These Cray Research compilers offer a distinct advangtage to users because they automatically optimize programs. With their support tools for enhancing performance, these compilers provide supercomputer users high levels of performance and reliability. In fact, Cray Research's CF77 recently placed first in industry tests performed at the Department of Energy's Argonne National Laboratory. And on the Perfect Benchmarks suite (a group of real application codes collected and evaluated by the Center for Supercomputing Research and Development at the University of Illinois) optimization improvements to the CF77 FORTRAN computer yielded an average speedup of 13 times for all the codes in this test suite, with some codes achieving speedups of up to 130 times. And Cray Ada meets US Department of Defense standards for mission-critical software — a stringent requirement for reliability.

The Cray Standard C Compiler also outperforms all other commercially available vectorizing C compilers. In contrast to competing products, the new Cray Standard C Compiler performs optimization and vectorization by default, which results in significant speedup without user intervention. In fact, the compiler is so reliable that UNICOS 6.0, Cray Research's newest release of its UNIX-based operating system, is also compiled with full optimization.

The Cray Standard C Compiler also performs automatic parallel processing, called Autotasking2. Autotasking2 allows applications to utilize multiple CPUs without programmer intervention.

For more information contact Cray Research (612) 683-3538.

Optimized code introduces an extra level of complexity in debugging. As a result, traditional debugging practices are not as effective or as efficient in locating complex code problems. To solve this, Convex invested more than 11 man-years in extensive research and development to create a debugger that can:

• Debug highly optimized code in both FORTRAN and C.
• Debug using a window interface instead of a command-line only. This window is available on graphics terminals running CXwindows and ASCII terminals running Maryland Windows.
• Debug at the system instruction level, with full access to the system state including scalar, vector, and the system's communications registers.

The windowing diagnostics feature of CXdb allows users to look at the disassembly code, the source code, and the program output all at the same time. The product also includes a menu system for the CXwindows interface that allows CXdb commands to be issued using a mouse. To further increase debugging efficiency, command files can be created to automate frequently performed tasks and users can debug, edit, and recompile programs without leaving the CXdb environment.

An on-line help facility allows users to obtain a separate page of information on CXdb commands, concepts, parameters, and error messages. A CXdb on-line tutorial teaches users the basics of using the product and includes a sample session on advanced debugging.

CXdb prices start at $9,500. For more information contact Convex Computer, 3000 Waterview Parkway, Richardson, TX 75080, (214) 497-4230.

A combination of examples and specifications are used to illustrate ANSI C. Statement formats, functions, constants, and preprocessor commands are explained by example. Suffixes, escape sequences, storage class, operator precedence, and library calls are explained formally.

The reference which contains eight pages is printed in two colors on coated card stock. The retail price of the ANSI C Card is $3.00.

For more information contact Specialized Systems Consultants, Inc. (SSC), P.O. Box 55549, Seattle, WA 98155, (206) FORUNIX, or (206) 527-3385, FAX (206) 527-2806.

Greenleaf Comm++ was designed with the intention of making the use of serial asynchronous communications within a C program as natural to the user as possible. The communication-related classes included with the library were designed to overcome the limitations of addressing the serial RS-232 ports through the operating system or BIOS.

Classes are provided for serial port controls, modem controls, file transfer protocols, and calculation of check values. There are also classes that support hardware-dependent features. Careful use of encapsulation means that all of the hardware dependent parts of Greenleaf Comm++ are restricted to these classes which are derived from an abstract base class.

Greenleaf Comm++ will accommodate interrupt-driven circular buffered service for up to 32 ports at baud rates to 115,200. Features include support for the Hayes Smartmodems, XMODEM, KERMIT, XON/XOFF and terminal emulation for the VT52 and VT100 subset. The library services the IBM serial ports as well as non-intelligent multiport boards from DigiBoard, Inc. Greenleaf Comm++ will run under both the DOS and OS/2 operating systems.

Greenleaf Comm++ supports IBM PC, XT, AT, PS/2 386, 486 and compatible machines and the instruction sets for the 8250 and 16450 UARTs. Comm++ currently supports Zortech C++ and Boland C++ compilers.

The list price for Greenleaf Comm++ is $199. Full source code is included as well as a complete technical support package. For more information contact Greenleaf Software, 16479 Dallas Parkway, Suite 570, Dallas, TX 75248. (800) 523,9830; (214) 248-2561.

The macro language features a built-in English language macro editor that is easy to read and edit. It includes nesting capabilities to run other macros; single-stepping and debugging aids; suspend and resume features; and a Record Command Timing feature, which replays a macro at the same speed it was recorded.

A built-in scheduler in the macro language allows fully automated backups, even while unattended.

Support for Novell Netware 286/386 is provided. It backs up muliple volumes, such as C:, D:, E:, in a single session, as well as bindery and trustee rights on Novell Netware.

The dBASE-compatible history files allow the user to search all backup sets in the database to locate the most recent version of a specific file or group of files. Fastback identifies the diskette(s) the file(s) is/are stored on, speeding and simplifying restoration.

