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Note: Our educational software is now available in FLASH MX. These instructions are for people using our "P11" assembler language animation tool. Most of our customers can ignore these instructions. Please contact us if you need an upgrade to FLASH MX. Thank you!
To run P11 applications from WINDOWS 3.1, you need to write a PIF file. This is because although Microsoft claims to fully support DOS applications, they have put a couple of important "speed bumps" in the way. For example, they only give DOS a small part of a machine and DOS has to explicitly ask for the rest. That's really not so bad, but it means you, the user, might need to become a little familiar with how the software systems work in order to launch our DOS programs. Also, you need to be aware of other limitations Microsoft has created (noted below) so you can decide how you want to resolve them. So here goes.
(For WIN 95 users, you will need to create a shortcut instead. See Win95 shortcut files.)
WINDOWS
3.1 STEPS TO WRITE A PIF FILE FOR "P11"
This explanation assumes you
have already downloaded and unzipped the P11 application of your choice. Also,
it assumes you have some familiarity with WINDOWS. Lastly, we cannot assume any
responsibility for WINDOWS problems. Please call Microsoft FIRST if you need to
learn how to start DOS applications from WINDOWS.
This application shows writing a PIF for ALL ABOUT PUMPS. PIFs for other "P11" applications can be written essentially the same way, but with different memory requests. All About Pumps has been converted to FLASH MX so these exact instructions are no longer needed.
Use the PIF EDITOR
supplied with WINDOWS 3.1 to create a new PIF. Following through the list of options,
here are suggested entries (with comments in parenthesis):
Program Filename:
PUMPS.BAT (the main batch file)
Window Title: ALL ABOUT PUMPS TUTORIAL
(or anything you like)
Optional Parameters: (none)
Start-up
Directory: C:\P11\PUMPS (all P11 programs are in the \p11 directory)
Video Memory: High Graphics (I'm not sure this matters)
Memory
Requirements: 507Kb Required, 507 Needed. On most systems "Protected" can
probably be left checked or unchecked.
EMS Memory: Use this or
XMS; you don't need both. As of version 3 of ALL ABOUT PUMPS, 1984 is required,
4800 is the maximum needed)
XMS Memory: Use this or EMS; you
don't need both. As of version 3 of ALL ABOUT PUMPS, 1984 is required, 4800 is
the maximum needed)
Display Usage: Full Screen
Execution:
Exclusive
Close Window On Exit should be checked.
Advanced
Options:
Multitasking Options:
Background Priority:
1 Foreground Priority: 10000
Detect Idle Time: Do not check
this box.
Memory Options: Nothing checked.
Display Options:
Monitor Ports: Check Emulate Text Mode and Retain Video
Memory only.
Other Options: None checked.
Save
the PIF file and make a note of where you put it, then run it. Your P11 application
should now run fine in Windows 3.1
Notes on using Windows 3.1: We
suggest you do not use ctrl-alt-del to stop a P11 application which is running
in Windows 3.1. Doing so will probably cause the hardware timer speed-up routine
to be left active, so your Windows 3.1 clock will run fast, which will cause the
mouse to appear not to accept double-clicks. (In reality, you just can't click
fast enough.)
If you do find yourself in this situation ("Accelerated Winclock Syndrome") you can exit Windows 3.1 to DOS through keystrokes (ALT-TAB to find the Program Manager Window, then ALT-F4 to Quit WIndows) and then restart Windows 3.1 and you should be okay.
To exit P11 properly, use the ESCAPE key
followed by "y" or, in all newer programs, ALT-Q (quit) will exit immediately
to DOS.
Please contact us if you have any problems running any P11
application from within Windows. But please contact Microsoft if you need to learn
more about Windows. Thank you.
For Win95, 98, ME, and XP users,
please see Win95 Shortcut files.
F.A.Q.'s.
Master list of FAQ's for "P11" users.
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