Path: utzoo!ncc!alberta!sask!long
From: long@sask.UUCP (Warren Long)
Newsgroups: comp.sys.atari.st
Subject: Re: Free Multitasking Kernel
Summary: Beckmeyer limitations???  What do I want???
Keywords: ATARI TOS RTX
Message-ID: <1013@sask.UUCP>
Date: 4 Feb 88 17:33:25 GMT
References: <122@bdt.UUCP>
Organization: University of Saskatchewan
Lines: 58

In article <122@bdt.UUCP>, david@bdt.UUCP (David Beckemeyer) writes:
> 
> This is a followup to the discussion of offering a free run-time
> multitasking kernel to all Atari ST users.
> 
> So let's hear those arguments for a free RTX.  Don't take that as

I may have a few misunderstandings here, but here goes anyways. 
Anytime I say something stupid/incorrect, please correct me.

My understanding is that the Beckmeyer multitasking Kernel will not
run many (any??) of my favourite programs.  Eg.
						Uniterm
						MicroEmacs
						Gulam
						MWC
There are also many utilities that came with MWC that I assume I can
recompile to run with RTX so they shouldn't be any problem.  However,
the above systems/programs are the ones that I need to run
simultaneously.  If I am wrong about the above programs, tell me and
I will be off the to store right now!!

What are the problems with these programs?? (or ST programs in general)

	GEM Calls??
	Screen requirments??
		I only have 1 screen/terminal to use, and each
		standard ST program also needs its own screen.  On
		the Amiga this is solved by having all programs 
		designed to run in windows.  The user decides what
		size and where the window should be put.  This is
		not possible with the ST:  All the programs have
		been written with hard-wired assumptions about
		screen size and location.  Obviously, we cannot take
		the same route as the Amiga.  I see several 
		possibilities:
			Have multiple screens, some way of switching
			between them, and some way of displaying the
			fact that a background window has changed in
			the corner of the foreground window.
			(eg. DiskBar or CornerClock type info)

			Divide the screen into 4 equal parts, each
			one devoted to a process/program.  Again,
			each program has its own screen ram, and any
			sub-screen can be expanded to full screen 
			width.  (I would be happy with 4 progs...)

I would like feedback/comments.
Warren Long     (long@sask)



-- 
=-=-=-=-=-Warren Long at University of Saskatchewan, Canada-=-=-=-=-
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