Executor 2.0/executorv2.0.iso/pc/linux/extra/docs/maillist/text/archive.92/text0117.txt

Text File | 1996-04-02 | 15.8 KB | 394 lines

REPEAT MESSAGE: Welcome to "News from NeXT," an electronic news
source for NeXT users and enthusiasts in education.  Feel free to
pass this electronic publication to interested colleagues or friends
in electronic or hard copy form.  Anyone who would like to be added
to (or removed from) the mailing list of "News from NeXT," must
submit his or her request via e-mail to the following e-mail address:
[e-mail]

Requests should include the following information:

Name
E-mail address where you would like to receive "News from NeXT"
Title
Institution/Organization
Department
Street Address
City, State, Zip

Thank you.

David Spitzler
Mgr., Higher Education Marketing
NeXT Computer, Inc.

Begin news:

NeXTSTEP 486 Product Questions and Answers

Table of Contents

NeXTSTEP 486 Schedule
NeXTSTEP 3.0 on NeXT Computers vs NeXTSTEP 486
NeXTSTEP 486 Hardware Support
NeXTSTEP 486 Microsoft DOS and Windows Support


NeXTSTEP 486 Schedule

What is the current status of NeXTSTEP 486?
We have just finished an early release of NeXTSTEP 486 3.0. This
release was designed a select group of Independent Software Vendors.
Several software vendors have already ported their software to
NeXTSTEP 486.


Where can I see NeXTSTEP 486 3.0?
NeXTSTEP 486 release 3.0 was shown at UNIX Expo, Seybold and future
trade shows such as Educom and Comdex. In early October,
demonstration systems
in NeXT sales offices and NeXT's headquarters in Redwood City, CA
were updated to the this new release.


When will the first Beta release of NeXTSTEP 486 be available?
NeXTSTEP 486 Beta release is scheduled for the 4th quarter 1992.


When will the first "Shrink Wrap"  release of NeXTSTEP 486 be
available?
NeXTSTEP 486 first customer shipment of the "Shrink Wrap" release is
scheduled for the 1st quarter 1993.



NeXTSTEP 3.0 on NeXT Computers vs NeXTSTEP 486


How does NeXTSTEP 486 differ from NeXTSTEP on NeXT Computers?
It doesn't. NeXTSTEP 486 is a complete port of the NeXTSTEP 3.0
software environment to Intel-based Computers. NeXTSTEP 486 has the
same User Interface, Development Environment, Applications,
Networking (NFS, Novell, Appleshare), State of the Art Color, Mach
UNIX, Display Postscript, 3D Renderman etc, etc.


What about support for NeXT Computer specific hardware features such
as the DSP?
NeXT Computers offer additional hardware support not commonly
available for Intel systems. This includes the DSP. The DSP in a NeXT
Computer is used for a variety of functions including ISDN support
and real-time audio compression / de-compression. ISDN support for
NeXTSTEP 486 will be provided via an add-on PC card and ISDN adapter.
Real-time audio compression / de-compression support is currently
under investigation.


How would you compare 486 systems running NeXTSTEP 486 vs the NeXT
Computer product line?
NeXT Computers are true integrated workstations designed to provide
high performance throughout the entire system. In order to make a
fair comparison, an Intel system must be equipped with a complete set
of high performance interfaces. In other words, a 486DX/2 50Mhz with
a processor-direct graphics system, EISA backplane, 32bit LAN, 32bit
SCSI, 16bit Sound and a high-performance SCSI disk will perform
similar to a NeXTstation Turbo. A 486DX 33Mhz similarly equipped
should provide performance equivalent to a NeXTstation. Intel-based
systems configured for this level of performance often cost as much
or more than NeXTstations; please contact NeXT Hardware Product
Marketing for additional comparison information.


