Operating Systems
MS-DOS installation is straight forward following the tutorial by Pr0bZ, though running Memmaker after install is advisable to optimise the base memory available to software, whilst a techinical reference guide is available from Microsoft. Advanced users may be interested in this MS-DOS memory-mangement overview article. PC DOS is similar to MS DOS and running RAMSETUP after install is advisable to optimise the base memory available to software.
DR-DOS 7.xx installation is well documented in the User Guide. I have not found a comprehensive tutorial for ROM-DOS or the PTSDOSes, though there are basic tutorials on their respective software writers website.
MS DOS 3.3 or compatible is usually the oldest version recommended for the majority of software.
Applications
DosLynx web browser is downloaded in zip format, and unzipped with a suitable utility ie;
Info-ZIP (unz552x3.exe) to a directory ie DOSLYNX. Dial-up connection requires configuring the LSppp dialer, whilst configuring a DHCP or Static IP LAN connection requires Packet Driver software to be installed prior to running DOSLynx. After setting up either connection the DOSLYNX.CFG file needs to be configured, which is explained in the excellent Tutorials included in the zip package.
Lynx 2.8 web browser is downloaded in zip format, and unzipped with a suitable utility ie;
PKZIP 2.50 to a directory ie LYNX. I have only configured this browser on my LAN which required a Packet Driver to be installed, typing "lynx -cfg=./lynx.cfg -lss=./lynx.lss " and pressing enters launches. This will be expanded..........................
CuteMouse is downloaded in zip format, and unzipped with a suitable utility ie; PKZIP 2.50 to a directory ie CTMOUSE, then modify the AUTOEXEC.BAT file, after rebooting the PC the Mouse will be automatically detected .
Arachne is downloaded in zip format, and unzipped with a suitable utility ie; Info-ZIP (unz552x3.exe) to a directory ie ARACHNE. Configuring a DHCP or Static IP LAN connection requires Packet Driver software to be installed prior to running Arachne. To install Arachne type A185GPLL.EXE then press enter and accept defaults to launch install, when install has completed a line command will request memory and graphics type, press enter to accept defaults is normally acceptable. Next you will be taken to the graphical interfaces setup wizards which can be navigated either with a mouse or the TAB and ENTER keys. I have had problems with the standard Dial-up connection software with some ISP's, therefore configured the alternative LSppp dialer to undertake dialling.
Nettamer text web browser is a downloadable self-extracting and installing file, which needs to be copied to a folder ie NETTAMER, then type ********.EXE and press enter, when the files have unpacked type NETTAMER and press enter follow the instructions on screen to set up details of the modem and your ISP account login.
YAPCBR is in a zip file which needs to be unzipped with a suitable utility ie;
PKZIP 2.50 to a directory, then execute the necessary Packet Driver for each connection, maximum four, and typing YAPCBR and pressing enter will launch the software as a graphical interpertation of the packets sent/received on each connection.
PLIP is in a zip file which needs to be unzipped with a suitable utility ie;
PKZIP 2.50 to a directory, typing PLIP and pressing enter lists the required parameters for installing a packet driver for the Parallel Port, this needs to be undertaken on both PC's, though it may be neccessary to setup the Parallel Port in the PC BIOS as Standard (4bit) Mode. Please note that you can not use a Laplink Cable to undertake peer to peer file sharing and TCP/IP transfers at the same time.
EZNOS has a comprehensive manual available and requires static IP addressing, to upload files requires FTP software.
Internet Extender (NAPT) is covered on a seperate page.