Category : Communication (modem) tools and utilities
Archive   : CA29-3.ZIP
Filename : README.DOC

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921209 COM-AND 2.9 Page 1
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This release of COM-AND:
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o This is the tenth release of COM-AND (version 2.9). This release
corrects problems reported with version 2.8 and adds features.

o Run instructions and installation procedures will be found following
this page.

o Changes to the previous version (additions and corrections) are to
be found following run/installation pages.

o The author asks for comments and criticisms of this program.
You may contact the author:

CABER Software GEnie, Delphi: TARTAN
R. (Scott) McGinnis UNISON: SCOTTM (PARTI: Scott McGinnis)
P.O. Box 3607 Mdse Mart CIS: 73147,2665
Chicago, IL 60654-0607 Internet: [email protected]

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Release history (not including public beta releases)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

860806: PC-VCO 1.0
860929: PC-VCO 1.1
861119: PC-VCO 1.2
861222: PC-VCO 1.3
861226: PC-VCO 1.31
870814: PC-VCO 2.0 COM-AND 2.0 CCHESS 1.0
871202: PC-VCO 2.1 COM-AND 2.1 CCHESS 1.1
871211: CBRIDG 1.0
880122: CCOLOR 1.0
880713: PC-VCO 2.2 COM-AND 2.2 CCHESS 1.2 CBRIDG 1.1 CCOLOR 1.1
881202: COM-AND 2.3
890309: COM-AND 2.4
891020: COM-AND 2.5
900426: COM-AND 2.6
901019: COM-AND 2.7 CACMP 1.0
901213: CCOLOR 1.2
910801: COM-AND 2.8 CACMP 1.1
921209: COM-AND 2.9 CACMP 1.2 (You are here)

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Notice: Encryption changes
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o With this version of 2.9, we have removed DES encryption from COM-AND.
Federal law does not permit export of DES encryption software. The
file DELAYED.DOC discusses this matter somewhat.
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921209 COM-AND 2.9 Page 2
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Notice: COM-AND registration changes:
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* With this version 2.9, we are beginning several new registration
procedures. First, we are sending a 'registered' diskette to each
individual registering COM-AND through CABER. Previously, we acknow-
leged each registration, but did supply a 'registered' version.

If you have registered a previous version of COM-AND and wish an
upgrade, print, fill out, and send us the form REGISTER.FRM along
with the necessary shipping and handling fee (see REGISTER.FRM).

If you purchased a registered copy of COM-AND bundled with other
software and desire an upgrade, you MUST include proof-of-purchase
with your request. You may obtain proof-of-purchase (in some form)
from the original distributor.


* Second, we offer additional benefits to those who register COM-AND.
Registration entitles you to use COM-AND, and licenses you to use all
future shareware versions of COM-AND. On registration we offer:

. A free Compuserve intro-pack with $15.00 usage credit

. License to use the CISAUTO scripts for Compuserve (for a small fee)

. A dialing directory of BBSes tailored to your area code and your
expressed interests (for a small fee)

. A reduced rate for subscription to Shareware Magazine (50% off)

. A reduced rate for subscription to the Houston Public (Software)
Library (PsL) magazine (33% off)

. A reduced price for the "the Source Book", the 700-page guide to
PD/Shareware (33% off); including a four-disk set of the latest
PsL Reviews Disks.

. License to use all COM-AND accessory programs. These are currently:
PC-VCO, CCHESS, VCOLIB, CBRIDGE, CCOLOR, UNPACKIT, and UNSTUFIT.

Please read the document REGISTER.DOC for more information on these
offers. Fill out REGISTER.FRM with your registration, and indicate
which you'd like to receive.

* Third, REGISTER.DOC now contains a formal user license. Shareware
software is NOT public domain - the user license is a legal document.

VENDOR.DOC describes CABER's policy on redistribution of COM-AND.
Please read VENDOR.DOC if you are an organization distributing share-
ware software, and wish to include COM-AND in your library.


