Subversion Repositories SvarDOS

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                            %h*** SVARDOS HELP ***

                            %h*** SVARDOS HELP ***

This help documentation is a work-in-progress thing. For the time being it

This help documentation is a work-in-progress thing. For the time being it

provides only very limited content. (wanna help building it? get in touch with

provides only very limited content. (wanna help building it? get in touch with

us on the SvarDOS %lcontact.ama:mailing list%t!)

us on the SvarDOS %lcontact.ama:mailing list%t!)

=== Chapters =================================================================

=== Chapters =================================================================

 * %lpkg.ama:Packages management (install/remove/update software)

 * %lpkg.ama:Packages management (install/remove/update software)

 * %lnetwork.ama:Networking

 * %lnetwork.ama:Networking

 * %lfreedos.ama:SvarDOS vs FreeDOS: what is the story?

 * %lfreedos.ama:SvarDOS vs FreeDOS: what is the story?

 * %ltodo.ama:The project's "TODO" list

 * %ltodo.ama:The project's "TODO" list

 * %lcontact.ama:How do I get in touch with the SvarDOS community?

 * %lcontact.ama:How do I get in touch with the SvarDOS community?

 * %lhistory.ama:SvarDOS origins

 * %lhistory.ama:SvarDOS origins

 * %lmeaning.ama:What does "Svarog" mean?

 * %lmeaning.ama:What does "Svarog" mean?

 * %l8086.ama:8086 compatibility list

 * %l8086.ama:8086 compatibility list

==============================================================================

==============================================================================

%hSvarDOS packages management

%hSvarDOS packages management

To install or remove software on your SvarDOS system, use the "pkg" command.

To install or remove software on your SvarDOS system, use the "pkg" command.

pkg is a package manager to allow installing new software from SvarDOS

pkg is a package manager to allow installing new software from SvarDOS

packages and removing exising software from the system. To learn about exact

packages and removing exising software from the system. To learn about exact

pkg usage, type pkg /? in the SvarDOS command line shell.

pkg usage, type pkg /? in the SvarDOS command line shell.

You may obtain many SvarDOS packages from the SvarDOS web homepage at

You may obtain many SvarDOS packages from the SvarDOS web homepage at

<http://svardos.osdn.io>. If your system is connected to the internet, then

<http://svardos.osdn.io>. If your system is connected to the internet, then

you may also use the SvarDOS "pkgnet" command. pkgnet is a network tool that

you may also use the SvarDOS "pkgnet" command. pkgnet is a network tool that

makes it easy to search for SvarDOS packages in the SvarDOS repository and

makes it easy to search for SvarDOS packages in the SvarDOS repository and

download them right away. Type pkgnet /? in the SvarDOS command line shell to

download them right away. Type pkgnet /? in the SvarDOS command line shell to

learn about exact pkgnet usage.

learn about exact pkgnet usage.

See also:

See also:

 * %lpkgfmt.ama:The technical format of a SvarDOS package

 * %lpkgfmt.ama:The technical format of a SvarDOS package

 * %lpkgrules.ama:Packages inclusion rules

 * %lpkgrules.ama:Packages inclusion rules

%hNetworking

%hNetworking

For enabling network connectivity you first need to know what kind of network

For enabling network connectivity you first need to know what kind of network

adapter you have, and obtain a suitable packet driver for it. The "crynwr"

adapter you have, and obtain a suitable packet driver for it. The "crynwr"

package contains lots of packet drivers for a variety of network adapters.

package contains lots of packet drivers for a variety of network adapters.

There is also a packet driver for Intel Pro cards in the e1000pkt package, and

There is also a packet driver for Intel Pro cards in the e1000pkt package, and

a driver for AMD PC-NET cards in the pcntpk package.

a driver for AMD PC-NET cards in the pcntpk package.

You need to get the packet driver for your card onto the machine, and load it.

You need to get the packet driver for your card onto the machine, and load it.

Then, you should be able to access the internet and get anything else you need

Then, you should be able to access the internet and get anything else you need

using wget, htget, gopherus and other network-enabled applications.

using wget, htget, gopherus and other network-enabled applications.

Note that packet drivers are mostly available for old-ish interfaces. If you

Note that packet drivers are mostly available for old-ish interfaces. If you

have some modern ethernet card, then there might not be a packet driver

have some modern ethernet card, then there might not be a packet driver

available for it.

available for it.

