Path: utzoo!utgpu!water!watmath!clyde!rutgers!husc6!uwvax!oddjob!hao!noao!mcdsun!mcdchg!usenet
From: karl@ddsw1.UUCP (Karl Denninger)
Newsgroups: comp.unix
Subject: Re: Microport 5.3, DOS-Merge, and NDP Fortran
Message-ID: <3323@mcdchg.UUCP>
Date: 6 Jan 88 19:53:04 GMT
References: <2739@mcdchg.UUCP>
Sender: usenet@mcdchg.UUCP
Organization: Macro Computer Solutions, Inc., Mundelein, IL
Lines: 38
Approved: usenet@mcdchg.UUCP

In article <2739@mcdchg.UUCP> you write:
>I am interested in porting a large mainframe package to the PC realm.
>For reasons outside of my control, we are restricted to IBM compatible
>'386 machines.
>     
>As an OS, Microport Unix Ver 5.3, using DOS-Merge appears to be an attractive
>environment.  Specifically I am interested in replys to the following
>questions:
>     
>   1) Any comments on the quality of the implementation of the Microport
>      Unix?

If it's anything like the '286 release, you don't want it.  We just tossed
Microport '286 out the window and bought SCO Xenix.... not a single regret.
Microport has this nasty habit of crashing all the time.....especially if
you intend to use serial ports with it.

>   2) How PC DOS compatible is DOS-Merge?

No idea on the 386 release, the '286 release was about 80% compatible.

>   3) Can MS Windows 1.X or greater runs under DOS-Merge?

Ought to -- we ran Pagemaker (which runs under windows) on Merge.  It's
*SLOW* though, good thing you'll have a '386 :-)

>   4) Any comments on Microway's NDP FORTRAN 386 running under Microport's Unix

No idea.

>   5) Can I switch between Unix and DOS easily?

Was simple with '286 uport, no idea on the '386 release.


I'd wait for SCO's VP/ix release, or talk to Interactive.  My problems with
uport have led me to take any claim of solidity they make with a large grain
of salt.