan
"Shag" Birchall (sh...@emanon.net). If your site isn't
carrying comp.binaries.geos, don't worry too much. Some
sites refuse to carry binary groups.

4.3.3 I don't have access to comp.binaries.geos at my site.
How can I get the files posted there?
First, check with your system news administrator or USENET
news supplier to find out why you're not getting the group.
If they won't or can't supply it, the only tough part is
finding out what files are posted. There are FTP sites,
although they might not have the most recent files. It's
pretty likely that binaries posted to comp.binaries.geos
will be available via FTP at
ftp://arginine.umdnj.edu/pub/geos. If you are looking for a
just released file, try posting a request in comp.os.geos
for the file. Someone will probably be willing to mail the
file to you. The Comp.binaries.geos FAQ also lists recent
posts.

4.4 GeoInfo Database

4.4.1 What is the GeoInfo Database, and why should I care?
The GEOS Information Database started out in life as a FAQ
similar to this one many years ago. It eventually grew to
large too properly maintain, so it was converted to an on-
line AOL database. It is currently maintained by the AOL
GeoReps, but especially by that Support God, GWSteve. It
currently has over a thousand entries detailing every GEOS
related problem, hint, and tip imaginable. Occasionally
plain text versions of the GeoInfo Database is made
available to the general public. Recently GWSteve made an E-
book version, and Jon Frisby (log...@ix.netcom.com) has
made a copy available via several VBBS networks. I have made
a WWW version available at
http://ourworld.compuserve.com/homepages/rpr/gidindex.htm,
and both the text and E-book versions are available via FTP
at ftp://members.aol.com/geoinfo.

4.5 FOD Files

4.5.1 What are FOD files, and why should I care?
The Geoworks text Fax-On-Demand files contain a lot of GEOS
information. They are current as of "March 7, 1994", which
is circa 2.0. The FOD files are available via FTP in both
text and GeoWrite versions from
ftp://ftp.geoworks.com/pub/fod/, and from
http://ourworld.compuserve.com/homepages/jbearden/geosinfo.htm.
The FOD files are also available from Computermate
Services in a printed and bound version for Aus$39.95 plus
postage. That's about $US30 plus postage. The new
republisher is now in charge of maintaining the FOD files.

4.6 Publications

4.6.1 Are there any GEOS related publications available?
Yes, there are several GEOS related publications.
* Mobilis - Check it out at
http://www.volksware.com/mobilis. John Jerney
(jer...@mobilis.volksware.com) says: Mobilis: The mobile
computing lifestyle magazine. Mobilis is a free monthly
magazine available exclusively on the web in its entirety
featuring interviews, tutorials, reviews, and opinion
concerning all aspects of Pads, wireless communication, and
mobile peripherals.
* GeoBytes - A sporadically released newsletter written by
the AOL GeoReps.
* GSMN Newsletter - The newsletter included with the monthly
GSMN distribution.
* GeigacounteR Digest - Included with the GSMN distribution.

4.7 The World Wide Web

4.7.1 What are some good GEOS related URL's?
There are many WWW pages dedicated to GEOS. Two good places
to start are Geoworks' homepage (http://www.geoworks.com)
and my GEOS site
(http://ourworld.compuserve.com/homepages/jbearden/geoindex.
htm).

4.8 More Zoomer and HP OmniGo Information

4.8.1 Is there an HP OmniGo FAQ? Where can I find it?
Yes, and the most current version can be found on Ronald
Pike's WWW page below. Also below are a few of the excellent
WWW pages devoted to the Hewlett Packard OmniGo:
* The OmniGo (http://www.geoworks.com/omnigo)
* The Grot OmniGo Page
(http://www.grot.com:80/zoomer/omnigo.html)
* Ronald Pike's HP OmniGo Page
(http://www.aa.net/~desmoine/omnigo/omnistrt.htm)
* Blue Marsh OmniGo Page (http://members.aol.com/nfiedler/)
* Mike Fine's excellent page
(http://www.axxis.com/~mfine/finebind.html)

4.8.2 Is there a Zoomer FAQ?
No, but there are several great WWW pages devoted to it:
* The Zoomer HomePage (http://www.grot.com/zoomer/)
* The Zoomer Mailing List
(http://www.eit.com/mailinglists/zoomer/zoomer.html)
* The Biostat Zoomer Page
(http://www.biostat.washington.edu/zoomer.html)
* Chris De Herrera's Zoomer Page
(http://members.aol.com/pdcchrisd/)
* Zoomer Programming Information
(http://www.gate.net/~shipbrk/zoomer/)
* Biostat Zoomer FTP Site
(ftp://ftp.biostat.washington.edu/pub/zoomer)