%hFILE SHARING

%hFILE SHARING

Perhaps these links could provide some pointers:

Perhaps these links could provide some pointers:

<http://wiki.freedos.org/wiki/index.php/Networking_FreeDOS_-_MS_Client>

<http://wiki.freedos.org/wiki/index.php/Networking_FreeDOS_-_MS_Client>

<https://www.lazybrowndog.net/freedos/virtualbox/?page_id=374>

<https://www.lazybrowndog.net/freedos/virtualbox/?page_id=374>

There is also EtherDFS, which is a very lightweight and easy solution for

There is also EtherDFS, which is a very lightweight and easy solution for

file-sharing between DOS and Linux (but it does require a Linux PC and some

file-sharing between DOS and Linux (but it does require a Linux PC and some

basic understanding of how Linux works):

basic understanding of how Linux works):

<http://etherdfs.sourceforge.net/>

<http://etherdfs.sourceforge.net/>

%hVIRTUALBOX - PACKET DRIVER

%hVIRTUALBOX - PACKET DRIVER

VirtualBox is able to emulate an AMD PC-NET NIC (you need to make sure of that

VirtualBox is able to emulate an AMD PC-NET NIC (you need to make sure of that

in the configuration of your VM, VirtualBox calls it "PCnet-FAST III" and it

in the configuration of your VM, VirtualBox calls it "PCnet-FAST III" and it

should be set to "NAT"). Then, in SvarDOS you have to install the pcntpk.zip

should be set to "NAT"). Then, in SvarDOS you have to install the pcntpk.zip

package - you don't even need to download it, it's already present on the

package - you don't even need to download it, it's already present on the

installation image so it should be as simple as that:

installation image so it should be as simple as that:

pkg install a:\pcntpk.zip

pkg install a:\pcntpk.zip

Finally, load it as such:

Finally, load it as such:

C:\DRIVERS\PCNTPK\PCNTPK INT=0x60

C:\DRIVERS\PCNTPK\PCNTPK INT=0x60

...and that's it. From now on, you should be able to search through the

...and that's it. From now on, you should be able to search through the

available online packages and install extra software, for example:

available online packages and install extra software, for example:

pkgnet pull gopherus

pkgnet pull gopherus

pkg install gopherus.zip

pkg install gopherus.zip

(gopherus is a gopher browser)

(gopherus is a gopher browser)

To search through the list of available packages in the online repository, use

To search through the list of available packages in the online repository, use

that:

that:

pkgnet search your_search_term

pkgnet search your_search_term

%hHow do I get in touch with the project's community?

%hHow do I get in touch with the project's community?

The recommended way to contact the SvarDOS community is through the project's

The recommended way to contact the SvarDOS community is through the project's

mailing list: <https://lists.osdn.me/mailman/listinfo/svardos-users>

mailing list: <https://lists.osdn.me/mailman/listinfo/svardos-users>

The project's web homepage is <http://svardos.osdn.io>

The project's web homepage is <http://svardos.osdn.io>

Package files provide an easy way to manage software on SvarDOS. These

Package files provide an easy way to manage software on SvarDOS. These

packages must adhere to a strict convention so they can be handled properly

packages must adhere to a strict convention so they can be handled properly

by the SvarDOS package manager.

by the SvarDOS package manager.

%hPackage filenames

%hPackage filenames

Packages names must follow some basic rules. They shall be max. 8 letters long

Packages names must follow some basic rules. They shall be max. 8 letters long

(but should not be too short either, since a 1 or 2-letters package name might

(but should not be too short either, since a 1 or 2-letters package name might

be confusing), and must not be composed of characters other than a-b, 0-9 and

be confusing), and must not be composed of characters other than a-b, 0-9 and

'_'. This for backward compatibility with short file names (8+3) and ISO 9660

'_'. This for backward compatibility with short file names (8+3) and ISO 9660

file systems (used on CDROMs). The package filename is always followed by the

file systems (used on CDROMs). The package filename is always followed by the

.ZIP extension.

.ZIP extension.

%hPackage files

%hPackage files

SvarDOS uses ZIP files as its package file format. This format has been chosen

SvarDOS uses ZIP files as its package file format. This format has been chosen

because ZIP files under DOS have become the de facto way to distribute

because ZIP files under DOS have become the de facto way to distribute

collections of files. Also, the ZIP file format is well documented, well

collections of files. Also, the ZIP file format is well documented, well

supported, and in the public domain.

supported, and in the public domain.

Here below is the recommended command line that can be used to create a

Here below is the recommended command line that can be used to create a

package for a program named EXAMPLE using info-zip:

package for a program named EXAMPLE using info-zip:

  zip -9rkDX EXAMPLE.ZIP subdir1 subdir2 ... subdirN

  zip -9rkDX EXAMPLE.ZIP subdir1 subdir2 ... subdirN

If you are using 7za to create your packages, then use this:

If you are using 7za to create your packages, then use this:

  7za a -mm=deflate -mx=9 -tzip EXAMPLE.ZIP subdir1 subdir2 ... subdirN

  7za a -mm=deflate -mx=9 -tzip EXAMPLE.ZIP subdir1 subdir2 ... subdirN

%hPackage directory structure

%hPackage directory structure

The directory structure of a package depends on the type of packages.

The directory structure of a package depends on the type of packages.

