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From: jb10320@uxa.cso.uiuc.edu (Desdinova)
Newsgroups: comp.sys.apple2
Subject: Re: How is GS/OS related to ProDos 8 or 16?
Message-ID: <1990Aug28.020156.19947@ux1.cso.uiuc.edu>
Date: 28 Aug 90 02:01:56 GMT
References: <498@tci.UUCP>
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Organization: University of Illinois at Urbana
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In article <498@tci.UUCP> mitchell@tci.UUCP (Rob Mitchell) writes:
>Hello GSers,
>
>	I'm still kinda new to GS (coming from Mac and Unix world) and am
>having trouble distinguishing the difference between GS/OS and file 
>systems like ProDos 8 or 16.  

    Technically, P8, P16 and GS/OS support the same file system.  P16 was
the first version of ProDOS written specifically for the Apple IIgs. The 16
refers to the GS's 16-bit processor, P8 got the '8' stuck on afterwards
to differentiate between it (for older Apple IIs) and the IIgs-specific
operating system.  ProDOS 16 is now obsolete, having been significantly
improved and renamed GS/OS.
    They all do basically the same thing, handling Disk and screen I/O
(among other things).  GS/OS just does it better than ever before.

>	What does ProDos 8 or 16 do?  Are these just file systems of
>different block sizes or what?

    Nope, all use block sizes of 512 bytes.

>	Does GS/OS have the Finder, Desktop, System, etc. files located
>in it?  I don't have a copy of GS/OS, ie. it didn't come with my new
>Apple IIGS; I've been looking at some game s/w that can boot from the
>floppy drive.

    You SHOULD have a copy of GS/OS.  It's cleverly disguised as 
"Apple IIgs System Disk".  The system disk comes with the Finder, but
the finder is not necessary for a program to use GS/OS.  If you DIDN'T
get even the System Disk, it's time to raise some hell down at the dealership. 

>	What's a good source of overall GS descriptions and explanations?
>I didn't get any manuals from the Computer Store, either.

    *NO* manuals?  I'd go back and demand at least the Owner's Guide.
Other books that came with MY GS include: "A Touch of Applesoft BASIC",
"Setting Up Your Apple IIgs", "Apple IIgs System Disk User's Guide".
If you're looking for somewhat technical information (about programming,
or hardware schematics, or whatever) then the following books are
recommended:
    "Technical Introduction to the Apple IIgs"
    "Apple IIgs Hardware Reference"
    "Apple IIgs Firmware Reference"
    "Programmer's introduction to..."
    "Apple IIgs ToolBox Reference, Vols 1 - 3"
Then, there are miscellany manuals about specific programming environments
that Apple supports through APDA.  Others here on the net would be more
qualified to describe that.

   There are many less technical books on the GS.  Just go to your local
B-Dalton, WaldenBooks/Waldensoftware to find 'em.

>	Thanks in advance!!!

    Ya know, I had this strange feeling of goodwill flow through me today,
  about an hour before I read your message! :-)

>Rob Mitchell  Technology Concepts Inc.  Sudbury, MA.  01776 (508) 443-7311
>	Internet:  mitchell@tci.bell-atl.com

--
Jawaid Bazyar               | Blondes in big black cars look better wearing
Senior/Computer Engineering | their dark sunglasses at night. (unk. wierdo)
jb10320@uxa.cso.uiuc.edu    |      The gin, the gin, glows in the Dark!
			    |                             (B O'Cult)