5 Customizing GEOS

5.1 The Standard User Interface

5.1.1 I don't like the interface. Can I customize it?
The desktop version 2.0 offers four levels of interface
complexity, and fine tuning options within each level, so
you can customize each application to present you with as
few or as many functions as you desire. Look for this
feature in the Option Menu of applications that support it.
GEOS also supports a Generic/Specific UI concept. This means
that applications are is written for a very powerful
dynamically bound object oriented generic user interface. At
runtime the system 'binds' the Generic UI to a Specific UI,
and all output is presented through that Specific UI. A CUA-
based Specific UI surfaced briefly for the desktop version
1.x (It was part of America Online's now-defunct Promenade
service.), but due to legal questions, it was voluntarily
removed from most FTP sites. Eduquest, a division of IBM,
has released a program called SchoolView that uses Geoworks
the desktop version 2.0 with a Presentation Manager (PM)
interface and a different File Manager. It's intended
primarily for Network use and is not available for stand-
alone systems. The SDK does have a PM interface for testing
purposes, and an experienced user could probably get it to
work with the regular desktop version, but I don't know what
licensing implications this might have. It may be illegal to
use the SDK files in this manner.

5.1.2 Which character set does GEOS use? Most European
languages need the special characters above CHR(127)...
GEOS has quite a large available character set. For
instance, all the vowels can be given acute, dieresis,
grave, and circumflex accents in both upper- and lower-case.
You can also use the Spanish ~n (as in se~nor), Danish (?) O-
with-a-slash-through-it, the German ess-tset (double s), and
many other special language characters. You also have a
choice of various typographical, punctuation, currency, and
mathematical symbols. These are all documented in the
manual, or you can bring up a floating keyboard if you are
willing to modify your GEOS.INI file. Geoworks produced a
double-byte character set (DBCS) version based on Unicode in
late 1994, along with front-end text processors to support
Japanese and Korean languages. This is known as GEOS-J
(http://www.geoworks.com/htmpages/geosj.htm), but
unfortunately no products have been developed to use it.

5.1.3 When I install other fonts, they are displayed in the
fonts menu in the order they were installed. Is there a way
to have them in alphabetical order?
The Preferences application in the desktop version 2.0
allows you to select which fonts you wish to have appear in
your font menu, and their order. Alternatively you can use a
disk defragger which sorts files.

5.1.4 I want to make a graphics file into a GEOS background.
How do I do that?
Enter GEOS and start up GeoDraw or the Scrapbook. Use the
Import option (on the File menu) to import your file into
GeoDraw. Make sure that the imported image is selected and
then use the Edit menu to either Cut or Copy it to the
clipboard. Next, start up Preferences and select the
Background option. Once there, click on the "Get background
from clipboard" button, give it a name, and your image
magically appears as a background.

5.1.5 How can I keep the splash screen from showing up?
GWSteve (GWS...@aol.com) writes:
You can keep it from showing by:
* Use the /log parameter when starting New Deal Office, or
* Use the individual file tool to install LOADERHG.EXE, then
rename LOADERHG.EXE to LOADER.EXE. This only works if you
have a VGA monitor.

5.2 The GEOS.INI File

5.2.1 What is the GEOS.INI file, and why would I want to
mess with it?
The GEOS.INI file is a plain text file residing in your home
GEOS directory, and it specifies to a large degree how your
system behaves. Geoworks DOES NOT recommend modifying the
GEOS.INI file. It's generally a bad idea to change your
GEOS.INI file unless you know what you're doing. However, if
you do try to edit it, do it in DOS before you load GEOS and
make a backup copy in case something goes wrong. There is a
page on my GEOS WWW site that explains all the public
settings.

5.2.2 Is there an easy way to tweak the GEOS.INI?
Yes. There is a utility called GeoCon V2.0 that
automatically adjusts your GEOS.INI file for you. GeoCon
enables you to easily change the color scheme and behavior
of the Express Menu. Preference 4 Pack also allows you to
change certain system characteristics.