For "core" packages, we have this:

For "core" packages, we have this:

  APPINFO            Put the program's LSM file here

  APPINFO            Put the program's LSM file here

  BIN                Binaries, such as exe and com files

  BIN                Binaries, such as exe and com files

  DOC\PKGNAME        Package documentation

  DOC\PKGNAME        Package documentation

  HELP               Used ONLY by the "help" package

  HELP               Used ONLY by the "help" package

  NLS\PKGNAME        Localizations (NLS language files) of the package

  NLS\PKGNAME        Localizations (NLS language files) of the package

  SOURCE\PKGNAME     The source code (optional)

  SOURCE\PKGNAME     The source code (optional)

Non-core packages use a slightly different directory organization. For

Non-core packages use a slightly different directory organization. For

example, if we were to consider a package FOO, we might end up with the

example, if we were to consider a package FOO, we might end up with the

following structure:

following structure:

  APPINFO\FOO.LSM    Package meta file for the FOO program

  APPINFO\FOO.LSM    Package meta file for the FOO program

  PROGS\FOO\FOO.EXE  The program's executable

  PROGS\FOO\FOO.EXE  The program's executable

  PROGS\FOO\FOO.TXT  Some documentation

  PROGS\FOO\FOO.TXT  Some documentation

  PROGS\FOO\FILE.DAT Data file used by the FOO program

  PROGS\FOO\FILE.DAT Data file used by the FOO program

  SOURCE\FOO\*       here would be stored the foo's source code (optional)

  SOURCE\FOO\*       here would be stored the foo's source code (optional)

Note the 'PROGS' directory above. This is a category to which the package

Note the 'PROGS' directory above. This is a category to which the package

belong. The package installer might change this directory at install time,

belong. The package installer might change this directory at install time,

depending on the user's preferences. Possible categories are listed below:

depending on the user's preferences. Possible categories are listed below:

Category | Description

Category | Description

DEVEL    | Development tools (mostly compilers)

DEVEL    | Development tools (mostly compilers)

DRIVERS  | Drivers

DRIVERS  | Drivers

GAMES    | Games

GAMES    | Games

PROGS    | User programs, tools...

PROGS    | User programs, tools...

Note: "DOC", "NLS", "BIN" and "HELP" directories are strictly reserved to

Note: "DOC", "NLS", "BIN" and "HELP" directories are strictly reserved to

      CORE packages.

      CORE packages.

%hLSM meta-data files

%hLSM meta-data files

Every package MUST contain an LSM file in its "APPINFO" directory. This LSM

file is a text file that contains basic information about the package. Its

Every package MUST contain an LSM file in its "APPINFO" directory. This LSM

format is very simple, it must contain at least two lines:

file is a text file that contains basic information about the package. Its

format is very simple, it must contain at least two lines:

  version: x.y.z

  description: package description

  version: x.y.z

  description: package description

Any other lines are ignored by the SvarDOS package manager.

Any other lines are ignored by the SvarDOS package manager.

                     %h*** Packages inclusion rules ***

SvarDOS is a DOS distribution that comes with plenty of third-party packages.

%hPackage versions

With time, packages get updated and new packages are being added. However,

SvarDOS is not a shareware distribution CD, nor it is a "warez" production of

The version present in the LSM file is meant to reflect the version of the

any kind. Every software that is distributed within SvarDOS must comply to a

packaged software, but it may happen that a package needs to be changed to

few common sense rules, as listed below.

fix a strictly packaging-related issue (for example a forgotten documentation

file or a recompilation of the binary using a better set of flags...). In such

%hObjective usefulness

case, the version of the software does not change, but the version of the

package itself needs to change so users know something changed. That's what

The distributed software must be useful. There is no point in distributing

"SvarDOS revisions" come in. A version string is basically following such

hundreds of "Hello World" programs for example. The software must be useable

format:

as a finished product and provide some features that are proven to be seeked

by at least a subset of the user base. Games are considered useful, as long as

  UPSTREAM_VER[+SVARREV]

they fulfill their goal of providing actual distraction.

UPSTREAM_VER is the exact version string advertised by the software. It may

%hReasonable quality

be pretty much anything. This upstream version may be optionally followed by a

plus sign and the SvarDOS revision. In the even that the upstream version

The packaged program must exhibit traits of reasonable quality. This means

already contains a plus sign, then SvarDOS revision is delimited with a tilde.

that it should have a deterministic behavior, and be free of undesirable

side-effects to the user's computer (not crashing, freezing, resulting in

The SvarDOS revision starts at 0 and increments each time that the given

unexpected loss of data, etc). It should also provide clear, non-ambiguous

upstream revision is repackaged. The SvarDOS revision restarts whenever the

instructions to the user about how the program is meant to be used.

upstream version changes. The SvarDOS revision of 0 is always hidden.

%hFree (no cost)

Examples:

The program must be free - that is, available at no financial cost. It doesn't

FDISK 1.54      <- originally packaged version

have to comply to an OSI-approved license or be open-source (even if that

FDISK 1.54+1    <- package has been changed, but not the upstream version

would be preferred), but at the very least it must be free for personal,

FDISK 1.55      <- upstream version increased, so SvarDOS rev restarts

non-commercial use.

FDISK 1.55+1    <- new version of the package, but still contains FDISK 1.55

FDISK 1.55+2    <- another new version of the package, etc

%hDistribution allowed

                     %h*** Packages inclusion rules ***

The program must allow distribution without restrictions, and must not forbid

being redistributed in a re-packaged form.

