July 2006 - Fractint - mailman.xmission.com

Re: [Fractint] Re: Mark and WinDoZe 98
by RENRAD1＠aol.com 16 Aug '06

16 Aug '06

In a message dated 7/13/06 6:46:25 PM Pacific Daylight Time, Paul.N.Lee(a)Worldnet.att.net writes: if you can find it somewhere, this might be a solution for a while. At least until you can finally upgrade. Thanks very much, Paul, I'll go 'mining for legacies' and see if the version is around. Cheers! peter S.

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FOTD for July 31, 2006
by JimMuth＠aol.com 31 Jul '06

31 Jul '06

FOTD -- July 31, 2006 (Rating 5) Fractal visionaries and enthusiasts: I have seen comments about the graininess of the pictures of the old fractal cats that have been posted on the FOTD web site. I realize that the pictures are rough. They are not supposed to be works of art; they are merely to show that the fractal cats I have been writing about for almost 10 years are in fact real. Part of the grain problem may be due to the graininess of the cats themselves. Being fractal in nature, they have a limited resolution that can be overcome only by a digital camera with accurate focusing and graphic computer control. This I do not yet have. The next task will be to post some grainy pictures of the new fractal cats, to show that they are real also. Then I must purchase a S.O.T.A. digital camera, and take some real pictures of the dynamic quartet. (I actually am, or was, a pretty good photographer.) There is little to be said about today's fractal image, which is a scene very deep in an elephant trunk of East Valley of the Mandelbrot set. Being well beyond the range of standard math, the image is a very slow one. It is so slow that I have sent it on ahead to the FOTD web site at: <http://home.att.net/~Paul.N.Lee/FotD/FotD.html> from where it may be downloaded in a minute or so. Since scenes deep in elephant trunks are fairly common, I have rated the image at a modest 5. I gave it no name, though with tomorrow's FOTD I will resume naming the images. With a high temperature of 88F 31C, the weather was warm here at New Fractal Central today. But the humidity was not too bad. Compared to the weather back at Old Fractal Central, it was actually quite pleasant. The new fractal cats passed the day alternating between resting and chasing each other up and down the hallway. Like the old fractal cats, they appreciate their treat of tuna in the evening, but unlike the old cats, they do not settle to sleep as soon as the tuna is gone. The next FOTD will appear in 24 hours. It will likely be an improvement over today's image. Until then, take care, and don't let yourself get too grainy. Jim Muth jamth(a)mindspring.com jimmuth(a)aol.com START PARAMETER FILE======================================= FOTD_for_31-07-06 { ; time=6:03:20.21--SF5 on a P200 reset=2004 type=mandel passes=1 center-mag=0.25601\ 552587723991790838021806166/-7.5399439644467108074\ 355153621e-4/4.184694e+027 params=0/0 float=y maxiter=35000 inside=0 periodicity=10 colors=000YKNVKOTKPQKQOKRLKSJKTGKUEKVBKW9KX7KY8JX9\ JWAJWBJVBJVCJUDJUEJTEJTFJSGJSKJRPJPUKRZKScKThKRmJU\ rIXsHZsGasFcsEfsDisCksBnsAps9su6zs8urAqqCmoEinGeoI\ `mHalGajFaiEbgDbfCbeBbcAcb9c`8c_7dY6dX5dU0eW4dY7cZ\ Bb`EbaIacM`dQ`fT_hXZi_ZkcYleXniXomWqpVupUrqVppVnoW\ lnWjmXhlXfkYdjYaiY_hZYgZWf_Ue_Sd`Qc`Mc_Ob`Qa`Sa`U`\ aW_aY_a_ZbaZbcYbeXcgXciWckVdmVdoUdoUdnSdjQhhKlcLmd\ AmeCmfEmgGmhImiKmjMmiOmhQmgSmfUmeWmdYmc_lc_mc_nh_n\ k`ioaeob`pcXpdTpeOqfKqeOmdShcWcb_ZacU`gXab_bYacTdd\ OfeJifEkg9jg6mh5oi4qk3tl3vn2xo1zp1sq7mqCgqHaqNWqSQ\ qXJqcKqaKn_KkZKhXKeVKbUL_SLXRLUPLRNLOMLMKLLJOLHQOG\ TQFVTEXVD_YBa`Aa`Ba_B`ZC_YCZXD_WD`XCaYCbZBc_Bd`Aea\ Afb9gcAhdCicEjaGk_IlYKmWMnUOoSQmULnRMoONpLOqIPrFQs\ 0Rr3Qq6Pp9NpCMoFLnIJmLImOGlRFkUEjXCj_Bib9he8cjKZlX\ UoVPnTKnRKmPMlNPlLRkKUjIXjGZiEXiCViATi8RiVPiaNi_Li\ YJeWKbVNZTRVRURPXNNbLL_KM } END PARAMETER FILE=========================================

