[comp.sys.ibm.pc] MS-DOS Shell evaluation report.

bbownes@eagle_snax.UUCP ( Sun ECD Software) (07/17/87)

	About a month ago, I posted a request to the net for a shell for MS-DOS.
I kinda' didn't expect the results, but thanks for all the interest. Most
of which was other people looking for a shell for DOS....Here's the results:

(All used on a Compaq 286 Deskpro w 640K, 30 MB hd, EGA & multisync.)

	#1 The "On Command" and "/Util" From Dr. Dobbs. For $59 you get the 
	shell and gobs of usefull utilities. And the SOURCE. The shell could
	be a little stronger in its ability to execute a REAL cshell script,
	but it'll get there without alot of modification. I like it, a big
	plus. This is $59 I would spend on software myself. (Rather than 
	getting my employer to do it.) Version 1.3 


	#2 The MKS Toolkit. I'm thoroughly disgusted. I've been playing 
	with it for about a week now and all it ever tells me is:
	"Not enough memory" or a line of garbage followed by my 286 crashing.
	I'm impressed by the doc and the manual specs, but the ksh just 
	doesn't hold up long enough to do any real testing. The rest of 
	the utilities look neat though. Version 2.2a

	#3 The public domain SH written by Kent Williams. An admirable
	first pass PD shell, but just doesn't stand up to the abuse of REAL
	use. No real good facility for using shell scripts. Good Free Product.


	Now before the MKS flames/debate start licking up my screen again: I 
	did read them before I requested a copy of MKS. I said "Ok, there's
	some debate about this product, but I'll give them a fair shake and
	try it myself." You have the results, don't flame me, flame MKS.

	Just thought ya'll might like to know....(Enough of you asked...)

	Send me mail if you have specific questions/comments/flames (but
	put in a spoiler so I'll remember to put on my nomex sox.)

	
	Bob Bownes 	Sun Microsystems, East Coast Division 
			Home of Sun PC-NFS and Sun IPC.
	sun!suneast!ringworld!bbownes	

	I have no relation to any of the aformentioned companies except as
	a satisfied/unhappy customer, as the case may be.

This is my opinion and mine only. It is not shared by my current or
any former employers. It may however, be shared by my TR-6 or my houseplants.