
FutureOS FAQ - Version: 2023.05.15
============ - ===================


General hint: FutureOS does buffer directory data to be quicker.
------------- This means that you must read the directory again after you swap discs.
              Please do this by clicking at the DIR icon or 
              select 'Files' then 'Read DIRs' in CBM based applications.


Installation of FutureOS
------------------------
QQQ: How do I get FutureOS?
TFM: Just download it here (http://www.FutureOS.de).
     Or get the personalized version (email TFM at futuresoft@gmx.de).

QQQ: Do I buy FutureOS as ROMs or Software?
TFM: It's free of charge. The installer is on a disc. 
     It will install FutureOS to any Flash-ROM expansions, Symbifaces and the M4 expansion.
     In addition TFM can sell you EPROMs. They contain your personalized version of FutureOS and its application ROMs.

QQQ: Which is the suggested Hardware configuration to install FutureOS?
TFM: At least you need 64 KB space in an X-MEM, SYMBiFACE II/III, MegaFlash, Flash Gordon, EPROM-card, M4 or ROM-RAM-Box. 
     128 KB RAM are a prerequisite. Further more every KB of expansion-RAM is welcome. The more, the better.
SID: You just need a ramcard or a romcard to install the four FutureOS ROMs.

QQQ: Can I use FutureOS with CPC464 or CPC664 too?
TFM: Yes, but only when using Revaldino's RAM-expansion, because only this one has a 6128 compatible implementation 
     of RAM Mode &C3.

QQQ: FutureOS beeps when I switch the computer on. Can the 'beep' be omitted?
TFM: Yes, use 'ROManager' or any other ROM editor and alter ROM A. (ROM A contains byte &0A at address &C001)
     You need to alter Byte &07 into &00 at address &FDE4 in ROM A (usually located at ROM select &0A = 10)
     If you want the 'Beep' back then just change this ROM A address back to value &07.



Installation on the M4 expansion / M4 specific issues
-----------------------------------------------------
QQQ: On my M4 card I get an error when installing FutureOS. What's the matter?
TFM: Please update the firmware of the M4 board to 'M4FIRM_v207.zip' or higher.

QQQ: On my M4 card on my 6128plus the OS does crash after its installation. What can I do?
TFM: Please update the M4 firmware to the 2.0.7 version ('M4FIRM_v207.zip') or higher.

QQQ: Can we install FutureOS directly from the SD card of the M4?
TFM: Yes, but you need to update the firmware to the recent version 2.0.7.
     On 6128plus you can use a CPR in addition.

PDT: The M4 clock doesn't work with FutureOS. How can I fix it?
TFM: Please use the Installer from the original FutureOS installation disc.
     The Installer will recognize the ROM number of the M4 card's ROM and set the M4 RTC as active.

QQQ: When I use the command |WIFI,0 and then start FutureOS it hangs. What's going on?
TFM: Yes, this can happen due to the access to the M4 RTC.
     Don't use the command |WIFI,0 if there are problems.

QQQ: I changed the ROM number of the M4 ROM and now FutureOS doesn't work any longer.
TFM: You need to reinstall the OS after you changed the M4 ROM number.

QQQ: Can the SD card of the M4 expansion be used under FutureOS for mass storage?
TFM: Yes, just install the 'M4 XROM' to your setup.
     In the Desktop then press H or click at the Mass storage icon / IDE icon.


ROMs, EPROMs, ROM-Numbers
-------------------------
QQQ: Which ROM numbers can I use for FutureOS?
TFM: You can use all numbers from 0 to 255. Only ROM A must have a ROM number between 0 and 16 (32).
     You can tell the Installer your preferred ROM numbers. It will adapt the OS ROMs.
     A special case is FutureOS ROM A on ROM select 0. In this case the OS will start automatically.

QQQ: Does FutureOS need a particular lower ROM or BASIC ROM?
TFM: No it need no other ROM(s) and no other software. It contains all it needs.
     However, there is a 'Lower_OS' ROM which performs an FutureOS Autostart.
     In this ROM you can put your own character set between &3800 and &3FFF if you want.