• Selective Deletion During Backup feature backs up and then removes old or unneeded files from the hard disk to keep it organized and save disk space.
• Extended Copy Operation uses advanced file selection capabilities to create DOS readable/usable files. This feature includes a split avoidance and best-fit algorithm to group files together and optimize disk space. This feature stores an entire file on a single disk, elinimating splitting file contents between two disks.
• True Appending Incremental Backups is a new appending feature that adds new or changed files to the last disk of a previous set of backup disks.
• Higher Capacity Extended DOS Floppy Format capability combines data compression technology with FGS's proprietary format to store even more data on disks during backup, and still retaining full file compatibility with MS/PC-DOS programs.

Fastback Plus 3.0 is available for $189 (suggested US retail). Registered users may call (800) 933-0108 to receive an upgrade for $49.00.

For more information contact Fifth Generation Systems, 10049 N. Reiger Rd., Baton Rouge, LA 70809-4562, (504) 291-7221, (800) 873-4384, FAX (504) 291-5453.

• Call the EXSYS Pro inference engine as a C routine from within another program.
• Add up to 50 user defined functions, which behave like internal EXSYS commands, to perform special functions for data acquisition or display.
• Overlay EXSYS Pro with other programs which reduces the memory required to run large programs.
• Combine the .RUL file, .TXT file and the EXSYS Pro inference engine into a single .EXE program.
• Reduce the time needed to load external programs by linking them as internal routines.
• Modify the start-up defaults to eliminate the need for a .CFG file.
• Directly access EXSYS knowledge base data to read or write data from your routines or programs.
• Change the default screens used to ask questions.
• Disable particular unused functions which increases available memory and reduces program size.
• Modify the link file to reduce program size, optimize for speed, modify the stack or change the overlay structure.

The EXSYS Pro Linkable Object Modules package includes:

• The Linkable Object Modules for the target operating system and compiler.
• Default make and link files.
• A source code for the start-up routines, and null routines that can be replaced with your custom routines.
• Special routines to access EXSYS data structures or write data for use by the expert system.
• An expert system that builds the Plink86 link file based on the features required in the program.
• A version 3.0 EXSYS Pro Editor that converts .RUL, .TXT, .CMD, and .OUT files to C code that can be included with your program to produce a single .EXE file.
• One year of updates and technical support. Required software:
• A C compiler (DOS, OS/2 - Microsoft C, VMS - VAX C, UNIX - default C compiler for target machine).
• A Linker (DOS, Plink86, others - default linker for target machine).

For more information contact EXSYS, Inc. 1720 Louisiana Blvd. NE, Albuquerque, NM 87110, (505) 256-8356, FAX (505) 256-8359.

• MetaWare High C
• Link&Locate 386
• SoftProbe 386X

Link&Locate 386 accepts object files in Microsoft 32-bit and 16-bit CodeView format and Easy OMF-386, and generates executable files in ROMable Intel OMF-386 bootable format. Link&Locate 386 gives developers complete control to map segments and tables into RAM or ROM. Users can also define segment descriptors, descriptor tables, and task, interrupt, and can gates for single-task and multitasking systems. As such, Link&Locate 386 is the only linker that fully supports the 386/486 architecture.

With SoftProbe 386X users can debug their 386 or 486 protected-mode programs under MS-DOS. SoftProbe 386X is a source-level native debugger with a rich command and macro language. It has a multi-window interface that allows viewing changes in registers, memory, program variables, and many more. SoftProbe 386X uses 386 debug registers to break on variable access. A breakpoint can be conditional and invoke commands or command macros when it is hit. Another unique debugging feature of SoftProbe 386X is the capability to collect and record execution history. The execution history can later be played back in either assembly language or high-level language statements.

The 386 Development Performance-Pak provides 32-bit computing for embedded systems development in an integrated package. 386 DPP runs on a 386 PC under DOS and has a list price of $1,695. System & Software, Inc. also offers 386 DPP for Sun SPARCstation hosts.

For more information contact Systems & Software, Inc., 18012 Cowan, Suite 100, Irvine, CA 92714, (714) 833-1700 ext. 300, FAX (714) 833-1900.

For more information contact EMS 4505 Buckhurst Ct., Olney, MD 20832, (301) 924-3594, FAX (301) 963-2708.

DataLIB supports most popular spreadsheet and database file formats, including Lotus 123 (WKS, WK1), Quattro (WQK), Excel (2, 3 - XLS), dBASE (I/III/IV - DBF), ASCII (CSV, TXT, Fixed Length), DIF, and SYLK. DataLIB provides a single, common function interface for multiple file format access from any application or development system. DataLIB provides high level functionality, without sacrificing low level access. The developer is given control over the entire import/export process.

DataLIB/Windows can interface with any application, language or development system that supports call to DLLs, including C, C++, Turbo Pascal for Windows, ToolBook, Visual Basic, Smalltalk, Actor, Realizer, and Plus. Any standard Windows macro, script, or programming language can call DataLIB function.

DataLIB/DOS can be called from most major C and C++ compilers, including Microsoft C, Borland C++, and Turbo C. DataLIB/DOS source code can also be ported to any ANSI C compiler.

The DataLIB retail price of $395.00, includes a royalty free distribution license. Source code and site licenses can also be obtained separately. A demonstration disk and sample programs are available on request.

For more information contact DatTel Communication Systems, Inc., 3508 Market Street, Suite 415, Philadelphia, PA 19104, (800) ASK-4-DATA, (215) 564-5577, FAX (215) 243-3705.