Re: What has changed in the Apple world last 6 months?

[dev.null@personal.information.com]

Scott Alfter <salfter@salfter.ncc74656.dyndns.org> wrote:
> I think it's more a matter of the Apple II (especially the IIe and earlier
> models) being a machine that's simple enough for the typical power user to
> have some hope of understanding how the whole system works.  The difference
> between, say, a IIe and a modern system (whether x86 or Mac) is like the
> difference between a '57 Chevy and a 2000 'Vette...the newer model is much
> more powerful and feature-packed, but the average Joe doesn't stand a chance
> doing much more than routine maintenance on it.  The '57, on the other hand,
> can just about be stripped down to parts and put back together by any
> run-of-the-mill shade-tree mechanic with a decent set of tools and
> equipment.

But rebuilding that '57 Chevy takes more skill than maintaining the 'vette.
The simplicity of the machine, or otherwise, is no reason to downplay their
accomplishments.

Adding a peripheral card to the PC is just that, adding a card.  About the
only things you need to know are the type and number of expansion slots, and
what you need that card to do.  There is not much place for respect there,
though the more skilled users could consider things like the load on the
power supply and the impact on cooling (and other factors which contribute
to the longevity of their machine).

Making an expansion card from scratch though is a different story.  There
are timings and voltage levels to consider.  If there is firmwear, then
there is programming for one (or more) processors to be considered.  It
takes more than a store bought solution, and more than a single skill.  It
takes patience, intelligence and the desire to do something new.

Byron.