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From: leavens@atari.UUCP
Newsgroups: comp.sys.atari.st
Subject: Re: basic information query
Message-ID: <649@atari.UUCP>
Date: Fri, 13-Mar-87 17:14:40 EST
Article-I.D.: atari.649
Posted: Fri Mar 13 17:14:40 1987
Date-Received: Sat, 14-Mar-87 19:41:20 EST
References: <17799@ucbvax.BERKELEY.EDU>
Organization: Atari Corp., Sunnyvale CA
Lines: 52

in article <17799@ucbvax.BERKELEY.EDU>, john@renoir.Berkeley.EDU (John Coker) says:
> 

>     I'm looking at getting an Atari system for use a graphics terminal at
> home.  It looks like a good ``basic'' system is the 1000 (number?).
   You mean the 1040 ST, 1 Meg memory, built in DSDD 3.5" drive.

>     -	the most important, is there a good editor?  Is there an emacs,
> 	preferably something based on Stallman's emacs?  I could even
> 	survive with vi if necessary (but not the mouse/menus editors
> 	I've seen running).

	There's a really nice version of MicroEMACS available, 
        the version is up around 3.7 or 3.8.

>     -	a good compiler--what is your recommendation for a C compiler
> 	which is relatively bug-free and has at least the basic libraries
> 	for someone used to writing C under UNIX?  Is there any hope of
> 	a debugger?
        
	I use the Alcyon Compiler from the Developer's kit, and like it.
        Other people like Mark Williams and Megamax.

>     -	modem support.  Can you use the st as a terminal?  If so, how
> 	much would modem support be?  I already have a 2400 baud modem
> 	(and regular terminal).

	There are several programs that emulate a VT-100, and the machine
        comes with a VT-52 emulator desk accessory free.

>     -	shell programs.  Is there anything which comes even close to
> 	a UNIX shell?  Preferably c-shell, but even the Bourne shell
> 	would be better than the window-y thing I've seen used.

        Dave Beckemeyer's C-Shell is very good.

>     -	up/down-loading--how can you transfer files from a Vax over a
> 	modem line?  Is there a kermit or something?

        There are several versions of kermit.

>     -	how easy is it to write code which accesses all the bits on the
> 	screen without going through the window system?  Can I just write
> 	a program which scribbles on the frame buffer?

        It's quite easy to get at the screen.

--alex @ Atari

BIX:alexl.            GEnie: ALEXLEAVENS      AtariCorp: 408-745-2006

"How can you be in two places at once when you're not anywhere at all."