X-SYSTEM V2.0+ (c)TLOTB 1996,97,98 -Legal Stuff. Xsystem is property of TLOTB, TLOTB means The Lords of the bits. All trademarks are copyright by their own respective owners. We don't get any responsability for the use or missuse of this code, damages, system failures,Fat disasters,etc... but if you get one prize with the lotery... sure this is for our code. All the code is written by: Astharoth Aka: Victor Jurado and Cranky Aka: Pedro Gimeno. -What is XSYSTEM? Xsystem is a powerful programming library to get all the power of the machine without more complexity. All are coded in 100% fast 32bits assembly code for speed and size, and have new technologies over other DOS based libraries. -Why i have a file called XSYSTEM.CFG? The Xsystem isn't only a collection of routines, Xsystem have a library initializer , when you run one program coded using Xsystem, the Xsystem will identificate each Hardware needed on you PC and try to do all the things in the best way (the faster). In some cases the system will not get the best results, in that case i encourage you to use the XSYSTEM.EXE program to get more speed or simply to correct some possible incompatibility with your hardware (EX: some svga's Cirrus Logic doesn't support linear frame buffer, and is possible what Xsystem try to do it). -Using the XSYSTEM.EXE tool: Well, this is a brief description to every option included in this tool... is possible what you don't understand all as well, but i don't want tell you a programming class ;) VGS options: This is related to the Video Graphics System built in the Xsystem. *Wait for vertical Blanking: when this option is set to yes, the VGS get the syncro with the monitor (you gets animations more smooth) but try it only if you have a faster PC or you have any problem or interference in the screen during the application. *Use Linear Frame Buffer: when this option is yes, the VGS try to initialize the graphics mode as linear buffer (not a window), in that case the system will get access to all the video memory for use (and increase the speed of the graphics output). Some video cards such as some models of Cirrus Logic, can't enable Linear Frame Buffer if the PC have more of 14Mb of RAM memory installed. This is the reason i gave you this option, if the aplication doesn't run try do set this to NO. *Use Video Memory: if yes, the system try to use the video memory to store the virtual screen. The default is yes, but if you have a graphics card without any type of Hardware Acceleration, is more possible what turn this to no,you'll get more speed on graphics. AGD options: this is related to Advanced Graphical Device built in on VGS. *Use Hardware Acceleration: the default is yes, only change this if you encounter any problem in the application (the image appears buggy,etc) This is supported because some cards doesn't support Hardware BITBLT or Start Address, Hardware Clipping,etc in some modes. Ex: my ViRGE /DX doesn't support Hardware BITBLT in 320x??? modes with 256 colours as well (the colour palette is bugged). That's is a big problem, cos the manufacturers doesn't publish any information about their graphics chips. In the case of S3 Incorporated, this is a terrible way. All the cards supported by me, are supported before mostly hours doing experiments with some video cards. If your card doesn't support this, don't blame me! just give me your card and if possible to do, in the new version sure i support it. *Support Low resolution modes: in many cases the cards doesn't support modes such as 320x240, 320x400,etc.. we have implemented it inside the system with other new modes developed by us, like a Amiga resolution clone 320x256 ;) but, is possible what this modes can't run in some cards. If you set this to no, the system deactive this modes, and will try to use some standart mode for graphics output. VSO options: this is relate to Virtual Sound System. *Use SB instead AWE device: the default is NO, but the AWE player (in native mode using the EMU8000 chip) is under development, if you have an AWE32 or 64 and the music or fx sounds crappy or doesn't sound, set this to YES, and the VSO will use a SB16 compatible player for your AWE card (minus quality but sounds). Other reason for set this to YES, is if you AWE doesn't have any RAM to store the samples. *Disable Sound: this is the last chance to run a program coded using Xsystem if your sound card isn't compatible with Sound Blaster or Gravis Ultrasound Set this to YES clears any sound produced by the program (you don't get any music or fx, but you can see the program). !!!!!NOT FINISHED, DEVELOPMENT STOPPED, MOVED TO WINDOWS ARGH!!!!!!!!!!!!