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Re: Fractint Digest, Vol 41, Issue 16
by jackoftradez＠comcast.net 31 Jul '06

31 Jul '06

C:\DOS C:\DOS\RUN RUN\DOS\RUN ! Sheesh! Why don't people (if you're serious about using Fractint) just get a second hand computer and install real DOS or Win9X ? All this about virtual PC and video card problems is getting old already. A little time and $100 can get you running fractint just like the good old days! Whatever.

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FOTD 30-07-06 (FOTD for 30-07-06 [7])
by Jim Muth 30 Jul '06

30 Jul '06

FOTD -- July 30, 2006 (Rating 7) Fractal visionaries and enthusiasts: Oh ye of little faith, ye who did not believe in the old fractal cats, ye who need to see with their eyes before they believe, the time has come for enlightenment. I have taken pictures of the old fractal cats, Thomas and Tippy, and sent them to Paul, who has posted them to the FOTD web site. The pictures are not the best ever taken, but they are good enough to show that the old fractal cats are real and not mere entertaining fantasies. Thomas, the orange, is shown cooling himself on the walkway by the holly patch. Tippy, the tabby, is seen curled in his porch chair, totally out of this world. This is about as active as they ever get now that they are over 16 years old. The new fractal cats, Nicholas the large black shorthair and Cassie the tiny cream chartreuse, have not yet had their pictures taken. This oversight will soon be remedied. Today's image is an evaporated one, a scene in the fractal that results when portions of Z^(-0.5) and Z^(-5.5) are combined and (1/C) is added. The image consists entirely of 'inside' stuff made visible by the 'bof61' fill. This fill is the only one that works with today's particular image. With its unexpected detail, the image is unusual enough to rate a 7. I did not name it, though I did have several ideas for a name. The render time of 5-3/4 minutes is fast enough to make the calculation time worth the effort, though those with a keen sense of true value may prefer to download the image from the FOTD web site at: <http://home.att.net/~Paul.N.Lee/FotD/FotD.html> where it has been posted, along with the very-long-awaited pictures of the old fractal cats. Thomas may be found at: <http://home.att.net/~Paul.N.Lee/FotD/_THOMAS.GIF> Tippy is at: <http://home.att.net/~Paul.N.Lee/FotD/_TIPPY.GIF> The weather here at New Fractal Central in central Pennsylvania has been warm and muggy for a while, with frequent thunder-show- ers in the late afternoon. The same is expected to continue for most of next week. But still, it's not as hot as it was back at the Old Fractal Central 155 miles south of here in Baltimore. For me, things are slowly returning to normal. The new fractal cats are sitting at the front window, anxious to be let out. But the decision to let them become indoor-outdoor cats has not yet been made, so they will have to be patient. The next FOTD will appear in 24 hours. Until then, take care, and keep the faith. There might be more to it than meets the eye. Jim Muth jamth(a)mindspring.com jimmuth(a)aol.com START PARAMETER FILE======================================= FOTD_for_30-07-06 { ; time=0:05:46.53--SF5 on a P200 reset=2004 type=formula formulafile=allinone.frm formulaname=MandelbrotMix4 function=recip passes=1 center-mag=+46.67800906092363/+32.51216039765313/\ 3.543279e+007/1/-37.5/0.100161428564064209 params=0.7/-0.5/0.1/-5.5/0/1e+100 float=y maxiter=1500 inside=bof61 periodicity=10 colors=000UZgXMnSIfNF_ICTE9L52196E437p`RjXOeTL`PIV\ MGQIDLEAFB8A75532AMb9K_8IX7HU7FR6EP5CM5BJ49G37D26B\ 248135012ixbes_boX_jUWfRTbPQYMNUJJQGGLDDHB9D868534\ 2ZAI1Kj0Gb0DV0AN06F037kN0hL0eK0bI0_H0XF0UE0RC0OB0L\ A0I80F70C50940620310tD7zzrzwoztlzqiwnftkcqh`neYkbV\ h_ScWP_SMVPJRLHMIEIEBDA89754321q40f30W20L10A0_P`WM\ XTKUQIQMFNJDKGBGD9D96A646323XmzSgzO`zKVzGOzCGz8Bz4\ 5zQEzD7zh7vd6q`5lX5gU4bQ4YM3TI2OF2JB1E719304HaJFZH\ EXGDUFCSEBQDANB9LA8J97G86E75B5494373242121ieHrlNmh\ LidJe`HaXFXUETQCPMALI8GF7CB5873431s6Ue4MS3FE17_iWX\ fUVcST`QRYOOVMMSKKPIINGFKEDHCBEA9B8686454222GelDZc\ ASW8LO5EG278h6hU4UF2FkXeaLh0Wl0Qc0LW0GO0AG0583uH2k\ E2aB1T81J5092dtZbfBY`9TW8OQ6JL5EG49A2451RIXPGUNFSL\ EPJCNHBLFAID9GB7E96B759537324112TNhQKcNI_KGVHDREBM\ B9I86D549224qj8n9sP4SQoEOkDMgCKcBI`AGX9ET8DQ7BM69I\ 57E45B3372131PriOvgPpcQk_ } frm:MandelbrotMix4 {; Jim Muth a=real(p1), b=imag(p1), d=real(p2), f=imag(p2), g=1/f, h=1/d, j=1/(f-b), z=(-a*b*g*h)^j, k=real(p3)+1, l=imag(p3)+100, c=fn1(pixel): z=k*((a*(z^b))+(d*(z^f)))+c, |z| < l } END PARAMETER FILE=========================================

