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                        The XAssembler Compiler - FAQ

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                              GENERAL QUESTIONS


Q: What is XAssembler ?
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A: It is an assembly language compiler for 80x86 family processors.


Q: Do I have to pay for it ?
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A: XAssembler is free to use for any non-commercial purpose. But if you decide
   to make some money with it then just contact me.  More info in the included
   "en.txt" file.


Q: Are sources available ?
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A: No. Well, at least not while the program is in developement state.


Q: So, what the heck it is, compiler or assembler ?
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A: Actually, both. XAssembler can work as compiler giving you ready to execute
   binary file or as an assembler giving you an object file which you can link
   using any linker you choose.


Q: Any special hardware/software requirements for XAssembler ?
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A: Depends on the version you are using.

   16-bit DOS version - requires at least 386 class processor and DOS 5.0
   32-bit DOS version - same as above plus 32-bit DPMI server
   Windows version    - as obvious as it is ... any Windows from 95 up

   All versions look the same and have the same command  line  parameters  but
   they differ in functionality (16-bit DOS version is quite limited).

   Of course you can run both DOS versions in Windows DOS Box.


Q: Is XAssembler compatible with other assemblers ?
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A: Well, not directly. You can't just take other  assembler  source  file  and
   feed it to XAssembler. While general form  of  instructions  and  arguments
   may be similar there are other differences that make  such  use  impossible
   without proper modification.


Q: Can I write 16-bit or 32-bit code with XAssembler ?
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A: Sure.  XAssembler happily generates both 16-bit and 32-bit code.  Check out
   the docs and get familiar with compilation modes.


                              USING THE PROGRAM


Q: Why can't I run the compiler ?
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A: Well, that depends on the version you have.

   16-bit DOS version - you sure you have a 386 ? and DOS ?
   32-bit DOS version - get a 32-bit DPMI server (Windows has one built in, if
                        you're not using it then use some 3rd party program).
   Windows version    - if it's not working  at  all .... you  ain't  got  any
                        Windows there. Seriously, I'd like you to  contact  me
                        if this is the case.


Q: I use the compiler (any version) under Windows but its window keep closing.
   How can I make it not to close and read program messages ?
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A: There is a check-box in program properties (right-click) which says  "Close
   on exit". Uncheck it and the window will stop closing.


Q: Why long file names don't work ?
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A: The dreaded LFN problem.  If yor're using Windows version this shouldn't be
   your concern. The method XAssembler (we're talking about DOS versions here)
   uses to determine wheter LFNs are available sometimes just  don't  work. To
   solve this problem use "-l" option to force XAssembler to use LFNs  or "-g"
   option to disable LFNs usage.

   If you're not sure of LFN support on your system then you  may  simply  use
   old fashion 8.3 file names. This should save  you  most  file-name  related
   head aches :)


                             PROGRAMMING WITH XASM


... under construction