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NeXT-FAQ.NeXTSTEP486: Questions about NeXTSTEP 486


*** Subject: S1.  What is the current status of NeXTSTEP 486?

We have just finished an early release of NeXTSTEP 486 3.0. This release was
designed a select group of Independent Software Vendors. Several software
vendors have already ported their software to NeXTSTEP 486.   

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*** Subject: S2.  Where can I see NeXTSTEP 486 3.0?

NeXTSTEP 486 release 3.0 was shown at UNIX Expo, Seybold and future trade
shows such as Comdex. In early October, demonstration systems in NeXT
sales offices and NeXT's headquarters in Redwood City, CA will be updated
to the this new release.   

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*** Subject: S3.  When will the first Beta release of NeXTSTEP 486 be  
available?

NeXTSTEP 486 Beta release is scheduled for the 4th quarter 1992.  

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*** Subject: S4.  How do I get on the beta list for NeXTSTEP486 3.0?

To get added to the beta release list, send email with the subject:
"NeXTSTEP486 beta" to the email address "nextstep486_info@next.com."  

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*** Subject: S5.  When will the first "Shrink Wrap"  release of NeXTSTEP 486 be  
available? 

NeXTSTEP 486 first customer shipment of the "Shrink Wrap" release is
scheduled for the 1st quarter 1993.  

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*** Subject: S6.  How does NeXTSTEP 486 differ from NeXTSTEP on NeXT Computers?

It doesn't. NeXTSTEP 486 is a complete port of the NeXTSTEP 3.0 software
environment to Intel-based Computers. NeXTSTEP 486 has the same User
Interface, Development Environment, Applications, Networking (NFS,
Novell, Appleshare), State of the Art Color, Mach UNIX, Display Postscript,
3D Renderman etc, etc.

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*** Subject: S7.  What about support for NeXT Computer specific hardware  
features such as the DSP?

NeXT Computers offer additional hardware support not commonly available for
Intel systems. This includes the DSP. The DSP in a NeXT Computer is used for a
variety of functions including ISDN support and real-time audio compression
/ de-compression. ISDN support for NeXTSTEP 486 will be provided via an add-on
PC card and ISDN adapter. Real-time audio compression / de-compression
support is currently under investigation.

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*** Subject: S8.  How would you compare 486 systems running NeXTSTEP 486 vs the  
NeXT Computer product line?

NeXT Computers are true integrated workstations designed to provide high
performance throughout the entire system. In order to make a fair comparison,
an Intel system must be equipped with a complete set of high performance
interfaces. In other words, a 486DX/2 50Mhz with a processor-direct graphics
system, EISA backplane, 32bit LAN, 32bit SCSI, 16bit Sound and a
high-performance SCSI disk will perform similar to a NeXTstation Turbo. A
486DX 33Mhz similarly equipped should provide performance equivalent to a
NeXTstation. Intel-based systems configured for this level of performance
often cost as much or more than NeXTstations; please contact NeXT Hardware
Product Marketing for additional comparison information.

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*** Subject: S9.  Can I use NeXTSTEP 486 systems with my existing NeXT  
Computers?

Of course! NeXTSTEP 486 is design to plug and play with existing NeXT
installations. NeXT has addressed interoperability between NeXTSTEP
systems in the following ways:   

* NeXTSTEP systems share identical networking capabilities.
* NeXTSTEP systems share the same Distributed Objects.
* NeXTSTEP systems use the same system and network administration
   services.
* NeXTSTEP systems use the same mass storage format. Yes, you can
   take a external SCSI drive, removable media (ie Bernoulli etc) or
   floppy disk and use it interchangeably between NeXT Computers and
   NeXTSTEP 486 systems.

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*** Subject: S10.  How do I use applications compiled for both NeXT Computers  
and NeXTSTEP 486 on the same network?