5.2.3 How do I associate DOS files with programs?
Kenda Gee (kend...@freenet.edmonton.ab.ca) writes about his
ZIP example:
The pkunzip is not a problem at all--just use a
dosAssociation line in your GEOS.INI file and a double-click
on your zip files...it is a breeze... :-) For pkzipping,
there is a way to make sure you don't zip up your
DIRNAME.000 and PKZIP.EXE files. Create a folder, say
"Zipper" in your \DOCUMENT directory... toss two files into
it--your PKZIP.EXE and another file, called PKLIST. In
PKLIST, type the files you don't want zipped up each time:
PKZIP.EXE and DIRNAME.000. Then create a launcher for the
PKZIP.EXE in your DOSROOM, or WORLD directory, and add the
following command:

-X@PKLIST C:\GEOS20\DOCUMENT\ZIPPER\1.ZIP

The only shortcoming of this recipe is that you will have to
rename your output zipped file from 1.ZIP to whatever you
want (I chose 1.ZIP, so that it will, generally. appear on
the top left hand corner of the \ZIPPER screen, but you
could easily call it 0.ZIP, or whatever you want...). Just
make sure you don't accidentally delete the PKLIST, or
PKZIP.EXE file from your \ZIPPER folder.
To use the PKZIP, throw your files in the \ZIPPER folder,
and use the Launcher to zip up your files in that folder.

5.2.4 How do I get rid of drives in GeoManager?
Add or edit the system section of your GEOS.INI file like
so:

[system]
drive x = 0

where x is the drive you want to make disappear.

5.2.5 How do I get rid of the link button in GeoManager?
Lee Bailey (off...@crl.com) writes:
To get rid of the link button in GeoManager, comment out the
features line in the FileManager section of your GEOS.INI,
like this:

[fileManager]
;features = 32768

5.2.6 How do I enable the floating keyboard?
GWRepMark (gwre...@aol.com) writes:
In order to use the Floating Keyboard you must insert two
lines into your INI file:

[input]
noKeyboard = true

[expressMenuControl]
floatingKeyboard = true

6 Common Problems

6.1 It's broke!

6.1.1 When I try to start GEOS, I get a message saying that
GEOS is unable to find /userdata/fonts! What's the problem?
This could be any of several things, but it usually means
that GEOS is unable to find a suitable file system driver.
GEOS interacts with the hardware at a very low level, and
doesn't work well with anything that redirects the drives.
Specifically:
* WFW 32 bit file access SOMETIMES causes problems, in which
case you should disable it.
* Windows NT is not compatible with GEOS.
* GEOS does not recognize the Win95 (AKA MS-DOS 7.0) file
system. This can be fixed with SETVER.
* PC DOS 7 also needs SETVER loaded for GEOS to operate.
* Some networked drives cause problems for GEOS system
files, although you can usually save data to a networked
drive.
* DOS emulation under Linux or Macintosh causes problems
because GEOS tries to directly interact with hardware that
just isn't there.

6.1.2 I installed GEOS on my zippy new computer, but it
won't load up. What's the problem? It dies with a KR-01
error (divide by zero).
This is known as the fast CPU bug. The best fix is to edit
your GEOS.INI file and change the line

ContinueSetup=True
to
ContinueSetup=False

6.1.3 I keep getting SHARE or File Lock errors when I run
GEOS. What's going on?
GEOS needs a lot of files open at once. If you're using
SHARE, try adding the switch /f:4096 or /f:6144. On some
systems, /L:40 seems to help. If you are not on a network,
you might not need SHARE at all.

6.1.4 I'm running the desktop version with Stacker
installed. Drive C is my Stacker volume. For some reason
GeoManager insists on looking at drive E for the
/Geoworks/world directory, even though when I exit GEOS I'm
on drive C. Any ideas?
Check the volume labels for drives C, D, and E. If they're
identical, then use GeoManager to edit the volume labels so
that each drive has its own distinct label. On some
computers, you may have to exit to DOS to change the drive
label (use the LABEL command).

6.1.5 I keep having problems with GEOS 2.0 and
DoubleSpace/SuperStor/Stacker. What can I do?
GEOS 2.0 normally works fine on compressed drives, although
there is sometimes a decrease in performance if the swap
file is on the compressed drive, particularly if you are
using DoubleSpace (the compression included with MS-DOS 6.0
and 6.2.) GEOS 1.x frequently had problems if the swap file
was on a compressed drive, and users of these versions
should make sure (through Preferences that their swap file
is on an uncompressed drive. Problems with Stacker not
recognizing your compressed HD(s) correctly can usually be
solved by adding lines to the [system] section of your
GEOS.INI file to specifically define the drives as fixed
disks:

drive c = 65536

where c is your compressed Stacker drive.

End of the GEOS FAQ


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