Utils.Txt
---------

This is a description of the utility Command Modules(tm) included in this
archive, which can be accessed by using the 'Utils.Bat' file.  Some of the
descriptions come from 'The Best Texas Instruments Software,' Beekman House,
New York.


1) Demonstration - © Texas Instruments

	Command Module(tm) that demonstrates the TI-99/4's basic abilities
	and showcases some of the software available.
        
2) Diagnostic Tests - ©1979 Texas Instruments

	This module runs a series of tests, which enable you to test the
	TI-99/4's keyboard, RAM, video display, sound, calculation, cassette,
	and joysticks.  It also has a 'Maintenance Test' option, "for repair
	technician only,", which runs tests of the GROM, Sound, VDP RAM and,
	XML (whatever that is).
	
3) Disk Manager - ©1980 Texas Instruments

	Utility for managing your diskettes.  Includes file management and
	disk management functions, but can only handle 'SSSD' 90KB diskettes.

4) Disk Manager II - ©1982 Texas Instruments

	Utility for managing your diskettes.  Includes file management and
	disk management functions.  This updated version will handle 'DSSD'
	disks, which are up to 180KB in size.

5) Editor/Assembler - ©1981 Texas Instruments

	This Command Module(tm) allows you to run programs that were written
	in assembly language, as well as giving you the ability to write your
	own assembly language programs.

	In order to write and edit programs, however, the 'Editor/Assembler'
	program diskette is required.  Included in this archive is a stripped
	-down version of the diskette, which contains only the bare
	essentials.  The diskette image is called 'Ed-Assm.Dsk,' and the
	'Utils.Cnf' configuration file is configured to boot up 'V9t9' with
	this diskette in 'DSK1.'

6) Mini Memory - ©1981 Texas Instruments

	The 'Mini Memory' Command Module(tm) adds 4KB of additional RAM to
	the TI-99/4A, with a battery backup that allows you to save and keep
	your own programs on the cartridge.

	'Mini Memory' also allows the user to manipulate and run assembly
	language programs, without requiring the expensive addition of a Disk
	Memory Drive, Disk Controller and Memory Expansion.

7) Speech Editor

	An almost totally useless Command Module(tm) from Texas Instruments.
	As far as I can tell, the software allows you to type in sentences
	consisting of words from the limited vocabulary that is built into
	the Speech Synthesizer, which are then spoken.

8) Super Cart

	This cartridge has been home-made by many TI users.  It contains the
	'Editor/Assembler' chip, as well as additional battery-backed-up RAM
	which allows you to store your own programs in the module.  Software
	which makes use of this storage area includes Monty Schmidt's
	'Command DOS.'

	In order to use the 'Editor/Assembler' portion of this module, the
	'Editor/Assembler' program diskette is required.

9) Super Extended BASIC (©TI, ©TPC)

	This module is an upgrade to Texas Instruments' 'TI Extended BASIC,'
	which both contained and improved upon TI's original cartridge.

10) Terminal Emulator II - ©1980 Texas Instruments

	This is a software package that allows you to use your TI as a
	communications terminal.  It can handle colour, speech, sound and
	graphics.  With 'Terminal Emulator II' and a modem, you could gain
	access to 'The Source,' 'Dow Jones News/Retrieval Services,'
	'TEXNET,' 'Compuserve,' and free computer bulletin boards provided by
	computer hobbyists throughout the world.

	This software has long been made redundant by other terminal
	software, but one of the still-intriguing features of this module is
	the ability to speak any sentence you can type in, using phonetics,
	instead	of relying on the Speech Synthesizer's limited vocabulary.

11) TI Extended BASIC (©1982 TI)

	'TI Extended BASIC' is an enhanced version of TI BASIC, which
	provides many additional capabilities not available in TI BASIC, such
	as access to additional RAM, the Speech Synthesizer and sprites.  In
	addition, most serious software for the TI-99/4A requires 'TI
	Extended BASIC' to run.

12) TI Logo (©1981 TI)

	'TI Logo' is a programming language based upon the famous computer
	learning language 'Logo,' which was designed especially for children.
	'TI Logo' is a whole learning experience that makes use of the
	discovery or exploratory method of learning.  While learning about
	computers and simple programming, children also discover basic
	concepts of geometry and math, as well as developing skills in
	spelling, communication, problem-solving, and logical thinking.

	For this reason, 'TI Logo' has also been included in the 'Edu.Inf'
	file, amongst the educational modules.
	
13) TI Logo II

	'TI Logo II' is an updated and refined version of 'TI Logo', which
	is a programming language based upon the famous computer learning
	language 'Logo,' designed especially for children.  'TI Logo II' is
	a whole learning experience that makes use of the discovery or
	exploratory method of learning.  While learning about computers and
	simple programming, children also discover basic concepts of geometry
	and math, as well as developing skills in spelling, communication,
	problem-solving, and logical thinking.

	For this reason, 'TI Logo II' has also been included in the
	'Edu.Inf' file, amongst the educational modules.