7GMADISO%POMONA.bitnet@vu-vlsi.Villanova.EDU (03/29/88)
Date: 28 March 1988, 21:59:48 PST
From: 7GMADISO at POMONA
To: COMP-SYS-TANDY at VU-VLSI
I've been giving some thought to the idea of a graphic/icon/pointer
system for the Model 4 for a while now. I think the biggest obstacle
would be a decent rodent interface; Alpha Joysticks just don't cut
it somehow.
Another problem is the fact that the library of graphics routines
included with the board is intended for use from FORTRAN (GOD only
knows why.) Anyone who was going to do a system-level shell like this
would need either C or ASM compatible routines. However, there is
a gent at work making this library compatible with Misosys' PRO-MC.
Several positive points: Important routines could be configured into
the system as SVC's, since there are a number of SVC slots left open
for user use; this would allow applications an easy tie-in into the
necessary grafix routines.
Another positive feature is that this whole 'OS' could be tied into as
an ECI (Extended Command Interpreter) running 'over' LSDOS. This would
allow the shell access to all of LSDOS' functions, so the author wouldn't
have to recreate the wheel. It would also permit a command line to be
available at any time, which I think would be a valuable option.
Other points: I have no time to do this. I'm currently working on
my thesis.
The Z-80 is actually FASTER at the same clock speed than the 6502,
NOT slower.
A gent on GEnie has come up with a method for putting DotWriter fonts
on the HiRes screen; I refined, improved and speeded up his idea. If
I ever get around to coding it in ASM, it will be amazing; even running
(mostly) in BasicG, it's impressive.
I think this is an interesting idea, and I'd love to talk more about
it; I certainly agree that the Model 4 could support such an interface;
my only question is, do M4 users WANT such an interface???
---- George Madison
--------------------
''Your logic is impeccable, Captain; we are in grave danger.''
-- Mr. Spock ('The Changeling')
''Outside of a dog, a book is a man's best friend.
Inside a dog, it's too dark to read.''
-- Groucho Marx
''Shut off that light, Stella; I won't be looked at in this
merciless glare!''
-- Donald (from 'Brothers')
--------------------
BITNET: 7gmadiso@pomona
UUCP: psuvax1!pomona.bitnet!7gmadisoperalta@encore.UUCP (Rick Peralta) (03/30/88)
Just port X-windows to it (:-)
Rick
--
Rick Peralta
arpa: peralta@multimax.arpa (192.5.63.14) Phone: (617) 460-0500
uucp: {allegra,decvax,ihnp4,linus,necntc,talcott}!encore!peralta