Software Configuration - Epson PX-8 User Manual

1.3 Software Configuration
1.3.1 Operating systems
The operating system of the PX-S is an extended version of CP
1M
which is
one of the most popular operating systems for small business computers and
personal computers. CP
1M
is an abbreviation for Control Program for
Microprocessors. This operating system was developed by Digital Research and
is a very popular operating system on microcomputers because programs deve-
loped under CP
1M
can be used with minimum modification on any computer
using the CP
1M
operating system. This makes a vast library of application pro-
grams for this system instantly available commercially, whereas with a new oper-
ating system they would have to be written specifically for the operating system.
EPSON has added a variety of useful functions to CP
1M
version 2.2 in de-
veloping the PX-S operating system. Further details of the use of CP
1M
on
the PX-S are given in Chapter 3.
1.3.2 Utilities
The PX-S has the ability to use programs loaded from the built in microcas-
sette tape or from floppy disk (using the optional disk unit), but it has a more
powerful facility to use programs which reside in ROMs which can be plugged
into the sockets underneath the computer. This is a more convenient method
of storing programs than either tape or disk, since the programs are available
almost immediately, whereas with disk and tape it can take a noticeable time
to load them into memory.
• BASIC
The PX-S is equipped with a powerful BASIC interpreter which is an extended
version of Microsoft BASIC which is a language widely used for personal com-
puters. Programs can be written by the user and are also available commercial-
ly. There are also listings of such programs printed in books and magazines
which can either be typed in and run directly, or will require a minimum of
modification. Extra commands have been added to cater for the added features
of the PX-S.
For details of BASIC, refer to the BASIC Reference Manual.
1-10
• Portable W ordStar™
The word processor WordStar™ is one of the most popular wordprocessing
programs available on microcomputers. Portable WordStar™ is an enhanced
version of the Micropro WordStar™ which been specially modified to take ac-
count of the features of the PX-S. Whereas the PX-S can be used directly as
a wordprocessor with the WordStar ROM installed, the files can be transferred
to other computers using the built in communications port of the PX-S. This
means that the PX-S can retain its portability where necessary and another com-
puter used for the main processing.
• Portable Calc™
Apart from use as wordprocessors, the other main impact on the business world
made by microcomputers has been in the area of electronic spreadsheet pro-
grams. The Portable Calc™ program is a ROM based program in this category.
• Portable SchedulerTM
Because of the built in clock facility of the PX-S, the computer is ideal for keep-
ing a diary. The Portable Scheduler™ is a program which keeps a diary which
not only allows a record of the users appointments to be kept, but also enables
the time to be signalled using the ALARM function of the PX-S.
These utility programs are available as optional ROM capsules. For details of
their use refer to the reference manual for each utility program. They represent
a small proportion of the software available. Please consult your dealer for the
particular application you require.
1-11