COMSAT@MIT-MC (04/27/83)
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"WORKS-ARCHIVES" at MIT-MC is an unknown recipient. ============ Failed message follows: ============ Date: 27 Apr 1983 0004-EDT From: Mel Pleasant <WORKS@RUTGERS> Subject: WORKS Digest V3 #11 Sender: PLEASANT@RUTGERS To: WorkS: ; Reply-To: WORKS@RUTGERS Works Digest Wednesday, 27 April 1983 Volume 3 : Issue 11 Today's Topics: Response to Queries - Perq/Vax Floppies, Hardware - Lisa (4 msgs) ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Return-path: <jrg@cmu-cs-spice> Date: Thursday, 21 April 1983 11:11:21 EST From: Joseph.Ginder@CMU-CS-SPICE To: Spaf.GaTech@UDel-Relay Subject: Perq RT-11 floppy question >From -- John Strait of 3RCC through jrg@cmu-cs-spice --start forwarded message-- Re: PERQ RT-11 floppies ala Gene Spafford From: J Strait at 3RCC Gene described a problem using the PERQ Floppy utility and the 4.lbsd Unix program arff. As I understand it, he could create floppies with arff and read them with Floppy but not the other way around. Even worse, once he used arff to write a floppy created on a PERQ, the floppy got messed up so badly that he could not read it on a PERQ. I know of two things that might be responsible for this problem. 1. The RT-11 directory format allows one to switch select larger than standard directory entries when creating a directory. The extra words in the directory entry are ignored by RT-11. The PERQ floppy utility creates such directories and uses the extra space to store "bits in last block" in order to keep track of file lengths which are not block multiples. We know from experience that standard versions of RT-11, RSX-11M, and VMS have no problem with floppies that have extra word in the directory entries. It is possible that arff, not being a standard DEC program, cannot deal with directory entries that have extra words. On the other hand, arff may actually want directory entries that are larger than standard, but uses the extra words for something different. 2. RT-11 floppies store files contiguously starting immediately after the directory. In order to cope with floppies which have more files than fit in the limited directory space, the format allows new directory sections to be added in the middle of the floppy (in a previously empty section) and linked into the existing directory structure. Thus, unlike data files, the directory need not be contiguous. As near as I can tell, the PERQ floppy utility can read such non- contiguous directories but cannot write them. It is possible that arff treats this differently than the PERQ. The PERQ initializes RT-11 floppies to have 4 "segments" with 1 extra 16-bit word per entry. This leaves room for 63 entries per segment or a total of 252 files. My best suggestion is that Gene try using arff to create the initial directory making sure that it has enough room for the files. If this fails to clear up the problem, it is likely that arff and Floppy are non-standard in mutually exclusive ways. Good luck. --end message-- P.S. Reply to jrg@cmu-cs-spice, I'll forward messages to John. ------------------------------ Return-path: <byard@bbn-unix> Date: 20 Apr 1983 4:31:12 EST (Wednesday) From: Larry Byard (WSE-EUR) <byard at dca-ems> Subject: Lisa in the Sky with Diamond That's the title of a new "song" I'll be "singing." Did you read it carefully? The first stanza plays at HQ USEUCOM on 3 May. Larry P.S. For those who are bewildered... I've seen Lisa and I'm "in love." For the curious in Europe, Lisa will demonstrated at HQ USEUCOM on 3 May, and then will be available (by appointment) in my office for the following two days. Details on the demo will be forthcoming via formal message. For those who buy high-tech stocks, the $10K machine was selling at the rate of about 70 per day to visitors at the Hannover Fair! For those who own IBM stock, sell! For those working on Diamond, there is no doubt in my mind which work station you should port the software to, please. The 12" screen is adequate (at least for the military user--they had several of them wired to larger monitors) and Lisa's footprint fits a "glass slipper." For those working in Telematics, there is an Ethernet interface for Lisa. And I saw Apple's laser printer. It will be introduced this year. Lisa was by far the biggest attraction of the Hannover Fair. The exhibit, consisting of half a dozen machines and a large screen display, was constantly packed with hundreds of people. I observed Lisa for several hours, had