Instructions for accessing /pub/cpm/

This archive contains some CP/M software and documentation, mainly for the Commodore 128 computer.

0. General information

We try to keep our files documented, so that you don't have to download anything to find out if it was worth downloading. In each directory in the /pub/cpm tree, there is a file called 00INDEX that contains a brief description of the files in that directory. This is the source of information for the HTML directory listings in the index.html files.

1. Getting started

It might be wisest to first download the 00INDEX or index.html files from the directories you are interested in.

ALLDIRS, ALLDIRS.html

All directory names with descriptions. Modification time stamps are not included.

ALLFILES, ALLFILES.html

All directory and file names with descriptions. Modification time stamps of directories are not included.

2. Downloading

When downloading files, you have to take some precautions. If you are unfamiliar with some file types you encounter on our site, please see our list of file types.

2.1 HTTP interface

To download a file, you have to use the Save link target function of your HTML browser. Otherwise the contents of the file may be displayed on the screen as binary garbage.

In Lynx, use the d key to save a link target. You will be prompted for alternatives. Choose Save to disk and confirm the filename.

In graphical browsers, you can usually invoke a context-sensitive menu by clicking the right mouse button while the pointer is placed above a hyperlink. Select the Download link or Save link target or equivalent command. If your operating system has some filename limitations, you may also need to rename the file.

Please note that on Microsoft Windows, some versions of Netscape may sometimes transform the CR and LF characters in the files it downloads. Also, Internet Explorer may silently decompress gzipped files you download, without removing the .gz file name suffix.

In case you have problems with HTTP, try a better client, such as wget, or use the FTP interface.

2.2 FTP interface

Use binary mode when transferring the programs. Note that the TCP/IP firewall of your ISP may require you to enter passive mode before downloading anything, even directory listings.

FTP clients with pretty graphical user interfaces can cause lots of problems. They will not let you issue all commands that are available in a textual client, and they may not show the return codes of the FTP server. Also, you may be unsure whether transfers take place in binary or in text mode.

2.3 Mass downloading and mirroring

Probably the most efficient way to maintain a mirror of our archive is to use rsync. See the list of access points.