QQQ: Well, I did burn EPROMs, but they don't work. What's wrong?
TFM: The ROM numbers seem to be wrong. FutureOS ROM numbers are hard coded to make to OS more quick.
     Use the installer disc (Option 2) to adapt the ROM numbers of the ROMs on your installation disc.
     Also, when transferring ROM files to burn them on a PC please get rid of the file header :-)
     ROM files are always exactly 16 KB in size, if they are 16,1 KB then remove the first 128 bytes (header)


General things about FutureOS
-----------------------------
QQQ: Is it possible to switch form hexadezimal numbers to dezimal numbers?
TFM: Yes, you can pick dezimal/hexadezimal using the 'Config OS' utility.
     If you have a personal version, then the numbers system can be preselected.

QQQ: Which are the benefits of FutureOS?
TFM: Some benefits are: Completely new developped OS in Z80 code. Maximum performance was the main target of the project.
     As well as the support of all(most) expansion hardware, to deal with very long files (up to 16 MB).
     Furthermore applications / programs can be up to 4 MB. A GUI with efficient handling, also using hot-keys.
     Very quick, memory management up to 4 MB. OS uses few as possible RAM (only 2 KB of the main RAM).
     And you can use the CBM framework source to develop your own applications pretty easy.
SID: Ok, FutureOS is completely newly designed, it means this OS exploits all the capacities of your CPC.
     When you 'll install it on your CPC, you will see all the benefits. 
     It means: really more rapid than any other OS under CPC, almost intuitive OS when you read the DOC, 
     usual updates, really open.

QQQ: Why should I shift to this new OS?
TFM: Well, it's free ;-) You can run programs or write applications which are unthinkable using the native OS or CP/M.

QQQ: Tell me more about FutureOS benchmark results. (hard disk store, CRT output speed ets..)
SID: For the speed it's better to do the tests yourself. You'll see how amazing it is ;-)
TFM: Please refer to the added document in this archive. Detailed tests were made. Currently nothing is faster on CPC.


Hardware support
----------------
QQQ: Does FutureOS support the Amstrad Hardware (Expansions, disc drives, joysticks, mices, RS232, etc.)?
TFM: Yes, it supports as much as possible hardware. Regualar updates will try to support all new expansions in future.
SID: As I said higher, FutureOS is usual updated. New drivers are installed. 
     If you see the description, you will see that FutureOS manages a lot of expansions. 
     The great strength of FutureOS, is that it recognizes all expansions without the user see anything.

QQQ: Does FutureOS support other hard disks instead of Dobbertin Hard Disk?
TFM: No, not at the moment only the HD20 hard-disc is supported. Because it was the most sold hard-disc for the CPC. 
     Soon, normal IDE-drives (with FAT32 file-system) will be supported. 
     The CPC-IDE interface is running well, only the software need a little bit more time to be finished.

QQQ: Where can I buy A Dobbertin HD20 Hard disk?
TFM: Well, see Ebay, or try to get one from Dobbertin himself.

QQQ: Can one regenerate/reconstruct Dobbertin HD20?
TFM: Like I know there was a "construct it yourself" kit available, but it's expansive. Well, would be great!

QQQ: Which sound cards are supported by FutureOS?
TFM: There is support for all the LambdaSpeak cards, especially LS3 and LSFS (including MP3 Player and RTC).
     Furthermore there is support for the PlayCity (CPC-AY) expansion too.

QQQ: Can this OS speak to the user?
TFM: Yes,it supports the LambdaSpeak series of modern and efficient speech synthesizers.


Software support / Support Software
-----------------------------------
QQQ: The AMSDOS programms have to be adapted to run in FutureOS? What does this mean ? What about CPM programs ?
TFM: In principle it is possible to adapt programs, but it would be more efficient to write applications new. 
     This way, they can use the special features of the new OS.
PDT: Well, I think it's very hard to adapt an amsdos/cpm program to an OS like FutureOS or even SymbOS. 
     The environment is too different and normally you have new possibilities, that it makes more sense, 
     to rewrite the whole application.

QQQ: I also want to run the original AMSDOS/CPM oriented codes on my old amstrad. Should I buy a new one to install FutureOS?
TFM: No problem. Just switch between the OS like you want. Simply use the RSX command |OS to call FutureOS. 
     Or use |FDESK to call FutureOS transiently with intact Basic after ENDing the OS (first 48 KB are saved, not the screen).
SID: What does it mean buy? Because everything concerning FutureOS is free. And all the codes are open sources. 
     If you have the source of such codes, it's easy to adapt them to FutureOS.