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environment space for Fractint under XP
by Tim Wegner 29 Jul '06

29 Jul '06

I received this plea for help. Does anyone have a good answer? <quote> I have been unable to get fractint to run on my XP Pro SP2 computer in a Command Prompt session. I keep getting the error R6009 not enough space for environment. I have tried several things like setting CommandEnvSize=2424 environment variable, to no avail. </quote> Tim

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Things went well
by Jim Muth 26 Jul '06

26 Jul '06

Fractal fans: We're back at New Fractal Central. The vacation went well. We're still not sure exactly where we went, but it was fun not knowing what lies around the next corner. All good things must come to an end however, and the time has come to get back into the familiar old daily routine. Give me a day or two to recover my senses before resuming the FOTD, when new and greater fractals will appear. I took a few snapshots of the old fractal cats, which will be posted to the FOTD web site within a day or so just to prove they really do exist. Much better pictures of both the old and new fractal cats will be posted in the near future. Until the FOTD resumes in a couple days, take care, and wait with bated but not abated breath. Jim Muth

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Re: [Fractint] Running Fractint in Microsoft Virtual PC
by nick.grasso＠nasrecruitment.com 25 Jul '06

25 Jul '06

Hi John, LOL! That's exactly how I felt when I first typed FORMAT C: I don't have anything against stiff drinks, but you probably already know that Windows XP would NEVER allow you to format your real C: drive, assuming that is the drive that XP boots from. Keep your courage up - you're almost there. Nick ----------------- Original message: Thanks Nick, I'm installing Virtual PC from a FreeDos ISO and all works just as you describe. I have a virtual C: drive and a virtual A: drive, HOWEVER. When faced with : "Format C:\" my fist froze. Tried to hit "Enter" and my paralysed finger quivered, but wouldn't do it. No matter how I told my fingers that this wasn't the *real* C-drive they just went on strike. I am therefore very encouraged by your success. Perhaps I'll try again after a few stiff drinks. :-) John W.

