Re: Randy's inherent hate of Apple IIs

[pubpc1@library.ucla.edu]

Will Smith wrote:
> 
> On 12 Jan 1998 04:12:24 GMT, shack@onyx.southwind.net (Randy
> Shackelford) wrote:
> 
> |>You can always prove me wrong by writing a C compiler that you can use
> |>to compile Linux on an Apple //e. When can we expect to see it?
> 
> ...and it should generate executable binaries that should run
> standalone...  :)
> 
> |>Originally, you said that Linux has a better design for using differnet
> |>file systems. And I said well why isn't there Linux on Apple IIs? That's
> |>how this crap got started. You haven't answered the question why Linux
> |>isn't available. And a hand coded lookalike doesn't count. If you think
> |>Linux is the thing to have, come up with a way to get it to run on an
> |>Apple II. If you can.
> 
> -I- actually love Linux.  unforunately, i don't see it running on a
> //e simply because Linux is (at minimum) a 32-bit OS.  that's why
> Linux won't run on any 286 machines.  (so says the Linux FAQ.)
> 
> until a better unix work-alike comes around, it looks like we're
> "stuck" with GNO/ME.  i haven't seen it myself, but if it's anything
> like the dox say it is, then it's worth having.

GNO is freeware and can be had at:

http://ground.isca.uiowa.edu/apple2/apple16/gno/

and it is 75% C.  That proves Randy wrong because it is not all
"hand coded assembly."  Most GS software is sizably C.

You can compile lots of stuff from UNIX on it, but not all.  Like
you said, it is not a 32-bit OS.  However, this has nothing to do
with what Randy has been bashing the GS with.  Reentrancy _is_
possible on the GS.  GS software _is_ mostly C based, not assembly
based (otherwise who needs a Zip or Transwarp?).  And the 65C816
is not set in stone the last possible design of the family.  Had
Apple chosen to support it, a 32-bit descendent could have easily
been developed from it (look at the Pentium descended from the 8-bit
8080!).

If the reentrancy problem was only because of the 65xxx, then why
can't MacOS preemtively multitask to this day?  :)

-Scott G.