a private, hands-on demo, and I will have more hands-on experience over the weekend. The machine takes some time (as perceived, compared to other things it does) to load the various applications from it's hard disc, but is lightning fast once an applications program is loaded. The various applications, word processing, spread sheet modeling, project scheduling (Dick, this includes automated pert charts-- very nice with graphics), list management, business graphics, graphics editor, and terminal emulator, are first rate, extremely(!) powerful, and integrated into the best man/machine interface in existence. ------------------------------ Return-path: <byard@bbn-unix> Date: 20 Apr 1983 7:24:51 EST (Wednesday) From: Larry Byard (WSE-EUR) <byard at dca-ems> Subject: Lisa Specs Display: o 12 inch screen (measures diagonally). o Full-screen bit-mapped display -364 lines by 720 dots. -up to 40 lines of 132 characters. o 60 Hz refresh rate. o Contrast level under software control. o Contrast-enhancing screen. Keyboard: o Detached, standard typewriter-style. o N-key rollover. o Sculptured keytops -textured, nonslip, nonglare. o Numeric keypad with raised dot on 5 key. o Full ASCII character set, up to 77 keys. o All keys programmable. o Smart interface with control-oriented processor. Mouse: o Extremely fast, intuitive cursor positioning. o Works well on any surface. o Simple one-button design eliminates confusion and the need to learn commands. Disk storage: o 869K bytes (per drive) formatted storage. o 1.4M bytes (per drive) unformatted capacity. o 62.5 tracks/inch. o 10,000 bits/inch. o Automatic disk eject. o Smart interface with 6504 processor. Main processor: o MC68000 32/16-bit CPU -32-bit internal architecture. -16-bit external data path. -Seven levels of interrupts. Real-time clock: o Software system on-off control. o Interval and event timing. o COPS processor, battery back-up. Main memory: o 16K bytes of boot ROM. o Up to 1M bytes RAM. o Parity error correction. Memory management: o Permits operating system to relocate segments in memory. o Provides access controls for block memory. o Segmentation into 128 variable-length blocks. Communications interface: o Two serial ports -SCC controller. -programmable. -full-function o RS-232 with full-duplex channels. o Full modem control and ring indicator on one channel. o Baud rates software-programmable. o One parallel port -8-bit bedirectional. -handshake control. Audio output: o Built-in speaker with software-controlled tone generator. Expansion board slots: o Three slots [I don't think you need more with what is already in the machine] o Zero insertion-force connectors. o Direct connection to system bus. o DMA capability. o Memory-mapped I/O. o Vector interrupt capability. o Direct connection of power supply: -digital ground. -+5V, -5V, +12V, -12V. -allows up to 10W total (maximum rating) for all three cards [hardware spec states that it's 15W, which is still somewhat low (for NMOS, bypolar)]. -+5V standby (at 50 mA) per board. Weight and dimensions: o Computer console: -Weight: 48 lb. (22kg). -Height: 13.8 in. (350 mm). -Width: 18.7 in. (475 mm). -Depth: 15.2 in. (388 mm) [16 in. (403mm) with keyboard under front]. [AMH ROC max. footprint = 600 mm H x 500 mm W x 600 mm D] o Keyboard -Weight: 4 lb. (1.8kg). -Height: 2.7 in. (68 mm). -Width: 18.7 in. (475 mm). -Depth: 6.5 in. (165 mm). Power Requirements: o 115 or 230 V.AC. o 48 to 68 Hz. o 270 W (maximum). Environmental requirements: o Ambient temparature: 40-108 deg. F (5-42 deg. C). o Relative hunidity: 15-80%, noncondensing. Applications: o LisaCalc (spreadsheet modeling), LisaList (list management), LisaProject (project scheduling), LisaWrite (word processor), LisaGraph (business graphics, LisaDraw (graphics editor), LisaTerminal (terminal emulation). Languages and development environment: o BASIC, Pascal, COBOL, Lisa Editor, Assembler, Linker, Debugger, and a wide range of utilities. Communications: o 3270 BSC. System expansion: o Apple Dot Matrix Printer, Apple Daisy Wheel Printer, Apple ProFile (5MB hard disk storage device) [Can be placed on top of console. Also, I was told that they are planning to replace one of the floppy drives with a hard disc, probably 20MB], Modem, 2-port parallel card, and AppleNet Local Area Network (Ethernet connections available for Apple products). ------------------------------------------------------------------- Reference: Lisa brochure, 300M-1/83, Apple Computer, Inc. (quoted except info in