SvarDOS is a DOS distribution that comes with plenty of third-party packages.

With time, packages get updated and new packages are being added. However,

SvarDOS is not a shareware distribution CD, nor it is a "warez" production of

%!CORE EXCEPTIONS

any kind. Every software that is distributed within SvarDOS must comply to a

few common sense rules, as listed below.

Please note that, while the above rules are valid for all third-party packages

that may be distributed with SvarDOS, it does not apply to the 'core' packages

%hObjective usefulness

that contain the operating system itself. SvarDOS being a free (as in "libre")

operating system, all "core" packages must comply to a libre-like license - be

The distributed software must be useful. There is no point in distributing

it GPL, BSD, MIT, public domain, or anything that allows for unrestricted

hundreds of "Hello World" programs for example. The software must be useable

distribution, provides source code and allows to modify it freely.

as a finished product and provide some features that are proven to be seeked

by at least a subset of the user base. Games are considered useful, as long as

%hSvarDOS licensing

they fulfill their goal of providing actual distraction.

SvarDOS is a DOS distribution made of many different software bricks, hence a

%hReasonable quality

single license can hardly be applied to all. However, the CORE system (that

is the SvarDOS installer, bootable floppy image and all core packages) is

The packaged program must exhibit traits of reasonable quality. This means

carefully assembled from software that is "free" (as in "Freedom"), ie. that

that it should have a deterministic behavior, and be free of undesirable

grants the 3 basic FOSS liberties: freedom to use, modify, and redistribute.

side-effects to the user's computer (not crashing, freezing, resulting in

This includes, but is not necessarily limited to, software released under

unexpected loss of data, etc). It should also provide clear, non-ambiguous

following licenses: GNU GPLv2, GNU GPLv3, BSD, MIT, EUPL and Public domain.

instructions to the user about how the program is meant to be used.

Note that, while the above applies to the core of the SvarDOS distribution, it

%hFree (no cost)

does not cover all extra packages. Additionnal software packages may or may

not be FOSS, they are only guaranteed to be "gratis for non-commercial use".

The program must be free - that is, available at no financial cost. It doesn't

have to comply to an OSI-approved license or be open-source (even if that

Read more: %lpkgrules.ama:Packages inclusion rules

would be preferred), but at the very least it must be free for personal,

non-commercial use.

%hWhat does "Svarog" mean?

%hDistribution allowed

The "Svar" in SvarDOS refers to "Svarog". SvarDOS is the successor of the

Svarog86 and Svarog386 distributions.

The program must allow distribution without restrictions, and must not forbid

being redistributed in a re-packaged form.

Excerpt from Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia:

 Svarog is a Slavic deity (...) identified with Hephaestus, the god of the

%!CORE EXCEPTIONS

 blacksmith in ancient Greek religion (...), some researchers conclude that

 Svarog is the Slavic god of celestial fire and of blacksmithing.

Please note that, while the above rules are valid for all third-party packages

that may be distributed with SvarDOS, it does not apply to the 'core' packages

 The only mention of Svarog comes from the Hypatian Codex, a 15th-century

that contain the operating system itself. SvarDOS being a free (as in "libre")

 compilation of several much older documents from the Ipatiev Monastery in

operating system, all "core" packages must comply to a libre-like license - be

 Russia. (...) The complete passage, reconstructed from several manuscripts,

it GPL, BSD, MIT, public domain, or anything that allows for unrestricted

 translates as follows:

distribution, provides source code and allows to modify it freely.

 "(Then) began his reign Feosta (Hephaestus), whom the Egyptians called Svarog

%hSvarDOS licensing

  ... during his rule, from the heavens fell the smith's prongs and weapons

  were forged for the first time; before that, (people) fought with clubs and

SvarDOS is a DOS distribution made of many different software bricks, hence a

  stones."

single license can hardly be applied to all. However, the CORE system (that

is the SvarDOS installer, bootable floppy image and all core packages) is

        %h*** Why would I want to use SvarDOS instead of FreeDOS? ***

carefully assembled from software that is "free" (as in "Freedom"), ie. that

grants the 3 basic FOSS liberties: freedom to use, modify, and redistribute.

The FreeDOS project is a free, open-source operating system that aims to be

This includes, but is not necessarily limited to, software released under

100%% compatible with MS-DOS. And it is awesome. So why would I want to use

following licenses: GNU GPLv2, GNU GPLv3, BSD, MIT, EUPL and Public domain.

SvarDOS instead?

Note that, while the above applies to the core of the SvarDOS distribution, it

%hLong release cycles

does not cover all extra packages. Additionnal software packages may or may

not be FOSS, they are only guaranteed to be "gratis for non-commercial use".

The FreeDOS project began 29 June 1994. Version 1.0 came around in 2006.

Version 1.1 has been released in 2012, and the version 1.2 followed in

Read more: %lpkgrules.ama:Packages inclusion rules

December 2016. This translates roughly to a 5-years release cycle. Granted,

the DOS scene is not as active as it used to be, but still, many things happen

%hWhat does "Svarog" mean?

during a few years. Such version-centric approach also requires users to

perform full-system upgrades every now and then.

