I've used my TI-83+ and TI-84+ SE a lot in the mid 2000s, the pinnacle years of the TIcalc community. MirageOS was probably the best shell out there by then. By the time Doors CS 7.1 came out I switched to Doors CS as my default shell. Very stable and packed with lots of OS hooks and libraries I used (e.g. Omnicalc, xLIB, etc.).

But since the early 2010s my calcs started collecting dust. I still have them, though, and every now and then I recharge the batteries, push the buttons and sniff the nostalgia the calcs carry.

How funny is it to load a program, time stamped 2022, on a calc I bought as a teenager, 16 years ago! :-)

I highly recommend to ditch any old shell like Ion or MirageOS and all kinds of separate libraries, and use Doors CS 7 instead!

This is the BEST shell ever! I discovered this 1.5 years ago and instantly got rid of MirageOS. This runs ANY program I throw at it and does anything I want to! Full featured! Sometimes it can't see a certain program , but this is EXTREMELY rare. Also, if you have a whole library of programs on the home main scree of DCS (think 120+ programs), DCS will start having problems loading programs and will display something strange and will tell you some ''imaginary program'' is missing. This can be easily fix by erasing unneeded programs or putting programs into folders (now I have zero issues because I erased a whole lot of useless things and am using folders). This is a must download for EVERY ti83+/84+ owner!!! To bad there is no star rating thing here on ticalc.org (DCS deserves a million stars! Seriously!) Long live KermMartian and every single program/app he ever made!

Let me just get this out of the way: THIS APP IS AWESOME!

Doors CS7.2 is THE ULTIMATE graphical shell for your TI-83plus series calculator. I have been running it on my TI-Nspire's '84+ emulator keypad for more than a year. No crashes, no nothing. I love the compatibility with TI-OS lowercase, ION programs, AXE programs, and Z80 assembly. The DCSb libs have been a huge help with my programming. Also, I like Kerm's MobileTunes3.0, which integrates seamlessly with Doors CS7.

DoorsCS is a shell that is meant to mimic typical computer user interfaces on a computer, to give the user some familiarity starting out, and it does that quite well. The mouse controls takes some getting used to, since you are using 4 keys to move it. DoorsCS also comes with the LCD driver fix, you just go to the start menu, access the display option, and hit the 'retune' button, and your calculator screen should work perfectly.

DoorsCS is innovative in that it is the first shell to integrate multiple libraries utilized by BASIC programmers, like Celtic 3, Xlib app, and it's own list of BASIC callable routines, which despite the size, helps in the long run by not needing multiples of these programs on your calculator. It also flawlessly runs Ion, Mirage, and no-stub asm programs, either from the GUI or from the home screen without the need of the Asm( command. You can also run programs directly from archive.

It also offers expandability options through Shell Extensions, which could do a variety of things.

Doors CS is simply the best shell available for the TI-83 Plus series.

At first, it may look a bit large for those who develop directly on a regular TI-83 Plus, but in the end, the extra memory requirement over other shells and libraries is simply worth it: First of all, you have an interface where you can perform the typical shell actions such as archiving/unarchiving/unlocking/deleting programs and obviously running programs, but there is many more! If you cannot get used to the mouse, no problem, Doors CS also allows you to run everything from the PRGM menu, like any BASIC program, and your main program launchers can remain in the archive.

In addition to that, its instant-Goto feature makes TI-BASIC development much faster, as we no longer need to wait 30 seconds for a program code to finish scrolling when an error is encountered at the very end of 15 KB of code. Axe source files are also detected, so trying to run them will open the BASIC editor where you can edit them. Also, like on a TI-81, the BASIC editor has 8 lines instead of 7.

This is not all, Doors CS7 also pretty much packs xLIB, a bug-fixed version of Celtic III, some Omnicalc commands and many extra BASIC libraries. Basically, this means Doors CS7 alone will be able to run regular BASIC games, any z80 assembly game and also xLIB/Celtic games such as Bowling, Reuben Quest or Yumé. In other words, it pretty much lets you run everything and is also a very great tool for development.

