🚀 go-pugleaf

In article <17285@chopin.udel.edu>, palmer@chopin.udel.edu (user corruptus) writes...
>I have some questions about SoftPC for the Macintosh and its capabilities.
>I have read that it can do EGA graphics, can it do VGA graphics yet ?

No.

>If not, are they planned and how soon ?

Don't know.  I talked to Insignia, and they said they are "looking into
the possibility for a future version".  Same answer when I asked about 
386 emulation.

>Can SoftPC run Windows 3.0 ?  How well ?

Yes.  Slow.  A Mac emulation on top of a DOS emulation runs slower 
than a Mac emulation on top of DOS.  Then again, my XT-clone WON'T
run Windows at all, and the Mac tests faster with "MIPS.COM", so if 
I had to run Windows it would be on my Mac.

>Are you able to use compilers written for the PC with SoftPC ?

I compiled some old Turbo Pascal code for the hell of it.  It worked.

>I'm insterested in developing MSDOS software.  Is it realistic to do
>so with SoftPC ?  I've seen ads for Orange Micros NuBUS 286 card, is that
>a better alternative for software developement purposes ?

Why do this on a Mac?  If you need to use DOS occasionally, SoftPC 
is great.  The nuBus card solutions cost as much as some clones;
why tie up a Mac when you can get a second computer for the same price?

>Is SoftPC System 7.0 friendly ?

Yes.  I've had fewer problems with 7.0 than with 6.0.x.

>Do terminal programs work correctly ?  With high speed modems ?

Procomm works, but why bother?  This is one area in which Mac
software wins hands down.  I can't imagine why anybody would 
be willing to use a terminal emulator without a scroll-back
window now that it is routinely available.

High-speed modems?  Again, remember that you're running an
emulation on top of an emulation.  Macs work better with
high-speed modems than PCs, anyway.

>Is printing a pain ?  

I always export files to the Mac side if I need to print, but
SoftPC does provide printing support for any PC program that
can print to an Epson MX-80 or compatible.  It will also
print to Postscript printers, but I haven't tried this.

>What is the general impression of the package ?  What are its strengths
>and weaknesses ?  Is it worth it, or should I just get a PC clone ?

I think it's great, but I only use it for tasks that can't be
done any other way.  It's great for DOS consulting;  in fact, 
cut and paste makes it an IDEAL tool for writing documentation 
for DOS-based programs.

Another good use for SoftPC:  whenever I get irritated at a minor
flaw in the Mac System software, I try to spend a few minutes 
under DOS 3.3 with SoftPC.  It's the quick way to get a clue ...

-- Bill (johnston@minnie.me.udel.edu)