PREFACE

This manual provides instructions for using the AEDIT-86 interactive text editor. AEDIT-86 can be run within several environments including Series Ill, Series IV, and iRMX operating system. Basic knowledge of your system (ISIS and RUN, iNDX or iRMX), is assumed. Specific information on running AEDfT-86 on different systems is given in the appendixes.

This manual is for both new users and those who are already familiar with microcom- puters and text editors.

The manual is organized in two parts as follows:

Part I provides the basic information a user needs to use the AEDIT-86 text editor. It includes a tutorial, edit command descriptions, and a description of the AEDIT-86 invocation.

Chapter 1, "Introduction and Tutorial," defines the hardware and software necessary to run AEDIT-86, describes invoking and leaving the editor, and provides a brief tutorial session.

Chapter 2, "The Editor Basics," describes concepts essential to using AEDIT-86 and provides an in-depth description of the AEDIT-86 display.

Chapter 3, "Editing Commands," describes editing commands. Commands are ordered in the chapter by subjects and without forward references (as much as possible). AEDIT-86 commands not mentioned in this chapter are described in Part II.

Chapter 4, "AEDIT-86 Invocation," describes the invocation command syntax and the invocation controls.

Part II lists more advanced uses of AEDIT-86 and describes the AEDIT-86 string. numeric, local, and global variables, the macro-related commands-Macro and Execute, and the CALC command.

Chapter 5, "Macro Commands," describes commands that allow you to create and use macros.

Chapter 6, "AEDIT-86 Variables," describes the local and global AEDIT-86 variables you can access.

Chapter 7, "CALC Command," describes the CALC command and illustrates it with examples. Arithmetic and logical operations are supported.

Chapter 8, "Advanced AEDIT-86 Usage," demonstrates the open-ended approach of AEDIT-86. Macros that enable advanced functions like word processing are described in this chapter. The macro file USEFUL.MAC, that is supplied with AEDIT-86, is listed and discussed.

Chapter 9, "Configuration Commands," describes and lists the configuration commands required to create an AEDIT-86 configuration file.

Appendix A, "AEDIT-86 Command Summary:' lists AEDIT-86 commands and command formats, and provides a brief explanation of each command.

Appendix B, "AEDIT-86 Error Messages," lists AEDIT-86 invocation, editing, CALC, and macro error messages, their probable causes and how they affect the system.

. Appendix C, "Using AEDIT-86 on the Series III," describes the system- dependent usage of AEDIT-86 on a Series Ill.

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Intel AEDIT-86 manual Preface

AEDIT-86 specifications

The Intel AEDIT-86, also known as the Intel 8086, is a notable microprocessor that played a critical role in shaping the computing landscape. Released in 1978, it was Intel's first 16-bit microprocessor, setting the stage for the x86 architecture that continues to influence modern computing.

One of the main features of the AEDIT-86 is its 16-bit architecture, which allows it to process data in larger chunks compared to its 8-bit predecessors. This capability not only improves performance but also increases the amount of memory that can be addressed, allowing for a maximum of 1 MB of RAM. This was a significant advancement at the time, enabling more complex software and operating systems to run efficiently.

The AEDIT-86 is built on a 3-micron process technology, which was innovative for its time and contributed to its performance capabilities. The microprocessor operates at a clock speed of up to 5 MHz, which allowed it to execute more instructions per second than previous generations of processors. This speed, combined with its wide data bus (16 bits), enables the processor to handle a larger volume of information more quickly.

Intel incorporated several key technologies in the AEDIT-86, including segmentation. This feature divides the memory into different segments, making it easier for programs to access data and improving memory management. The AEDIT-86 also supports a minimum of four 64 KB segments, which enhances the organization and access of programs and data in memory.

Another significant aspect of the AEDIT-86 is its compatibility with the existing 8080 and 8085 instruction sets, which facilitated easier migration for developers and helped the processor gain traction in the market. This backward compatibility allowed existing software to be ported to the new platform with minimal modification.

Furthermore, the Intel AEDIT-86 introduced a powerful instruction set that includes both integer and string manipulation commands, paving the way for more versatile programming. The instruction set architecture (ISA) of the AEDIT-86 supports both high-level programming languages and low-level assembly language, offering flexibility for various applications.

In summary, the Intel AEDIT-86 is a groundbreaking microprocessor known for its 16-bit architecture, advanced segmentation technology, and compatibility with earlier instruction sets. Its introduction marked the beginning of the x86 architecture, which has influenced countless processors and computing systems that followed. The AEDIT-86's features and technologies were instrumental in the evolution of personal computing, laying the groundwork for future innovations in the industry.