Simply. NeXTSTEP 3.0 includes a new feature called Multi-Architecture
Binaries (so called "Fat" binaries). This capability allows developers to
compile NeXTSTEP applications on multiple system architectures, and
combine them into a single package. When an application is run, NeXTSTEP will
extract the appropriate instructions for the local system, and run the
application. This operation is completely transparent to the user, it just
works! Most of the NeXTSTEP applications in the future will be delivered as
Multi-Architecture Binaries. Tools are also provided to "Slim" binaries for
use in a one architecture environment.

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*** Subject: S11.  Do Multi-Architecture Binaries take a lot of extra disk  
space?

No. Most applications consist of one or more executable programs (with
architecture dependent machine instructions) and a lot of text and data. This
machine independent data is typically data files used by the application,
help files, examples, internationalization etc. Since only the actual
machine dependent portion of the application is duplicated, a two
architecture application typically takes only about 20%-30% more disk space
than a single architecture application. If disk space is tight, tools are
provided to "Slim" binaries for use in a single architecture environment.

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*** Subject: S12.  How difficult is it to recompile existing NeXT applications  
over to NeXTSTEP 486?

Very easy. Most programs will simply recompile and run, or require few
changes. We believe that any application that uses the standard development
environment and Object kits provided by NeXT should simply compile and run.
Only applications that use architecture specific features or data formats,
will require additional time to port. Several developers have already ported
applications to NeXTSTEP 486.  Appsoft Draw simply recompiled and ran,
Lighthouse Concurrence took 3 hours, other programs took 1/2 a day to 2 days,
and this was all on a very early release of NeXTSTEP 486 3.0!

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*** Subject: S13.  When developing programs, are there any portability issues I  
should be aware of?

Yes. As stated above, any applications that use the standard tools provided by
the NeXTSTEP development environment, should just recompile and work. To
make sure developers are aware of  portability issues, NeXT is producing a
guide to address source code portability between different architectures
running NeXTSTEP. This guide should be available in November.

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*** Subject: S14.  What is the difference between the NeXTSTEP 486 User  
Environment and Developer Environment?

The NeXTSTEP 486 User Environment consists of the entire NeXTSTEP 3.0
environment, minus the developer tools. The Developer Environment includes
the developer tools such Interface builder, Project Builder, C compilers,
Object Kits, example source code and developer documentation.   

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*** Subject: S15.  What are the general requirements to run NeXTSTEP 486 on  
Intel-based Computers?

Please refer to the NeXTSTEP 486 - Desktop Systems Hardware Compatibility
Overview. This document addresses RAM, Disk, Graphics Adapters and I/O card
support for NeXTSTEP 486. A specific NeXTSTEP 486 Hardware Compatibility
Guide will be available in November.

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*** Subject: S16.  If a specific I/O card is not supported by NeXT, can 3rd  
parties write drivers for NeXTSTEP 486?

Yes. NeXTSTEP 486 uses a newly developed object-oriented driver
architecture that brings the benefits of object-orientation all the way down
to the I/O card driver level. Complete documentation for this new "Driver Kit"
architecture will be available later this year.

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*** Subject: S17.  How will NeXTSTEP 486 be installed?

NeXTSTEP 486 will come with a boot floppy and a CDROM. To install NeXTSTEP 486,  
the system boots from the floppy, and then installs the minimum NeXTSTEP
environment from the CDROM (SCSI CDROM drive). The user may then chose from
several optional packages depending on the available disk space and user
requirements.

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*** Subject: S18.  Has NeXT published any specific configurations I can  
purchase today?

Yes. Specific configurations for DELL and Compaq computers are available.
Information about additional systems vendors will be available in November.  

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*** Subject: S19.  Will NeXTSTEP 486 run on 386 machines?

No. NeXTSTEP 486 uses several 486 specific features that enhance the
performance of NeXTSTEP. NeXTSTEP 486 will support any true 486.

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*** Subject: S20.  Will NeXTSTEP 486 run on the Cyrix 486SLC?