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921209 COM-AND 2.9 Page 3
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Files in this distribution:
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CA29-1.ZIP:

README.DOC This file.
REGISTER.DOC Registration information - PLEASE read!
VENDOR.DOC Limitations on commercial redistribution
INTRO.DOC An introduction to modems and COM-AND
DELAYED.DOC Why 2.9 was delayed in its release
COM-AND.EXE 2.9 executable program file
COM-AND.PIF PIF file for Windows
COM-AND.DVP DVP file for DesqView
COM-AND.ICO Windows 3.0 ICON file (Dr. David Snyder thank you!)
INSTALL.CMD First-time installation script
REGISTER.CMD Short script to print REGISTER.FRM
REGISTER.FRM Registration form

CA29-2.ZIP:

README.DOC This file.
REGISTER.DOC Registration information - PLEASE read!
VENDOR.DOC Limitations on commercial redistribution
COM-AND.DOC Documentation for version 2.9 manual functions
CASCRIPT.DOC Documentation for version 2.9 script language
CAEDIT.DOC Documentation for version 2.9 editor

CA29-3.ZIP:

README.DOC This file.
SCRIPTS.DOC Summary documentation for scripts
*.CMD; *.DOC REMAP.CMD, XLATE.CMD, LEARN.CMD, FILEMGR.CMD...
*.SRC Commented scripts where *.CMD has been stripped

CA29-4.ZIP:

README.DOC This file.
CACMP.EXE COM-AND script syntax/semantic check
CACMP.DOC Documentation for CACMP.EXE
OVERLAY.* Sample script overlay files
PC-VCO.EXC Exception file for TALKER.CMD script
TALKER.* Sample script overlay supporting limited speech synth
TESTVOIC.CMD Sample script to test the voice driver
VEND.COM Voice driver termination utility
VOICE*.* Voice driver, scripts and documentation
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* COM-AND creates any files it requires that it does not find on the
drive:subdirectory where it is loaded (or on the drive:subdirectory
where the environment variable COM-AND= directs the processor)
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* To print a document file, extract the file to disk and use the DOS
command "PRINT .DOC". COM-AND documents are formatted 55 lines
to the page, with top-of-forms as page breaks, using tab characters.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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921209 COM-AND 2.9 Page 4
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Run instructions:
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o To run COM-AND from the DOS prompt, install the release as
described below, then type:

C> COM-AND

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Installation:
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1) Set the current subdirectory to the subdirectory where you wish to
install COM-AND... where you've already installed previous COM-ANDs
(if you've used one). We'd suggest "\COM-AND".

2) Dearc the distribution file. Have a care not to overwrite files

you want to keep!

3) Load COM-AND (i.e. COM-AND ). If this is the first time,
follow the prompts provided by INSTALL.CMD (automatically invoked).
After INSTALL (if INSTALL was automatic) and otherwise:

o Check Alt-S
.. Check modem parameters - you may want to change them.
.. The backscreen buffer size defaults to 4K. It may be set
up to 64K, for redisplay and transcripting.
.. Remember to save the new settings.

o Check Alt-P
.. Check the COM port you use (1/2/3/4).
.. Default speed selection is not usually important (if you
always use the dialing directory). Set it anyway.
.. Remember to save new settings.

o Check Alt-O
.. Set flags the way you want them (e.g. exit query on, d*mned
advert off, and so on; Note BIOS/DIRECT and PCJr settings)
.. Remember to save new settings.

4) Review the accessories (F1).

You may review the contents of accessory definitions with the 'r'
subcommand. You may wish to add entries for a listing program
and editor.. and perhaps PC-VCO... CCOLOR... Remember to save...

5) Exit COM-AND with Alt-X, and restart.


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921209 COM-AND 2.9 Page 5
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Additions and corrections this release:
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---------------------------------------
Changes and corrections to 2.8 COM-AND:
---------------------------------------

o Corrected a bug in VIDTEX mode on a monochrome adapter (#lines)
o When a non-existant port is specified and data is written to it,
2.8 and prior hung (for up to 2 minutes). Corrected, it appears.
o Corrected Alt-V: 'Remap' and 'Translate' were interchanged
o Corrected shell-to-DOS lockup (only occurred on certain mono adapters)
o Corrected an error condition in Super KERMIT (when receiver NAKs after
timeout and sender is awaiting an ACK... lost ACK condition)
o Corrected a timing error in buffered sends (SLOW OFF). This error
only impacted transfers ABOVE 19.2k bps (on an 8Mhz machine)
o Corrected ANSI/VT100 color attribute algorithm
o Corrected handling of some ANSI music strings

