Software developer unveils a nostalgic project: Reviving the antique CP/M operating system with a gentleness touch
CP/M, an old operating system that was once a staple in retrocomputers, presents a unique challenge for those interested in its workings. Despite the challenges, it offers a fascinating starting point for those who want to delve into the world of vintage computing.
One of the key aspects of CP/M is the PIP command, a utility for copying files. Some users, however, have found themselves in a predicament when trying to load PIP onto their system. Instead of the traditional method, some have resorted to loading PIP with a debugger, a practice that follows a similar general idea as the previous solution.
CP/M, in its original form, had a single level of files in disks, without subdirectories. This simplicity, while beneficial in some ways, also posed challenges. For instance, formatting disks and adapting software to a terminal were common hurdles.
PIP in CP/M was aware of user areas, but these were only recognised for source files. Interestingly, it was not possible to copy to user areas using PIP. By default, user areas were not global in CP/M, but they were often treated as such by modifying user 0.
If a user switches to user 3 for the first time in CP/M, they may find the disk to be empty and the PIP command unavailable. To overcome this, it is necessary to copy PIP from user 0. However, this cannot be done without PIP, creating a catch-22 situation.
The solution to this problem involves loading PIP into memory as user 0, switching users, and then dumping memory out to the disk. This method, while complex, allows users to bypass the issue and access the PIP command.
For those who don't have a physical machine or can't afford to build a vintage CP/M machine, emulating CP/M is another alternative. Building or emulating CP/M offers a solution for those who want to explore this archaic operating system without the need for physical hardware.
For a more comprehensive understanding of CP/M, James L. Peter's book "A Gentle Introduction to CP/M" is a valuable resource. This book provides a detailed guide for those looking to learn more about this fascinating operating system.
In conclusion, while CP/M presents certain challenges, it offers a unique opportunity for those interested in vintage computing. Whether through building a machine, emulating it, or learning about its workings, CP/M remains a captivating piece of computing history.
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