5.4

RAM DISK EMULATION

Running the preceding program will create and save a text file to disk that when EXEC’d first runs the RAM disk installation program, runs FID, and then passes values to FID so that all the files on the disk. including P10 and the RAM disk drive program, are copied to the RAM disk. The only thing to add to the disk are the files you would like to see moved onto the RAM disk.

You my customize this EXEC file maker to control FID to do other actions than an automatic transfer of all files on the disk.

DOS Commands

All DOS 3.3 commands will work with the RAM disk except the INIT command. You will see “I/O ERROR’ if you attempt to initialize the RAM disk with this command. The RAM disk will not be affected if you accidentally do try to INIT the RAM disk.

Disconnecting The RAM Disk

The RAM disk can be destroyed by turning off the Apple, by doing a Control+[Open—Apple]+Reset wars boot, or by running a program that uses auxiliary bank zero, the //c’s own auxiliary emory. Running the MULTIDRIVE.DOS program after a RAM disk is installed will reforest the RAM disk eliminating any files that did exist on the RAM disk.

Using 80—column or double hi—rem displays will not affect the disk. These areas of memory are not included in the RAM devoted to the RAM disk.

Pressing the “Reset” key or “Control C” has no effect on what is in memory on the MultiRam C Card.

Non—Standard DOS

Many forms of customized DOS exist. The RAM disk will work with most customized versions that have not made major changes to DOS. For example, ProntoDOS and Diversi-DOS which speed up disk access times work with the RAM disk. Other more radically altered DOS say not work with the RAM disk (for example, David—DOS).

If you have made or intend to make patches to DOS yourself, almost all of the most common modifications will work with the RAM disk. Increasing the number of files per disk, increasing the size of binary files, custom catalogs, custom error messages, and hello files that can be BRUN or EXEC’d are examples of modifications that should work with the program.