mattioli@took.dec.com (John R. Mattioli --- DTN: 226-7752) (03/15/88)
I just got my minix and I'm hoping that someone out there in
netland will be able to help me with a few items.
I ordered minix before I realized that it didn't support a remote
console (terminal hooked up to com1 or com2). This facility is extremely
important to me because, being blind, I need to attach a special terminal to
the pc. This has been a problem with many software packages before minix, and
I should have thought of it sooner (20-20 hindsight is great) but that's life
right?
I've seen some talk about com-port support floating around the net
lately but I don't want to get too deeply involved in changing anything until
I'm sure I've got something that does what I want.
What I'm looking for is a console driver that will work with a com-port.
It need not do any fancy stuff (clear screen, insert at cursor, delete at
cursor, etc) just a stream device. If this is not available, I've got someone
who will help me create it but I'd rather not impose on him.
Another thing I'm concerned about has to do with hard disk support.
Once, not so long ago, I believed that disk controllers made all disks look the
same (basically), now I see a posting that allows minix to support the Adaptec
acb2070a (or something like that). I just installed an adaptec acb2072. Should
I be concerned for the data on my drive? Will I be able to install minix on a
partition on the drive?
And lastly.....
I recently got access to a braille printer. I've got it on the
network here at work and I print to it as if it were just another line printer.
It's helped a great deal in terms of printing sources, specifications,
schedules, and anything else that the average person prints out. I mention
this printer because I'm wondering if there might be a machine readable copy of
the text that comes with minix that I might be able to get from someone. I
know this sounds dangerously close to copyright infringement but, if it will
help, I will be able to prove that I own a copy of the actual text.
I'm not looking to do anything illegal here, if I have to go through the
publisher to get written permission I'll do it that way. Just thought this
might be easier and certainly faster.
If anybody has any information that they feel could be usefull, I'd
really appreciate the help. Unfortunately, due to company security
measures, I am unable to ftp files. If you've got anything for me:
information, code, whatever, please mail it to the address below.
John Mattioli
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