Welcome to PowerBASIC 3.2 for DOS
=================================
Thanks for taking the PowerBASIC 3.2 test drive! We're pleased
you decided to take a closer look at the world's best DOS Basic!
This is the compiler awarded EDITOR'S CHOICE from PC Magazine,
READER'S CHOICE award from BASIC PRO Magazine, and numerous other
testimonials as well.
This special evaluation version will introduce you to many of the
unique new features found in PowerBASIC. Use it to create, compile,
execute, and debug programs and see the difference for yourself!
If you've never used PowerBASIC, you're in for a wonderful surprise.
If you have used previous versions, you'll discover a whole new
level of functionality never before available in Basic: A Built-in
Assembler; Pointer variables (both code and data); Unsigned byte,
word, and dword variables; Currency variables with user-defined
precision; Bit operations along with implied bit arrays; Unions;
and much more. Simply put, we believe that PowerBASIC 3.2 is the
most robust development language available.
Of the many new features in PowerBASIC 3.2, there are a few that we
just can't resist pointing out. Features that will truly enhance
your programming efforts:
Instant TSRs!
Yes, you can actually create a TSR instantly. Never before has
it been so easy to create a POPUP program! With PowerBASIC 3.2,
it takes just five lines of code to create a working TSR. Even
better, a 600K TSR can "pop down" to occupy just 4K of memory
when it's not in use. Your POPUP programs will use EMS or even
virtual memory on disk to store the remaining memory image. You
can use any stimulus to activate a TSR, even a message from a
foreground program. And with PowerBASIC, two-way communication
between multiple TSRs is no longer a dream, it's reality.
Built-in Assembler!
For the first time, you can write Assembler code and intermix it
line-by-line with your PowerBASIC code! Reference PowerBASIC
variables, labels, and procedures directly by name, and even debug
at the CPU register level in the expanded environment. Opcodes
like MOV AX, ABCD% are now supported directly. Of course, you
can still link industry-standard .OBJ's as well as libraries, if
that is your preference.
New Data Types!
Unsigned integers (byte/word/dword), fixed length strings, even
both user-defined TYPES and UNIONS. These complement our 64-bit
integers, extended floats, currency variables with user-defined
precision, BCD floats, and flex strings.
Code and Data Pointers!
True pointer variables for the first time in any Basic! Data
pointers allow you to access any location in memory as any type
of data you require. Code pointers allow you to call a Sub,
Function, or Subroutine without the need to know the name.
Memory like an elephant!
Memory problems are a thing of the past! Use EMS, XMS, even
virtual memory on disk, to ensure that you can compile any size real
mode program. Plus, with PowerBASIC's new standalone debugger, you
can debug much larger programs as well.
Communications Options!
Full support for COM1, COM2, COM3, COM4, even using any of the
non-standard IRQ lines and port addresses. Communication speeds up
to 115200 Baud. Control DTR after the port is closed. Even mask
errors, or flush data when one occurs. Supports 16550 UART FIFO's
to eliminate data errors. Now, PowerBASIC communications are under
your absolute control!
The only way to show you every single PowerBASIC feature would be to
give you our Reference Guide. (PowerBASIC comes with a Reference Guide
and a User's Guide -- close to 750 pages of printed documentation). In
it, you'll find even more new features like: Unlimited Dynamic String
Space, Huge Arrays (greater than 64K), Absolute Arrays (at a specific
memory location), Bit operations (shift, rotate, test, set, reset, and
toggle), Smart Linking of OBJ's, UNITS, and PB Libraries, Optional
variable declaration, Conditional compilation ($IF/$ELSE/$ENDIF), ARRAY
SORT/SCAN/INSERT/DELETE, and Local multi-level error trapping. We've
even added EXIT FAR to allow multi-level exit from nested Subs and
Functions (beats the LOMGJMP in C any day).
This demo version of PowerBASIC 3.2 may be used for up to 30 days to
allow you to decide whether you wish to purchase the full product.
While all of the language features are fully functional, the ability
to Load, Block Read, or Include a source file must be restricted.
There is no limit to the size of source text, but it must be typed
each time you wish to use this demo compiler. This will allow you to
exhaustively test every feature of the compiler, while allowing an
incentive to purchase PowerBASIC, which is, of course, a commercial
product. Any source code you create with this demo may be saved for
later use when you purchase the full version of PowerBASIC 3.2.
PowerBASIC 3.2 Requirements
===========================
* IBM-PC or Compatible
* MSDOS (or compatible) version 3.3 or later
* 640k of RAM
* 3.5 inch floppy disk (for installation)
* Two megabytes of free hard disk space (for complete installation)
PowerBASIC 3.2 is $149 (S&H $6 US/$28 Intl). Upgrade pricing is
available from PowerBASIC 2.x, 3.0 and 3.1. Competitive upgrade
pricing is available from TurboBasic, QuickBasic, PDS, and VB/DOS.
TRYPB3 Package
==============
The TRYPB3 package is provided to allow you to evaluate the
PowerBASIC 3.2 Compiler and Development Environment. The package
consists of the following four files:
README - This file.
ORDER.TXT - Order form to help you place your order today.
100WAYS.TXT - "100 Ways PowerBASIC 3.2 Beats QuickBasic".
A slightly irreverent view of PowerBASIC's unique
features as compared to competing compilers.
ARTICLE.TXT - A reprint of the PowerBASIC 3.2 review which
appeared in the March, 1993 issue of Basic Code
Cache (formerly known as QB News).
TRYPB3.EXE - PowerBASIC 3.2 Evaluation Compiler. All language
features are fully functional, but the ability to
Load, Block Read, or Include a source file must be
restricted. There is no limit to the size of source
text, but it must be typed each time you wish to use
it. Source files may be saved for later use with
the full version of PowerBASIC 3.2.
TRYPB3.HLP - The PowerBASIC 3.2 Help File. Context-sensitive
help is available at any time by pressing F1.
Control-F1 allows automatic lookup of the word
at the current cursor position.
The TRYPB3 package may be freely distributed as long as it is not
altered in any way.
How to place an order
=====================
You can upgrade by phone, fax, or mail, but do it today! Fill
out the enclosed order form and Fax, Email or Mail it to:
Fax: 408-659-8008
Email: sales@powerbasic.com or 75300,1742 (Compuserve)
Write: PowerBASIC, Inc.
316 Mid Valley Center
Carmel, CA 93923
Or call us directly at:
800-780-7707 toll free from the U.S. or Canada
408-659-8000 from outside the U.S.
