DISK FORMAT TRANSLATION SERVICE & CP/M-MSDOS USERS LIBRARY **************************************************************************** 138 Holtye Rd, East Grinstead, Sussex RH19 3EA (0342) 313883 DISK FORMAT TRANSLATION: Computer manufacturers have chosen in most cases to set their own 'standard' for disk formats. So mostly we have a situation where different makes of computer cannot read each others disks. There are many variable factors such as -: number of tracks, number of sectors per track, how many bytes per sector, the number of directory entries, number of reserved tracks and so on. Apart from these there are the physical variations possible - 3",3.5",8" single or double sided etc. These factors give an enormous number of possible formats. Our disk format translation service allows data and programs on one type of format to be transferred to a disk with a different format. For example, if you had some files on Superbrain disks we could transfer them to Apricot, Apple, Osborne, IBMPC or whichever format you require. HOW IT WORKS: Send us the disk containing the files to be translated plus another blank disk formatted on the destination machine. This second disk should also contain some files that we can use to test the format is correct, (this is only needed on the first disk, and not needed at all for non-CP/M disks). Something like PIP and a BIG text file (a file produced by a word processor or editor etc.) of about 30k will be fine. These files will help us check that we have the right format for your machine, as there are sometimes several format types for the same make of machine. With the disks send in a print out or a written note of the results obtained by typing the command STAT DSK: on each of the machines. (*Note: If your system does not have the STAT command then supply whatever details of the format you have, eg capacity of disk, smallest file size, allowed directory entries etc). For example, if you had a program on an Osborne disk which you wish to transfer to Superbrain, send us a backup copy of your Osborne disk together with a disk formatted on the Superbrain with a couple of files as described above. We will transfer the Osborne disk files to the Superbrain disk and return both disks to you. If you cannot for some reason obtain a disk from the second machine we can supply a disk in that format but there could be a chance of format mismatch. NOTE: Although the transfered programs may now be read by the second machine, sometimes they may not run properly as some programs have to be set up for the particular machine they are to run on. For this reason it is recommended that when sending program disks for translation make sure you get all of the files including any install program that goes with it. If possible take a copy of your original program distribution disk. If your program needs setting up for your new machine we can usually help or advise on this. A few of the formats we can copy between are:- ACS, ACORN BBC/CPM, ACULAB, APPLE CP/M+DOS 3.3, AMSTRAD 5" & 3", AMPRO, APRICOT, ADLER, ALMARC, ARACOM, AARDVARK, ALTOS, BBC(BASIC), BONDWELL, BT MERLIN, CROMENCO, CCS, CIRTON, CORTEX, CTOS, COLAX, COUNTRY, DATAVUE, DEC, DMS- FOX, DIGICO, EAGLE, ELECTROTECH, EASI-PRINT, EPSON, ELMER, EQUINOX, EXIDY SORCERER, FUTURE, ORION, GEMINI, GRUNDY, HP125, HP150, IBM(MSDOS & CPM), ICTHA, IOTECH IONA, IMS, IDS, ICL, ITT, LSI, LOGICA, KAYPRO, KAYCOMP, MILLBANK, MICROWORLD/MICROBEE, MOLECULAR, MORROW, MEMOTECH, MEMORY, MIMI, MICRONIX, NASCOM, NCR, NEC, NEWBRAIN, OLIVETTI, ORION, OSBORNE, PANTHER, PCML, PHILLIPS, PLESSEY, PRODIGY, PORTICO, PIPER, PERCOM, QUANTUM, RADE, RAIR BLACK BOX, RML, SAGE, SC-84, SHELTON, SUPERBRAIN, SORD, SANYO, SHARP, SCREENTYPER, SPECTRAVIDEO, TATUNG, TANDY, TELEVIDIO, TORCH, TIGER, TRS80, TI, TUSCAN, TRANSTECH, VTS ,WANG, WESTREX, WREN, XEROX, ZITA, ZORBA, ZEN, ZENITH NOTE: Many of the above makers have a variety of different formats in various disk sizes- 8",5.25",3.5" & 3" in most cases we are able to handle any of them. We are also able to transfer between IBM MSDOS/PCDOS and CP/M formats. There are a few formats we cannot currently handle. The ones we know about are:- COMMODORE, CIPHER, SIRIUS and ANY HARD SECTORED FORMAT. If you don't see the format you want please write or phone as we are adding new formats all the time. HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE ?: Normally disks will be posted back on the same day received. In cases of particular urgency please phone as we can sometimes provide a while you wait service for callers. When sending in disks please send verified good backups if possible, not your originals in case of mishaps in the post etc. Please label each disk clearly and make sure you have supplied enough destination disks. (NOTE for APPLE users please do not send Hard Sector or 'flippy' type media.) Cheques and PO's should be crossed and made payable to SPECTRONICS. IMPORTANT NOTES 1) Please check the copyright restrictions on your software as the above service is offered only on the basis that we can accept no responsibility for breaches of copyright occuring. 3) Disks sent in for translation should not contain files in subdirectories or user areas other than 0. 4) Disks for format translation and user library volumes are usually returned by normal post at the owners risk. If you wish your disks to be returned by registered post please add #1.50 to the charges or 40p for recorded delivery. CHARGES: #7.00 PER DISK INCLUSIVE (discounts available for quantity orders). Media if required 5.25" and 8" #2.00. **If you have some problem about disk formats or need to know more please give me a ring Rod Smith.