QQQ: Tell me more about the current FutureOS oriented software. Future releases or updates?
SID: Some softwares will see the sun ;-). But It needs time, so be patient, you will see (I hope this year) 
     some new softwares for FutureOS ;-)
TFM: Today, we have games, applications, demos and a bit more. Would be great to see others to develop for it too :-)


Printers
--------
QQQ: Does FutureOS support "modern" printers by offering dedicated drivers? If so, which? 
TFM: There is generic support for 7 bit mode and 8 bit mode (PIO patch for CPC, CRTC register usage for the 6128Plus).
     This way you can print DIRectories or files f.e.
     There are no dedicated drivers, because nobody ever wanted one (I offered support, but people are print-lazy is seems).
     Furthermore there are now hundreds of Centronics printers, 
     so it's probably the best to make a driver for printers only if at least one person is using them.


Files / DIRectories
-------------------
QQQ: Well, I tagged two drives, but I only see the directory of the first drive. How can I see the other one?
TFM: Please use the mouse wheel or the keys SHIFT (up) and CONTROL (down) to browse through the directories.

QQQ: To copy a file I tagged the source drive, tagged the file. 
     But when I try to copy it I get the error message "Please select medium".
TFM: To copy files you need first to tag both, the source and the target drive.
     FutureOS buffers directories in RAM to be way more quick and to minimize floppy disc head movement.
     Threrfore the directories of the source disc and target disc need to be read at first.

QQQ: Can I deal or create files larger than the Z80-64k block using FutureOS?
TFM: Yes, you can work with files up to 16 MB (24 Bit File-Lenght). And you can directly start programs up to 4 MB.
PDT: Yes, FutureOS can load and handle files with more than 64K! 
     So you can load a 512K file completely in one piece into your Ram expansion.

Q: How to display some ASCII files with the FutureOS interface?
A: Please perform the following steps:
   1. Put a disc (with the ASCII file) in the normal 3" A-drive (or B-drive)
   2. Activate / click at the A-icon (or B-icon)
   3. Click once at the DIR-Icon (or press hotkey "d" for DIRectory)
   4. Move mouse-pointer over the file (which should be shown)
   5. Tag the file with Fire or Copy (after tagging the file is shown underlined)
   6. Click at the TYPE-icon (or press hotkey "v" to view the file)
   7. Now press "1" (here a file-header could be shown, but a text-file has normally none)
   8. Press space (the file header disappears and the next menue is shown)
   9. Press "1" again to show the file (80 columns, 25 lines) or pick another display format
      You can use the arrow-keys or a joystick to scroll up and down. Press COPY to end.

QQQ: Disk file header remover (Wanted). How to do it?
     I have tried to find it in FutureOS but gave up.
TFM: Let's assume you got a 17 KB file on your disc, f.e. a 17 KB ROM file.
     This file has an header. And you want to get rid of the file header.
     Now we remove the header the following way...
     - Put in your disc with that file and show the DIRectory
     - Mark / tag the file you want to free from its header
     - Press "L" for LOAD or click at the LOAD icon
       - Press option "1" to load the file to RAM address &0000
     - Now click at the SAVE icon or press "S"
       - Press option "3" to save from first 64 KB
       - Enter the name of your new 16 KB header-less ROM
       - As source address enter &0000
       - As source RAM enter &C0 (here you can enter &00 too)
       - Finally enter &0010 as file-length in KB
     That's it the new file is save to disc without header!

QQQ: And how to run a simple file?
TFM: To run a file you follow few steps:
     - First activate the drive (click at A for example)
     - In case autodir is off: Read the DIRectory (click at the DIR icon).
     - Click at the application which should be started
       (use Shift and Control to browse up and down different DIRectories)
     - Click at the RUN icon, now the first tagged file will be loaded into RAM and executed at the start address.

QQQ: How to know the start and end adresses of binairies file?
TFM: Do exactly the same as if you would like to TYPE a file.
     But don't choose "1. type file(s).". Instead just use "2. show file-header."
     The the header of a file is displayed, and it contains start address, length and execution address.


Graphic and Colors
------------------
Q: After I start FutureOS and move the mouse pointer I see some kind of smear / traces on the screen. What can I do?
A: On a CPC6128 or 6128plus please switch your RAM expansion in the 6128 mode.
   On a CPC464, CPC664 or KC compact you must use Revaldhinos RAM expanson, it supports RAM mode &C3 fully.

Q..: What about screen resolution and colors supported by FutureOS?
SID: FutureOS supports the 3 originals mode plus one more.
TFM: The Desktop runs in MODE 2 with a 64 * 32 sceen resolution, files can be seen in 80 * 25, 68 * 30 and 64 * 32.
     Some apps are in MODE 1, some in MODE 2. They also work with MODE 0 screens. Games are in MODE 0 or 1.