o Changed ZMODEM send timeout (reduced it to 20 seconds)
o Changed alarm to NOT play at all if display duration = 0
o Changed PCJr mode to perform RTS/CTS flow control (as well as XON/XOFF)
o Attempted (again) to clear XOFF condition during HANGUP sequence
o Changed dialing directory revise queries for speed, parity, data and
stop bits to use simple tables for selection.
o Changed video set/reset of character generator tables (for foreign)
o Changed PgDn/PgUp to offer BPlus instead of Quick-B
o Changed Alt-P to allow a 4 digit (hex) port base address

o Improved display speed considerably (time to display a character)
o Improved receive overhead considerably (time to receive a character)
o Improved ASCII Send speed considerably
o Reduced 16550 FIFO trigger level to 8 characters
o Improved Auto-CISB recognition... fewer false triggers
o Removed DES encryption per DTC requirement for mass market software

-------------------------
Additions to 2.8 COM-AND:
-------------------------

o Alt-Q invokes an embedded editor. The editor is described in the
following pages. Separate documentation is provided: CAEDIT.DOC.
o The Editor has been added to the menu mode 'Miscellaneous' pulldown.
o "?" and "*" in a transfer file name (batch mode) are changed to "_".
o Added 14.4kbps speed to Alt-P comm parms
o Added runtime parameter 14k (for 14.4kbps)
o Added 14k to Alt-D dialing directory
o Added 'Dft' to Alt-D speeds... this selection implies that the speed
to be used is the default speed obtaining when the entry is executed
o Added CIS BPlus, with failed download recovery (Alt-O option)
o Added current parameters (speed, parity, etc) to Connect window
o Added tab, shift-tab to all selections windows.

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921209 COM-AND 2.9 Page 6
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Additions and corrections this release:
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-------------------------------
Script changes and corrections:
-------------------------------

o Corrected errors in FRESTOREO handling
o Corrected PRESERVE to double grave characters as well as ^s and !s
o Corrected an error in grave handling in output strings
o Corrected handling of OVERLAY. Previously, if an OVL and CMD file
existed of the same name, the overlay would not load
o Corrected OVERLAY CLEAR. An upper case 'C' in CLEAR was required.
o Corrected SCREEN: If top row < last row number, no display is done
o Corrected "&" (concatenate with) trim when string contains many nulls
o Corrected WAITFOR/RGET/PAUSE/SUSPEND to properly 'hit' on SILENCE
o Corrected an error at load time with (some) monochrome adapters
o Corrected ATGET: ESCape pressed when ATGET buffer is full now works
o Corrected "_AUPZ": now returns SEND/STOP (was SEND/STRIP)
o Corrected encrypted script decryption error that led to occasional
abrupt termination of the script on a transfer-of-control (branch)
o Corrected STRCMP when comparing strings containing "!", "`" or "^"s
o Corrected error in ATOI (and others) not allowing indices on target
variable.

o Changed ATSAY (and similar) to NOT write into log
o Changed SCROLL: If first parameter is negative, it scrolls down.
o Changed WAITFOR: Clear incoming buffer at start of EACH WAITFOR;
This eliminates an undesirable interaction with prior RGETs.
o Changed first DFT file creation; 2.9 now searches for an existing
comm port, and uses that as a default (previously, defaulted to COM1).
o Disable menu mode on entry to script; reenable (if still set) on exit.
o Changed SET PARI!DATA!STOP to accept string operand as well as literal.

o Changed PRINT to set ERROR if printer timeout.

o Clear ON ESCAPE and ON SILENCE conditions on an EXECUTE
o Script "unexpected EOF" error message now includes the label being
searched, and the script file name
o Label cache was increased from 100 to 200 labels
o The in-file buffer was increased to 1024 bytes
o Improved script interpretor processing speed
o ASCII send defaults are taken from manual defaults at script start
o SET ASCII commands now hold in manual mode, after script termination
o Corrected SET BAUD and SET DIAL RATE handling of alternate speeds


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921209 COM-AND 2.9 Page 7
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Additions and corrections this release:
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-------------------------------
Script language additions:
-------------------------------

