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Offline carvedeyeTopic starter

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Must have software downloads for an expanded amiga?
« on: December 21, 2013, 11:16:50 PM »
Hi just wanting to know what the must have software downloads are for an expanded amiga like mine (see my siggy) should need, I know the obvious one's would be the boing bags 1-4 and mui38, what other software is good to use ?
A1200T: M1230XA 50Mhz 68030 w/64mb,DVDRom, 80gb hdd, Realtek LAN Card, Mediator LT4 + Radeon 9250 128mb(used for fast ram), Spider USB Card, Voodoo 3 3000 OS 3.9 +bb 1-3
 

Offline Oldsmobile_Mike

Re: Must have software downloads for an expanded amiga?
« Reply #1 on: December 22, 2013, 01:51:09 AM »
I've kind of made Workbench customization into an art so could give you a looong list, but here's just a few:
 
For appearance: Visual Prefs, Rebel palette, latest version of Peter K's icon.library
 
For performance: latest version of TLSFmem, Env-Handler, Thor MMU libraries, latest workbench.library
 
Individual patches make small differences, but those made the biggest difference on mine. ;)
« Last Edit: December 22, 2013, 01:56:15 AM by Oldsmobile_Mike »
Amiga 500: 2MB Chip|16MB Fast|30MHz 68030+68882|3.9|Indivision ECS|GVP A500HD+|Mechware card reader + 8GB CF|Cocolino|SCSI DVD-RAM
Amiga 2000: 2MB Chip|136MB Fast|50MHz 68060|3.9|Indivision ECS + GVP Spectrum|Mechware card reader + 8GB CF|AD516|X-Surf 100|RapidRoad|Cocolino|SCSI CD-RW
 Amiga videos and other misc. stuff at https://www.youtube.com/CompTechMike/videos
 

Offline giZmo350

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Re: Must have software downloads for an expanded amiga?
« Reply #2 on: December 22, 2013, 05:04:16 AM »
Hey Mike, I was wondering if you might explain a little on exactly what each software used for performance does for your system, what OS you use the software for and where to download each one. I found the TLSFmem no problem and I think the Thor MMU libraries on AmiNet but not sure if they are the latest versions. Couldn't find what may be the latest version of workbench.library or Env-Handler. What exactly do you notice that improves system performance from TLSFmem? What does the MMU libraries do and would it interfere if using ACATune with one of Jens' accelerators? Also, what does a newer workbench.library and Env-Handler do? I always worry about installing things like this due to dependencies and backing them out if something goes wrong. I did unpack and run from a command line the TLSFmem and got no error so I assume it ran ok resident... what should I expect to happen? ;)
A500: 2MB Chip, 8MB Fast, IndiECS, MiniMegi, IDE4ZorroII on Z-500, KS1.3/KS3.1, WB3.1&BWB
 
A2000HD: 2MB Chip, 128MB Fast, P5:Blizz 2060@50MHz, PCD-50B/4GBCF, XSurf100, RapidRoad, IndiECS, Matze RTG, MiniMegi, CD-RW, SunRize AD516, WB3.9
 
A1200: 2MB Chip, 64MB Fast, 4GBCF, GVP Typhoon 030 @40MHz w/FPU, Subway USB, EasyNet Ethernet, Indi AGA MKI, FastATA MK-IV, Internal Slim CD/DVD-RW, WB3.5

Surfing The Web With AMIGA Is Fun Again!
 

Offline Oldsmobile_Mike

Re: Must have software downloads for an expanded amiga?
« Reply #3 on: December 22, 2013, 05:34:38 AM »
Quote from: gizmo350;754961
Hey Mike, I was wondering if you might explain a little on exactly what each software used for performance does for your system, what OS you use the software for and where to download each one. I found the TLSFmem no problem and I think the Thor MMU libraries on AmiNet but not sure if they are the latest versions. Couldn't find what may be the latest version of workbench.library or Env-Handler. What exactly do you notice that improves system performance from TLSFmem? What does the MMU libraries do and would it interfere if using ACATune with one of Jens' accelerators? Also, what does a newer workbench.library and Env-Handler do? I always worry about installing things like this due to dependencies and backing them out if something goes wrong. I did unpack and run from a command line the TLSFmem and got no error so I assume it ran ok resident... what should I expect to happen? ;)

 
Aah, that's a lot of questions! The TLSFmem prevents memory fragmentation. It does a great job of it, by putting it very early in your S-S it allocates as much of your memory as possible and manages it all in one big chunk. That chunk takes a higher priority than any memory it wasn't able to allocate, so it will be used first. You can check all this with SysInfo. The latest version AFAIK is 1.9. I downloaded an earlier version (1.6, if I recall) and then installed the 1.9 update with spatch from the author's website. In other words, it was a pain! Send me your email address and I'll send you a copy. ;)
 
So it doesn't really "speed up" your system, but in terms of performance it manages your memory soooo much better than the native system functions.
 