The "Svar" in SvarDOS refers to "Svarog". SvarDOS is the successor of the

Svarog86 and Svarog386 distributions.

SvarDOS is very different in this regard: there are no versions at all.

Whenever a new program is included into or updated within the distribution, it

Excerpt from Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia:

becomes immediately available through the SvarDOS reposoitory and may be

pulled either through the SvarDOS website or SvarDOS' pkgnet tool. Already

 Svarog is a Slavic deity (...) identified with Hephaestus, the god of the

installed systems can be easily kept up-to-date using the distribution's

 blacksmith in ancient Greek religion (...), some researchers conclude that

package manager.

 Svarog is the Slavic god of celestial fire and of blacksmithing.

%hConstraints of legal nature

 The only mention of Svarog comes from the Hypatian Codex, a 15th-century

 compilation of several much older documents from the Ipatiev Monastery in

The FreeDOS project mimicks a proprietary operating system, with all its APIs

 Russia. (...) The complete passage, reconstructed from several manuscripts,

and peculiarities. For this reason, the project always had to be extremely

 translates as follows:

careful about what can and what cannot be included within the FreeDOS

distribution. As a result, only "free software" (as in freedom, think GPL,

 "(Then) began his reign Feosta (Hephaestus), whom the Egyptians called Svarog

BSD, and so on) can make its way into the official distribution. While such

  ... during his rule, from the heavens fell the smith's prongs and weapons

cautious approach is sane and legally safe, it is far from practical for

  were forged for the first time; before that, (people) fought with clubs and

users. Allowing exclusively free software means that a high number of useful

  stones."

programs, tools and games are left behind. For example "freeware" tools (as in

"gratis but no source included") are a no-go. Even open-source programs can be

        %h*** Why would I want to use SvarDOS instead of FreeDOS? ***

rejected, if they do not clearly state that they comply with an OSI-approved

license.

The FreeDOS project is a free, open-source operating system that aims to be

100%% compatible with MS-DOS. And it is awesome. So why would I want to use

SvarDOS, on the other hand, is much more liberal about including packages.

SvarDOS instead?

Basically, anything that is objectively useful, of reasonable quality,

free/gratis and can be legally distributed in the form of a package, can be

%hLong release cycles

included in SvarDOS. The only exception is for the "core" system (ie. the

operating system itself), which must be based exclusively on free/libre

The FreeDOS project began 29 June 1994. Version 1.0 came around in 2006.

software. Read more about %lpkgrules.ama:SvarDOS package inclusion rules%t.

Version 1.1 has been released in 2012, and the version 1.2 followed in

December 2016. This translates roughly to a 5-years release cycle. Granted,

%hFreeDOS included!

the DOS scene is not as active as it used to be, but still, many things happen

during a few years. Such version-centric approach also requires users to

It must be noted, that altough the goals of SvarDOS and FreeDOS may be

perform full-system upgrades every now and then.

slightly different, SvarDOS wouldn't exist without FreeDOS. Indeed, SvarDOS

uses the excellent FreeDOS kernel, as well as a few other utilities borrowed

SvarDOS is very different in this regard: there are no versions at all.

from the FreeDOS ecosystem.

Whenever a new program is included into or updated within the distribution, it

becomes immediately available through the SvarDOS reposoitory and may be

Read also: %lhistory.ama:SvarDOS history

pulled either through the SvarDOS website or SvarDOS' pkgnet tool. Already

installed systems can be easily kept up-to-date using the distribution's

%hSvarDOS origins (history from the point of view of its creator)

package manager.

Mateusz Viste says:

%hConstraints of legal nature

In the years 2005-2015 I used to perform packaging work for the FreeDOS

The FreeDOS project mimicks a proprietary operating system, with all its APIs

project. I wasn't pleased with the packaging tool that FreeDOS used back then

and peculiarities. For this reason, the project always had to be extremely

(FDPKG), so in 2012 I started working on a new package manager, with network

careful about what can and what cannot be included within the FreeDOS

support, automatic updates, etc - I named it FDNPKG. Later I also devised a

distribution. As a result, only "free software" (as in freedom, think GPL,

scripted way of generating an "always up to date" FreeDOS CD that I

BSD, and so on) can make its way into the official distribution. While such

unimaginatively called "all_cd.iso". This CD included FDNPKG and all the

cautious approach is sane and legally safe, it is far from practical for

FreeDOS packages available at the given moment.

users. Allowing exclusively free software means that a high number of useful

programs, tools and games are left behind. For example "freeware" tools (as in

I still wasn't satisfied with how FreeDOS clings to its notion of "releases"

"gratis but no source included") are a no-go. Even open-source programs can be

and that it cannot include some software because of licensing issues, so in

rejected, if they do not clearly state that they comply with an OSI-approved

2016 I decided to create my own distribution, that I called Svarog386 (there

license.

was also a Svarog86 project that I had created a couple months earlier,

dedicated to 8086 machines). Svarog386 naturally relied on the FreeDOS kernel

SvarDOS, on the other hand, is much more liberal about including packages.

and used the FDNPKG package manager.