square brackets. The square brackets following console depth spec. are quoted.) =================================================================== Subjective, general (unofficial, surely) opinion (at this early point)... Apple has done an excellent job of costs verse benefits trade-off analysis in creating and marketing this product. The benefits are greatly enhanced by using recent, more powerful and less costly technology, and by emphasizing software, which inherently has a very big payoff for both the user and the developer. In short, the user (buyer) gets a hell'va lot for the buck and Apple will make a very good profit. In my opinion, as far as the business sector is concerned, Apple is going to "blow IBM, Tandy, and others out of the water" in "small" computers for at least the next two or three years. The hardware is top quality and, with exception of TEMPEST requirements, meets or exceeds most of the work station requirements in the AMH ROC. I would say, other than low cost, the integrated software is this machine's strongest point. However, compared to just the hardware costs of other products, which aren't that significant in the overall scheme of things, the generous (an understatement) amount of Lisa software is almost "free"! I wonder, hypothetically, of course, how many lines of "old, tired" WWMCCS software could be replaced with Lisa plus Diamond?? >From my perspective, for the tools needed for average A/O functions, less global data base management functions), my guess is: most of it! The work station hardware, desired man/machine interface, and basic-generic user tools are certainly, for the most part, present. Larry P.S. Sorry Cromemco, but things change quickly in the micro world... We'll probably still buy a System 2, but the executive work stations hanging off from it/the LAN will more than likely be Lisa's. ------------------------------ Return-path: <hplabs!hao!cires!nbires!kimbo @ Ucb-Vax> Date: 22 Apr 83 12:00:53-PST (Fri) From: hplabs!hao!cires!nbires!kimbo @ Ucb-Vax Subject: Lisa In response to the glowing reviews of Lisa appearing recently: I too have had hands on experience with this system. I found the startup time for the applications *very* distressing. I did like the user interface, although I felt that LisaWrite was often hard to use because it could only use the mouse (you had to keep reaching off of the keyboard). Also, I found it interesting that after I used it for less than 10 min. I was able to crash it by opening the waste basket and trying to get back the second object in it. And if you thought Lisa was slow in loading an application, you should see how long it takes to reboot! Needless to say, I am not completely unbiased: NBI does make word processing equipment, after all. But I certainly would recommend that you try one out for a while to see how you like the delays. Kimbo B. Peebles-Mundy, NBI Inc. {allegra,ucbvax}!nbires!kimbo ------------------------------ Return-path: <harpo!utah-cs!lepreau @ Ucb-Vax> Date: 22 Apr 83 13:08:52-PST (Fri) From: harpo!utah-cs!lepreau @ Ucb-Vax Subject: Re: Lisa Specs I went to a Lisa sales demo the other day and my overriding impression was that Lisa is a DOG! Slow slow slow. For example, took over 35 seconds to switch to a memo editor/icon and read in its file. Unless the rep didn't know what he was doing, the software seems to have some equally gaping holes. You can't have two (or more) windows up and "open" simultaneously! Their visicalc clone can, but that's built into it and not in the general display manager/editor/whatever. Apparently moving a chunk of text from one file to another is a major project, as you first have to move it to an intermediate "clipboard," close the first window, and get the other. Each step taking interminably long, of course. They can't even handle rectangular regions, i.e., couldn't move a column of numbers around. The graphics editor seems pretty nice, tho. I'm sure they can fix up the software with time, but they've got to do some really major speedup too, presumably hardware. I can't see the oft-mentioned busy "executive" spending $10,000 just to WAIT for this expensive toy. -Jay Lepreau, lepreau@utah-cs, harpo!utah-cs!lepreau ------------------------------ End of WorkS Digest ******************* -------
COMSAT@MIT-MC (04/27/83)
