ProDOS Plus

[BluPhoenyx <bluphoenyx@earthlink.net>]

From the thread 8 bit unzip utility...

mdj wrote:
>
> As I mentioned in another post, if you want to extent ProDOS, you need
> to find more memory. It is not practical at all to change its present
> memory footprint within the 128k Apple II memory space.

FWIW, I agree. Even a 128k OS would be better off to contain ProDOS 
disk/file compatibility and proceed similar to GS/OS when launching P8 
program files. Even still, there would need to be some considerations to 
allow the system to return to the OS. Perhaps a swap space, probably 
disk based but could be extra ram.

As for actual file system support, it should have P8 and Smartport 
compatibility, original HFS and possibly FAT16.

Now the questions arise.

Why? I don't know. Perhaps because we can or perhaps there is a real 
possibility to make something cool.

Is the project viable? Sure.

Would the project be useful? Perhaps. It will need applications ported 
or developed to make it so.

What hardware restrictions should be made? Dunno.

At least the name would fit considering Apple's in-house preference for 
using the 'plus' term in naming things.

Another possible advantage would be control of the source code. IIRC, 
Lane Roathe released a compatible P8 kernel for some games which was 
available on his web site. It might be worth checking into as well. 
IIRC, this kernel was used for bootable 3.5" game disks.

Things to think about.

Cheers,
Mike T