Basically, anything that is objectively useful, of reasonable quality,

free/gratis and can be legally distributed in the form of a package, can be

Then, in 2021, I found it increasingly annoying to look after two separate

included in SvarDOS. The only exception is for the "core" system (ie. the

distributions. Over time, FDNPKG also became a huge piece of protected mode

operating system itself), which must be based exclusively on free/libre

code, and although it was magnificent code, I was no longer happy with it: too

software. Read more about %lpkgrules.ama:SvarDOS package inclusion rules%t.

many features, too much data processing, too much memory required... In a

word: too much fluff. I longed for something simpler, that would do perhaps

%hFreeDOS included!

less, but with more transparency towards the user - and something that would

work in real mode with not much RAM, so it could run even on ancient 8086

It must be noted, that altough the goals of SvarDOS and FreeDOS may be

machines.

slightly different, SvarDOS wouldn't exist without FreeDOS. Indeed, SvarDOS

uses the excellent FreeDOS kernel, as well as a few other utilities borrowed

The result of these thoughts was SvarDOS: a distribution that replaced both

from the FreeDOS ecosystem.

Svarog86 and Svarog386, and that came with its own package manager - a much

simpler (and in my opinion much more elegant) tool than FDNPKG.

Read also: %lhistory.ama:SvarDOS history

%hSvarDOS: The project's TODO list

%hSvarDOS origins (history from the point of view of its creator)

* Replace the default (FreeDOS) edit with a smaller alternative (?) that is:

Mateusz Viste says:

  - TINY (a dozen of KiBs or so)

  - relatively simple: no need for advanced text editing features, just enough

In the years 2005-2015 I used to perform packaging work for the FreeDOS

    to comfortably edit small (<64K) configuration files

project. I wasn't pleased with the packaging tool that FreeDOS used back then

  - 8086-compatible and have modest memory requirements

(FDPKG), so in 2012 I started working on a new package manager, with network

  - multi-lang (kitten library)

support, automatic updates, etc - I named it FDNPKG. Later I also devised a

  - capable of (limited) copy/pasting between two files

scripted way of generating an "always up to date" FreeDOS CD that I

unimaginatively called "all_cd.iso". This CD included FDNPKG and all the

* validate that CORE is 100%% 8086-compatible

FreeDOS packages available at the given moment.

* replace FreeCOM by SvarCOM

I still wasn't satisfied with how FreeDOS clings to its notion of "releases"

and that it cannot include some software because of licensing issues, so in

* improve installer so user can choose the target disk

2016 I decided to create my own distribution, that I called Svarog386 (there

was also a Svarog86 project that I had created a couple months earlier,

* COUNTRY settings shall be configurable by localcfg (and user should be

dedicated to 8086 machines). Svarog386 naturally relied on the FreeDOS kernel

  able to define local preferences through an easy-to-use wizard during

and used the FDNPKG package manager.

  install time)

Then, in 2021, I found it increasingly annoying to look after two separate

* out-of-the box networking support:

distributions. Over time, FDNPKG also became a huge piece of protected mode

 - requires shipping lots of packet drivers with SvarDOS... Should CRYNWR be

code, and although it was magnificent code, I was no longer happy with it: too

   part of the install set? Or only selected, most popular drivers? Or maybe

many features, too much data processing, too much memory required... In a

   this could be provided as a "supplemental" floppy disk?

word: too much fluff. I longed for something simpler, that would do perhaps

 - user should be asked for its NIC model at install time

less, but with more transparency towards the user - and something that would

 - installer could also ask for a basic DHCP / static configuration

work in real mode with not much RAM, so it could run even on ancient 8086

machines.

* add a "link" tool so users can easily create "links" to their favorite

  programs (esp. things like zip/unzip, etc). Might be something integrated

The result of these thoughts was SvarDOS: a distribution that replaced both

  within SvarCOM, or a third-party TSR.

Svarog86 and Svarog386, and that came with its own package manager - a much

simpler (and in my opinion much more elegant) tool than FDNPKG.

* install.com - MBR changes could be done by the installer itself instead of

  system()-calling fdisk

%hSvarDOS: The project's TODO list

* help - write more useful content!

* Replace the default (FreeDOS) edit with a smaller alternative (?) that is:

  - basic DOS commands (directories, copy/rename/delete files, etc)

  - TINY (a dozen of KiBs or so)

  - common configuration files (autoexec, config.sys, pkg.cfg, wattcp.cfg..)

  - relatively simple: no need for advanced text editing features, just enough

  - networking guide

    to comfortably edit small (<64K) configuration files

  - memory management basics

  - 8086-compatible and have modest memory requirements

  - ...

  - multi-lang (kitten library)

  - capable of (limited) copy/pasting between two files

* test new versions of software and update packages accordingly. special care

  must be taken for core things: kernel, freecom, fdisk, himemx...

