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Subj:  HELP Stand Alone problems             90-09-20 19:53:57 EST
From:  Spang
Posted on: America Online

The program that I wrote in ZBaisc will work as a stand alone program when I launch it form GS/OS but not when I boot.  Prodos keeps saying that there is non system file available.  The program is an Apple Application.  What do I ned to do.  Zedco was no help at all!!!

Path: BASIC/ZBASIC & PRODOS

Subj:  Hmmmm....                             90-09-21 22:03:50 EST
From:  Airship
Posted on: America Online

How are you trying to launch it? When I set up a stand-alone ZBasic program I usually set up an auto-boot BASIC disk containing Prodos, Basic.System, the ZBasic run-time files, and my program(s). I can then boot the disk (which will launch into AppleSoft) and launch what-ever program I want by typing "-filename". If it's a program I use a lot (like Tonight's Sky or Comet Finder) I set up the program on it's own disk. In this case the disk contains Prodos, the ZBasic run-time files, and the program with the filename ending in ".System" (i.e. "Comet.System").

I hope this helps.

Have fun!

John

Path: BASIC/ZBASIC & PRODOS

Subj:  ProDOS v1.9                           90-09-21 23:08:52 EST
From:  Eight bits
Posted on: America Online

   When ProDOS-8 boots, it tries to launch the first file in the volume directory which is of type SYS ($FF) and which has a name which ends with .SYSTEM. If there is not such a file, ProDOS versions through v1.8 will give the error message you saw. But if you use the new ProDOS v1.9 (available here) on your boot disk, you shouldn't get that error message. You'll instead be placed into Apple's nice new "selector" which should give you the option of launching your program or any other program of type SYS. The new selector is also much friendlier when your program quits.
   But to have your program run automatically on boot with any version of ProDOS, just rename it to end with .SYSTEM as John suggested, and make sure it is the first such file in the volume directory.

Jerry


Path: BASIC/ZBASIC & PRODOS

Subj:  Stand alones                          90-09-23 22:03:23 EST
From:  GRMORRISON
Posted on: America Online

Here is my strategy for stand alones.

First I create a ZBASIC file I call starter that has a splash screen to identify the program--something very short.  It clears the screen and the runs the main program.  Create this file with RUN* and name the file .SYSTEM like COMET.SYSTEM.

Second, you will need the following files on your disk--ProDOS and the three ZBASIC run time libraries--skip BASIC.SYSTEM it is not needed.

Also, if I am hurting for disk space, I often put a routine in the starter program that tells the user to flip the disk over.  When I have verified they have flipped the disk or my main program is available, I run it.  That way, you can put ProDOS, the libraries, and your start up on one side and save room for all the files on the flip.

Gary