HP 2100 SYSTEM SOFTWARE

PAPER TAPE BASED

Basic Binary Loader
This is the loader by which absolute binary programs are loaded from paper tape. There are different versions of the loader depending on whether the input device is a Teletype or a high speed paper tape reader.
The loader occupies the last 64 words of memory. These memory words are protected to prevent the loader from being accidentally overwritten. Since these computers use core memory, the loader remains intact when the power is removed. On a newly aquired computer, the loader must be entered into memory using the front panel switches.
The loader must be customized for the memory size of the computer and the select code of the input device. For details see chapter 1 of the Standard Software Systems Operating Manual.
System I/O Drivers
The SIO drivers are for use by assembly language programs that do not require interrupt based input and output. SIO drivers are available for the following devices:
```
          - Teletype
          - High speed paper tape reader
          - High speed paper tape punch
```
The SIO drivers are required to run the following standalone software systems:
```
          - Symbolic Editor
          - Assembler
          - Fortran Compiler
          - Algol Compiler
```
The SIO Dump program creates a paper tape which contains one or more SIO drivers which are configured for a given computer's memory size and I/O device select codes.
The SIO Dump program can also create a tape which contains one of the standard software systems along with the configured SIO drivers. For details see chapter 11 of the Standard Software Systems Operating Manual.
Basic Control System
The BCS drivers are for use by programs that require interrupt based input and output. They are required for programs written in Fortran and Algol, and optional for programs written in assembly language. The Basic Control System has nothing to do with the BASIC programming language.
Program Library
The Program Library is a relocatable binary tape containing run-time routines required for programs written in Fortran and Algol. Contains math routines and the I/O formatter.
Relocatable Loader
The Relocatable Loader combines relocatable output from Fortran, Algol or the assembler with routines from the Program Library and the Basic Control System to create a runnable program in memory or an absolute binary tape.
HP Basic
This is a single user BASIC interpreter with self-contained I/O drivers. It is the easiest way to get a 2100 type computer up and running.
Several game programs are available which allow you to demonstrate your computer to skeptics.

TIMESHARED BASIC

Originally the 2000A system running on a decked-out 2116, later the 2000B,C,D,E and F running on various combinations of two 21xx computers, evolved to the 2000 ACCESS system running on a pair of 21MX computers.

Requires a disc drive for swapping and file system, and magnetic tape for installation and backup.

Available in 16 and 32 terminal configurations, brought low-cost computing to many institutions that could not otherwise afford it.

Many many many of these systems were sold to high schools and colleges.

RTE and DOS

RTE = Real Time Executive
DOS = Disc Operating System

I know nothing about these systems, except that one or the other went on to become the HP 1000 system which is still supported today.

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