* replace FreeCOM by SvarCOM

* add new, useful software to the SvarDOS repository (see the %lpkgrules.ama:rules%t)

* improve installer so user can choose the target disk

* further NLS support, improvements of existing translations and adding new

* COUNTRY settings shall be configurable by localcfg (and user should be

  languages -> would be nice to have some kind of web interface for submitting

  able to define local preferences through an easy-to-use wizard during

  and reviewing translations

  install time)

* all CORE packages should be NLS-aware (ie. translatable)

* out-of-the box networking support:

 - requires shipping lots of packet drivers with SvarDOS... Should CRYNWR be

* pkgnet.exe: implement the 'checkup' action for easy update checks

   part of the install set? Or only selected, most popular drivers? Or maybe

   this could be provided as a "supplemental" floppy disk?

* possibly plenty of other things

 - user should be asked for its NIC model at install time

 - installer could also ask for a basic DHCP / static configuration

                        =============================

* install.com - MBR changes could be done by the installer itself instead of

                          %hWanna help? %lcontact.ama:Get in touch!

  system()-calling fdisk

                        =============================

* help - write more useful content!

%h8086 compatibility

  - basic DOS commands (directories, copy/rename/delete files, etc)

  - common configuration files (autoexec, config.sys, pkg.cfg, wattcp.cfg..)

This page presents the 8086-compatibility status of each SvarDOS "CORE"

  - networking guide

package.

  - memory management basics

  - ...

%bPACKAGE     VERSION   EXECUTABLE BSUM  8086 ok?*   Checked on

amb        20201223      amb.com A11A     yes      2022-01-30

* test new versions of software and update packages accordingly. special care

attrib          2.1   attrib.com 2C15     yes      2022-01-30

  must be taken for core things: kernel, command.com, fdisk, himemx...

chkdsk   0.9.2 beta   chkdsk.exe E2A9     yes      2022-01-30

choice          4.4   choice.exe 8311     yes      2022-01-30

* add new, useful software to the SvarDOS repository (see the %lpkgrules.ama:rules%t)

command  0.84 pre 2  command.com E64E     yes      2022-01-30  01)

cpidos          3.0         none   -       -       2022-01-30

* further NLS support, improvements of existing translations and adding new

debug          1.25    debug.com 2E6B     yes      2022-01-31

  languages -> would be nice to have some kind of web interface for submitting

debug          1.25   debugx.com EA59     yes      2022-01-31

  and reviewing translations

deltree  1.02g.mrlg  deltree.com E20D      no      2022-01-30  02)

deltree       1.02g  deltree.com AB16     yes      2022-01-31  03)

* all user-facing CORE packages should be NLS-aware (translatable)

devload        3.25  devload.com B91B     yes      2022-01-30

diskcopy  beta 0.95 diskcopy.exe 3558     yes      2022-01-30

* possibly plenty of other things

display       0.13b  display.exe 5903     yes      2022-01-30

dosfsck       2.11c  dosfsck.exe 1CB8     yes      2022-01-30

edit           0.9a     edit.exe 8F1A     yes      2022-01-30

                        =============================

fc             3.03       fc.exe E718     yes      2022-01-30

                          %hWanna help? %lcontact.ama:Get in touch!

fdapm     2009sep11    fdapm.com A74A     yes      2022-01-30

                        =============================

fdapm     2009sep11 idledpms.com C8BD     yes      2022-01-30

fdisk         1.3.4    fdisk.exe F098      no      2022-01-30  04)

%h8086 compatibility

fdisk         1.3.4    fdisk.exe 98BF     yes      2022-01-31  05)

find       3.0a LFN     find.com A9DA     yes      2022-01-30

This page presents the 8086-compatibility status of each SvarDOS "CORE"

format        0.91v   format.exe F11E     yes      2022-01-30

package.

help       20220124         none   -       -       2022-01-30

himemx         3.34   himemx.exe C8E6     yes      2022-01-30  06)

%bPACKAGE     VERSION   EXECUTABLE BSUM  8086 ok?*   Checked on

kernel         2042      sys.com BF43     yes      2022-01-30

amb        20201223      amb.com A11A     yes      2022-01-30

kernel         2042   kernel.sys A9B2     yes      2022-01-30

attrib          2.1   attrib.com 2C15     yes      2022-01-30

keyb           2.01     keyb.exe 945C     yes      2022-01-30

chkdsk   0.9.2 beta   chkdsk.exe E2A9     yes      2022-01-30

keyb_lay        3.1         none   -       -       2022-01-30

choice          4.4   choice.exe 8311     yes      2022-01-30

label       1.4b.ea    label.exe 1F5D     yes      2022-01-30

command  0.84 pre 2  command.com E64E     yes      2022-01-30  01)

localcfg       0.90 localcfg.com E424     yes      2022-01-30

cpidos          3.0         none   -       -       2022-01-30

mem           1.11r      mem.exe 2BB8     yes      2022-01-30  07)

