Fractal - The memory fragmenter ============================================================================ Version 0.4 (3rd February 1992) (c) 1992 by Stefan Radermacher Introduction ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Unfortunately there are still programs around which grab all the available memory instead of dynamically allocating and releasing memory as they need it. Such programs prevent programs like Selectric, FuzzyClock and Let 'em Fly etc from operating properly. Fractal partially resolves this problem by taking advantage of the fact that the operating system only allocates ajacent memory blocks to programs. Fractal switches off a user-definable sized memory block which prevents memory grabbing programs from reserving the entire memory. This memory is then available to other Applications. Naturally this is not the optimum solution to this Problem and there's no guarantee it will work in every situation. It would be much better if programmers refrained from this arcane practice. It's not only cleaner but is the only way such programs will ever run sucessfully in a multitasking environment. Fractal consists of the following files: FRACT016.PRG Fractal set to reserve 16 Kilobytes FRACTAL.TXT This file Distribution and conditions of use ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Fractal is Freeware and can be freely passed between end users. Permission to distribute Fractal over BBSs is given and encouraged. PD libraries, magazines or any other organisations may only distribute Selectric¿ with my written permission. The following PD/Shareware libraries obtained my permission to carry Selectric¿: The FaST Club; 7 Musters Road, Nottingham, NG2 7PP, England Installation ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Simply copy Fractal into the Auto folder on your boot disk/partition and after a reboot the memory will be fragmented. The size of the memory block reserved is adjustable between 1 and 999 Kilobytes. To change the size of the reserved memory block rename Fractal using the last three characters of the filename to indicate the desired size: FRACT016.PRG -Reserves 16Kb FRACT001.PRG -Reserves 1Kb FRACT128.PRG -Reserves 128Kb FRACT999.PRG -Reserves 999Kb Important! Always run Fractal from the AUTO folder and not from the desktop! Disclaimer ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Neither I, Stefan Radermacher, nor Joe Connor (who loosely translated this documentation) accept no liability or responsibility for any direct or indirect damage that may arise, either financial, material or any other kind from either the use or misuse of Fractal. Afterburner (Appendix) =========================================================================== Thanks to Joe Connor for translating the manual into English and providing UK support. He can be contacted at: Joe Connor, 65 Mill Road, Colchester, Essex, CO4 5LJ Email: jconnor@cix.compulink.co.uk The latest English Version can be obtained from Joe Connor free of charge by sending a Stamped Addressed Envelope enclosing a formatted floppy disk. -------------------------------------------------------------------------- My details: Stefan Radermacher Unter Krahnenb„umen 52-54 50668 K”ln Germany Telephone: (from the UK) 010 49 221 122268 Q Email: sr@k.maus.de +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ EOF