Newsgroups: comp.os.os2.misc
Path: utzoo!utgpu!news-server.csri.toronto.edu!rpi!yee
From: yee@aix01.aix.rpi.edu (Crimson Avenger)
Subject: Re: (Sigh) Here we go again...
Message-ID: <1a_h2=_@rpi.edu>
Nntp-Posting-Host: aix01srv.aix.rpi.edu
Organization: Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy NY
References: <12947@uhccux.uhcc.Hawaii.Edu>
Date: 14 May 91 15:05:19 GMT
Lines: 42

In article <12947@uhccux.uhcc.Hawaii.Edu> tholen@uhccux.uhcc.Hawaii.Edu (David Tholen) writes:
>It's also the reason why there isn't a very large shrink-wrap software
>market for UNIX.  Try taking binary code running under Sun UNIX on a
>SPARC processor and executing it on machines running DEC Ultrix on a
>VAX processor, or IBM AIX on their RISC or CISC machines, or Apple A/UX
>on a Motorola 68030, or a NeXT, or an Apollo, or, or, or...
>
>That's one of the reasons why there is so much free UNIX software out
>there.  You have to distribute source code.  It's a great situation for
>the users, but you can't earn a living writing code and giving it away
>for free.

Well, in Unix, with the release of System V, Release 4, there is suppose to
be a Binary Compaiblity Layer, so that all 80386 machines (no matter what kind
of clone) can run the same binary code, and like all SPARC machines will 
run the same binary code.  (but 80386 binary =! SPARC binary)  It is hoped 
that with this BCL, more shrink wrapped software can be release without 
source code.  Lotus 1-2-3/Unix is released for SCO Xenix, and there is no
source code to that product.  I don't think Lotus will ever release code 
for the product.  I don't know, if one day you will find UNIX shrink wrap
next to DOS products at the local Egghead store.  It has a long way to go.

>And the intense competition in the DOS world helps keep prices down and
>leads to constant enhancement.  How many choices are there for C compilers
>for DOS?  How many choices are there for C compilers for the Sun SPARC line?

Well, if once C compiler is GOOD, then why do you need another?  I mean, 
if you can get an ANSI-compliant C compiler what more do you want?  Maybe 
better optimization or more options.. etc.  I think that the GNU C compiler
is the best competition that you have over a wide range of workstations/PC 
systems.  (and GNU C is free)

In DOS, I can only think of Borland, Microsoft, Zortech, Watson, MixC (not a
company)... just a handful.  There isn't like 20 or 30 like shareware packages.
Sometimes the BEST things are written free.. by hobbiest(sp?) and programmers.



-- 
-- Robert aka Crimson Avenger      (yee@rpi.edu or crimson_avenger@mts.rpi.edu)
   Once a hacker, always a hacker. (usere3jp@rpitsmts.bitnet)