Path: utzoo!attcan!utgpu!jarvis.csri.toronto.edu!mailrus!tut.cis.ohio-state.edu!bloom-beacon!usc!pollux.usc.edu!papa From: papa@pollux.usc.edu (Marco Papa) Newsgroups: comp.sys.amiga Subject: Re: Apple System 7.0 Message-ID: <17173@usc.edu> Date: 12 May 89 02:28:16 GMT References: <17148@usc.edu> <11262@polyslo.CalPoly.EDU> <2977@ncsuvx.ncsu.edu> Sender: news@usc.edu Reply-To: papa@pollux.usc.edu (Marco Papa) Organization: Felsina Software, Los Angeles, CA Lines: 91 I got the following message from Tom Dowdy of Apple. Since it gives information quite different from what the original WSJ article seemed to imply, I'm posting it for general comments. My own comments are enclosed in [..]. Enjoy. -- Marco --------------------- From: dowdy@apple.com (Tom Dowdy) To: papa@pollux.usc.edu (Marco Papa) Cc: dowdy@apple.com Subject: Re: Apple System 7.0 Date: Thu, 11 May 1989 15:17:53 PDT Organization: Apple Computer, Inc. In article <17148@usc.edu> papa@pollux.usc.edu (Marco Papa) writes: > Apple]. ... Many of the features of System 7.0 are direct response to widely > publicized features of OS/2 and Unix. For example, OS/2 .. allows different > programs, such as a spreadsheet, database and communication program, to > update one another with fresh information automatically [a very "interesting" > way of defining multitasking]. System 7.0 will also allow that". > No, System 7.0 doesn't add anything else in the way of MultiTasking. The main features are Virtual Memory, 32 bit (ie 4 gig) address space, and IAC (Inter Application Communications). This is *not* hot links, is NOT just IPC. It defines standard ways to handle auto updates, including network transparency, and the ability of applications to CONTROL in a standard way other applications. I think that you will find it much different from arexx (did I remember that right?) It is *very* powerful and *very* flexible. [SO we now know that System 7.0 does NOT provide multi-tasking. Can we get Virtual memory on the Amiga sooner than 2 years from now? I recall Dave Haynie expected that to happen within 1989. Is this realistic?] Another hot feature that you failed to mention is outline fonts, hinted WITHOUT bitmaps down to 9 point at 72 dpi. No other hinting does such a job, in fact most fail below 24 point at 72 dpi. In addition it is just as fast as BitMap fonts, and the hints work across arbitrary text rotation. Seems to me the Amiga doesn't have any kind of outline font abilities. Oh yes, the format is *open* and can be used without license from Apple. [My only source was the WSJ article. In this instance, I have seen several packages on the Amiga that use "outline" fonts (Aegis' programs come to mind), but I have seen no standard in this respect. X11 does not support "outline" fonts either. I'd have no problem at considering the Apple method, if I don't need to license it]. There are many other features, perhaps you should read the Apple press release. In addition, please read with an open mind, I think you will find many of the ideas very inovative. > Interesting. I have been using a system with such features, an Amiga, since > 1985. I very much doubt that the original Amiga, or the one now, has a feature set that comes even close in functionality to the end user as System 7.0. I like the Amiga, don't get me wrong, it does some very nice things and produces some wonderful graphics animations. But for the average end user, the things that the Amiga does well aren't as useful as those that the Mac and System 7.0 do well. (Of course, this is one person's ^^^^^^^ opinion, mine) ["do" == "WILL do MAYBE in 2 years", IF it is delivered by then. That's a BIG difference. I recall the time when IBM announced OS/2 and the Extended Edition. I don't want to rehash what happened to those pious expectations. Apple seems to have finally become the corporate type company which, like IBM, tries to confuse the market by announcing things it has no idea when will be able to deliver.] Tom Dowdy Internet: dowdy@apple.COM Apple Computer MS:27AJ AppleLink:DOWDY1 20525 Mariani Ave UUCP: {sun,voder,amdahl,decwrl}!apple!dowdy Cupertino, CA 95014 "The 'Ooh-Ah' Bird is so called because it lays square eggs." ------ Enjoy. -- Marco -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= uucp:...!pollux!papa BIX:papa ARPAnet:pollux!papa@oberon.usc.edu "There's Alpha, Beta, Gamma and Diga!" -- Leo Schwab [quoting Rick Unland] -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=