Communications OPEN "COM1: " Also Supports Random Access (45689)

SUMMARY

The "Microsoft QuickBASIC for Macintosh: User's Guide," "Microsoft QuickBASIC for Macintosh: Language Reference," and the "Microsoft BASIC Compiler for Macintosh" manuals all correctly state that the COM1: port can be opened in input and output modes.

However, these manuals also need to state that the COM1: device can also be opened in random access mode.

The sample program TERMINAL on the QuickBASIC, BASIC Compiler, and BASIC Interpreter release disks correctly demonstrates OPEN "COM1:" with random access.

MORE INFORMATION

The following changes need to be reflected in the above manuals.

The third paragraph from the bottom on Page 269 of the "Microsoft BASIC Compiler for Macintosh" and the first paragraph on Page 240 of the "Microsoft QuickBASIC for Macintosh: Language Reference" needs to be changed from the following

Most Devices are sequential and can be accessed only in sequential modes. Devices that can be opened for sequential input include KYBD:, CLIP:, and COM1:. Devices that can be opened for sequential output include SCRN:, LPT1:, CLIP1:, and COM1:.

to the following

Most Devices are sequential and can be accessed only in sequential modes. Devices that can be opened for sequential input include KYBD: and CLIP:. Devices that can be opened for sequential output include SCRN:, LPT1:, and CLIP:. The COM1: device can be opened in random mode, in addition to both sequential input and output modes.

The first paragraph on Page 124 of the "Microsoft QuickBASIC for Macintosh: User's Guide" also needs to be changed from the following

   COM1:      Files can be opened to this device for input or output.
              COM1: accesses the asynchronous (modem) port for
              external communication.

to the following

   COM1:      Files can be opened to this device for input, output, or
              random access. COM1: accesses the asynchronous (modem)
              port for external communication.