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[<keesan2 AT cyberspace.org>]

> > > > > I have tried the one from arachne website on a pdf file I received. 
> > > > > It
> > > > > does not work. This is what I get:
> > > > > -------------------------------------------------
> > > > > Exiting due to signal SIGNOFP
> > > > > Coprocessor not available at eip=0003accc

> > I think this error message is implying that pdftotext needs a math
> > coprocessor.
> > 
> > We use another diagnostic program (for DOS) called syschk.  You can find
> > it online somewhere.  It is shareware.  Type syschk and it gives you a
> > page of general information about your computer.  The first line for
> > my pentium 166 reads:
> > 
> > CPU:  Intel Pentium with       FPU:  Internal      
> > 
> > FPU is the coprocessor.  If it says something like none, you don't have a
> > math coprocessor.  Do you have a 486SX?
> 
> Yes.

You do not have a math coprocessor.   486DX machines have a math
coprocessor.

> In fact, some of the linux kernel I download from the net will complain
> that I have not math and cpu coprocessor, if this is any help.

I think BL2 requires a math coprocessor but BL1 does not, am I correct?



> > It then tells you speed, ROM date, memory, etc.  Do not trust the video
> > memory number.   I just noticed this computer has a VESA 2.0 video card so
> > I can try Xvesa from JP.
> 
> I have used whatvga for dos and I see there is some sort of Vesa
> support. I vaguely remember it is Vesa 0.7. I suppose if this is true I
> will not be able to use Xvesa or miniX.

I don't think VESA 0.7 would be useful for anything.  The programs I use
require VESA 1.2.  Even 1.1 does not work.  You would need to have the
specific driver for your video chip, or else plain VGA 16.  You must have
an unusual computer.

> > Try pdftotext on a computer that you know has a math coprocessor.
> 
> Why does a computer need a math coprocessor?



A computer does not need a math coprocessor, but many programs are written
to require one.  Some of them will let you emulate the math coprocessor
instead, which makes them run slower.  Apparently pdftotext for DOS as
provided by Arachne requires a math coprocessor.  There may be some way to
compile it so it does not need a math coprocessor.  Doug compiled a
version for me.  I will ask him if it needs a math coprocessor. If it does
not, I can send you a copy of what I have.  I am not going to ask him to
compile a new version with coprocessor emulation because it would probably
not be of interest to anyone except you and maybe a few other people who
like to use computers with 4M RAM and no coprocessor.