-=> Quoting Eric Theriault to Krister Hansson-renaud <=-

 ET> the PC ROM BIOS Services).  The second is a port of User 
 ET> Interfaces in C and C++ by Mark Goodwin.

 Much easier to use the following  :
 
    User Interfaces in C and C++ for OS/2
    DDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDD
    Mark Goodwin
    MIS Press
    1993
    ISBN 1-55828-278-5

    Book includes a 360kb code diskette, with all the C and C++ code as
    well as compiled object for C Set/2 and Borland C++ in two libraries,
    ready for linking.  The C Set/2 code was compiled for the SE and SM
    libraries.  Don't know about the Borland code, 'cause I don't use
    their IDE/compiler/linker.

    From SCBC, I paid $45.89, which included S&H. VERY short review
    follows, because I haven't read it all, yet, and haven't compiled
    anything from it, yet.  Have run the demo programs, though.  Will post
    more, with experience - assuming you don't beat me to it!!

    First off, I think the author had a good idea for creating the VIO
    interface objects, and figured the code would sell better as a book
    than as a software product.  The book is really an implementation/user
    manual for the included code.  It doesn't really tell you how to use
    the VIO, MOU, KBD API calls, but instead wraps a set of C (very little
    C++) functions around them to implement most all of the calls you'd
    need to make.

    He then proceeds to gather these low-level calls into usable higher
    level functions to create windows, menus and input fields/boxes and
    then even higher level functions to implement all this into a
    application interface system.  Very nicely structured and about as
    object-oriented as you can get in C. He then provides some C++ object
    wrappers around the lower level C stuff, so that it can be implemented
    in C++, should you choose.  Pretty well thought out architecture.

    The book includes ALL the underlying source code, with each section of
    source followed by a discussion of each function implemented in
    pseudocode.

    The code diskette has all the source, demo source and .EXE's, and the
    .LIB's mentioned earlier.  A nice job of packaging.

    My first impression is:  If you are serious about using VIO routines
    and don't want to take the time to hack it into libraries for
    yourself, spend the $$ for the code.  If your time is worth anything,
    you can't do it yourself more cheaply!  If you want to alter the code
    to put your own stamp of individuality on it, all the source is there,
    go to it!

    However, if you want a book to teach you all about VIO, then the old
    MS Press book for OS/2 1.1/2/3 VIO is better.  I have had it for
    several years and used it to create 16 bit libraries for myself.  DO
    NOT want to do that again!

    Hope this helps, will post more as I know more.

                    -- Review by Tom Carr, Ilink OS/2-Support conference


   -Jeffrey-


... Recycle For Them and For Us.......

--- Maximus 3.00