harbour@vf.jsc.nasa.gov (04/11/91)
I'm thinking of getting Minix (PC version) and am puzzled by something I saw in the Minix Info posting (can't remember the real title). The info posting said that PC Minix will run in protected mode on a 286 (and 386 - but I'm only concerned with 286). I'm not sure I understand all the benefits of this. Protected mode allows access to memory above 1 Meg - I assume that this allows more programs to run simultaneously. I would hope that the access to additional memory would also allow *bigger* programs to run. This would imply that there is some way to *create* bigger programs, but I thought there was a 64K+64K limit in Minix (at least with the included C compiler). Is there some other C compiler, or patch to Minix 'cc', that gets around the limit? Or is 386 Minix the only way. Also, is it possible to compile a large program on 386 Minix and run it on a 286? Please email replys - I'll summerize if there's enough interest. -- Jeff : harbour@vf.jsc.nasa.gov : .sig void where prohibited by law
leisner.wbst139@xerox.com (04/12/91)
I got Minix to run on a x286 in protected mode. Its a lot of work. It does allow you to access more ram. It doesn't do anything about the segmentation. The best way to run larger programs is to get 386 Minix and use gcc (hey, I think the GNU stuff is great!!) marty (Knowledge is useful in the Information Age) (Software is mindstuff. It is the hardest activity created by man) ARPA: leisner.wbst139@xerox.com NS: leisner:wbst139:xerox UUCP: hplabs!arisia!leisner