Xref: utzoo comp.unix.i386:6662 comp.sys.att:9946 Path: utzoo!utgpu!news-server.csri.toronto.edu!cs.utexas.edu!usc!srhqla!denwa!jimmy From: jimmy@denwa.info.com (Jim Gottlieb) Newsgroups: comp.unix.i386,comp.sys.att Subject: 386 user-agent review and plea Message-ID: <389@denwa.uucp> Date: 10 Jul 90 06:34:41 GMT Sender: jimmy@denwa.uucp Reply-To: jimmy@denwa.info.com (Jim Gottlieb) Organization: Info Connections, West Los Angeles Lines: 59 I am in desperate search of a decent user-friendly front-end to our Interactive 386 system. The key word is 'decent'. I have looked at or looked into the following packages: Directory Shell by Visix Software: Visix is now putting all their efforts into their "Looking Glass" product for X windowing and no longer makes end-user or distributor sales. They only sell in large quantities under OEM agreements. I also have not been able to locate anyone at Visix who has actually used the product and can therefore answer some questions I have. Visix has basically said that if I send them $495 and don't waste their time, they will send me a copy. One problem with Directory Shell is that it does not provide mail notification (though there are other ways I can do that). If after reading this, someone who has used Directory Shell can tell me if it would meet my needs, please do. Menu Shell by FourGen: The brochure states that "your home directory becomes your menu. Programs that need to be accessed by all users should be copied or linked into all users' home directories." This sounds like a kludge. Xmenu by Telexpress: This is, overall, a very nice package. One can easily build new menus, and the menus it comes with cover most aspects of system administration. It also provides mail notification (at the main menu). The problem I have with it is twofold. The change directory function is executed (as are most sub-menus) by forking a new shell. You are allowed to invoke your default editor on any file, but that is all. There is no provision for starting a Spreadsheet or Database program, nor can you select a file and invoke your fax program on it. And because this all is done in a shell, once you exit back to the main menu, you are back at your home directory. I would really like to find a program with at least the functionality provided by the User Agent program on the AT&T 3B1. This allows you to define the type of file it is by the suffix on the file name, and perform different actions based on this. It provides mail notification, and even if you are several layers deep into sub-directories, you can still create a new file in that directory or toggle through the on-screen windows to get back to any other window and run a command. All this applies to any serial terminal in addition to the console. Someone has mentioned that AT&T's 'face' is identical to the 3B1. We run Interactive so we don't have it. Is is just for system administration, or can it be used by all users to manage their files and such? I don't know if AT&T sells it separately. I guess I could always buy the least-expensive AT&T Unix package and then move that command and support files to a 386. Considering all I hear about Unix getting more and more popular in offices, I am surprised that I can't find a good user-friendly shell. There are sure plenty in the MS-DOG world. I would be interested in hearing from anybody who can suggest a product. Thanks. --- Jim Gottlieb E-Mail: or or V-Mail: (213) 551-7702 Fax: 478-3060 The-Real-Me: 824-5454