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Running Fractint in Microsoft Virtual PC
by nick.grasso＠nasrecruitment.com 25 Jul '06

25 Jul '06

Dear Fractinters, Here is my mini-tutorial on installing Virtual PC on Windows XP to run Fractint. This really isn't very difficult to set up. The only hard part is remembering how to install DOS after all these years. Once you have it set up, running Fractint is easy. However, there is one big caveat: Fractint will run much slower than on native DOS. Nick Using Microsoft Virtual PC 2004 to run Fractint ----------------------------------------------------------- 1. First of all, you will need a bootable floppy or CD with some version of DOS. Or an ISO image of same. Virtual PC officially supports DOS 6.22 but most any version of DOS should work. 2. Download Virtual PC from http://www.microsoft.com/windows/virtualpc/default.mspx 3. Unzip the download and run setup.exe to install. 4. Setup a Virtual Machine. When you first run VM, it will bring up the New Virtual Machine Wizard. Answer the questions in the wizard as follows: > select 'Create a virtual machine' > specify the directory\name, e.g., DOS622.vmc > select 'MS-DOS' as the operating system > allocate 32Mb of RAM (this is the default) > in Virtual Hard Disk Options, select 'A new virtual hard disk' > specify the directory\name of the virtual hard disk, e.g., DOS Hard Disk.vhd (this virtual disk seems to be 2Gb - note that it is not partitioned or formatted - see Install DOS below) You should now have an icon in Virtual PC Console saying 'DOS622-not running' 5. Install DOS on your virtual hard drive. (This is how I installed DOS 6.22 from a bootable floppy, see Notes below for other methods) > put your DOS diskette in drive A: > start Virtual PC Console, highlight your vm, then hit the Start button > this will 'boot' your floppy to an A> prompt, inside the vm window of course > at this point you will install DOS as if you were installing it on a new PC with an empty hard drive; this is what I did: > run FDISK to create a partition on the virtual hard disk > FORMAT C: to format the virtual hard disk > SYS C: to make the virtual hard disk 'bootable' > copy files from A:\ to C:\DOS Remove the floppy and select Action -> Ctrl-Alt-Del. This should 'boot' your vm from your virtual C: drive to a C> prompt. 6. Install Virtual Machine Additions for MS-DOS. This makes your DOS vm much more useful. For example, it allows the vm to share folders on your real hard drive, integrates the mouse pointer, etc. It says it supports MS-DOS 6.22 but I'm sure it will work with other versions. > start your DOS vm if it isn't already running > go back to your Windows desktop, run Windows Explorer, and find the file 'DOS Virtual Machine Additions.iso' which will be in a directory called \Virtual Machine Additions under the dir you installed Virtual PC > drag this file to the floppy disk icon on the status bar at the bottom of the vm window - this will open an A> prompt > enter DOSADD at the A> prompt to install the additions > right click on the floppy disk icon and select 'Release...' > select Action -> Reset to 'reboot' your vm 7. Configure VM Additions After you install the additions, there will be more options under 'Settings'. Some of the settings you can only get to when the vm is running and others only when the vm is not running. To set up a shared folder: > start up the vm > be sure you have a line 'LASTDRIVE=Z' in config.sys although I think the additions may automatically put it there > select Edit -> Settings > highlight the Shared Folders setting then click the Shared Folder... button > for example, you could share C:\Fractals as F: > if you are using an sstools.ini file for fractint, be sure to change any references, e.g. from C:\Fractals\Fractint to F:\Fractint 8. Run fractint! Open your vm and run fractint as you would under DOS, e.g: C>F: F>CD\Fractals\Fractint F>Fractint Of course you can put the above in your autoexec.bat. NOTES ----- > Getting help. The chm help file that comes with Virtual PC is good. Also, the Virtual PC web site has an active forum. One of those two should answer most questions, but you can contact me if you have any questions. > Performance. Your DOS vm will be able run fractint and most all of its functions, including color cycling. You will also be able to run many (but not all) DOS games that otherwise wouldn't run on Windows. However, it will be quite a bit slower than running from native DOS. The vm will also eat up a lot of CPU cycles on your 'real' PC. > Installing operating systems from CD or ISO. I haven't tried this, but I think to install from an ISO, just drag the ISO file to the CD or Floppy icon at the bottom of the Virtual PC Console. To create an ISO, WinImage (http://www.winimage.com) is a good program. > Configuring DOS. While I was setting this up, all those long-forgotten issues with setting up DOS came back to me like a bad dream. I once again had to deal with upper memory managers, extended/expanded memory, config.sys, autoexec.bat, etc. Actually, Fractint doesn't need a lot of tweaking but if you want to squeeze out every bit of memory for running DOS games, etc., here are some tips: - Installing the VM Additions for DOS puts a bunch of stuff in Autoexec.bat and Config.sys and doesn't load them into upper memory, so you will have to do this - I don't think QEMM (the old 3rd party memory manager) works in Virtual PC, but there is a free one called UMBPCI that works fine: (http://www.uwe-sieber.de/umbpci_e.html) - If anyone has trouble with this, I could send them my configuration > Changing video modes. Virtual PC emulates the S3 Trio 32/64 PCI video card. Therefore, Fractint thinks it is using that card. I suppose you could run MAKEFCFG.EXE but that isn't necessary. All the 256 color VESA Autodetect modes work (SF6, SF7, SF9, etc.) If you are running Virtual PC in a window, it doesn't acually switch your real video card into that mode. For example, if you are running your Windows desktop at 1024x768 and run fractint at 640x480 in vm, you get a 640x480 window on your 1024x768 desktop. If you tell fractint to switch to 800x600, the vm will just resize the window. If you change fractint to 1280x1024, which is bigger than your desktop, it will create a scrolling window. You can switch Virtual PC into full-screen mode where it does seem to switch your video mode, for example, to 1280x1024. I haven't yet found the right register settings for 1600x1200 however.

