[net.micro.cbm] Amiga WCS and Apple RAM card

eve@ssc-bee.UUCP (Michael Eve) (08/28/85)

	Several people seem to think that Amiga has invented a new
	ram type with their WCS (Writable Control Store (I know,
	WCS usually refers to microcode, and some people don't
	like using the term in the Amiga context, but that is
	their flame)).

	Fact is, the technique of putting operating system code
	into RAM and write protecting it has been around for at
	least 4 years.  Apple does it with their 16k ram card.
	Typically, the card holds Integer Basic or Applesoft;
	some have moved DOS into the card and run Applesoft from
	ROM (the ROM and write-protect RAM memory spaces coincide). 

	And, yes, it is nice to have the code in write-protect RAM.
	As others have pointed out, the code is protected from
	most user programs as if were in ROM, but can still be modified
	as needed. The biggest drawback I can see will occur when
	no disk drive will work and you want some basic 'monitor'
	code in ROM for simple hardware checks.  Many problems, at least
	on Apples, could be troubleshooted using the monitor or entering
	short assembly programs from the monitor.


-- 
	Mike Eve     Boeing Aerospace, Seattle
	...uw-beaver!ssc-vax!ssc-bee!eve