Specifications

3-1
CHAPTER 3
SOFTWARE CONFIGURATION
3.1 INTRODUCTION
The CoreModule/PC supports a wide variety of configuration options. This chapter provides an
overview of the system features and configuration options that are available through software
configuration. A combination of standard DOS and Ampro-supplied utilities and drivers allows you
to create a highly customized system based on the CoreModule/PC. This chapter provides a brief
discussion of how to use the available software utilities to configure a system for many typical
installations.
Assuming you have connected the CoreModule/PC to a keyboard, a display (via a MiniModule
display controller), and a floppy drive (via a MiniModule/FSS) as described in Chapter 2, you
should have no difficulty booting the system under DOS. You will probably want to take advantage
of the flexibility designed into the CoreModule/PC ROM-BIOS and utilities software to create a
customized installation. You can tailor your software configuration to a wide variety of hardware
configurations, as indicated in Chapter 2.
Some familiarity with "DOS" (PC-DOS, MS-DOS, or DR DOS) is assumed. Please refer to the
appropriate IBM, Microsoft, or Digital Research reference manuals for further information on the
use of the DOS operating system and its drivers and utilities. In addition, Appendix A of this
manual contains a detailed description of each Ampro CoreModule/PC utility program.
3.2 OPERATION WITH DOS
The CoreModule/PC and its ROM-BIOS have been designed to allow the use of IBM PC-DOS,
Microsoft MS-DOS, or Novell DR DOS, Versions 2.x or higher. Throughout this chapter, the term
"DOS" will be used to refer to any of these operating systems, except in cases where a difference in
operation exists.
Caution
Many variations of MS-DOS exist which have been customized
for operation on specific computer systems. These cannot be
expected to function properly on the CoreModule/PC and
should not be used. Use "IBM PC-DOS," or use the "generic
IBM compatible" version of MS-DOS supplied directly by
Microsoft on an OEM basis, if you do not choose to use the DR
DOS operating system supplied by Ampro.
When used with DOS, the standard PC devices are available, including keyboard port, speaker port,
parallel printer port, serial port, programmable timer, DMA controller, and interrupt controller.