Stability-wise, I couldn't encounter any problem when running version 7.0 and 7.1 of Doors CS. There were a few bugs in the 6.0 branch, but the author worked hard on fixing them since then.

Although it's not the most downloaded OS, it is the best one. This amazing app has all the features that Mirage has plus more. When I was first introduced to Doors about a month ago, I couldn't believe that I had never seen it before since I am always in the hunt for good programs/apps. If you like good graphics, user friendly menus, and several options, then this is the app for you. Review:

Size:

Although it is bigger than Mirage, it isn't a waste of space. In fact, i am surprised that an app this good doesn't take up more space. 10/10

Graphics:

Amazing design that goes beyond Mirage's menus and filled with creative little things that are pleasing to the eye. 10/10

Features:

Wow, this is the highlight of the app. A startup option, a backup option that saves what you have done in Doors, xlib and Celtic3 compatibility, ON hooks (shortcut to get to Doors from homescreen), and best of all, the Homerun hook that lets you run programs from the homescreen even if it is archived or or an assembly program so it feels like there isn't even a shell. 10/10

Speed:

A little slower than Mirage but nothing to complain about. 9/10

Questions:

Is it like any other?

Nope

Is it better than Mirage?

Yes

What difference does it make? It's not like it matters where I run my programs.

That's what I said when I saw it but when I tried it out, I realized that it was much more than just a shell.

Any negative comment at all?

Besides the speed being a little slower and the size being a little too big, nothing really. Although, I have noticed that the battery indicator is a little off when you adjust the brightness but that's the only way to detect the battery level anyway so not really a problem that can be solved.

Overall rating:

39/40

This shell is far and away the best possible for any z80 calculator. Compared to other shells like Mirage OS, Ion and CrunchyOS. All graphics are superior and the array of possible options is incredibly versatile. A definite must-have for anyone who wants the best possible program protection and nicest GUI.

Compared to other shells- far surpasses everything else. Detached Solutions had better get to work. 10/10

Originality- It is similar to windows and also is not too unlike other shells in many ways. However, the extensive keyboard shortcuts and highly useable mouse are something new and excellent in the shell world. 9/10

Operation/User-friendly- The GUI clearly lets you see all your programs in a simple yet elegant format. The icons help as well. I love the keyboard shortcuts; they are incredibly useful. 10/10

Features- This shell is loaded with options for the programs, a customizable mouse, folders ,and even built-in XLib/Celtic III/PicArc/Omnicalc libs. You can also run assembly programs from the PRGM menu as if they were BASIC. A loaded set of features for the programmer as well as the user. 10/10

Safety features- Not once has this shell damaged my calculator, and there are extensive backups for your program and folder data. 10/10

Overall, this is an incredible shell with the best features and capabilitiesI have ever seen. I can't wait for the next version.

Total grade- 49/50

I was first a dedicated Mirage OS user because I liked it's easy to use interface. I actually avoided Doors for some time because it seemed to crash every time I did anything within the shell (this was with version 6.0, I might add). But, now having tried version 7.0, I don't think I will ever go back. It provides me, a TI-Basic programmer, with quite sufficient assembly resources. Not only that, but the ability to backup settings and folders now gives me the security to know that regardless of what I do to my calc (within reason), Doors CS7 will remain stable. (This is coming from one who has invalidated his OS many times, created invalid variable names, and disabled interrupts on his calc). Doors CS 7 gets two thumbs way up.

Way back in the day, Doors was merely another basic shell. However, unlike the hundreds of others, its development did not end there. Several years and countless hours of work later, the community has been graced with yet another update of the most comprehensive shell to date, a record that will most likely only be surpassed by the release of Doors 8.

Originality 10/10: This is the ONLY shell to offer multiple methods of navigation and one of few programs in existence to emulate a mouse well (with customizable settings to boot).

