Re: dsk and do files

[!smentzer@ecom.net (Steve Mentzer)]

>
>In article <3553135D.B7E9B501@dl.ac.uk>, Tom Weston  <t.weston@dl.ac.uk> 
wrote:
>>Where can I find files for an apple emulator that have .dsk or .do
>>extensions? The only files I can find have .shk extensions.
>
>   Because the emulator authors pander mostly to pirates and thieves,
>they had their own disk format, and refuse to support legal software
>distribution formats for Apple IIs. Try a real Apple II-- they deal
>with .shk files great, and you don't have to worry about stealing
>software (something the pirates refuse to tell you that they're
>recommending)
>


You flipping idiot.  To create code within an emulator to deal with specific 
SHK (NOT SDK) formats would be a tremendous waste of time and energy. 

The SHK format at it's core is a FILE ARCHIVE. It does not contain 
track/sector information required for many proprietary software packages to 
run. Furthermore, it is very easy to manipulate DSK or 2MG archives. Conversion 
is easy. Tolerance isn't.

The fact that these are propriety formats does not cheapen the emulator 
efforts. Get off your soapbox.

In addition, emulators do more than pander to thieves and pirates. For some, 
the REAL cost of building a new IIgs system (with HD, Accelerator, Memory Card) 
etc etc etc is well over their budget. A complete IIgs system could run well 
into the $500 range which is well over some people's budgets. 

And emulator serves a purpose nathan, and regardless of who uses them, they are 
a valid resource for people that lack the time, patience, effort and MONEY to 
purchase and configure a piece of outdated nostalgic hardware.

smentzer@ecom.net