Mail Archives: opendos/1997/03/23/02:26:34
On Thu, 20 Mar 1997, James Lefavour wrote:
> > how is this done? i don't know . but it would be nice.
> > the spirit behind linux was that old hardware needn't be cast into the
> > trash, ( i said the L word again <G>)
> > but could be used with this operating system, Mind you the effort was only
> > halfhearteed, as
> > they left out older machines...
> As I understand it, writing code that would have these "modes" would
> unnecessarily "bloat" the finished product. While the source could
> be set up to compile conditionally one way or the other, not all
> users will be working from the source level (one must assume that
> most pc-users will want nothing to do with source, once people really
> start going after it).
>
> Therefore, to keep the executable smaller, one version would be
> compiled for 386 or whatever, and one would be compiled for
> 286 machines et c. Since 286 machines can't use 386 code, it would be
> a waste of disk space to have a program on a 286 user's computer that
> includes all the 386 instructions. It can be done, at startup the
> program can determine the cpu type, etc. but the question is, just
> because we can do a thing, does it necessarily follow that we must?
>
> That is why I believe that there will eventually be two versions,
> even if they are compiled from the same source tree.
Exactamundo! 2 SEPARATE versions of OD or it's utilities, etc...
must exist. Mixing the 2 will only cause bloat, incompatibility,
and much confusion.
Suggested name for Opendos 32bit: OpenDOS 386
This way the 386 part of it is VERY obvious. Also, I think that
it should be ONE source tree. Most of the code will only need
simple conditional compilation to port. (Utils)
A 32 bit kernel on the other hand might need to be completely
separate. Also, 486, and Pentium specific compiles should be
possible. What about a DEC Alpha 64 bit port? Anyone? :o)
Mike A. Harris | http://blackwidow.saultc.on.ca/~mharris
Computer Consultant | Coming soon: dynamic-IP-freedom...
My dynamic address: http://blackwidow.saultc.on.ca/~mharris/ip-address.html
mailto:mharris AT blackwidow DOT saultc DOT on DOT ca
URL: Digital Equipment Corp. http://www.digital.com
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