The AMOS Pro Compiler automatically configures itself to make the best possible use of the available system resources.
The installation process is really easy, and providing you follow the instructions, you should be up and running in a matter of minutes. However, since this procedure makes permanent changes to the original system files, you should always install the Compiler on a copy of the supplied disks.
Before we get stuck into the main installation section, we'll say a few words about the way the Compiler will be setup for the various types of users.
The AMOS Pro Compiler disk will give excellent results on your system. The only snag being the inability to compile or run your programs from your AMOS Editor.
The installer sets up the Shell permanently on the "AMOSPro_Compiler" disk.
You can call up the Compiler in three ways:
AMOS Pro users will be able to access all the compilation features straight from the Editor. The installation program will take your updated AMOS Pro system disk and add three new menu items to the "User" menu: "Compiler Shell", "Compile" and "Set Compiler".
You can also run the Compiler from AMOS Pro's Direct mode, using the new, improved COMPILE instruction.
AMOS Pro can compile your programs into CLI, Workbench or ".AMOS" formats, ".AMOS" programs are special, as they can be loaded into a window and run directly from the editor. You can even compile your favourite AMOS Pro accessories in this way! Fancy a faster Object Editor or an instant help system? It's easy with the AMOS Pro Compiler.
If you'd prefer to run the Compiler from outside AMOS Professional you can also use the same options as AMOS or EASY AMOS users. So you can either:
The "AMOSPro_Compiler:" disk is crammed full of exciting features and requires an entire 3.5 inch disk to itself. So if you don't have a hard drive, you'll need to store all your compiled programs on a separate work disk.
In practice, it's a good idea to use several disks for this purpose, and switch between them al regular intervals. This avoids the risk of losing vital programs due to a single, unexpected disk error. After all, blank disks are cheap, but your own work is priceless!
When you install the Compiler the system will ask you a few simple questions about your configuration. The installation program takes the following factors into consideration:
Once the installer has this information, it can configure the Compiler to make the best use out of your resources. The precise results will depend on your actual system. Here's a quick run down of the various possibilities:
If you've just a single floppy, the Shell will automatically read in the various Compiler libraries and copy them into a super fast ram disk.
You'll now be able to remove the Compiler disk from the internal drive and compile your AMOS programs directly from your Work disk. Since the AMOS Pro Compiler generates much smaller files than the original, your disk space will naturally stretch a lot further.
The stand-alone Compiler will work as with a single floppy. It will automatically copy all the necessary library files into the ram disk before use. You'll now be able to place your work disk into any drive and Compile away.
If you're running the Compiler from the AMOS Pro Editor, things will be slightly different. The Shell will only copy the libraries into the Ram disk if you've more than 1 Meg of memory. If not, the Shell will read the library files directly from the Compiler disk during compilation. So you'll need to keep the Compiler disk in one drive and the work disk in another. This will free up the maximum space for your AMOS programs, but it will also significantly slow down the compilation process. If you're compiling a batch of programs, you may find it quicker to leave AMOS Professional and call the Compiler from the Workbench instead.
If you have a hard disk, the AMOS Pro Compiler will perform exceptionally well. You'll get superb results with either AMOS, EASY AMOS or AMOS Pro. All the various Compiler files will be safely installed in their own "Compiler" folder, and you'll be able to access the Shell at any time from the Workbench.
The Compiler libraries can be kept on the hard disk or loaded into ram disk as required. Because of the speed of your hard disk, there's not a great deal of difference! Most operations will be practically instant!
AMOS Pro users should immediately check that they've upgraded to AMOS Pro 2. This is an essential first step, as the Compiler won't work with anything else.
If you don't have a hard disk, you can now simply boot up a copy of your original Compiler disk and follow the simple on screen instructions. A few minutes later, the Compiler will be installed!
Hard disk users should run the separate "COMPILER_INSTALLER" program from the "AMOSPro_Compiler:" disk. After you've provided your configuration details the entire package will be copied into a new "Compiler" folder alongside your other AMOSPro folders, ready for immediate use.