DOS ModeQ: What is OmniGo DOS mode?
A: The OmniGo contains a special version of DOS in its ROM. This version of DOS is normally not accessible because, by default, the OmniGo boots directly into GEOS. You can, however, prevent GEOS from loading and work directly in DOS.Q: How do I get to DOS mode?
A: Before you get on your way to the DOS prompt, be sure to backup all the vital files on your OmniGo just in case something goes wrong. What you'll need: - A DOS mode driver (recommended: OmniSwp).
- A file transfer utility (recommended: OmniCom).
- A text editor (recommended: OgEdit).
- Some knowledge of DOS.
How to enable DOS mode:- Upload a DOS mode driver to the OmniGo's B:\ directory.
- Open B:\AUTOEXEC.BAT with OgEdit or use OmniCom to download it to your PC and open it in DOS Edit or Windows Notepad.
- Remove "geos" from the last line of the AUTOEXEC.BAT file and add the name of the DOS mode driver. If you were to use OmniSwp, your edited AUTOEXEC.BAT file would look something like this:
:runGEOS
b:
cd \
cd geoworks
omniswp i - Save the AUTOEXEC.BAT file (if you were editing it on your PC, upload it back to the OmniGo).
- Reboot your OmniGo (SHIFT-ON-NEXT). You'll now be in DOS mode.
When you're in DOS mode, keep in mind that the OmniGo's screen is limited to about 30 characters across, and the keyboard does not map directly to DOS; so if you plan to spend a lot of time in DOS, it would be wise to install a keyboard remapping program along with a virtual 80-column driver (OmniSwp does both). DOS device drivers might also work on the OmniGo 100/120, as GEOS uses a CONFIG.SYS file to start up the PCMCIA drivers.Q: How do I get back into GEOS from DOS mode?
A: You can load GEOS by simply typing "geos" at the DOS prompt. If you have a keyboard remapping program installed, such as OmniSwp, you'll need to uninstall it before loading GEOS. Q: Why do my batteries drain faster in DOS mode?
A: Your batteries drain faster because there is no power management in DOS, therefore the OmniGo runs at full power all the time. This can cause significant battery drain. There is, however, a freeware program called OGPower that enables power management in DOS mode (you can download it from the Software page). It is not recommended that you run in DOS mode very long without any sort of power management unless the OmniGo is hooked up to an external power source (see the Tips page for instructions on how to build your own AC adapter).
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