From: Communications Satellite <COMSAT @ MIT-MC> FAILED: CHRISM at MIT-AI; Host appears to be permanently down or not accepting mail. FAILED: CROM at MIT-AI; Host appears to be permanently down or not accepting mail. FAILED: GENTRY at MIT-AI; Host appears to be permanently down or not accepting mail. FAILED: JERRYB at MIT-AI; Host appears to be permanently down or not accepting mail. FAILED: MIYATA at MIT-AI; Host appears to be permanently down or not accepting mail. FAILED: SPAM at MIT-AI; Host appears to be permanently down or not accepting mail. Failed message follows: ------- Date: 27 Apr 1983 0004-EDT From: Mel Pleasant <WORKS@RUTGERS> Subject: WORKS Digest V3 #11 Sender: PLEASANT@RUTGERS To: WorkS: ; Reply-To: WORKS@RUTGERS Works Digest Wednesday, 27 April 1983 Volume 3 : Issue 11 Today's Topics: Response to Queries - Perq/Vax Floppies, Hardware - Lisa (4 msgs) ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Return-path: <jrg@cmu-cs-spice> Date: Thursday, 21 April 1983 11:11:21 EST From: Joseph.Ginder@CMU-CS-SPICE To: Spaf.GaTech@UDel-Relay Subject: Perq RT-11 floppy question >From -- John Strait of 3RCC through jrg@cmu-cs-spice --start forwarded message-- Re: PERQ RT-11 floppies ala Gene Spafford From: J Strait at 3RCC Gene described a problem using the PERQ Floppy utility and the 4.lbsd Unix program arff. As I understand it, he could create floppies with arff and read them with Floppy but not the other way around. Even worse, once he used arff to write a floppy created on a PERQ, the floppy got messed up so badly that he could not read it on a PERQ. I know of two things that might be responsible for this problem. 1. The RT-11 directory format allows one to switch select larger than standard directory entries when creating a directory. The extra words in the directory entry are ignored by RT-11. The PERQ floppy utility creates such directories and uses the extra space to store "bits in last block" in order to keep track of file lengths which are not block multiples. We know from experience that standard versions of RT-11, RSX-11M, and VMS have no problem with floppies that have extra word in the directory entries. It is possible that arff, not being a standard DEC program, cannot deal with directory entries that have extra words. On the other hand, arff may actually want directory entries that are larger than standard, but uses the extra words for something different. 2. RT-11 floppies store files contiguously starting immediately after the directory. In order to cope with floppies which have more files than fit in the limited directory space, the format allows new directory sections to be added in the middle of the floppy (in a previously empty section) and linked into the existing directory structure. Thus, unlike data files, the directory need not be contiguous. As near as I can tell, the PERQ floppy utility can read such non- contiguous directories but cannot write them. It is possible that arff treats this differently than the PERQ. The PERQ initializes RT-11 floppies to have 4 "segments" with 1 extra 16-bit word per entry. This leaves room for 63 entries per segment or a total of 252 files. My best suggestion is that Gene try using arff to create the initial directory making sure that it has enough room for the files. If this fails to clear up the problem, it is likely that arff and Floppy are non-standard in mutually exclusive ways. Good luck. --end message-- P.S. Reply to jrg@cmu-cs-spice, I'll forward messages to John. ------------------------------ Return-path: <byard@bbn-unix> Date: 20 Apr 1983 4:31:12 EST (Wednesday) From: Larry Byard (WSE-EUR) <byard at dca-ems> Subject: Lisa in the Sky with Diamond That's the title of a new "song" I'll be "singing." Did you read it carefully? The first stanza plays at HQ USEUCOM on 3 May. Larry P.S. For those who are bewildered... I've seen Lisa and I'm "in love." For the curious in Europe, Lisa will demonstrated at HQ USEUCOM on 3 May, and then will be available (by appointment) in my office for the following two days. Details on the demo will be forthcoming via formal message. For those who buy high-tech stocks, the $10K machine was selling at the rate of about 70 per day to visitors at the Hannover Fair! For those who own IBM stock, sell! For those working on Diamond, there is no doubt in my mind which work station you should port the software to, please. The 12" screen is adequate (at least for the military user--they had several of them wired to larger monitors) and Lisa's footprint fits a "glass slipper." For those working in Telematics, there is an Ethernet interface for Lisa. And I saw Apple's laser printer. It will be introduced this year. Lisa was