No. The Cyrix chip not a true 486.

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*** Subject: S21.  Will NeXTSTEP 486 run on the future Intel Microprocessors in  
the x86 family?

Of course! NeXTSTEP 486 will not only support them, but will take advantage of
any performance enhancements available with future Intel CPU's, just as NeXT
has taken advantage of the 486.

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*** Subject: S22.  Will NeXTSTEP 486 run on portable computers?

Yes. Many portables and notebooks with 486 CPU's and sufficient system
resources (8+MB RAM and 120+MB hard disk space) are available. Since NeXTSTEP
486 will support 640x480 VGA displays in grayscale, NeXTSTEP 486 can run on
these systems. Do be aware that NeXTSTEP's user interface and applications
were not designed for low-resolution screens, and consequently will impose
limitations on the use of some applications. Also, typical battery
management systems do not work with multi-tasking operating systems. Future
versions of NeXTSTEP 486 will provide driver support for portable-oriented
peripherals such as pocket Ethernet, SCSI and Sound adapters and PC/MCIA
cards. We expect additional device drivers for portable peripherals to be
available in Q3-Q4 1993. Until drivers are available for portable SCSI
adapters, NeXTSTEP 486 can be installed on portables by using a docking
station with SCSI adapter and CDROM. The docking station can then be used for
a local area network card. NeXT is investigating future Intel microprocessors
that may provide battery management support for advanced operating systems
such as NeXTSTEP.   

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*** Subject: S23.  Will NeXTSTEP 486 be able to run Microsoft DOS and Windows  
programs?

Yes. NeXTSTEP 486 will support a DOS and Windows compatibility package. This
software will allow DOS 5.0 and Windows 3.1 programs to run within a NeXTSTEP
window. Support will include DOS "Protected" mode and Windows 3.1 "Standard"
mode (Win-16). Support for Win-32 applications is planned for the second half
of 1993.

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*** Subject: S24.  Will DOS and Windows compatibility be included with NeXTSTEP  
486?

We have not yet announced how this capability will be packaged.

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*** Subject: S25.  How will my DOS and Windows applications perform under  
NeXTSTEP 486?

Very well. The DOS/Windows compatibility package for NeXTSTEP 486 takes full
advantage of the 486 microprocessor. Depending on system hardware
configuration and type of DOS/Windows application, performance should vary
between 386 and 486 native DOS/Windows performance. In addition, to enhance
the performance of Windows applications, a MS Windows specific Graphics
Device Interface (GDI) driver which maps Microsoft Windows calls directly to
the NeXTSTEP window server will be part of the system.

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*** Subject: S26.  Is the window I use to run Microsoft Windows applications  
resizable?

Yes. You can set the Windows session to any size you wish up to the maximum  
screen size available to the NeXTSTEP 486 system you are using.  

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*** Subject: S27.  Will this DOS/Windows compatibility system allow me to run  
several DOS programs at once?

Yes. Since NeXTSTEP 486 is a multi-tasking, virtual memory operating
environment, several DOS/Windows sessions can be run at once.

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*** Subject: S28.  Can I cut and paste between DOS/Windows sessions and  
NeXTSTEP applications?

Yes. You can cut and paste text and graphics between DOS/Windows and NeXTSTEP
applications.

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*** Subject: S29.  Can I use both DOS and NeXTSTEP 486 partitions on the same  
hard disk?

Yes. NeXTSTEP 486 will support multiple operating systems on the same local
hard disk. When the system boots, the user can chose to boot another operating
system (such as DOS) or NeXTSTEP. If the local partition contains DOS,
NeXTSTEP 486 will be able to access the local DOS partition and read/write
files to it.

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*** Subject: S30.  Can NeXTSTEP 486 read and write DOS format floppies?

Of course. Just like all NeXT Computers.

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*** Subject: S31.  What are the hardware specs for NeXTSTEP 486?