EDIT ; Edit a file
FATTR Sx!Nx ; Now allows numeric variable too
GETFILE BPLUS ; Download, using BPlus protocol
LOAD STRING ; Load string variables from disk
LOAD NUMERIC ; Load numeric variables from disk
LOAD FSAVEI!O ; Load FSAVE (I or O) stack from disk
REDUCE Sx ; Undouble `s, !s and ^s (opposite PRESERVE)
RESTORE ALL ; New (optional) operand to RESTORE
SENDFILE BPLUS ; Upload, using BPlus protocol
STORE STRING ; Store string variables to disk
STORE NUMERIC ; Store numeric variables to disk
STORE FSAVEI!O ; Store FSAVE (I or O) stack to disk
WCLOSE ALL ; New (optional) operand to WCLOSE

SET BAUD 14.4!14K ; New speed (old statement)
SET BPLUS RECOVER ON!OFF ; Allow BPlus failed download recovery
SET DDACCODE ; Declare 3 digit areacode for Alt-D
SET DDOVERRIDE ON!OFF ; Override speed declared in Alt-D
SET DDPREFIX ; Declare string for Alt-D prefixing
SET FATTR Nx ; Write file's attribute byte
SET IPOS ; Set input file position (numeric string)
SET MOUSE ON!OFF ; Enable/disable MOUSE
SET OPOS ; Set output file position (numeric string)
SET XBAUD (DFT!) ; Set rate for transfer efficiency calc


------------------------------------------
Script language intrinsic functions added:
------------------------------------------

_AUPL ; Rtns SET ASCII CR_LF setting
_BREC ; Rtns SET BPLUS RECOVERY setting
_DDAC ; Rtns Alt-D area code string
_DDOV ; Rtns Alt-O override Alt-D speed ON/OFF
_DDPR ; Rtns Alt-D all call prefix string
_ERRL ; Rtns RUN statement ErrorLevel
_IPOS ; Rtns disk position in input file
_MEMO ; Rtns #paragraphs free, above COM-AND
_MOUSE ; CHANGED value from YES/NO to ON/OFF
_OPOS ; Rtns disk position in output file
_WRAP ; Rtns ON/OFF according to SET WRAP


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921209 COM-AND 2.9 Page 8
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Additions and corrections this release:
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----------------------------
CACMP additions and changes:
----------------------------

o Output text is now tabbed to reduce file size slightly
o Corrected LOG MARK to accept operand in a
o Corrected SCREEN statement syntax (missing parm)
o Corrected output error when quoted string unterminated
o Added new statements (below)
o Corrected OUTPUT statement (allow comma between operands)
o Corrected " Nx Ny", ADD, DIV, MUL, SOUND, and SUB syntax
definition to conform to COM-AND's usage.

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Known bugs in the current release:
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------


o KERMIT 12 and 16 bit checksums don't seem to work with Jan van der
Eyjk's PCKERMIT. I have not yet found the incompatibility.

o Reports have been received, but could not be reproduced, of the CPU
clock losing time. No instances have been found due to COM-AND.
Several instances have been tracked to TSR's and special hardware
(e.g. ALL-Charge card).

Some reports suggested that the clock speeds up (!) when run in the
background under DesqView.

If you experience a clock that 'lags' (loses time) using COM-AND, it
is suggested that you run COM-AND with the /w switch. The /w switch
disables the interrupt driven write feature. Transfers under DOS
will be only marginally slower.

Please report clock problems you experience to the developer.

o The editor is new. Please watch for problems when editing large
files, or multiple files.

o Character dropouts have been reported at 57k running under DOS 3.2.
The same test, run on the same machine, with the same sender, but run
under DOS 3.3 showed no dropouts. A STACKS problem is indicated, but
thus far, no solution has been discovered (yet).


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921209 COM-AND 2.9 Page 9
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Updated scripts in CA29-3:
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ANSI.CMD NEW. Enable ANSI display AND remap
ANSI.HLP NEW. Help display when ANSI in use
BIX.CMD NEW. Connect to BIX using Tymnet and logon (MKLOGON)
DELPHITN.CMD NEW. Connect to Delphi using Tymnet and logon (MKLOGON)
DELPHISN.CMD NEW. Connect to Delphi using SPRINT and logon (MKLOGON)
DIALER.CMD Multidialer (corrected for some modems)
FILEMGR.* File manager shell (added internal editor)
LEARN.* Learn mode (minor changes)
MKLOGON.CMD Updated. Create logon scripts for BIX, CIS, GEnie etc.
PC-2-PC.* PC to PC transfer shell (minor corrections)
REMAP.* Remap compilers (added internal editor)
MCI.CMD NEW. Connect to MCI and logon (MKLOGON)
VT100.CMD NEW. Enable VT100 display AND remap
VT100.HLP NEW. Help display when VT100 in use
VT52.CMD NEW. Enable VT52 display AND remap
VT52.HLP NEW. Help display when VT52 in use
TTY.CMD NEW. Disable display emulation and remapping

