[arachne] Re: Arachne Compatible DOS Software

Arachne at FreeLists---The Arachne Fan Club!

Well, Wiz ...

Although I would argue that Windows 9x is technically a DOS program, I'll
avoid the deluge of hate mail by acknowledging that you are technically
correct. However, you are writing about what Arachne IS and how it is
currently used. I'm envisioning other uses (integrated DBMS functions,
among other things) that will develop. "If you build it, they will come".

Perhaps I should have used the term "Arachne-optimized" and then defined
that as a program which appears to operate from WITHIN Arachne, as
opposed to obviously only via a DOS shell.

From my (relatively limited) observations, it seems to me that the switch
from Arachne to the other DOS program (i.e., shelling out to DOS)
sometimes has a few visual burps and flickers. (Maybe it's me that is
burping and flickering, but it doesn't seem like a perfectly smooth
transition). I suspect that this is probably due more to how the other
program is operating than to a defect in Arachne, but it's still a minor
irritation.

Most of all, I was implying that a DOS freeware author might offer to
rework the code - perhaps with several variations to maximize the program
operation - so that it (not Arachne) was perfectly integrated for optimal
performance (from within Arachne). Ideally, that program would be under
GPL also.

(Gawd ... I feel like I'm trying to write a prenuptial agreement ...
taking care that every word is fully defined and completely appropriate
for the desired effect).

For example, try running a command-line program from within Arachne. Most
of the time the DOS program writes to the screen (although sometimes to a
file). A better option (in some circumstances) would be for an
Arachne-optimized command-line program to write to a variable, which
Arachne could then process and display however the user desired. I could,
for example, jury-rig a command-line database to write (update) an .AH
page and use a redirect to re-display the page (with the updated
information), but that's a real hassle. Better to slightly modify the
original DOS program so that it works perfectly from within Arachne (yes,
via the shell).

BUT ...

... don't miss the other point I raised, which I think is MUCH more
important.

Why use anything other than freeware for anything the group does, when
the desire is to develop a GPL version and then offer that to the masses.
Michal already raise the issue of mixing non-GPL code in a GPL version.
We should take that to the extreme, even to the point of using programs
that 'accompany' Arachne (i.e., the programs we choose when the group
does Arachne-related tasks - like the 2DO list).

We should look far and wide for freeware that can go with Arachne and
then work with the author to get either the source code released (the
best option) or at least make sure there is a distribution agreement for
the software. Most have that, but not all do. For example, many shareware
programs CANNOT be distributed on a CD - even if it's for the buddy next
door. That's not the ideal arrangement.

The question is not one of "bundling software" - whether on a CD or from
within a web site. The question always asked is "How can I make Arachne
work with (this or that) program"? As much as possible, we should work
toward the goal of having our favorite companion programs and having some
resident expertise on how to best maximize those programs for use from
within Arachne. (It seems to me that this should be the basic purpose of
the email list - Polynesian navigation aside)

It would simply be best if it was standard practice for the group to
identify, obtain, and become familiar with freely-shared public domain
software. That way, we're never without a valid, legal option.

(Is this the place where I ask about which compiler to use in developing
Arachne GPL?).

Again, I'm not talking about increasing the size of the distribution
file. I'm talking about developing a mentality and methodology focused
solely upon 100-percent, absolutely free, public domain software ...
ideally with the source code included.



Bob ~


On Sun, 21 Dec 2003 21:58:50 -0600 "Glenn Gilbreath Jr."
<wizard57m@xxxxxxxxxxxx> writes:
> Arachne at FreeLists---The Arachne Fan Club!
> 
> Say, I've got a question...what do you mean by
> "Arachne compatible"?  The last time I checked, Arachne will work
> with virtually ANYTHING DOS.  File management, simple email list
> keeping software, editors, HTML Editors, NetMail DOS 2.12, GetNews
> and PostNews, as well as Trumpet Newsreader for DOS.  I don't know
> of anything, in the way of DOS software, which needs to be rewritten
> at the code level to work with Arachne.  I think many people are 
> getting
> confused as to exactly WHAT Arachne is.  Arachne is really nothing 
> more
> than a DOS BATCH program which ties together other pieces of 
> software
> into a workable Internet Suite for DOS.  By creating simple BATCH 
> programs with the extension OOK instead of BAT, and placing them 
> into
> the \ARACHNE\OOPS subdirectory, then a simple edit of WWWMAN.CFG to 
> add the new OOK file and a desired icon to the list of "Your
> Applications", and "Arachne" can basically perform anything.  When 
> it
> runs an external program via BATCH file, or OOK in this case, it 
> shells
> to DOS, leaving only a stub of itself in conventional memory.
> There may be a few memory hungry DOS games that will refuse to run 
> in
> this fashion, I don't know.  I don't use Arachne as my "desktop 
> manager"
> since I prefer Magic Desk.
> Let's don't jump overboard here.  Keep the Arachne distribution file
> simple...just include a few explanatory TXT files to illustrate how 
> to
> add other applications to be launched from Arachne.
> By the way, the user can also define the Function Keys (F1, F2, 
> etc.) to
> launch one of those BATCH files if desired.  There is no real need 
> to
> increase the amount of code in the primary Arachne executable 
> (CORE.EXE)
> But, again, this is only my opinion...that and 75 cents might get me 
> a
> cup of coffee at the local Sonic Drive-In!
> C U L8R!
> Wiz  <{;-)
> Wizard57M
> Glenn Gilbreath Jr.
> http://members.surfbest.net/wizard57m@xxxxxxxxxxxx/index.htm
>  -- A Proud User of Arachne for DOS Version 1.73, UE 01! --
> -- DOS Internet, Close Windows and Keep the Internet Open! --
> 
> Arachne at FreeLists
> -- Arachne, The Web Browser/Suite for DOS and Linux --
> 
> 
> 

Arachne at FreeLists
-- Arachne, The Web Browser/Suite for DOS and Linux --

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