Ataris

From: Lawrence Walker <lwalker_at_mail.interlog.com>
Date: Tue Aug 25 01:20:01 1998

On 24 Aug 98 at 18:44, Zane H. Healy wrote:

> >Today I saw an Atari 5?0ST and an 800XL. As I understand, the ST ran
> >GEM. Is this an interesting computer at all? What about the XL? Was
> >this one of the BASIC computers?
>
> Not sure about the 800XL, I've never gotten any of my 8-bit Atari's up and
> running. I've got a 520ST, which is unfortuanatly missing the powersupply
> for the floppy drive, and a TT030, both of which are TOS based systems.
> TOS and GEM are related. It's actually a VERY cool system as the entire
> OS, which is a GUI, is in ROM. However, it is a single task system, and in
> my not so humble opinion the interface sucks. Still I think they are VERY
> COOL! I know saying it sucks, and saying it's cool doesn't make a lot of
> sense :^)
>
> Zane
> | Zane H. Healy | UNIX Systems Adminstrator |
> | healyzh_at_ix.netcom.com (primary) | Linux Enthusiast |
> | healyzh_at_holonet.net (alternate) | Classic Computer Collector |
> +----------------------------------+----------------------------+

 There are several multi-tasking systems for the ST. One is from Gribnif
Software called "Geneva" and another excellent one from Germany "Magic"
which replaces TOS. There is also a Linux port for the ST, "Linun 68"
 The Atari interface (ASCSI ? ) sucks only because it was Atari's attempt to
lock it's users in to Atari peripherals. There are several adaptors to change
it to SCSI. The most popular is the "LINK 2". At least you don't need a card.
 The TT030 is a nice machine. Fairly pricy "work station". It was supplanted
by the "Falcon" which along with the MIDI also had built-in direct to disk.
I don't have one (if you ever decide to get rid of it ,let me know)
 The 8-bit Ataris are considered by many the best of the Big 4 consumer mchns.
( Atari, Commodore, TRS COCOs, TI 99 ) which may initiate the next great
computer flame-war :^)) The Atari 8-bit and CBM newsgroups are still very
active. They'll be glad to help you get your 8-bits up and running. New prgms.
are still being written for them by avid 8-bitters. I have C64 1541 and Atari
1050 fdds side by side with a VCR and a C64 1802 monitor stacked on top in one
corner of my workbench. It's fun to play occasional 8-bit games or show off my
"old" computer TV to visitors. As an old hipster I think it's cool too.

ciao larry

lwalker_at_interlog.com
Received on Tue Aug 25 1998 - 01:20:01 BST