Q..: What about overscans!?
SID: For Overscan, it will be possible to do overscans as under Amsdos.

Q: Can FutureOS display pictures?
A: Yes, use the TYPE icon please. It shows text files, regular 17 KB screens and compressed OCP screen (all MODES).

Q: How to display image files?
A: For most graphics you can use the View function, see how to display a ASCII file, it's similar.
   When the picture is displayed you can use the arrow keys to adapt screen MODE and screen format.

Q: FutureOS does alter the colors for BASIC, can this be changed?
A: Yes, of course. Take the installation disc, type RUN"DISC and then type "1" for configuratin, then "1" for colors

Q: How can I create my own Wallpapers / HinterGrundBilder?
A: JavaCPC does provide a nice tool to comfortably create your own Wallpapers for FutureOS.


Gotek, HxC and Floppy Disk Problems
-----------------------------------
Q: Sometimes there are read errors. What can I do?
A: Make sure that all your connected drives, Gotek or HxC has a proper power supply and that they are switched ON.

Q: I tried to copy a file from an HxC to my 3" internal drive A. But there was a message telling me that the target
   disc is write protected. But the disc itself in not write protected. What's the problem?
A: That's probably a problem with the HxC's setup or the jumpers.
   In the 'Setting Menu' go to option 'Write protect' and there set this option to 'Wr enable'.
   Only one jumper must be set. See page 11 (2.3.3) of HxC Manual.


Known Problems or Errors
------------------------

PLEASE LET ME KNOW IF YOU HAVE PROBLEMS OR ENCOUNTER ERRORS. I'll fix them :-D


Q: I start FutureOS with |OS and the Desktop is there, but it immediately starts to activate drive A.
   Furthermore the mouse arrow jitters a bit around and a ghost presses fire.
A: If you have the MultiPlay connected please deactivate it in the configuration.
   Or adapt your PSU, this effect happens when the keyboard becomes too few power or from different PSU's
A: Using the SF2 PS/2 mouse or the Albireo mouse can have this effect,
   when the mouse button was pressed before the start of the OS.

Q: FutureOS sometimes does not recognice LambdaSpeak. What's the problem?
A: When you switch on your CPC the LambdaSpeak needs some seconds to initialize itself, that's about the time it speaks.
   Also it needs NOT to be in Serial or Amdrum mode (just powercycle the LambdaSpeak).
   Just wait until it stops speaking, then start FutureOS with |OS or |FDESK.
   Or restart FutureOS with a click at the END Icon, then press "1".

Q: My CPC has 128 KB, but some games or apps won't work. They claim to need 128 KB, but there is an error of missing RAM.
A: If you start FutureOS with |FDESK (instead of |OS) then 48 KB of the expansion RAM will be occupied. Use |OS instead.
   Also using a wallpaper will occupy 16 KB of the expansion RAM. Just switch the wallpaper off.

Q: Some wallpapers do not show correctly, what can I do?
A: In case you're using an X-MEM (or similar) please activate the LOCK switch.
   (Some pictures have the byte &AA at address &D555, this does interfere with some FlashROM expansions)

Q: An disc-image on an Floppy emulator was formatted, but the last track can be written. It displays an error!
A: FutureOS formats 40 track drives with 41 tracks (0-40) and 80 track drives with 81 tracks (0-80).
   Since disc images lack the additonal track, this leads to problems (f.e. track 80 gets written over track 79).
   Solution: Format 40 track formats with tracks &00 to &27 and 80 track formats with tracks &00 to &4F.


Anything else...
----------------
QQQ: How can the RAM of the CPC be termed? How is it done in the FutureOS manuals?
TFM: For the first 64 KB (that's the 64 KB of RAM inside the CPC464): Main RAM
     For the next 512 KB (via &7Fxx), the usual 512 KB RAM expansion: Expansion RAM
     For the next 3,5 MB (via. &78, &79, &7A, &7B, &7C, &7D and &7E): Extension RAM





If you have further questions, please contact TFM at futuresoft@gmx.de or the usual forums.































To integrate:


QQQ: Will there be support for ROMDOS format?
TFM: At the moment FutureOS supports Data, System, IBM Format on 3" discs
     and it supports 704 KB Vortex Format on 80 track double-sided drives.
     Indeed I was planning to support some ROMDOS formats some day.
     But which formats do you would like to use ???








































