"Real Computers" (was Re: Trivia Question)

From: Fred Cisin <cisin_at_xenosoft.com>
Date: Sun Feb 23 14:17:00 2003

Please be careful with attribution. I mentioned the "PC Technical
Reference Manual", but the "purple book" reference that you responded to
was by somebody else in response to my post.

On Sun, 23 Feb 2003, Tony Duell wrote:

> > Fred Cisin (XenoSoft) wrote:
> > > The "PC Technical Reference Manual" was cheap, and contained
> > > complete schematics and source code for the BIOS. Third party
> > > "disassemblies" being sold by third parties are NOT comparable!
> > It's interesting you mentioned the IBM PC TRM - is that the same thing as
> > the so-called "purple book" I've read so much about (mostly in long-since
>
> Yes... In fact I have a mini-purple-wall :-). The Techrefs for :
>
> PC
> PC/XT and PortablePC
> PC/AT (2 volumes)
> Options and Adapters (2 volumes)
> Scientific Options and Adapters (I've also put the EGA stuff in that binder)
> PCjr
> PS/2 Hardware (this one contains no schematics, but it does have pinouts,
> and it was given to me so I am not moaning).
>
> Initially the PC techref contained the info on the options (monitors,
> printers, drives) and adapters (expansion cards). Later on, the 'system'
> TechRefs covered the motherboard and keyboard only, there were separate
> manuals for the options and adapters. A basic 2-volume set + supplements.
>
> > deceased webpages Google have cached)? I'm trying to track down a copy of
> > the original IBM PC Technical Reference and any updates to it (3.5" drive
> > support in the BIOS, etc). Anyone got a copy they want to sell?
>
> About 8 years ago, I was in the same position. I couldn't find anyone who
> had a 'spare' copy (most likely those who have it still want it -- for
> good reasons) so I did what I should have done in the first place. I
> phoned IBM. It was out of print, but they still had it in stock. Of
> course I bought all the manuals I wanted. Not cheap, but not rediculously
> expensive (I think about \pounds 50 for each volume) either.
>
> -tony
Received on Sun Feb 23 2003 - 14:17:00 GMT