BBS.SRC Ver 1.2 BBS script (commented)
BBS.CMD Ver 1.2 BBS script (stripped)
BBS.DOC Ver 1.2 BBS documentation
BBSETUP.CMD Setup script for the BBS
BBMAINT.CMD Maintenance script (mainline) for the BBS
BBMAINT1.CMD BBMAINT extension script (users)
BBMAINT2.CMD BBMAINT extension script (files)
BBMAINT3.CMD BBMAINT extension script (bulletins)
BBMAINT4.CMD BBMAINT extension script (mail)

HOST.SRC Ver 1.1 HOST script (commented) minor changes
HOST.CMD Ver 1.1 HOST script (stripped)
HOST.DOC Ver 1.1 HOST documentation


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921209 COM-AND 2.9 Page 10
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Related release; PC-VCO:
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PC-VCO is Visual Conferencing for the IBM PC. It is completely
compatible with all three flavors of MacIntosh VCO/VMCO. It has
been in use for more than a year by several groups of people. On
GEnie, the IBM RT has a regularly scheduled VCO conference every
Wednesday at 9PM Eastern Standard Time.


The concept of VCO is that each conference attendee draws a set of
16 (or 18) ICONs, and posts them publicly. Other attendees down-
load the ICONs (called face files), and add them to their own lib-
rary of faces. 8 (or 9) expressions (happy, sad, etc) are supported.
When someone speaks in a VCO conference, the appropriate ICON is
displayed on all PC-VCO screens. People who've not uploaded face
files are depicted as Charlie Brown, Don Martin, or OPUS.


PC-VCO interfaces to a public domain text-to speech synthesizer.
The quality is less than might be desired, but its a start!
PC-VCO now includes its own speech driver for faster processors.


PC-VCO has been distributed (its seventh release) as PC-VCO22.ZIP.
PC-VCO may be used on either CGA, EGA or Hercules graphics adapters.

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Related release; CCHESS:
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

CCHESS is Conference Chess - two people can play chess over PLINK's
PARTY, CIS CB, etc. CCHESS provides a graphics depiction of a chess
board, and a log of the last few moves. Game play can be performed
entirely with a mouse (if you desire - not necessary). Games may be
saved, and restored later for continuation.


Version 1.2 is a production release - beta testing is complete.
However, I am still looking for comments, criticisms and thoughts
from those interested in on-line interactive gaming.


CCHESS has been distributed (its third release) as CCHESS12.ZIP.
Please read the CCHESS.DOC document for a description of CCHESS.
CCHESS may be used on either CGA, EGA or Hercules graphics adapters.


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921209 COM-AND 2.9 Page 11
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Related release; CBRIDGE:
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CBRIDGE is Conference Bridge - four people can play bridge over
PLINK's PARTY, CIS CB, etc. CBRIDGE deals cards, displays hands,
displays (and protects) the bidding, and monitors game play.
Bidding can be reviewed at any time, as can game play.


Version 1.1 has completed its beta trials. It has found quite
usable. It may be 'rough' in spots... I am looking for comments,
criticisms and thoughts from those interested in on-line interactive
gaming.

CBRIDGE has been distributed (its second release) as CBRIDG11.ZIP.
Please read the CBRIDG.DOC document for a description of CBRIDGE.
CBRIDGE may be used on either MDA, CGA, EGA or Hercules adapters.


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Related release; CCOLOR:
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

CCOLOR is another accessory for conferencing. It tracks the conver-
sation, and assigns different colors to each speaker. Each speaker's
text is highlighted and easy to see. Of course, a color adapter,
CGA or EGA is required. It has to be seen to be appreciated!


CCOLOR may be used on either CGA, or EGA adapters.


CCOLOR has been distributed (its fourth release) as CCOLOR12.ZIP.
CCOLOR may be used on either CGA, EGA or VGA adapters.