Ease of use 10/10: There's something for everybody. Are you tired of complex key combos? Use the mouse. Do you prefer those combos because they help you navigate more quickly? It can handle that. Do you dislike waiting for GUI's to render altogether? Run your programs directly from the OS list.

Speed 8/10:If you have an incredibly overly cluttered system(like mine), the program list can take a while to build, but there are several options to speed things up(like key combos, turning off auto backups, or just running from the os list noshell style).

Features 10/10: It does everything any previous shell has and more(check out the comprehensive features list included in the download for more details ;))

appearance 8/10: It may no be the best looking thing to ever display on a calculator LCD, but it's definitely the best looking shell, with dithering etc(as well as the ability to create and use custom backgrounds!).

Compatibility 10/10: There are still a few bugs and kinks here and there, but no more than any other shell. Furthermore, unlike many other shells, this one is still being actively debugged and improved! The inclusion of all the community's most popular and useful libs is hugely helpful as well.

Size 9/10: The application takes up three flash pages, which could potentially be tough for 83+ users with arch restraints. However, for users of omnicalc/Celtic III and other popular libs, it saves enough space to be a net reduction!

==== Review ====

Doors CS 7.0

==== ==== ====

Doors CS 7 is finally here! The shell that evolved from a simple BASIC shell is now one of the best, if not outright 'the' best shell around for the TI-83+/84+ series.

Presentation

============

This awesome shell includes in the package the Flash App for the TI-83+/84+, a comprehensive pdf manual and

readme, and the SDK for the DCS assembly and BASIC libraries, xLib, PicArc and CelticIII. It's a complete package.

It even includes two versions for the TI-83! As a side-note, *do* read the manual, or at the very least check the

help dialog on the shell for some shortkeys and stuff.

--10/10 You couldn't ask for more.

Features

========

As features, it's packed of them! FULL compatibility with xLib, PicArc, CelticIII, DCS ASM and BASIC libs (which

make GUI creation a breeze, more info on the SDK), and partial compatibility with the Omnicalc lib. It includes a

mouse based interface, which, as some reviewers failed to notice, is completely optional. You can use the 1-6 keys

to select programs, the +/- keys to scroll up and down, and the STAT key as a Tab key, to select programs or options in a menu. The cursor is editable, you can easily adjust the contrast, it has a built in ALCDFIX-like function, which fixes the wavy screen problem on some new calcs, includes an Associated Program feature, which lets you open a document by clicking it, instead of opening it manually in the respective program, its HomeRun feature allows

programs to be run straight from the PRGM menu, even if they require Ion, MirageOS, or any lib like xLib... The

most feature packed shell I've ever seen! It even allows user-created extensions, like password protection, for instance. The full feature list can be seen on the DCS wiki, on cemetech.net .

--10/10 Again, it's more than you'll ever need. And if you need more, there's always an app for that. (or a Shell Extension, for that matter...)

Size

====

Ouch, three app pages. But it pays off considering it saves you from having extra apps for xLib, for example, or programs like ALCDFIX.

--9/10 If you have a regular TI-83+, for example, this is going to eat most of your memory.

Veridict

========

It's, quite simply, the best shell for the TI-83+ series! Download it now!

1 00 / 1 00

11 0 0 / 11 0 0

1 1 0 0 / 1 1 0 0

1 0 0 / 1 0 0

I think that Doors CS is the best shell there is for the TI 83/84. If you are looking for a shell to download, get this!

Compatibility: 10/10

Doors CS supports many types of programs, including no-stub, MirageOS, and Ion programs.

Size: 10/10

Doors CS contains many libraries and features so that if the libraries were downloaded separately, they would total a much bigger size.

User-friendliness: 8/10

The mouse appeals to some people, but there are shortcut keys. You won't be able to avoid using the mouse if you want to change options in the options menu, though.