Can I use NeXTSTEP 486 systems with my existing NeXT Computers?
Of course! NeXTSTEP 486 is design to plug and play with existing NeXT
installations. NeXT has addressed interoperability between NeXTSTEP
systems in the following ways:
* NeXTSTEP systems share identical networking capabilities.
* NeXTSTEP systems share the same Distributed Objects.
* NeXTSTEP systems use the same system and network administration
   services.
* NeXTSTEP systems use the same mass storage format. Yes, you can
   take a external SCSI drive, removable media (ie Bernoulli etc) or
   floppy disk and use it interchangeably between NeXT Computers and
   NeXTSTEP 486 systems.


How do I use applications compiled for both NeXT Computers and
NeXTSTEP 486 on the same network?
Simply. NeXTSTEP 3.0 includes a new feature called Multi-Architecture
Binaries (so called "Fat" binaries). This capability allows
developers to compile NeXTSTEP applications on multiple system
architectures, and combine them into a single package. When an
application is run, NeXTSTEP will extract the appropriate
instructions for the local system, and run the application. This
operation is completely transparent to the user, it just works! Most
of the NeXTSTEP applications in the future will be delivered as
Multi-Architecture Binaries. Tools are also provided to "Slim"
binaries for use in a one architecture environment.


Do Multi-Architecture Binaries take a lot of extra disk space?
No. Most applications consist of one or more executable programs
(with architecture dependent machine instructions) and a lot of text
and data. This machine independent data is typically data files used
by the application, help files, examples, internationalization etc.
Since only the actual machine dependent portion of the application is
duplicated, a two architecture application typically takes only about
20%-30% more disk space than a single architecture application. If
disk space is tight, tools are provided to "Slim" binaries for use in
a single architecture environment.


How difficult is it to recompile existing NeXT applications over to
NeXTSTEP 486?
Very easy. Most programs will simply recompile and run, or require
few changes. We believe that any application that uses the standard
development environment and Object kits provided by NeXT should
simply compile and run. Only applications that use architecture
specific features or data formats, will require additional time to
port. Several developers have already ported applications to NeXTSTEP
486.  Appsoft Draw simply recompiled and ran, Lighthouse Concurrence
took 3 hours, other programs took 1/2 a day to 2 days, and this was
all on a very early release of NeXTSTEP 486 3.0!


When developing programs, are there any portability issues I should
be aware of?
Yes. As stated above, any applications that use the standard tools
provided by the NeXTSTEP development environment, should just
recompile and work. To make sure developers are aware of  portability
issues, NeXT is producing a guide to address source code portability
between different architectures running NeXTSTEP. This guide should
be available in November.


What is the difference between the NeXTSTEP 486 User Environment and
Developer Environment?
The NeXTSTEP 486 User Environment consists of the entire NeXTSTEP 3.0
environment, minus the developer tools. The Developer Environment
includes the developer tools such Interface builder, Project Builder,
C compilers, Object Kits, example source code and developer
documentation.



NeXTSTEP 486 Hardware Support

What are the general requirements to run NeXTSTEP 486 on Intel-based
Computers?
Please refer to the NeXTSTEP 486 - Desktop Systems Hardware
Compatibility Overview. This document addresses RAM, Disk, Graphics
Adapters and I/O card support for NeXTSTEP 486. A specific NeXTSTEP
486 Hardware Compatibility Guide will be available in November.


If a specific I/O card is not supported by NeXT, can 3rd parties
write drivers for NeXTSTEP 486?
Yes. NeXTSTEP 486 uses a newly developed object-oriented driver
architecture that brings the benefits of object-orientation all the
way down to the I/O card driver level. Complete documentation for
this new "Driver Kit" architecture will be available later this year.


How will NeXTSTEP 486 be installed?
NeXTSTEP 486 will come with a boot floppy and a CDROM. To install
NeXTSTEP 486, the system boots from the floppy, and then installs the
minimum NeXTSTEP environment from the CDROM (SCSI CDROM drive). The
user may then chose from several optional packages depending on the
available disk space and user requirements.


