Short:        Patch RAM to show right size & more
Author:       thor@einstein.math.tu-berlin.de (Thomas Richter)
Uploader:     thor einstein math tu-berlin de (Thomas Richter)
Type:         util/sys
Version:      1.11
Requires:     OS 2.04 or better.
Architecture: m68k-amigaos

This file patches the RAM disk to show the real size occupied - its no longer
100% full. Additionally, large blocks of memory for the RAM are allocated
backwards, to reduce memory defragmentation.

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Changes made in 1.11:

	- Added command line options, see below.
	- Added a different patching mechanism on request.

Changes made in 1.10:

	- Fixed a bug that actually broke the reverse memory allocation
	  feature. Sigh.

Changes made in 1.09:

	- PatchRAM replaces no longer the AllocVec() function completely.
	  Thus, the patch might be slightly (almost unnoticably) slower,
	  but is compatible to AROS. Thanks to Jörg Strohmeier for the
	  report.

Changes made in 1.08:

	- Streamlined the code a bit.
	- PatchRAM can now be run anywhere in your startup sequence.
	  It loads the RAM disk in case it is not available.

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                        The THOR-Software Licence


This License applies to the computer programs known as "PatchRAM".
The "Program", below, refers to such program.


The programs and files in this distribution are freely distributable
under the restrictions stated below, but are also Copyright (c)
Thomas Richter.


Distribution of the Program by a commercial organization without written
permission from the author to any third party is prohibited if any payment
is made in connection with such distribution, whether directly
(as in payment for a copy of the Program) or indirectly (as in payment
for some service related to the Program, or payment for some product
or service that includes a copy of the Program "without charge";
these are only examples, and not an exhaustive enumeration of prohibited
activities). However, the following methods of distribution involving
payment shall not in and of themselves be a violation of this restriction:


(i) Posting the Program on a public access information storage and
retrieval service for which a fee is received for retrieving information
(such as an on-line service), provided that the fee is not
content-dependent (i.e., the fee would be the same for retrieving the same
volume of information consisting of random data).



(ii) Distributing the Program on a CD-ROM, provided that the files
containing the Program are reproduced entirely and verbatim on such
CD-ROM, and provided further that all information on such CD-ROM be
redistributable for non-commercial purposes without charge.



Everything in this distribution must be kept together, in original
and unmodified form.




Limitations.

THE PROGRAM IS PROVIDED TO YOU "AS IS," WITHOUT WARRANTY. THERE IS NO
WARRANTY FOR THE PROGRAM, EITHER EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING, BUT NOT
LIMITED TO, THE IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A
PARTICULAR PURPOSE AND NONINFRINGEMENT OF THIRD PARTY RIGHTS. THE ENTIRE
RISK AS TO THE QUALITY AND PERFORMANCE OF THE PROGRAM IS WITH YOU. SHOULD
THE PROGRAM PROVE DEFECTIVE, YOU ASSUME THE COST OF ALL NECESSARY
SERVICING, REPAIR OR CORRECTION.



IF YOU DO NOT ACCEPT THIS LICENCE, YOU MUST DELETE ALL FILES CONTAINED IN
THIS ARCHIVE.

_____________________________________________________________________________

Synopsis:

PatchRAM	MEMPATCHONLY/S,INFOPATCHONLY/S,PORTPATCH/S



MEMPATCHONLY:	Do not attempt to fix the 100% full bug of the RAM disk,
		but allocate memory for the RAM disk buffers in reverse
		direction. (Recommended for usage with PoolMem).

INFOPATCHONLY:	Do not attempt to change the memory allocation policy of
		the RAM disk, but fix the 100% full bug.

PORTPATCH:	If given, use a different patching mechanism for the RAM
		disk disk info bug. The "PORTPATCH" might be slightly 
		faster, might cause less compatibility problems with
		programs that somehow mess with the port lists and the
		reply ports, but is itself not without its quirks, too.
		It uses the undocumented PA_ACTION¹ type for the RAM disk
		port to capture the broken dos packets. The problem is
		that this message port type has never been officially
		documented, but is working since the very first release
		of the system, though. 
		This patched port might - or should (!) - make your virus
		scanner scream!

_____________________________________________________________________________

¹ For all the picky folks: Yes, I KNOW that this type isn't called 
PA_ACTION indeed, but since no official name has been assigned to this
mode and it is often referred to as PA_ACTION, I keep this name for
"traditional reasons".
_____________________________________________________________________________

Installation:

	Add PatchRAM to your startup sequence.
	A good point is below a line like this:

makedir RAM:T
PatchRAM		;insert below this line, probably with options...


So long,
	Thomas