by far the biggest attraction of the Hannover Fair. The exhibit, consisting of half a dozen machines and a large screen display, was constantly packed with hundreds of people. I observed Lisa for several hours, had a private, hands-on demo, and I will have more hands-on experience over the weekend. The machine takes some time (as perceived, compared to other things it does) to load the various applications from it's hard disc, but is lightning fast once an applications program is loaded. The various applications, word processing, spread sheet modeling, project scheduling (Dick, this includes automated pert charts-- very nice with graphics), list management, business graphics, graphics editor, and terminal emulator, are first rate, extremely(!) powerful, and integrated into the best man/machine interface in existence. ------------------------------ Return-path: <byard@bbn-unix> Date: 20 Apr 1983 7:24:51 EST (Wednesday) From: Larry Byard (WSE-EUR) <byard at dca-ems> Subject: Lisa Specs Display: o 12 inch screen (measures diagonally). o Full-screen bit-mapped display -364 lines by 720 dots. -up to 40 lines of 132 characters. o 60 Hz refresh rate. o Contrast level under software control. o Contrast-enhancing screen. Keyboard: o Detached, standard typewriter-style. o N-key rollover. o Sculptured keytops -textured, nonslip, nonglare. o Numeric keypad with raised dot on 5 key. o Full ASCII character set, up to 77 keys. o All keys programmable. o Smart interface with control-oriented processor. Mouse: o Extremely fast, intuitive cursor positioning. o Works well on any surface. o Simple one-button design eliminates confusion and the need to learn commands. Disk storage: o 869K bytes (per drive) formatted storage. o 1.4M bytes (per drive) unformatted capacity. o 62.5 tracks/inch. o 10,000 bits/inch. o Automatic disk eject. o Smart interface with 6504 processor. Main processor: o MC68000 32/16-bit CPU -32-bit internal architecture. -16-bit external data path. -Seven levels of interrupts. Real-time clock: o Software system on-off control. o Interval and event timing. o COPS processor, battery back-up. Main memory: o 16K bytes of boot ROM. o Up to 1M bytes RAM. o Parity error correction. Memory management: o Permits operating system to relocate segments in memory. o Provides access controls for block memory. o Segmentation into 128 variable-length blocks. Communications interface: o Two serial ports -SCC controller. -programmable. -full-function o RS-232 with full-duplex channels. o Full modem control and ring indicator on one channel. o Baud rates software-programmable. o One parallel port -8-bit bedirectional. -handshake control. Audio output: o Built-in speaker with software-controlled tone generator. Expansion board slots: o Three slots [I don't think you need more with what is already in the machine] o Zero insertion-force connectors. o Direct connection to system bus. o DMA capability. o Memory-mapped I/O. o Vector interrupt capability. o Direct connection of power supply: -digital ground. -+5V, -5V, +12V, -12V. -allows up to 10W total (maximum rating) for all three cards [hardware spec states that it's 15W, which is still somewhat low (for NMOS, bypolar)]. -+5V standby (at 50 mA) per board. Weight and dimensions: o Computer console: -Weight: 48 lb. (22kg). -Height: 13.8 in. (350 mm). -Width: 18.7 in. (475 mm). -Depth: 15.2 in. (388 mm) [16 in. (403mm) with keyboard under front]. [AMH ROC max. footprint = 600 mm H x 500 mm W x 600 mm D] o Keyboard -Weight: 4 lb. (1.8kg). -Height: 2.7 in. (68 mm). -Width: 18.7 in. (475 mm). -Depth: 6.5 in. (165 mm). Power Requirements: o 115 or 230 V.AC. o 48 to 68 Hz. o 270 W (maximum). Environmental requirements: o Ambient temparature: 40-108 deg. F (5-42 deg. C). o Relative hunidity: 15-80%, noncondensing. Applications: o LisaCalc (spreadsheet modeling), LisaList (list management), LisaProject (project scheduling), LisaWrite (word processor), LisaGraph (business graphics, LisaDraw (graphics editor), LisaTerminal (terminal emulation). Languages and development environment: o BASIC, Pascal, COBOL, Lisa Editor, Assembler, Linker, Debugger, and a wide range of utilities. Communications: o 3270 BSC. System expansion: o Apple Dot Matrix Printer, Apple Daisy Wheel Printer, Apple ProFile (5MB hard disk storage device) [Can be placed on top of console. Also, I was told that they are planning to replace one of the floppy drives with a hard disc, probably 20MB], Modem, 2-port parallel card, and AppleNet Local