The Thor MMU libraries are on Aminet. They offload a lot of system functions to the MMU for more efficient operation. Normally the MMU in an Amiga isn't used for much. This changes that. I installed these libraries and a few of the other utilities in the package, and noticed a definite speed-up in many system functions. Obviously these only work if you have a system with an MMU, preferably an 040 or better. I don't think they will work with any of Jens' accelerators (do they have an MMU?).
 
Workbench.library is part of Peter K's icon.library package. To install it you have to use spatch on a copy of a Kickstart ROM (to extract the original workbench.library), which is then patched, and the new file is then soft-kicked during the boot process. With 3.1 you have to use LoadModule, 3.9 will load it automatically. It adds a bunch of new Workbench menu items and general performance improvements (since the workbench.library in our ROM's is at best 20 years old, LOL).
 
Env-Handler is here: http://aminet.net/package/util/sys/envhandler
It eliminates the need to load the entire contents of your Envarc: directory into Env: at each bootup, only loading things as they're needed. Saves memory, gives faster boot time. Win-win. :)
 
Always make a backup of your Startup-Sequence and User-Startup before making any changes, but otherwise these programs are safe.
 
Does that answer everything? 'cause I need to get out of here! Need to get some sleep... or some coffee, LOL. :pint:


PS - did you see my response in the other thread about the AD516?  It rocks!  ;)
« Last Edit: December 22, 2013, 05:51:10 AM by Oldsmobile_Mike »
Amiga 500: 2MB Chip|16MB Fast|30MHz 68030+68882|3.9|Indivision ECS|GVP A500HD+|Mechware card reader + 8GB CF|Cocolino|SCSI DVD-RAM
Amiga 2000: 2MB Chip|136MB Fast|50MHz 68060|3.9|Indivision ECS + GVP Spectrum|Mechware card reader + 8GB CF|AD516|X-Surf 100|RapidRoad|Cocolino|SCSI CD-RW
 Amiga videos and other misc. stuff at https://www.youtube.com/CompTechMike/videos
 

Offline giZmo350

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Re: Must have software downloads for an expanded amiga?
« Reply #4 on: December 22, 2013, 05:56:20 AM »
Wow! Thanks for the reply! I'll digest and get back tomorrow...
IMT, here's another accelerator I have which does have MMU and maprom function thru ACATune... https://amigakit.leamancomputing.com/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=1113

As far as workbench.library goes you mean it's part of the kickstart rom chip itself and needs a software patch to replace at startup? Is a new workbench.library something that peeps burn onto custom rom chips? Hmmm, always wondered about that.

The version of TLSFmem I download I believe is 1.4 from here: http://www.platon42.de/cgi-local/navbar.pl?0000&download.html#tools  Is this Chris Hodges site? Oh, never mind... I see that it is.

Well, get some Zzzzzz my friend & catch ya tomorrow. BTW, I couldn't believe it, but the ice storm tracking east totally missed us by maybe only 20 miles to our south here in GR Mich ALL DAY!

Just noticed... you said "PS - did you see my response in the other thread about the AD516?  It rocks!"
I don't think I did...  link? Did you get it working? I need a 3.1 rom for my A2000 before I can start that project... gotta wait till I can justify an order from AmigaKit or get one from someone here or fleabay.
« Last Edit: December 22, 2013, 06:13:49 AM by gizmo350 »
A500: 2MB Chip, 8MB Fast, IndiECS, MiniMegi, IDE4ZorroII on Z-500, KS1.3/KS3.1, WB3.1&BWB
 
A2000HD: 2MB Chip, 128MB Fast, P5:Blizz 2060@50MHz, PCD-50B/4GBCF, XSurf100, RapidRoad, IndiECS, Matze RTG, MiniMegi, CD-RW, SunRize AD516, WB3.9
 
A1200: 2MB Chip, 64MB Fast, 4GBCF, GVP Typhoon 030 @40MHz w/FPU, Subway USB, EasyNet Ethernet, Indi AGA MKI, FastATA MK-IV, Internal Slim CD/DVD-RW, WB3.5

Surfing The Web With AMIGA Is Fun Again!
 

Offline ChaosLord

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Re: Must have software downloads for an expanded amiga?
« Reply #5 on: December 22, 2013, 07:08:11 PM »
I certify TLSFmem with a rating of Extreme Awesomeness +++++ 21 stars out of 10, 3 thumbs up.

