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STATUS command codes = 8 and 10 ES:BX pointer to a request header. Format: length field This driver must perform the following: A) perform the requested function B) set the busy bit C) set the status word in the request header. For input on character devices: if the busy bit is 1 on return, a write request would wait for completion of a current request. If the busy bit is 0, there is no current request. Therefore, a write request would start immediately. For input on character devices with a buffer: if the busy bit is 1 on return, a read request does to the physical device. If the busy bit is 0, there are characters in the device buffer and a read returns quickly. It also indicates that a user has typed something. DOS assumes all character devices have a type-ahead input buffer. Devices that do not have this buffer should always return busy=0 so that DOS does not hang waiting for information to be put in a buffer that does not exist. |
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