Re: What is the latest version of ProDOS?

[spec@vax2.concordia.ca (Mitchell Spector)]

In article "Jason Whorton" <chesster@pcl.net> writes...

>What is the latest version of ProDOS?

    Note that it's been known as "ProDOS 8" since late 1986 (the 8 
referring to 8-bit). To answer your question, that would be version
2.0.3.

>Who made it? 

    Apple Computer, back in early 1983. It's actually a bit older 
technically, since it was heavily based on the Apple III operating
system known as SOS (so much so their filing system is compatible).
ProDOS 8 is a scaled down version of SOS (circa 1980) though, rather
than an evolved sibling. 

>Is it still being made?

    I think it would be safe to say no. Apple hasn't written any
new revisions for the past four years now, so version 2.0.3 is 
most likely the last. The last update done to ProDOS 8 was in
1993.

>What are the system requirements?

    An Apple II Plus with 64K RAM and a 5.25 drive (up to version 1.9).
To run version 2.0.x requires a 65C02 based machine, so an enhanced
Apple IIe or greater (I suppose an Apple II Plus or unehanced IIe
with a 65C02 replacing the 6502 would work too). By greater I mean
an Apple IIc, IIc Plus or IIGS btw.

>Where is it available?

    ftp://ftp.apple.com/dts/sys.soft/8bit.system.4.0.2/sysdisk402.bsc,
if your on the Internet. Or you can get a copy from a local Apple II
usergroup in your area. Shareware Solutions II and few others are
authorized to send you the actual disk for basically the price of
the disk and shipping if your really stuck.

>Is it available on 5.25" disks?

    That is how it would normally be distributed (on a 140K 5.25" disk).
Should you want to install it on a 3.5" disk or hardrive, it's a simple
matter of copying the "PRODOS" file to a ProDOS formatted device. You'd
probably want to include the file "BASIC.SYSTEM" with so you can do some
filing commands (or another *.SYSTEM program).

Mitchell Spector
spec@vax2.concordia.ca