Homegrown DOS Programs with Source Code and Instructions

Banner, Prop, Onceaday, NavTrain, Say, Cal

BANNER

Executable: Banner.Com. Source code: Banner.C.
Banner generates block type from the command line. It is modeled after the UNIX command of the same name. For example:

banner Hello World

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#     #  ######  ######  ######   #### 

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#  #  #   ####   #####   #       ##### 
#  #  #  #    #  #    #  #       #    #
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#  #  #  #    #  #####   #       #    #
#  #  #  #    #  #   #   #       #    #
 ## ##    ####   #    #  ######  #####

PROP

Executable: Prop.Exe. Source code: Prop.Awk.
A tool for evaluating expressions in propositional calculus. Can handle complex expressions, generate truth tables, and simplify expressions (using Karnaugh maps) from the command line. For example, demonstrate a common fallacy (substituting equivalence for implication):

prop ( (a imp b ) and (b imp c) ) == a imp c
a   b   c
--- --- ---
0   0   0   |   1
0   0   1   |   1
0   1   0   |   0
0   1   1   |   1
1   0   0   |   1
1   0   1   |   0
1   1   0   |   1
1   1   1   |   1
Simplified:  ~b ~c OR b c OR ~a c OR a ~c

ONCEADAY

Executable: Onceaday.Com. Source code: Onceaday.C.
A command line utility for inclusion in autoexec.bat files. Put this command in front of boot-up operations that need only be performed once each day. Subsequent reboots will skip these commands. For example, defragmenting and virus checking are okay in the morning, but a five minute wait after a general protection fault is annoying:

onceaday defrag
onceaday scandisk /f
onceaday viruschk

NavTrain

Executable: NavTrain.Zip. Source code: NavTrain.Awk.
Unlike other instrument flight trainers, NavTrain focuses on focuses on rapid reading of the VOR/DME and ADF. It allows complex clearances to be flown, extreme winds, and self-grading by review of the groundtrack. Another unique feature is the step mode, which allows the flight to be flown in 10 second steps each a press of a key. All flight is straight level or in a two-minute turn. The advantage of this approach is a Nautilus style intense workout. In a single hour long session over a dozen complex clearances can be flown. Instructors can customize the setup for any aircraft speed, wind condition, and local clearances. Superheroes and ATPs can try to fly a holding pattern with only an ADF and DME during high winds (if there is a 2 mile long perfect oval when you're done, I'll be impressed).

SAY

Executable: Say.Com, Say.Cnf. Help file: Say.Txt. Source code: Say.Zip.
SAY is designed to be a user friendly command line tool for generating exact byte sequences. The built in macro utility provides a way to build your own language to express complex byte sequences. Options include triggering video character display, stuffing the keystroke buffer, querying the keyboard for codes, and outputting to a com port.

SAY 65 66 67 13 10
SAY "ABC" 13 10
SAY "ABC" CR LF

CAL

Executable: Cal.Com. Source code: Cal.C.
Cal generates month and year calendars from 1 A.D. to 9999 A.D.

cal 7 1964
   July 1964
 S  M Tu  W Th  F  S
 1  2  3  4
 5  6  7  8  9 10 11
12 13 14 15 16 17 18
19 20 21 22 23 24 25
26 27 28 29 30 31

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