Fast delivery.  Would buy again. :)
Wanna try a wonderfull strategy game with lots of handdrawn anims,
Magic Spells and Monsters, Incredible playability and lastability,
English speech, etc. Total Chaos AGA
 

Offline Oldsmobile_Mike

Re: Must have software downloads for an expanded amiga?
« Reply #6 on: December 23, 2013, 12:04:41 AM »
Quote from: gizmo350;754964
As far as workbench.library goes you mean it's part of the kickstart rom chip itself and needs a software patch to replace at startup? Is a new workbench.library something that peeps burn onto custom rom chips?

Yes, that is correct.  I don't have the right hardware to begin burning my own ROM's, am perfectly happy with the extra few seconds it adds to the boot time to soft-kick these libraries.  AFAIR the A4000T was the only model that didn't have workbench.library in ROM, that's because it was moved to disk to make room for both the SCSI and IDE devices.

Quote from: gizmo350;754964
The version of TLSFmem I download I believe is 1.4

The latest is 1.9.  If you PM me your email address I can send you a copy.  I had the devil of a time getting it since I had to download the SAS/C compiler stuff and basically create it myself.  Alternatively you can get 1.6 here:  http://eab.abime.net/showthread.php?t=54630

I don't know why they don't just put all this stuff on Aminet.  :idea:

Quote from: gizmo350;754964
Just noticed... you said "PS - did you see my response in the other thread about the AD516?  It rocks!"
I don't think I did...  link?

Here you go, last two comments in this thread:

http://www.amiga.org/forums/showthread.php?t=66480&page=2

I even made a video, I was kind of excited, LOL.  ;)

@ChaosLord - your comment rocks, LOL.  :D
Amiga 500: 2MB Chip|16MB Fast|30MHz 68030+68882|3.9|Indivision ECS|GVP A500HD+|Mechware card reader + 8GB CF|Cocolino|SCSI DVD-RAM
Amiga 2000: 2MB Chip|136MB Fast|50MHz 68060|3.9|Indivision ECS + GVP Spectrum|Mechware card reader + 8GB CF|AD516|X-Surf 100|RapidRoad|Cocolino|SCSI CD-RW
 Amiga videos and other misc. stuff at https://www.youtube.com/CompTechMike/videos
 

Offline carvedeyeTopic starter

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Re: Must have software downloads for an expanded amiga?
« Reply #7 on: December 25, 2013, 10:32:14 AM »
Where can I get the Peterk icons and how do I install them?
A1200T: M1230XA 50Mhz 68030 w/64mb,DVDRom, 80gb hdd, Realtek LAN Card, Mediator LT4 + Radeon 9250 128mb(used for fast ram), Spider USB Card, Voodoo 3 3000 OS 3.9 +bb 1-3
 

Offline Oldsmobile_Mike

Re: Must have software downloads for an expanded amiga?
« Reply #8 on: December 25, 2013, 03:06:38 PM »
Quote from: carvedeye;755316
Where can I get the Peterk icons and how do I install them?


It's a library, it's on Aminet. It receives frequent updates.  With 3.9 you just drop it into Libs:,  with 3.1 you have to use LoadModule.  Read the description, it greatly enhances icon drawing, load speed, and appearance.
Amiga 500: 2MB Chip|16MB Fast|30MHz 68030+68882|3.9|Indivision ECS|GVP A500HD+|Mechware card reader + 8GB CF|Cocolino|SCSI DVD-RAM
Amiga 2000: 2MB Chip|136MB Fast|50MHz 68060|3.9|Indivision ECS + GVP Spectrum|Mechware card reader + 8GB CF|AD516|X-Surf 100|RapidRoad|Cocolino|SCSI CD-RW
 Amiga videos and other misc. stuff at https://www.youtube.com/CompTechMike/videos
 

Offline carvedeyeTopic starter

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Re: Must have software downloads for an expanded amiga?
« Reply #9 on: December 25, 2013, 06:26:55 PM »
I can't seem to find it on aminet?
A1200T: M1230XA 50Mhz 68030 w/64mb,DVDRom, 80gb hdd, Realtek LAN Card, Mediator LT4 + Radeon 9250 128mb(used for fast ram), Spider USB Card, Voodoo 3 3000 OS 3.9 +bb 1-3
 

Offline matt3k

Re: Must have software downloads for an expanded amiga?
« Reply #10 on: December 25, 2013, 06:43:07 PM »
Here is a list of my hacks:

Aminet:
Quantum
Executive
QuickROM_WB
AssignWedge

Commercial:
Oxypatcher

For appearance:
Toolmanager with docks on wb, went with a greyscale theme...
MagicMenu

Merry Christmas!