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Things are going well
by Jim Muth 23 Jul '06

23 Jul '06

Fractal fans: We are thoroughly enjoying our vacation, and will be a few days later than planned getting back to business. We have gone no place in particular, but have been wandering aimlessly around north central Pennsylvania, taking it easy in the enjoyable places we stumble upon. The big news is that I have finally taken pictures of the old fractal cats, Thomas the orange and Tippy the tabby, who some believed are not real. The first two pictures are not that great, but they will soon be posted to the FOTD web site. Much better pictures of the old dynamic duo, as well as the new dynamic duo, will soon follow. As things look now, the next FOTD will appear late this week. Until then, take care, and keep your fractals dry. Jim Muth

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Re: [Fractint] A request to ATI Radeon VE display adapterusers reFractint.
by nick.grasso＠nasrecruitment.com 21 Jul '06

21 Jul '06

Kim Hagar wrote: >>>Hi, Nick! I've been working trying to get higher resolutions with my computer, too, and I have not had any luck. Mr. Paul Lee and several others have been VERY generous with their time, but I am afraid I may have worn out my welcome! Just wondering if you can tell me more about how to run Virtual PC- I already downloaded it, but what do I do with it, to set it up so that it will run Fractint?! I hate being such a dummy! I actually work Helpdesk for a large corporation, but I don't do ANYthing like this! I just love my fractals, and would like to be able to print them in a larger format.<<< Kim, I will try to download and install Virtual PC this week and report back to the fractint list with a mini-tutorial on how to set it up and run fractint. It's been so long since I installed the old Connectix version that I really don't remember what was involved. I don't remember it being very difficult but I'm sure there are a few sticky points. >>>Oh! ONE more thing- do you think, if i run Virtual PC, the best environment would be Win98? Already worrying about where I'd find a copy, before you even answer!<<< If you mean the guest system, then NO! Fractint was written for DOS, therefore you want to run it in DOS, not WinAnything. I think that Virtual PC still comes with a pre-installed DOS guest. Nick

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