Has NeXT published any specific configurations I can purchase today?
Yes. Specific configurations for DELL and Compaq computers are
available. Information about additional systems vendors will be
available in November.


Will NeXTSTEP 486 run on 386 machines?
No. NeXTSTEP 486 uses several 486 specific features that enhance the
performance of NeXTSTEP. NeXTSTEP 486 will support any true 486.


Will NeXTSTEP 486 run on the Cyrix 486SLC?
No. The Cyrix chip not a true 486.


Will NeXTSTEP 486 run on the future Intel Microprocessors in the x86
family?
Of course! NeXTSTEP 486 will not only support them, but will take
advantage of any performance enhancements available with future Intel
CPU's, just as NeXT has taken advantage of the 486.


Will NeXTSTEP 486 run on portable computers?
Yes. Many portables and notebooks with 486 CPU's and sufficient
system resources (8+MB RAM and 120+MB hard disk space) are available.
Since NeXTSTEP 486 will support 640x480 VGA displays in grayscale,
NeXTSTEP 486 can run on these systems. Do be aware that NeXTSTEP's
user interface and applications were not designed for low-resolution
screens, and consequently will impose limitations on the use of some
applications. Also, typical battery management systems do not work
with multi-tasking operating systems. Future versions of NeXTSTEP 486
will provide driver support for portable-oriented peripherals such as
pocket Ethernet, SCSI and Sound adapters and PC/MCIA cards. We expect
additional device drivers for portable peripherals to be available in
Q3-Q4 1993. Until drivers are available for portable SCSI adapters,
NeXTSTEP 486 can be installed on portables by using a docking station
with SCSI adapter and CDROM. The docking station can then be used for
a local area network card. NeXT is investigating future Intel
microprocessors that may provide battery management support for
advanced operating systems such as NeXTSTEP.



NeXTSTEP 486 Microsoft DOS and Windows Support

Will NeXTSTEP 486 be able to run Microsoft DOS and Windows programs?
Yes. NeXTSTEP 486 will support a DOS and Windows compatibility
package. This software will allow DOS 5.0 and Windows 3.1 programs to
run within a NeXTSTEP window. Support will include DOS "Protected"
mode and Windows 3.1 "Standard" mode (Win-16). Support for Win-32
applications is planned for the second half of 1993.


Will DOS and Windows compatibility be included with NeXTSTEP 486?
We have not yet announced how this capability will be packaged.


How will my DOS and Windows applications perform under NeXTSTEP 486?
Very well. The DOS/Windows compatibility package for NeXTSTEP 486
takes full advantage of the 486 microprocessor. Depending on system
hardware configuration and type of DOS/Windows application,
performance should vary between 386 and 486 native DOS/Windows
performance. In addition, to enhance the performance of Windows
applications, a MS Windows specific Graphics Device Interface (GDI)
driver which maps Microsoft Windows calls directly to the NeXTSTEP
window server will be part of the system.


Is the window I use to run Microsoft Windows applications resizable?
Yes. You can set the Windows session to any size you wish up to the
maximum screen size available to the NeXTSTEP 486 system you are
using.


Will this DOS/Windows compatibility system allow me to run several
DOS programs at once?
Yes. Since NeXTSTEP 486 is a multi-tasking, virtual memory operating
environment, several DOS/Windows sessions can be run at once.


Can I cut and paste between DOS/Windows sessions and NeXTSTEP
applications?
Yes. You can cut and paste text and graphics between DOS/Windows and
NeXTSTEP applications.


Can I use both DOS and NeXTSTEP 486 partitions on the same hard disk?
Yes. NeXTSTEP 486 will support multiple operating systems on the same
local hard disk. When the system boots, the user can chose to boot
another operating system (such as DOS) or NeXTSTEP. If the local
partition contains DOS, NeXTSTEP 486 will be able to access the local
DOS partition and read/write files to it.


