Xref: utzoo comp.sys.amiga.misc:2666 comp.sys.amiga.introduction:348 comp.sys.amiga.hardware:8275 Path: utzoo!utgpu!news-server.csri.toronto.edu!rpi!usc!cs.utexas.edu!uunet!tnc!m0154 From: m0154@tnc.UUCP (GUY GARNETT) Newsgroups: comp.sys.amiga.misc,comp.sys.amiga.introduction,comp.sys.amiga.hardware Subject: Re: Hardware/Software Questions: New A1000 owner! Message-ID: <797@tnc.UUCP> Date: 16 Apr 91 13:31:03 GMT References: Reply-To: m0154@tnc.UUCP (GUY GARNETT) Followup-To: comp.sys.amiga.misc Distribution: comp Organization: The Next Challenge, Fairfax, Va. Lines: 48 I also have an A1000, and have done some research in the areas you mention. First of all, get yourself a copy of AC's guide to the Amiga; it is not expensive, and lists the addresses and phone numbers of literally every company that makes Amiga products. My copy is at home, so I can't provide addresses in this post. Software: PD or Shareware "Must-Haves" : I couldn't imagine living without ConMan (freely distributable from William S Hawes; included with the purchase of ARexx or WShell). I also use a screen blanker (QMouse, MachIII, PopCLI, or NewPop, depending on my boot disk). Commercial Software "Must-Haves" : I know you didn't ask about this, but there are a few commercial packages worth shelling out for right away: I wouldn't be without FaccII (ASDG), ARexx, and WShell (William S Hawes). I also have a bunch of productivity applications, but that's a different story. MicroGNUEmacs : I believe it is available (look on Ab20). Software Development : Get one of the commercial or freely distributable compilers out there. Matt Dillon's DICE is a lot better than the "Commercial" products in the beginning of the Amiga. You can also look into GCC (if you have the requisite hard disk and RAM) and Draco (Chris Gray's own language, it compiles fast and will run just fine on a 512k, floppy based system). Commercal products include SAS C, Aztec C, Benchmark Modula-2, and M2Sprint. Hardware: Attaching a IBM MFM or RLL hard-drive (this one should really go on the FAQ): There are three companies which make products to do this. Spririt Tech makes an assembled-and-tested interface, complete with a case and power supply for the drive. Pre'Spect Technics makes a whole line of products, from a bare adapter board up to a product very like the Spirit Tech box. Palomax sells a "kit" of plans and software, and also an assembled (but "naked" - no case or drive enclosure) board. I want to buy the Spirit Tech HDA-506 in the future (like when I get some money). PD Hardware Hacks: Yes, there are some; one of the best sources is back issues of Amazing Computing magazine. Expansion Options: A number of products are still available, but compatibility varies; you should check with the individual manufacturers before you buy. My overall feeling is that the ReJuvenator is a good product (it allows 1Mb Chip RAM, v2.0, and ECS to be installed in the A1000). I prefer my RAM expansions and hard disk interfaces outside of the A1000, so I can plan on installing an acellerator (LUCAS/FRANCES or MegaMidgetRacer) and the Rejuvenator inside. Wildstar