debug          1.25    debug.com 2E6B     yes      2022-01-31

mode     2015-11-25     mode.com BA1E     yes      2022-01-30

debug          1.25   debugx.com EA59     yes      2022-01-31

more            4.3     more.exe 729B     yes      2022-01-30

deltree  1.02g.mrlg  deltree.com E20D      no      2022-01-30  02)

move           3.3a     move.exe D3E4     yes      2022-01-30

deltree       1.02g  deltree.com AB16     yes      2022-01-31  03)

pkg        20210212      pkg.exe 9FAB     yes      2022-01-30

devload        3.25  devload.com B91B     yes      2022-01-30

pkgnet     20220119   pkgnet.exe 3D2F     yes      2022-01-30

diskcopy  beta 0.95 diskcopy.exe 3558     yes      2022-01-30

shsucdx        3.05  shcdx86.com 0A74     yes      2022-01-30

display       0.13b  display.exe 5903     yes      2022-01-30

shsucdx        3.05  shsucdx.com E5A5     yes      2022-01-30  08)

dosfsck       2.11c  dosfsck.exe 1CB8     yes      2022-01-30

sort          1.5.1     sort.exe 21C2     yes      2022-01-30

edit           0.9a     edit.exe 8F1A     yes      2022-01-30

tree          3.7.2     tree.com 2370     yes      2022-01-30

fc             3.03       fc.exe E718     yes      2022-01-30

(pcntpk)      03.10   pcntpk.com 38C7     yes      2022-01-30

fdapm     2009sep11    fdapm.com A74A     yes      2022-01-30

(udvd2)   30-Apr-13    udvd2.sys D3AB     yes      2022-01-30  09)

fdapm     2009sep11 idledpms.com C8BD     yes      2022-01-30

fdisk         1.3.4    fdisk.exe F098      no      2022-01-30  04)

* Executable does its normal job or exits gracefully with a hint.

fdisk         1.3.4    fdisk.exe 98BF     yes      2022-01-31  05)

find       3.0a LFN     find.com A9DA     yes      2022-01-30

Notes:

format        0.91v   format.exe F11E     yes      2022-01-30

01) also has localized versions from cmd-de.com (German) to cmd-tr.com

help       20220124         none   -       -       2022-01-30

    (Turkish)

himemx         3.34   himemx.exe C8E6     yes      2022-01-30  06)

02) pce-ibmpc: undefined operation [C1 04] -> uncompressing with UPX

kernel         2042      sys.com BF43     yes      2022-01-30

    made it work

kernel         2042   kernel.sys A9B2     yes      2022-01-30

03) replaced BSUM E20D file; used UPX --8086 option

keyb           2.01     keyb.exe 945C     yes      2022-01-30

04) pce-ibmpc: undefined operation [C1 e1] -> needed a full rebuild

keyb_lay        3.1         none   -       -       2022-01-30

05) replaced BSUM F098 file; no -1 option for TC++; used UPX --8086 option

label       1.4b.ea    label.exe 1F5D     yes      2022-01-30

06) exits with "At least a 80386 is required."

localcfg       0.90 localcfg.com E424     yes      2022-01-30

07) under pce-ibmpc reports 1,024K of conventional memory, but 0K free

mem           1.11r      mem.exe 2BB8     yes      2022-01-30  07)

08) exits with "Must have at least a 386."

mode     2015-11-25     mode.com BA1E     yes      2022-01-30

09) exits with "No 386+ CPU; UDVD2 not loaded!"

more            4.3     more.exe 729B     yes      2022-01-30

move           3.3a     move.exe D3E4     yes      2022-01-30

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

pkg        20210212      pkg.exe 9FAB     yes      2022-01-30

Article by Robert Riebisch

pkgnet     20220119   pkgnet.exe 3D2F     yes      2022-01-30

SVARDOS HELP SYSTEM ver 20220201

shsucdx        3.05  shcdx86.com 0A74     yes      2022-01-30

shsucdx        3.05  shsucdx.com E5A5     yes      2022-01-30  08)

sort          1.5.1     sort.exe 21C2     yes      2022-01-30

tree          3.7.2     tree.com 2370     yes      2022-01-30

(pcntpk)      03.10   pcntpk.com 38C7     yes      2022-01-30

(udvd2)   30-Apr-13    udvd2.sys D3AB     yes      2022-01-30  09)

* Executable does its normal job or exits gracefully with a hint.

Notes:

01) also has localized versions from cmd-de.com (German) to cmd-tr.com

    (Turkish)

02) pce-ibmpc: undefined operation [C1 04] -> uncompressing with UPX

    made it work

03) replaced BSUM E20D file; used UPX --8086 option

04) pce-ibmpc: undefined operation [C1 e1] -> needed a full rebuild

05) replaced BSUM F098 file; no -1 option for TC++; used UPX --8086 option

06) exits with "At least a 80386 is required."

07) under pce-ibmpc reports 1,024K of conventional memory, but 0K free

08) exits with "Must have at least a 386."

09) exits with "No 386+ CPU; UDVD2 not loaded!"

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Article by Robert Riebisch

SVARDOS HELP SYSTEM ver 20220202