The CP/M Handbook with MP/M

The CP/M Handbook with MP/M serves as a technical reference and guide to the CP/M operating system, including its multiuser variant MP/M. Published in 1980, the book covers both basic operations and advanced programming concepts for this early microcomputer platform. The text progresses from fundamental CP/M commands through complex system architecture and assembly language programming techniques. Included are detailed explanations of file handling, memory organization, and building custom software for the CP/M environment. Zaks provides code examples, diagrams, and step-by-step instructions for common CP/M programming tasks and system modifications. The book's coverage extends to topics like interfacing with peripherals and utilizing CP/M's built-in debugger. This handbook exemplifies the transition period between hobby computing and professional microcomputer use, documenting essential knowledge for an operating system that helped establish personal computing standards.

There are not enough internet reviews to create a summary of this book. Instead, here is a summary of reviews of Rodnay Zaks's overall work: Readers consistently highlight Zaks' ability to explain complex programming concepts in accessible terms. His technical books from the 1970s and 80s served as practical learning resources for early microcomputer programmers. What readers liked: - Clear, step-by-step explanations of assembly language - Detailed examples and illustrations - Logical progression of concepts - Complete reference information for processors What readers disliked: - Some dated programming practices - Limited coverage of modern applications - Physical book quality (binding issues reported in later printings) Ratings across platforms: - Goodreads: "Programming the Z80" - 4.14/5 (56 ratings) - Amazon: "Programming the 6502" - 4.3/5 (15 reviews) From reader reviews: "The explanations are crystal clear...saved me countless hours of frustration" - Amazon reviewer "Still relevant for understanding low-level programming concepts" - Goodreads user "Best technical writer of the early micro era" - Vintage Computing Forum member

Operating Systems: Design and Implementation by Andrew S. Tanenbaum This book explains operating system fundamentals through examination of MINIX, which shares similarities with CP/M's architecture and design principles.

Inside CP/M: A Guide for Users and Programmers by David E. Cortesi The text provides technical details of CP/M's internal workings, file structures, and programming interfaces.

Programming the Z80 by Rodnay Zaks The book covers Z80 assembly programming, which forms the foundation for understanding CP/M system programming.

The Design of the UNIX Operating System by Maurice J. Bach The text examines operating system concepts through UNIX implementation, offering insights comparable to CP/M's approach to system design.

Principles of Operating Systems by Brian Stuart The book presents operating system fundamentals using examples from CP/M, MS-DOS, and UNIX to illustrate core concepts.

📚 CP/M was the first widely used operating system for microcomputers and dominated the market before MS-DOS, running on about 85% of all microcomputers in 1980. 🔧 Author Rodnay Zaks wrote over 50 technical books during his career, which collectively sold more than 4 million copies worldwide and were translated into 12 languages. 💾 MP/M, covered in the second part of the book, was a multi-user version of CP/M that could support up to 16 terminals simultaneously - a revolutionary concept for microcomputers at the time. 🌟 The book was published in 1980 by SYBEX, a publishing company founded by Rodnay Zaks himself, which became one of the largest computer book publishers in the world. ⚡ CP/M's creator, Gary Kildall, developed the operating system in 1974 over a weekend, originally just to test a new Intel microprocessor emulator he had built.