Using Utilities And Application Program With Cp/M - Epson PX-8 User Manual

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3.8 Using Utilities and Application Program with CP
1M
Computers are normally used to run applications programs, for example to write
text using a word processor. These programs are loaded from the disk into the
memory of the computer when they are needed. For this reason they are often
called transient commands to contrast them with the built-in commands. Such
programs are given the file extension .COM meaning a command type of file.
They are executed by typing the name of the file without the extension as if
they were a command. For example to use the file TERM. COM which is a pro-
gram to use the PX-8 as a terminal, you would simply type the word TERM
after the CP 1M prompt.
3.8.1 Utilities
The PX-8 is provided with a ROM which contains a number of programs which
are used for common day to day management of the computer, for example
transfering files and changing parameters. They perform the following functions:
PIP is a program for copying files.
STAT is a program to determine the status of the disks and perform general
housekeeping functions.
SUBMIT is used to process a sequence of commands.
XSUB is used to allow input from the keyboard with SUBMIT.
CONFIG is used to change system parameters which are not changed often.
TERM is a program to allow the use of the PX-8 as a terminal.
FlUNK is used to transfer files between the PX-8 and other computers.
These programs are discussed in detail in the following pages.
Other programs are often provided with CP 1M. These are discussed in section
3.10. Please consult your dealer for further information.
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3.8.2 Application programs
You will also use programs such as Portable WordStar™ and Portable Calc™.
They will have instruction manuals which will give you details of how to use
them. Whatever media they are provided on, ROM, Microcassette tape or floppy
disk, they will have a file in the directory which is a .COM file to run them.
They are executed in the same manner as the utility programs. They are tran-
sient commands of a different kind.
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