Features: 9/10

Doors CS has many features, like running from the homescreen, automatic APD, and archiving/hiding/locking programs. It also has some contrast options. Doors CS does lack features like password protection and the ability to block the memory menu, but the features that it has makes up for those.

Originality: 10/10

This is the first application that I have seen with a mouse interface, and the first that I have seen that includes libraries.

Overall: 47/50

Overall the shell gets better and better, but...

The graphics are great, with all the design and so on.

Nice is, that all libs are integrated in Version 7.

The mouse is a nice idea, works ggod, but is extremely inefficient.

The scrollbars are the worst thing in graphics.

The program editor is very fast (at scrolling etc...) but from time to time it shuts down the calculater with Ram clear.

The left click options bar appears always at the same place, and often it causes a long way to get the mouse at right position.

so...

Graphics 9/10 really cool

Mouse 2/10 design good, use bad

Handling 1/10 Scrollbars, textboxes, Alpha Lock,... :(

Extras 4/10 Programm editor, Libs,... :|

This has to be one of the best shells anywhere. It has a great GUI, and a ton of features like hiding programs and locking programs.

Usefulness 9/10

The interface can get a tad annoying sometimes but the features really out rank that.

Ease-Of-Use

10/10

Very simple, it is just like windows.

Overall 9.5/10

This was the very first file I down loaded on Ticalc. My friends told me that if I wanted to play games on my calculator, I would need some sort of program manager. I immediately browsed this site for one. When I came across Doors, I was amazed by the great graphics shown in the screen shots and decided to download it. BIG MISTAKE...

While the graphics are great, the program is HORRIBLY ANNOYING. It takes FOREVER to get to the game you want thanks to the obnoxious mouse. The scroll bar is another problem. When you try to click it and scroll up it doesn't even work. The worst part of Doors is definitely the mouse editor... It flashes randomly and violently making it hard to look at. The cursor also randomly jumps too far making editing a long lasting task.

Graphics 3/10

That mouse editor was HORRIBLE!

User friendliness - 1/10

Slow mouse, annoying scroll bar, glitched program editor.....

Originality - 3/10

It has a mouse...

Over all - 7/30

Doors CS is the best GUI for your programs out there. You should download it today. It completely beats the socks off of Mirage OS.

The mouse based UI is great and intuitive, but not as much when you don't know the keyboard shortcuts by heart. Also, the scroll bar on the right (and the contrast adjustment in Menu -> Display) only worked by clicking on the arrow. You cannot drag the scroll bar or click on the area in between the bar and the arrow, as you could in Windows.

Although making the program look a LOT like Windows detracts from its originality somewhat, I like the pun that the programmer made on the name (Windows, Doors).

The program's double size is so worth the increase in features, intuitiveness, and just plain awesomeness. If you want to keep Mirage OS because of size issues, that is okay. Wait, why am I even saying this when you can just back up your games to your computer?

Very useful shell, especially with the editor and how it hops directly to a break point--I don't have to wait three minutes for it to scroll anymore.

It's not very stable, though. I had it crash several times in one day, losing all my RAM every time. Also, the copy function has a few errors. After a few copies, programs can lose a lot of information.

I used to use MirageOS because its what everyone else at my school had and none of the games I had were incompatible. Then I downloaded Doors - can't remember why it wasn't because of an incompatability - AND I'M NOT GOING BACK!!!

Originality 9/10 - its Windows, as the name shows

Ease of use 8/10 - took me a while to find out how to right click (ALPHA)

Speed 9/10 - it takes a while after program execution to return to Doors

Functions 10/10 - Nested folders, icons, alpha-clicking

GUI 8/10 - You lose your folder structure if your RAM crashes

Features 10/10 - I like the meters - although I don't believe the battery one works

Compatability 10/10 - works.

Usefulness 9/10 - takes a while to get used to after having MirageOS for 3 years

Size 8/10 - twice as big as MirageOS was.

