[comp.os.minix] MINIX compatability

cline@pnet01.CTS.COM (Ben Humphreys) (10/11/87)

I am currently debating which operating system to convert my AT over to.  I
have, alas, come to the sad realization that DOS just isn't a serious
operating system (even when used with Multi-Link) and that there are much
better systems available.  Now, while the AT (IBM AT, 10 MHz, 1.6M RAM, 30M
hard disk) isn't the best computer in the world, it will do until I can
scrounge up enough to buy a Mac II.  My plan was to set up a 10M partition for
DOS applications (I need a development system for DOS applications as I have
customers who require such services) and a 20M partition for UNIX.  I am
considering three systems: MINIX 1.2 (or 1.1 if 1.2 isn't really out yet), SCO
XENIX and Microport XENIX.  I have seen FoxBASE, Lyrix, and the development
system in SCO and it appears to work fine.  I haven't had much exposure to
Microport but I do have a brochure and it seems to be a much better package
than SCO.  I also have Operating Systems and I would really be interested in
running MINIX.  However, I don't know if FoxBASE, Lyrix, etc. will be able to
run under it - it would seem if the system calls are the same that there would
be no problems.  Any suggestions would be appreciated.

                                                        Ben Humphreys
                                                        CenterLine Tech
                                                        (cline)

UUCP: {cbosgd, hplabs!hp-sdd, sdcsvax, nosc}!crash!pnet01!cline
ARPA: crash!pnet01!cline@nosc.mil
INET: cline@pnet01.CTS.COM

BECKER%HUMBER.BITNET@wiscvm.wisc.edu (Bruce Becker) (10/16/87)

You might want to have a look at QNX from Quantum systems in Ottawa, Ontario.

Their address is: Quantum Software Systems
                  Moodie Drive High Tech Park
                  215 Stafford Rd., Unit 104
                  Nepean, Ontario       K2H 9C1
                  Phone 1-613-726-1893

QNX has an architecture reminiscent of MINIX, is fully distributed across
ARCNET, and can run protected-mode on 80286 machines. Its' of interest here
since some QNX ideas (not code!) could be of use to MINIX growth & direction...
Bruce Becker
Humber College
Etobicoke, Ont.