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From: john@renoir.Berkeley.EDU.UUCP
Newsgroups: comp.sys.atari.st
Subject: basic information query
Message-ID: <17799@ucbvax.BERKELEY.EDU>
Date: Wed, 11-Mar-87 18:43:03 EST
Article-I.D.: ucbvax.17799
Posted: Wed Mar 11 18:43:03 1987
Date-Received: Fri, 13-Mar-87 00:16:46 EST
Expires: Tue, 31-Mar-87 03:00:00 EST
Sender: usenet@ucbvax.BERKELEY.EDU
Reply-To: john@renoir.Berkeley.EDU.UUCP (John Coker)
Organization: University of California, Berkeley
Lines: 44
Keywords: compiler? editor?
Summary: what software is around?


    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?).  I.e.,
1M memory, a monochrome monitor (on the principle that high resolution is
better than color).  I have several questions about putting together some
sort of usable development environment for C on the machine.

    I'm looking mostly for free or cheap software, although I realize that
I'll have to fork out bucks for the compiler.

    -	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).

    -	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?

    -	terminal programs--I need a decent terminal program to run the
	editor (unless it talks directly to the operating system).

    -	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).

    -	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.

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

    -	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?

    Please respond if you have ideas on any or all of this stuff.  I don't
mind getting many responses; you probably have something different to say
than everyone else I'll hear from.

					John Coker
					john@renoir.Berkeley.EDU