I have read many accounts of Atari enthusiasts proclaiming that TOS (Atari's operating system) is better than other, more popular operating systems used today. While this issue could be debated extensively, what five aspects of TOS are measurably better then (1).Windows/DOS, (2). Linux, and (3). Apple's OS? Thank you. (steveb@neca.com)

1. OS on ROM, hackers despair
2. Memory requirements much less
3. Modular: Application Environment System, GEMDOS, VDI,...
   (aspects of the OS can be updated/upgraded without affecting
   TOS functionality i.e. nVDI)
4. Multitasking can be added if wanted or needed, you choose. (minimal multitasking via accessories and control panel)
5. Programs easy to install, uninstall (no %^@^#^ registry, dll's, no cli
   or arcane directory structure to learn if you don't want to,...)

These points pretty well apply to all three o/s. Apple is a bit easier from the users point of view than Microsoft or especially Linux. Mind you, MiNT approaches Linux's complexity, but you can run programs without MiNT.

Ken MacDonald

What is the mega-bus in the Mega ST line of computers used for?
and where, if available, can I locate a pinout for it?
(rangerfiend@yahoo.com)

The MegaBus is a Atari specific expansion bus only found in the MegaST range of computers. It is now been superseded by the VME Bus in the MegaSTE/TT. The Megabus is good for devices such as on board SCSI, Video cards, Network cards etc. It has been a very long time since anybody made anything for it, possibly because the MegaST was barely any better than a STFM. I think there was a card built by David Small of Spectre GCR fame that actually added a 33Mhz 68030 for the MegaBus. Try Schematics central for a full PCB layout.

Mark Bedingfield