FAQ

* Can I use True BASIC on my OS X Macintosh?
At this time there is no native OS X version of True BASIC. Luckily, many tools now exist enabling you to run Windows programs and even early Mac versions on post-Classic Mode OS X and Intel Macs.

The Mac OS Standard, Pro, Bronze, Silver and Gold editions all still run on Mac OS 9.2.2 under the "Classic" mode on PowerPC Macintoshes. You can also run True BASIC on an Intel Macintosh under Boot Camp, with a virtualization package such as Parallels, or with Crossover Mac from Codeweavers. SheepShaver is a free emulator tool for running earlier versions of Mac OS (7.5.2 through 9.0.4) and enabling Classic Mode on newer Macs, including Intel Macs. Setup is moderately technical, but it's a powerful utility.

* What versions of Windows does True BASIC run on?
True BASIC for Windows runs on Windows 95, 98, Me, 2000, XP, 2003, Vista (32 and 64-bit), and Windows 7. Several users also run True BASIC under WINE on Linux.

* Can I purchase an older version of True BASIC?
We still have some of the older versions in the archive available for purchase: for example OS/2, DOS, MS-DOS and older Windows & Macintosh versions. Contact us to ask for more information about specific versions.

* Can I purchase the Linux, Unix, or VMS version of True BASIC?
True BASIC is currently not available for these platforms, although several users run TB under WINE and Crossover on Linux and Mac OS X. OS/2 versions which have Win32 compatibility should also run Windows versions.

* What is the difference between Bronze, Silver and Gold editions?
The Bronze Edition has all the functions and statements of True BASIC. There is NO program size limit. Its low $39 price makes it an ideal starter package. It comes with a 256-page manual and a CD with both MacOS and Windows versions.

The Silver Edition comes with 1400+ pre-written subroutines in compiled form and a library of interface building controls. It also contains the BIND utilities for creating fully independent applications. The Silver is the entry-level-developer version and comes with a 640-page manual. The price is $195 and the CD contains both the Windows and MacOS versions.

The Gold Edition contains all of the Silver subroutines in both compiled AND source code versions, as well as special libraries for Sockets, SQL database, and Programmer's Workbench utilities. The Gold Edition has a 5-user license and sells for $495. Both the MacOS and Windows versions are on the master CD that comes with a 670-page looseleaf manual.

* What is the current version of True BASIC?
The current version of True BASIC for all Windows editions is 5.5. 6.0 is currently under final testing; we expect it to be available by the end of the year.

* Can old BASIC programs be translated to True BASIC?
With most versions of True BASIC we supply a free Basic to True BASIC converter. It is an application (created in True BASIC) which shows your original code in the left window and the translated code in the right window. You can download this free from this web site (see Free & Demo".

The original file is left intact and the new file can be saved for use in True BASIC. Lines that can't be automatically translated are marked.

The download also comes with a 38-page PDF document with that shows many details related to the translation.

* Does True BASIC come with a compiler?
Yes. All versions of True BASIC are compilers. When you have written code that is complete and runs perfectly, you can compile that code into a very efficient machine language that will run more rapidly because it bypasses the intrepretation stage.

Original True BASIC source code files have a .TRU extension. Compiled files carry a .TRC extension. You always want to be careful to keep your True BASIC source code files protected and separate. After a True BASIC file is compiled, it is impossible to decompile.

To create an independent, double-click executable program in True BASIC, you go to the third level and BIND your compiled file. When you create a compiled file in True BASIC, it is operating system agnostic. The BINDING process takes the compiled file and "wraps around" the needed operating essentials for your target platform.

This makes it possible to write a True BASIC program, compile it, and then BIND it for the various operating systems you wish to serve -- from one or more compiled files.

BIND tools come with the True BASIC Silver and Gold editions. There are no royalties due when you create applications using True BASIC, only a statement saying, "This application created using True BASIC."

* Can line-numbered programs be run on True BASIC?

Yes, older BASIC programs using line numbers can be run in True BASIC. You open or enter your original line-numbered program in the True BASIC source code window and choose RUN from the menu.

An output window will display the results. If there is an error in your program, the cursor will mark the position of that error in your source code window. You can correct the error and RUN again.

True BASIC, however, is a modern, structured BASIC and you will soon want to move beyond GOTO statements. True BASIC allows you to easily create program subroutine sections that can be CALLED anywhere in your program. In the FREE & DEMO section of this website, you will want to download the how-to document entitled "Leaving GOTO Behind" to learn more about this important tranistion.

* What functions and statements are included in True BASIC?
Review the functions and statements included in ALL versions of True BASIC listed in the "TB Commands" document in the Free and Info section.

* How can I change the font in my output window?

Select the following program (by dragging the mouse), Copy it, Paste it into the True BASIC editing window and run it! Experiment with different fonts, font styles, and sizes, and colors.


DIM v(1)
LET fn$ = "Courier" ! Or any other font available on your machine
LET fs$ = "Bold" ! Or Plain, Italic, BoldItalic
LET v(1) = 14 ! Size in points, 1 pint = 1/72 inch
CALL Object (2, 0, "FONT NAME|FONT STYLE|FONT SIZE", fn$ & "|" & fs$, v())
SET COLOR "red" ! Or any other color you desire
PRINT "Hello"
END

(The "2" means to "SET"; the "0" is the id number of the default output window.)

* Does True BASIC Support Graphics?

True BASIC supports several forms of line and point graphics. It can also display image files in BMP and several other formats. For example, here is a simple program that draws a graph of the square root function.


FOR x = 0 to 1 step .01
PLOT x, sqr(x);
NEXT x
END

(Copy this, paste into your True BASIC editor, and run it!)

* Why is True BASIC so widely used for calculations?
True BASIC is widely used for calculations as it performs all arithmetic internally as double precision. (Actually, with 53 bits of precision, following the IEEE 8-byte format.)

* How do I install TB Gold 5.5b19 for Windows?
At present, TB 5.5 Gold has no installer. If you purchased a book and CD, simply drag the entire contents to a folder of your choice, and double-click the TBGOLD.EXE file. To associate .TRU files with TB Gold, simply double-click any .TRU file you have. When prompted for a program to open it with, browse to where you put TBGOLD.EXE, and select that file. Check the box to "always use the selected program...," which will allow you to simply double-click .TRU files and have them open with TB Gold.

* Where are Physics 2000 and Zip Zapp?
You can find these products at their respective websites, www.physics2000.com and www.zipzapp.com. These products are no longer owned or operated by the owners of True BASIC, and therefore you must visit their sites for more info.