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From: cmaag@csd4.milw.wisc.edu (Christopher N Maag)
Newsgroups: comp.os.minix
Subject: MINIX -- why?
Message-ID: <2055@uwmcsd1.UUCP>
Date: Tue, 28-Apr-87 13:32:34 EDT
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Posted: Tue Apr 28 13:32:34 1987
Date-Received: Thu, 30-Apr-87 01:04:37 EDT
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Reply-To: cmaag@csd4.milw.wisc.edu.UUCP (Christopher N Maag)
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Organization: U of WI-Milwaukee, Computing Services Division
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Summary: what's the big deal about MINIX

I hope that no one takes this article as a flame to MINX.  I have just become 
aware of this product recently, and I have a few questions about it.

     What is the big deal about MINX?  It seems to me that a product such
as this one is not real exciting.  There are many "UNIX-like" operating systems
available that are reasonably priced.  For instance, I use a product called
PCNX by a company called Wendin.  It retails for $99, and although it doesn't
include a C compilier (as I gather MINX does), it does have a lot of benefits
that MINIX doesn't have.  One of these is the ability to run most of the MS-
DOS software that you may have.  It will run almost all of the "well-behaved"
programs, such as the compiliers you are already using.  It runs on top of DOS,
which means that if you have a hard-disk that runs under DOS, it will talk to
PCNX.  (No more patching the kernal to get your hard-disk to work).  Of course,
the disadvantage of this is that you don't get quite the same directory
security that you get with UNIX.  You get the source code to the programs, and
they also include a decent manual on all of the system services.  The system
supports three simultaneous users, and ten processes per user.  There are 71
separate UNIX utilites included as well.  (this is only a small description
of some of the features available)

     This product is available bug-free today.  (Actually, it's been around 
for about a year now)  The company that wrote it provides excellent support.
I guess I don't really understand what all the fuss is about with MINIX.

     The second question is where can I read a detailed description of MINIX,
without reading "The Book".  Does anyone have a copy of a press release or
something?

     Finally, is there a different version of MINIX for each different
microprocessor? (E.g. a 808n version vs. a 80286 version vs. a 80386 version.)


By the way, I don't work for Wendin.  I'm just a satisfied user.