Path: utzoo!utgpu!jarvis.csri.toronto.edu!rutgers!mit-eddie!uw-beaver!ssc-vax!bcsaic!paula
From: paula@bcsaic.UUCP (Paul Allen)
Newsgroups: comp.os.minix
Subject: Re: Bruce Evans' opus
Message-ID: <11989@bcsaic.UUCP>
Date: 1 Jun 89 02:32:45 GMT
References: <16497@louie.udel.EDU>
Reply-To: paula@bcsaic.UUCP (Paul Allen)
Organization: Boeing Computer Services AI Center, Seattle
Lines: 37

I've been watching the discussion regarding the fate of Bruce Evans'
protected mode diffs and feel I must comment.

We seem to be standing at a crossroads.  We can choose either to
maintain the IBM version of Minix as a toy operating system, or
we can evolve it to support current hardware.  The Atari version
of Minix was apparently 'real' at the outset, judging by the 
amount of current Unix software that runs on it.  The IBM version 
is a toy that supports current software either with great difficulty 
or not at all.  

I fail to see the value in making the current IBM version of 
Minix POSIX-compliant, when much of the available POSIX-
compatible code out there won't even compile.  The ideal of 
a small, simple operating system for teaching purposes is 
adequately served by the 1.3 version of PC Minix.  The real
value of POSIX compatibility will come when there is a 386
version of Minix that can take advantage of it.  An adequate
stop along the way would be a 286 PM version with a large-
model compiler.

In my view, the next version of PC Minix should be a 'real' 
operating system, capable of supporting most current software.  
While there is certainly a place for a small Minix that fits 
on antiquated hardware, the strength and vitality of an 
operating system depend upon the efforts of people like Bruce 
Evans who are pushing the limits.  If we set the limits 
artificially tight, we will choke off future innovation.

I sincerely hope that Dr. Tanenbaum will reconsider his
decision not to adopt Bruce's version.

Paul Allen
-- 
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Paul L. Allen                       | pallen@atc.boeing.com
Boeing Advanced Technology Center   | ...!uw-beaver!bcsaic!pallen