Relay-Version: version B 2.10 5/3/83; site utzoo.UUCP
Path: utzoo!linus!decvax!harpo!floyd!clyde!ihnp4!zehntel!hplabs!sri-unix!DGilbert.ES@PARC-MAXC.ARPA
From: DGilbert.ES@PARC-MAXC.ARPA@sri-unix.UUCP
Newsgroups: net.micro.cpm
Subject: CP/M'S FILE ARCHIVE BIT
Message-ID: <12256@sri-arpa.UUCP>
Date: Mon, 3-Oct-83 11:22:00 EDT
Article-I.D.: sri-arpa.12256
Posted: Mon Oct  3 11:22:00 1983
Date-Received: Thu, 6-Oct-83 07:36:15 EDT
Lines: 28


In the CP/M file directory, there are several FLAG bits which can be set.
Among these are the 'Read Only' flag, the 'SYSTEM' directory flag, and the
'Archive' flag.  The 'Archive' flag, if set by a program, will remain set as
long as the file is not updated.  Once changed, BDOS will reset this bit to
inform the user that the file has been updated.

The 'Archive' flag would be very useful for making backup copies of floppys
or Hard disk systems.  However, I see little if any support of this feature.
Why is the CP/M file Archive flag not supported?

Are there any public domain programs which would:

	* Give a directory of updated files (archive bit reset)
	* Copy files to another disk and set the archive flags
	* Give a directory of non-updated files (archive bit set)
	* Use the Archive flag in any meaningful way.

Any feelings on the various commercial programs offering incremental backup
features?

The Xerox provided 'BACKUP' utility for the Hard Disk provided with the
820-II system makes no use of the archive bit that I can see. 

Doug.


------------------------------------------------------------