This document describes in general terms, the types of IBM Compatible PC based
hardware that will be supported by NeXTSTEP 486 in it's First General Release.
For specific supported configurations please refer to the NeXTSTEP 486
Hardware Compatibility Guide. For any hardware specification or purchase,
please contact NeXT for the latest update to this Guide. This overview is
preliminary, and subject to change as additional PC hardware is certified for
NeXTSTEP 486.  

General Requirements:

CPU - 486 based PC Compatible Computer. This includes 486SX, 486DX, 486DX/2.
Future Intel Microprocessor designs in the x86 family will also be supported.
ISA or EISA expansion bus. 486DX and 486DX/2's are recommended for better
performance.

Available Hard Disk Space - User Environment, 120 MB Minimum. Developer
Environment, 330 MB Minimum. Larger local disks are recommended for stand
alone systems.  

Graphics:

NeXTSTEP 486's Display Postscript Graphics system supports both Grayscale
and Color on 486 based PC's. The Graphics Adapter support and RAM requirements
vary depending upon the user's selection of Grayscale or Color. 

2 Bit Grayscale System Support:

Graphics Adapters - Most VESA (Video Electronics Standards Association)
compatible VGA or Super VGA Graphics Adapters. This includes popular Super
VGA cards from vendors such as the Orchid, ATI, Paradise, Video Seven and
Compaq. These graphics adapters will be supported at resolutions of
1024x768, 800x600 and 640x480. Resolutions at or above 800x600 are
recommended.  

RAM - Minimum 8 MB, 12 MB Recommended.

16 Bit Color System Support:

Graphics Adapters - In order to provide adequate performance and Color
Quality, NeXTSTEP 486 requires High Performance "Workstation" style
Graphics Adapters. Many new Graphics Systems are being introduced that meet
these requirements, they include Intel JAWS (such as DELL Processor-Direct
Graphics), Chips and Technologies Wingine, and certain Local Bus Graphics
adapters. Depending upon the size of available VRAM (Video RAM) resolutions
of 800x600, 1024x768, 1120x832 and 1280x1024 will be supported. Graphics
Adapters designed for EISA based PC's are available (such as Compaq QVision
1024/E and ATI Graphics Ultra Pro) or being developed, these are currently
being evaluated for performance and may provide an easy upgrade for existing
EISA PC's.  

RAM - Minimum 16 MB, 24 MB Recommended.

Additional Device Support:

Disk Interfaces - Both IDE and SCSI Hard Disk Interfaces will be supported.
SCSI adapters from Adaptec and DPT (for both ISA and EISA) will be supported,
with more to follow.

Pointing Devices - Microsoft and Logitec compatible Bus, PS/2 port and Serial
mice are supported. In addition certain graphics tablets will also be
supported.

Printer Support - Any Postscript Level I or II printer connected via a serial
or parallel port, including the NeXT Color Printer (connected via a SCSI
port).  Support of Non-Postscript printers will be available in a future
release.   

Networking Support  - ISA and EISA based Networking Adapters will be supported
including Ethernet and Token Ring Cards from vendors such as SMC (Western
Digital), Intel and 3Com. A Networking card is optional.

Sound Support  - Most popular PC sound Cards will be supported for both
Playback and Recording. These include PC Sound Adapters such as the Sound
Blaster, MediaVision Pro Audio Spectrum and Integrated Business Audio from
Compaq. A Sound card is optional.

ISDN Support   - NeXTSTEP 486 will also support high speed digital ISDN
connections through an ISA add-on card.

Additional Devices - Other popular PC peripherals such as FAX/Modems and
FAX/Modem add-on cards will be supported. 


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NeXT-FAQ Editor:
Nathan Janette nathan@laplace.csb.yale.edu


--
Nathan Janette		"I'm a NeXTstep man,
Dept MB&B, Yale Univ	 I'm a NeXTcube guy"
New Haven, CT
nathan@laplace.biology.yale.edu (NeXT)