LANtastic and Zero-Length Files

When using the Artisoft LANtastic network operating system in conjunction with applications that use file control blocks (FCBs), zero-length files may result. Artisoft is aware of the problem and makes the following suggestions:

• Use MS-DOS 3.3
• Do not use applications that use FCBs
• Do not open multiple files in applications that use FCBs

According to Artisoft, the zero-length files may result when an application that uses FCBs opens, references, and closes multiple files, but the server software still recognizes the files as being open.

FCBs are used in MS-DOS versions 1.x to maintain compatibility with CP/M. In later versions of MS-DOS, file handles are commonly used to access files rather than FCBs, although FCBs are still supported.

The LANtastic network supports multiple servers. For a workstation to act as a server, it must simply run the server software on top of MS-DOS. No proprietary operating system is needed.

The product included here is manufactured by a vendor independent of Microsoft; we make no warranty, implied or otherwise, regarding the product's performance or reliability.

"The MS-DOS Encyclopedia," Microsoft Press, 1988