🚀 go-pugleaf

A couple of weeks ago I read a posting about a $5 compiler from an outfit
called Public Brand Software. I got curious, so I ordered it. I'd never
dealt with them before and didn't have their catalog. I ordered the
compiler by phone on Friday Nov. 20 - $5 for the disk + $5 shipping.
Disk arrived today, Wed. Nov. 25 by UPS. Nice fast service - the
shipping cost also included a little 5-disk plastic case.

It turns out that PBS is a packager/shipper of public-domain and
shareware disks for IBM and compatible PCs. Their catalog shows a
lot of the usual PC stuff. The M2 compiler is infact the Fitted
Software Tools compiler, from FST in Duluth, GA. I have not had a
chance to test it yet, only read the documentation. It's distributed
in .ARC form, together with the archive program commonly used in the
PC world.

FST's shareware fee is $35, which entitles registered users to the
latest version and the source code for library and runtime support.
The compiler is said to conform to Wirth 3/e. Online .DOC files
appear to be pretty good.

Seems to me I've seen postings to this list about the FST compiler,
but deleted them at the time because I wasn't interested then. What
is the experience of list readers out there with this product? It
looks to be decently complete and well-documented, and, with a
proper text, may be sduitable for students. $35. ain't bad if it
works, and shareware isn't a bad distribution mechanism in
universities because the professor or bookstore doesn't have to
collect money.

Any thoughts out there in NetWorkLand?

Michael Feldman
Professor, Dept. of EE&CS
The George Washington University
Washington, DC 20052

MFELDMAN@GWUVM.BITNET