Can NeXTSTEP 486 read and write DOS format floppies?
Of course. Just like all NeXT Computers.


____________________________________________________________________


NeXTSTEP 486 - Desktop Systems Hardware Compatibility Overview

This document describes in general terms, the types of IBM Compatible
PC based hardware that will be supported by NeXTSTEP 486
in it's First General Release. For specific supported configurations
please refer to the NeXTSTEP 486 Hardware Compatibility Guide. For
any hardware specification or purchase, please contact NeXT for the
latest update to this Guide. This overview is preliminary, and
subject to change as additional PC hardware is certified for NeXTSTEP
486.

General Requirements:

CPU - 486 based PC Compatible Computer. This includes 486SX, 486DX,
486DX/2. Future Intel Microprocessor designs in the x86 family will
also be supported. ISA or EISA expansion bus. 486DX and 486DX/2's are
recommended for better performance.

Available Hard Disk Space - User Environment, 120 MB Minimum.
Developer Environment, 330 MB Minimum. Larger local disks are
recommended for stand alone systems.

Graphics:

NeXTSTEP 486's Display Postscript Graphics system supports both
Grayscale and Color on 486 based PC's. The Graphics Adapter support
and RAM requirements vary depending upon the user's selection of
Grayscale or Color.

2 Bit Grayscale System Support:

Graphics Adapters - Most VESA (Video Electronics Standards
Association) compatible VGA or Super VGA Graphics Adapters. This
includes popular Super VGA cards from vendors such as the Orchid,
ATI, Paradise, Video Seven and Compaq. These graphics adapters will
be supported at resolutions of 1024x768, 800x600 and 640x480.
Resolutions at or above 800x600 are recommended.

RAM - Minimum 8 MB, 12 MB Recommended.

16 Bit Color System Support:

Graphics Adapters - In order to provide adequate performance and
Color Quality, NeXTSTEP 486 requires High Performance "Workstation"
style Graphics Adapters. Many new Graphics Systems are being
introduced that meet these requirements, they include Intel JAWS
(such as DELL Processor-Direct Graphics), Chips and Technologies
Wingine, and certain Local Bus Graphics adapters. Depending upon the
size of available VRAM (Video RAM) resolutions of 800x600, 1024x768,
1120x832 and 1280x1024 will be supported. Graphics Adapters designed
for EISA based PC's are available (such as Compaq QVision 1024/E and
ATI Graphics Ultra Pro) or being developed, these are currently being
evaluated for performance and may provide an easy upgrade for
existing EISA PC's.

RAM - Minimum 16 MB, 24 MB Recommended.

Additional Device Support:

Disk Interfaces - Both IDE and SCSI Hard Disk Interfaces will be
supported. SCSI adapters from Adaptec and DPT (for both ISA and EISA)
will be supported, with more to follow.

Pointing Devices - Microsoft and Logitec compatible Bus, PS/2 port
and Serial mice are supported. In addition certain graphics tablets
will also be supported.

Printer Support - Any Postscript Level I or II printer connected via
a serial or parallel port, including the NeXT Color Printer
(connected via a SCSI port). Support of Non-Postscript printers will
be available in a future release.

Networking Support  - ISA and EISA based Networking Adapters will be
supported including Ethernet and Token Ring Cards from vendors such
as SMC (Western Digital), Intel and 3Com. A Networking card is
optional.

Sound Support  - Most popular PC sound Cards will be supported for
both Playback and Recording. These include PC Sound Adapters such as
the Sound Blaster, MediaVision Pro Audio Spectrum and Integrated
Business Audio from Compaq. A Sound card is optional.

ISDN Support   - NeXTSTEP 486 will also support high speed digital
ISDN connections through an ISA add-on card.

Additional Devices - Other popular PC peripherals such as FAX/Modems
and FAX/Modem add-on cards will be supported.
__________________________________________________________________
end