Jim Vassilakos' RPG programs modified and compiled to run as native 32-bit Windows programs.
The source code was compiled using the FreeBasic compiler and required some changes to the original QB source code to be successfully compiled. Otherwise there has been no change to functionality or operation.
Calendar Creator (CAL) for Windows
Random Stuff Generator (RAND) for Windows
Each download is the complete package and should work immediately once unzipped.
If you already use a MSDOS version of any of these programs you will need to copy any of your creations to the Windows version folder.
The file 'SHELLEXT.vbs' is a script file to handle calls to the Windows command processor from the programs. Do not delete this file.
The Editor and Reader were MSDOS programs and have been decommissioned.
Windows Notepad has been made the default Editor and Reader as it is on all Windows systems.
One disadvantage with Notepad is that is must be closed with a mouse click (the ESC key doesn't work.) This disrupts the all keyboard approach used in these programs.
If you find this annoying may I suggest the notepad-like freeware program 'WIN32PAD' which can be closed with the ESC key. Just install this in your program folder and set it as the Editor/Reader. Link: WIN32PAD site.
Programs will appear on the desktop in a 640x480 pixel window (which is the MSDOS standard VGA screen size). Modern screens are much larger than this so the programs will only take up some screen real estate. If you can stand this display size then this is the best option. However the programs can be run maximised by clicking the maximise button on the window bar.
As the original programs are MSDOS programs they have a 4:3 screen ratio.
Modern screens are usually a different ratio, often 16:9. Maximising the window will therefore result in some distortion. It's not pretty but it is usable.
FreeBasic doesn't have the SOUND routine found in QB. Consequently these programs do not make sounds on key presses as the MSDOS versions do. I have created a subroutine stub for sound in the code if anyone wants to try to put sounds back into the source code.
Minimal changes have been made to the documentation and help files. This may mean some parts of the documentation are now out of date.
Use at your own risk. This software is not supported.
Last updated: August 2016
TD