🚀 go-pugleaf

In article <1138@batcomputer.TN.CORNELL.EDU> braner@batcomputer.UUCP (braner) writes:
>[]
>
>I don't see why an ST implementation of OS9 couldn't include access
>to the GEM graphics routines (VDI, and perhaps parts of AES).  These
>are in ROM anyway, might as well use them, or allow OS9 programs to
>use them.  (Portability?  Ever tried running a graphics program on
>an 'IBM-compatible' just to find out you've got the wrong graphics
>card?  'Compatibility' is a myth!)
>- Moshe Braner

Actually, it's even easier than it looks.  Both GEM and OS-9 use
"vector tables" to access their "BIOS" routines.  OS-9 could
simply be an additional group of vector tables.  OS-9 also has
a nice capability in that it can use traps to access it's own,
or somone elses routines.  The basic ingredients of VDI are
not that different, perhaps a few arguments would have to be
moved from one place to another.

As to 'IBM-compatible', anyone who has ever made a "plug compatible"
accessory for IBM knows how risky a proposition this can be.  I've
worked for two different companies that stopped working for IBM
when the risks didn't pay off.

The main advantage of OS-9 is that object code compatibility can
be obtained without even so much as re-compilation.

Speed of execution might be a minor issue, but probably not significant
with processors running nearly 1 mips, and actual bit-bumping being
done by other chips.