Area Network (Ethernet connections available for Apple products). ------------------------------------------------------------------- Reference: Lisa brochure, 300M-1/83, Apple Computer, Inc. (quoted except info in square brackets. The square brackets following console depth spec. are quoted.) =================================================================== Subjective, general (unofficial, surely) opinion (at this early point)... Apple has done an excellent job of costs verse benefits trade-off analysis in creating and marketing this product. The benefits are greatly enhanced by using recent, more powerful and less costly technology, and by emphasizing software, which inherently has a very big payoff for both the user and the developer. In short, the user (buyer) gets a hell'va lot for the buck and Apple will make a very good profit. In my opinion, as far as the business sector is concerned, Apple is going to "blow IBM, Tandy, and others out of the water" in "small" computers for at least the next two or three years. The hardware is top quality and, with exception of TEMPEST requirements, meets or exceeds most of the work station requirements in the AMH ROC. I would say, other than low cost, the integrated software is this machine's strongest point. However, compared to just the hardware costs of other products, which aren't that significant in the overall scheme of things, the generous (an understatement) amount of Lisa software is almost "free"! I wonder, hypothetically, of course, how many lines of "old, tired" WWMCCS software could be replaced with Lisa plus Diamond?? >From my perspective, for the tools needed for average A/O functions, less global data base management functions), my guess is: most of it! The work station hardware, desired man/machine interface, and basic-generic user tools are certainly, for the most part, present. Larry P.S. Sorry Cromemco, but things change quickly in the micro world... We'll probably still buy a System 2, but the executive work stations hanging off from it/the LAN will more than likely be Lisa's. ------------------------------ Return-path: <hplabs!hao!cires!nbires!kimbo @ Ucb-Vax> Date: 22 Apr 83 12:00:53-PST (Fri) From: hplabs!hao!cires!nbires!kimbo @ Ucb-Vax Subject: Lisa In response to the glowing reviews of Lisa appearing recently: I too have had hands on experience with this system. I found the startup time for the applications *very* distressing. I did like the user interface, although I felt that LisaWrite was often hard to use because it could only use the mouse (you had to keep reaching off of the keyboard). Also, I found it interesting that after I used it for less than 10 min. I was able to crash it by opening the waste basket and trying to get back the second object in it. And if you thought Lisa was slow in loading an application, you should see how long it takes to reboot! Needless to say, I am not completely unbiased: NBI does make word processing equipment, after all. But I certainly would recommend that you try one out for a while to see how you like the delays. Kimbo B. Peebles-Mundy, NBI Inc. {allegra,ucbvax}!nbires!kimbo ------------------------------ Return-path: <harpo!utah-cs!lepreau @ Ucb-Vax> Date: 22 Apr 83 13:08:52-PST (Fri) From: harpo!utah-cs!lepreau @ Ucb-Vax Subject: Re: Lisa Specs I went to a Lisa sales demo the other day and my overriding impression was that Lisa is a DOG! Slow slow slow. For example, took over 35 seconds to switch to a memo editor/icon and read in its file. Unless the rep didn't know what he was doing, the software seems to have some equally gaping holes. You can't have two (or more) windows up and "open" simultaneously! Their visicalc clone can, but that's built into it and not in the general display manager/editor/whatever. Apparently moving a chunk of text from one file to another is a major project, as you first have to move it to an intermediate "clipboard," close the first window, and get the other. Each step taking interminably long, of course. They can't even handle rectangular regions, i.e., couldn't move a column of numbers around. The graphics editor seems pretty nice, tho. I'm sure they can fix up the software with time, but they've got to do some really major speedup too, presumably hardware. I can't see the oft-mentioned busy "executive" spending $10,000 just to WAIT for this expensive toy. -Jay Lepreau, lepreau@utah-cs, harpo!utah-cs!lepreau ------------------------------ End of WorkS Digest ******************* -------