NEFF@SU-SIERRA.ARPA (08/09/84)
From: "Randall B. Neff" <NEFF@SU-SIERRA.ARPA>
I agree that UNIX is not perfect, and that it was designed by and
for expert programmers. However, UNIX is Nirvana compared to most
commercially available operating systems. The customability possible is both a
curse and a blessing.
Consider the following features of some commerically available op systems:
-The maximum file size is required when the file is opened.
-The file name is limited to six (or eight) letters, no extension, no
version number, no subdirectories.
-A local area network that does not have node names, but each node has
named connections. An application such as electronic mail must name
the computer nodes, implement its own store and forward, maintain its
own routing tables.
-Different op system calls for I/O to the terminal, to files, to mag tape,
interprocess communication, to files across the network, interprocess
communication across the network.
-No type-ahead buffers in the terminal driver. Any received characters
are dropped if there is no waiting read request. This prohibits the
implementation of a full screen editor.
-There is a RUN command to execute programs.
-Cannot replace a system command with a user program, different syntax.
-Cannot get command line arguments within a user program.
-The command interpreter is part of the system and irreplacable.
-No source code is available. period. No matter how many systems you buy.
-Error messages that are encryped numbers.
-No online help. MUST always have manuals within reach.
-No raw character input mode. Input is always filtered.
-Sign on with a user NUMBER. Electronic mail to that user number.
And on and on and on.
Most computer users (ie non programmers) don't care how good or technically
wonderful their operating system is. All they want is that their applications
run correctly and reliably with the cookbook provided. As long as their
invoices, paychecks, and monthly summaries come out, who cares what the
op system is? These users want reliable support from the op system vendor
who is usually the hardware manufacturer.
My prediction: AT&T will put its bucks behind its version of UNIX. It
will sign up some big name hardware manufacturers. Third party software
houses will move their products onto AT&T UNIX. This will incourage other
UNIX vendors to become compatible.
Remember that the versions of UNIX are not fighting a technical battle
anymore, but a battle of marketing, support, and big bucks.
Actual scenario: A division of General Electric wants to develop its
(only) future product on Berkeley 4.2 because it is technically the 'best'.
Now imagine the heart attacks that the GE pinstriped lawyers had when they
reviewed the 'absolutely no support at all, ever' clause in the Berkeley
licensing agreement.
S1 question: How does S1 provide all of those features on an eight bit
microprocessor. ie. only 64K memory, tiny floppy disks?
Randy.
-------