Re: ProDOS Plus

["Michael J. Mahon" <mjmahon@aol.com>]

BluPhoenyx wrote:
>  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.

Right.  I think by adding HFS to the list, you've "blown the budget".
This is no longer a simple extension.  FAT16 may also be in this
category.  Even increasing the maximum size of a ProDOS(+) volume
may be well beyond the scope of a "simple extension".

> 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.

And there's the rub.

> 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.

I think it's interesting how discussion about a "cd" capability and
possible wildcards turned into a discussion about kitchen sinks.

Perhaps we are better off with the external command interface...
At least that way, not everyone who uses it has to cope with
several memoryloads of code that--let's be honest--will never
be widely enough used to be fully debugged.

KISS.  Grandiosity killed the cat.  Etc.

-michael

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