FirstBasic and PowerBasic (DOS)

[Joe]

Greetings,
I'm trying to figure our what the main functional difference is
between the shareware FirstBasic program and PowerBasic 3.5 (both DOS
programs). Yes, I know there's the price difference, but I haven't
found on PowerBasic's website what you really gain by buying main
PowerBasic program rather than just settling with FirstBasic.

Thanks,
Joe

[Michael Mattias]

Post by Joe
I'm trying to figure our what the main functional difference is
between the shareware FirstBasic program and PowerBasic 3.5 (both DOS

I know the answer, sort of: FirstBasic is PB 3.2 not 3.5. But for the life
of me I can't tell you what was new in 3.5 over 3.2 (that was like, six
years ago or so).

You might call PowerBASIC sales (toll free) or write to ***@powerbasic.com
they should be able to give you some help.

[Joe]

Thanks for the info...
So, aside from contacting PowerBASIC sales just yet, I'm assuming
based on your comment that FirstBasic is PB 3.2 and not PB 2.1. I do
have a copy of PB 2.1 that came bundled with the book "Learning Basic"
and have played with it on and off over time.

Interesting...

On Tue, 03 Apr 2007 23:20:50 GMT, "Michael Mattias"

Post by Michael Mattias

Post by Joe
I'm trying to figure our what the main functional difference is
between the shareware FirstBasic program and PowerBasic 3.5 (both DOS

I know the answer, sort of: FirstBasic is PB 3.2 not 3.5. But for the life
of me I can't tell you what was new in 3.5 over 3.2 (that was like, six
years ago or so).
they should be able to give you some help.

[dajava]

Post by Joe
Thanks for the info...
So, aside from contacting PowerBASIC sales just yet, I'm assuming
based on your comment that FirstBasic is PB 3.2 and not PB 2.1. I do
have a copy of PB 2.1 that came bundled with the book "Learning Basic"

Is the book powerbasic-specific?

Do you mind posting its ISBN
so that I can search it on Amazon?


Is there a (Windows-based) powerbasic-specific book?

Post by Joe
and have played with it on and off over time.
Interesting...

dajava,

[Joe]

Not a problem...

The book is "Learning Basic" by Don Inman
ISBN: 0-672-30007-9

The cover of the book says it is upgraded and now included PowerBASIC
2.1. I just checked on Amazon, and there are 5 used books available
from $3.66.

The disk that came with the book says it is PowerBASIC 2.10g. When
reading in the introduction, the disk originally shipped with the book
was PowerBASIC Lite.

I've asked PowerBASIC (through the form on their website) if this
version is upgradeable to 3.5 for $49, but haven't heard anything back
yet. The order form on their website says upgrade from 2.x and 3.x to
3.5, but it says the serial number is required for upgrade. PB 2.1
that comes in the book doesn't have a serial number.

v/r
Joe

Post by dajava

Post by Joe
Thanks for the info...
So, aside from contacting PowerBASIC sales just yet, I'm assuming
based on your comment that FirstBasic is PB 3.2 and not PB 2.1. I do
have a copy of PB 2.1 that came bundled with the book "Learning Basic"

Is the book powerbasic-specific?
Do you mind posting its ISBN
so that I can search it on Amazon?
Is there a (Windows-based) powerbasic-specific book?

Post by Joe
and have played with it on and off over time.
Interesting...

dajava,

[Georg]

You can download Firstbasic here:

http://www.powerbasic.com/files/pub/demos/firstbas.zip

[Michael Mattias]

Post by Joe
Thanks for the info...
So, aside from contacting PowerBASIC sales just yet, I'm assuming
based on your comment that FirstBasic is PB 3.2 and not PB 2.1. I do
have a copy of PB 2.1 that came bundled with the book "Learning Basic"
and have played with it on and off over time.

Oops, you could be right about it being 2.1 ... also I forgot one thing
which might be pretty important...

I believe "FirstBasic" has been removed from publication and is no longer a
marketed and supported shareware product. But PB/sales will know.

There is an option which the sales dept SHOULD tell you about... PB has a
30-day no-questions asked money-back guarantee (less shipping probably).

Maybe that's a route you should pursue.

MCM