Quote from: carvedeye;754936
Hi just wanting to know what the must have software downloads are for an expanded amiga like mine (see my siggy) should need, I know the obvious one's would be the boing bags 1-4 and mui38, what other software is good to use ?
 

Offline carvedeyeTopic starter

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Re: Must have software downloads for an expanded amiga?
« Reply #11 on: December 25, 2013, 10:20:48 PM »
Quote from: Oldsmobile_Mike;755330
It's a library, it's on Aminet. It receives frequent updates.  With 3.9 you just drop it into Libs:,  with 3.1 you have to use LoadModule.  Read the description, it greatly enhances icon drawing, load speed, and appearance.


Found  the download thanks :)
« Last Edit: December 25, 2013, 10:23:11 PM by carvedeye »
A1200T: M1230XA 50Mhz 68030 w/64mb,DVDRom, 80gb hdd, Realtek LAN Card, Mediator LT4 + Radeon 9250 128mb(used for fast ram), Spider USB Card, Voodoo 3 3000 OS 3.9 +bb 1-3
 

Offline Oldsmobile_Mike

Re: Must have software downloads for an expanded amiga?
« Reply #12 on: December 26, 2013, 04:06:29 AM »
Quote from: carvedeye;755379
Found the download thanks :)

Excellent!  For anyone who comes along in the future, here's a link:

http://aminet.net/package/util/libs/IconLib_46.4
 
This is a must-have for any Amiga system, IMHO.  :hammer:
Amiga 500: 2MB Chip|16MB Fast|30MHz 68030+68882|3.9|Indivision ECS|GVP A500HD+|Mechware card reader + 8GB CF|Cocolino|SCSI DVD-RAM
Amiga 2000: 2MB Chip|136MB Fast|50MHz 68060|3.9|Indivision ECS + GVP Spectrum|Mechware card reader + 8GB CF|AD516|X-Surf 100|RapidRoad|Cocolino|SCSI CD-RW
 Amiga videos and other misc. stuff at https://www.youtube.com/CompTechMike/videos
 

Offline giZmo350

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Re: Must have software downloads for an expanded amiga?
« Reply #13 on: December 26, 2013, 06:08:28 PM »
Yo Mike! PM Sent! :)
A500: 2MB Chip, 8MB Fast, IndiECS, MiniMegi, IDE4ZorroII on Z-500, KS1.3/KS3.1, WB3.1&BWB
 
A2000HD: 2MB Chip, 128MB Fast, P5:Blizz 2060@50MHz, PCD-50B/4GBCF, XSurf100, RapidRoad, IndiECS, Matze RTG, MiniMegi, CD-RW, SunRize AD516, WB3.9
 
A1200: 2MB Chip, 64MB Fast, 4GBCF, GVP Typhoon 030 @40MHz w/FPU, Subway USB, EasyNet Ethernet, Indi AGA MKI, FastATA MK-IV, Internal Slim CD/DVD-RW, WB3.5

Surfing The Web With AMIGA Is Fun Again!
 

Offline giZmo350

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Re: Must have software downloads for an expanded amiga?
« Reply #14 on: December 26, 2013, 09:45:11 PM »
Quote from: Oldsmobile_Mike;755393
Excellent!  For anyone who comes along in the future, here's a link:

http://aminet.net/package/util/libs/IconLib_46.4
 
This is a must-have for any Amiga system, IMHO.  :hammer:

OK, just D/L'ed and installed (too Easy with OS3.5)... Jumpin Jenny!!! Screen draw of icons is blazingly FAST! How did I ever miss this before? :insane: And icons no longer suck up all my chip mem!!! Thanks Mike!!!!
« Last Edit: December 26, 2013, 09:48:50 PM by gizmo350 »
A500: 2MB Chip, 8MB Fast, IndiECS, MiniMegi, IDE4ZorroII on Z-500, KS1.3/KS3.1, WB3.1&BWB
 
A2000HD: 2MB Chip, 128MB Fast, P5:Blizz 2060@50MHz, PCD-50B/4GBCF, XSurf100, RapidRoad, IndiECS, Matze RTG, MiniMegi, CD-RW, SunRize AD516, WB3.9
 
A1200: 2MB Chip, 64MB Fast, 4GBCF, GVP Typhoon 030 @40MHz w/FPU, Subway USB, EasyNet Ethernet, Indi AGA MKI, FastATA MK-IV, Internal Slim CD/DVD-RW, WB3.5

Surfing The Web With AMIGA Is Fun Again!