steve@cfht.hawaii.edu (Steven Smith) (08/29/90)
What options are available to run dos applications on an HP9000 s340? I have heard rumors of a software emulation package called "softpc", and also of plug-in hardware solutions. Is this just wishful thinking or do they exist? thanks, steve -- Steven S. Smith Canada-France-Hawaii Telescope Corp. steve@cfht.hawaii.edu
mikef@hp-ptp.HP.COM (Mike_Forman) (08/29/90)
Both the DOS coprocessor and SoftPC are available for the Model 340. The DOS coprocessor is a 286 board that plugs in to DIO, so you'd need the DIO option on the 340. It will emulate an AT with EGA graphics (I believe). The part number is 98286A, with various configurations available. It also supports a 287 math processor. SoftPC is software emulation of the DOS environment. It can be executed over LAN via X-Window, so the software need not be resident on the 340 (although it can be). It emulates an AT and EGA graphics. Multiple DOS sessions can be executed from one system. Performance will be dependent upon the SPU, but expect XT-like performance from a 340. The model number is 98870C. Hope this helps. Mike Forman HP Workstation Group The above comments are based upon my personal knowledge and may not reflect the official position of Hewlett-Packard Company.
donnag@hpfcso.HP.COM (Donna Griffiths) (08/30/90)
Since you asked.... There are two options for DOS on an s340, the DOS Coprocessor or SoftPC. The DOS Coprocessor provides AT hardware assisted emulation, while SoftPC does not require any extra hardware. SoftPC 2.0 is a software emulator of an IBM PC XT. It will run on both the s300 and s800 in X11 or on the HP2393 or HP700/44 serial terminals. It emulates EGA,CGA and Hercules graphics for the X11 versions and provides MDA compatibility on serial terminals. It is very compatible with the IBM PC XT and will run most applications, including Lotus 123, DB111 and HPgraphics gallery.(it even runs the MS Flight Simulator!) SoftPC should be on the CPL now. SoftPC 2.0 Features * EGA Graphics Emulation * AT Emulation * 80287 Math Coprocessor Emulation * Variable Sized Windows * Auto Freeze upon mouse leaving window * Auto Flush of comm and lpt ports * Drive A and B floppy support using your HP Floppy drive * 3 1/2" floppy support * Expanded Serial Terminal Support The following features for SoftPC 2.0 are configurable via the user interface. * EGA Graphics Emulation * Math Coprocessor 80287 Emulation * Variable Sized Windows * Auto Freeze upon mouse leaving window * Auto Flush of comm and lpt ports * Drive B floppy support The following disk drives are supported. * 3 1/2" floppy support This will be provided using the 9122C floppy disk drive. Both the 720k and 1.44MB high density formats will be supported on this drive. * 5 1/4 " floppy support This will be provided using the 9127A floppy disk drive. Unfortunately, the high density AT format will not be supported on this drive. Both of these drives may be connected to either the s300 or s800 using hpib. Below are the rest of the SoftPC 2.0 features. * AT 80286 Emulation * Expanded Serial Terminal Support The supported terminals will include the 700/44, 700/92 and 700/94 as well as the 2392, 2393 and 2397. Current Part Numbers and Price List for SoftPC 2.0 *** This information is posted without confirmation. *** Info: HP SoftPC/300 98870CL - Lic-to-use HP SoftPC 98870CA - Media and Manuals for 98870L Software provided on 1/4" tape - option 100 - Delete Manuals HP SoftPC for 825/835/850/855 98876C - Lic-to-use, media and manuals - opt AA0 1/4" tape - opt AA1 9 trk 1600bpi tape 98876CR - Right-to-copy 98876A - 0B0 - Delete manuals I don't know what the numbers are for the DOS Coprocessor. Call your local SE for a demo. SoftPC is neat because it can easily run across X windows and since it allows access to the HP-UX file system DOS files are easily shared. Users can also share emulated DOS hard disks which cuts down on system admin. The performance on a s340 would probably be about a Norton SI 2.6 CPU wise. Good Luck!! Donna Griffiths ******************************************************* Standard Disclaimer.. This is unofficial information with no guarantees... *******************************************************