Path: utzoo!mnetor!uunet!husc6!rutgers!ames!sdcsvax!ucsdhub!hp-sdd!hplabs!hpcea!hpfcdc!hpfcmp!hpfcse!hpuagai!ashley
From: ashley@hpuagai.HP.COM ( ASHLEY MILLER )
Newsgroups: comp.sys.hp
Subject: Minix, Vectra, Compatible?
Message-ID: <100006@hpuagai.HP.COM>
Date: 23 Dec 87 14:36:33 GMT
Organization: HP Atlanta, Georgia, USA
Lines: 23



Recently I purchased the Minix software.  Minix is a miniature version of
unix written by Andrew Tanenbaum for the IBM PC/AT and "true" compatibles.
It is intended as a tutorial to operating system internals and the source
code is readily available.

When I tried running Minix on a Vectra it failed.  Most multi-tasking operating
systems do not use the BIOS (like Xenix and System V on the PCs) and Minix
is the same way.  So, these packages must program the I/O chips directly.
Since the original Vectra did not use the same keyboard controller chip as the
IBM, Minix gave me an unexpected trap as soon as I pressed the first key.

Then along comes the ES12 Vectras.  The keyboard problem is eliminated and
when Minix boots on an ES12 I can press a key and it responds favorably.
However as soon as I take the next step (which is to put the root file system
into RAM disk), another unexpected trap (trap #16).

Has anyone tried running Minix on a Vectra and if so have they had any luck
getting it going?  Any clues on what is wrong?  Does the Vectra run Xenix out
of the box?         

ashley miller