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