Using RAD: in Workbench 2.0
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   Numerous uses have been described for the recoverable RAM disk, RAD:,
  which can survive a reset (warm boot) without loss of data.  Here's one
  application that isn't described in the software manual.  It's easily set
  up without calling for any fancy tricks like rewriting Mountlists.

   Perhaps the best way to start is to consider an example.  The PD disk MD
  MS275 (its name is Classix2) carries a collection of music from the Baroque
  period, all a pleasure to listen to for those who like that kind of thing.
  The disk is self-booting and very well set up.  Its sole defect, readily
  conceded by the arranger (Bob Baxter), is the long delay while each piece
  is loaded from the floppy - roughly 40 seconds.

   Here's where RAD: comes in.  In the WB2.04 DEVS directory there is a
  Mountlist entry for a RAD: that is equivalent to a standard floppy disk
  (cylinders 0-79.)  Assuming that you still have this in DEVS (and have
  enough memory) proceed as follows:

          > Insert the Classix2 disk (write-protected) in df0:

          > In the Shell, enter:   Mount RAD:
                           then:   Diskcopy df0: to RAD:

   The floppy disk's contents will very quickly be copied to RAD:, whose icon
  will now carry the volume name Classix2.  Remove the floppy.

          > Now reboot with Ctrl-Amiga-Amiga.  Without delay, hold down
  both mouse buttons until a menu appears with a choice of drives to boot
  from.  Click on RAD:.

   The Amiga will now boot from RAD:, just as it might have from the Classix2
  floppy.  All this takes only a short time; the big difference is that each
  piece of music will load and run almost instantly, like playing a compact
  disc.

   Not only music, but other kinds of self-booting disks can benefit from
  this procedure: slideshows, demos, some games, etc. (provided that they
  have been compiled in a reasonably standard manner.)

   A warm boot, followed by FORMAT-QUICK from the WB menu, will empty RAD:
  for a fresh diskcopy or other purposes.  Finally, the REMRAD command can be
  used to close RAD: and return its quota of memory to the pool.


     FOOTNOTE
     --------
  The "Amiga World AmigaDOS Companion" (1990, p.278) states: "RAD: is
  unavailable under AmigaDOS 2.0 ... because Commodore did not supply its
  device handler on the release disk."  This seems to mean that early A3000
  computers would be unable to run RAD:.  The Editor may care to comment on
  this question.

                                               Alan Jones

   Ed:

   RAD works fine under WB2 - there is no handler, it's true, but that is
  because it is now incorporated into Kickstart. And this hint of yours is
  excellent, Alan, thanks for letting us all in on it.


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