Program execution 10/10 - runs all my games, but so did MirageOS

Speed: 5/10

The scrolling is a nice speed, but some menu and folder operations are a little slow. Moreover, when I run programs using Doors, the programs themselves are actually slower. I noticed that playing Falldown- it was insanely easy, even on the fast speed. Maybe it's an inheritent problem with operating systems, but programs do slow down!

Ease of Use: 9.5/10

Usability is the most important thing in any OS, and this one nails it. Any one that has touched a computer in the last 20 yeas will understand it's Windows/Mac like interface easily. However, crashes still happen, and this program isn't as reliable as MirageOS.

Functions: 9/10

I really like the idea of having an icon for each of my programs, even if it will take me a while to figure out how to make them. The folder options are sufficient. What's annoying is that every program you have shows up on Doors the first time you run it.

Overall: 8/10

This version of Doors CS is quite a lot better than other shells I have used over the years. The mouse goes fast, the scrolling works well, and I like being able to make custom icons for my programmes. A while ago, I got Doors 4,9 to see how good it was. It did turn out to be quite buggy, unlike this version. It has not crashed my ti 84+ SE once yet.

For a rating, I would give it the following:

Speed: 9/10 Adjusting the settings is quite slow.

Compatibility: 5/10 This is NOT compatible with the Nspire.

Usefulness: 10/10 I always use Doors to rename and lock programmes.

GUI:8/10: You'll lose your folders if your RAM crashes.

Programme Execution: 10/10 Runs almost all programmes requiring a shell.

A while ago, i tried out Doors 4.9. I was amused by the interface and loved the mouse, but there was thing. It was so darn slow and buggy! Over the summer, I saw Doors 6.1 CS had came out so I thought "Eh, why not." Having used it now for 4 months, here's my review.

Graphics: 10/10

The graphics are great! Much better then Ion's spartan interface and MirageOS's barely graphical one. The Icons for programs were great too.

Speed: 9/10

The mouse moved fluidly. The only problem was that the scrolling is slow.

Functinality: 10/10

Icons, numerous file types supported, Easy to use settings and commands, this OS has it all. You can do all standard memory function beside Groups and edit Basic Programs.

Debugged: 9/10

There's a few bugs in there, but none to serious.

Origonality: 8/10

Mouse based systems like this have been made before, but none are as good as this.

Over All: 9/10

This shell is absolutely amazing. It features support for both Ion and MirageOS programs, it has a fully functional GUI API for Assembly programs, and a built in, multi-calc networking protocol, also for assembly programmers.

It also has features for Basic programmers, such as the ability to hide sub routines from the shell, and to automatically unarchive them at runtime so you dont have to take up your precious RAM. It also has intelligent writeback to save wear and tear on your archive: it only writes-back if changes to the program have actually been made.

For supreme organization, it allows you to create nested folders, and auto-sorts your programs at start up far faster than MOS does.

Finally it has the ability to run shell extensions, small programs which add on to the capabilities of the shell.

This is an awesome OS! I, personally, think it's better than MirageOS. It has all the features Mirage has and more. There are a couple bugs, but they can be easily fixed. It's pretty fast, and looks better, too. If you have a choice between any other organizer and this, get this.

DoorsCS is a fantastic shell. It has a very intuitive interface that is extremely simple to navigate. It also includes many features that make it worthwhile. You can make Basic programs automatically unarchive required subroutines, and the ASM libraries it houses make stuff like text editors less than 1000 bytes, yet the editor has a very graphical interface.

The only complaint I have is that hiding programs using DCS only hides it from DCS, not the edit menu, and the token used for this messes up Ans if you were to run the program normally.

This app version of DoorsCS is MUCH better and more stable than the previous assembly versions. Although it has already crashed my calculator twice, it certainly didn't break down right at the beginning as it used to. The program is very easy to operate, due to its icon and mouse design.

However, the battery and RAM meter did not work on my TI-84+. It does not have a hide feature, which is a problem because the interface shows certain programs that can not be executed. The animation, although unbelievably smooth, is a little slow. And you still have to garbage collect.