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The "Not Quite Amiga but still computer related category" => Alternative Operating Systems => Topic started by: XDelusion on June 20, 2003, 12:09:01 PM

Title: AROS enlighten me
Post by: XDelusion on June 20, 2003, 12:09:01 PM
OK call me retarted, but I still am not clear on this whole AROS thing. I have burned ISO's and all that jazz, and at most I got to a command line prompt and that was it, so I didn't get a chance to really play with it. I have read through the pages and know it is supposed to look and act like Work Bench, but beyond that I am clueless. Is this sort of like WINE, where it can somehow make Amiga Apps run in a new OS that can run on X86 hardware, or is it something else all together? I keep hearing mixed stories, one is that yes it is, but then I read about Quake being ported to it and stuff like that, and I wonder, why Quake would need ported if it already runs on Amiag OS!?!? VERY CONFUSED, please inform me.

 Also while your at it, I need to know my those DAMN ISO's don't boot half the time, and if so why there is no GUI.
Title: Re: AROS enlighten me
Post by: Kronos on June 20, 2003, 12:20:46 PM
AROS is an opensource reimplemation of AmigaOS(3.1+MUI),  but it ain't binary-compatible
(unless you run it on a 68k-CPU). Every SW has to be recompiled in order to run on any
other version (mainly x86), but that should be fairly easy as AROS uses the same API.

For x86 you can get 2 versions:
a) Native : Boots directly from the BIOS, and takes over the whole machine. Problem is that
 there aren't that many good drivers, so you may run into trouble if you have the "wrong" HW.

b)Hosted : Runs on top of Linux/x11, and therefore should run on every x86 from 386 to P4.
Also the only way to develop for AROS atm.
Title: Re: AROS enlighten me
Post by: bloodline on June 20, 2003, 12:47:58 PM
Quote

XDelusion wrote:
OK call me retarted, but I still am not clear on this whole AROS thing. I have burned ISO's and all that jazz, and at most I got to a command line prompt and that was it, so I didn't get a chance to really play with it. I have read through the pages and know it is supposed to look and act like Work Bench, but beyond that I am clueless. Is this sort of like WINE, where it can somehow make Amiga Apps run in a new OS that can run on X86 hardware, or is it something else all together? I keep hearing mixed stories, one is that yes it is, but then I read about Quake being ported to it and stuff like that, and I wonder, why Quake would need ported if it already runs on Amiag OS!?!? VERY CONFUSED, please inform me.

 Also while your at it, I need to know my those DAMN ISO's don't boot half the time, and if so why there is no GUI.


sounds like you are using some old ISO there...
Try the one on my site: www.ahsodit.com/aros/

OK, to answer a few questions.

1. AROS is basily AmigaOS rewritten from scratch using the C programming language.

2. Using C means we can compile (turn it into CPU macvhine language) it for any type of CPU we choose.

3. The current AROS builds available are for the x86 CPU (other than the 68K that the old Amiga's used to use).

4. Running AROS on your PC, means that an OS almost identical to AmigaOS is running your PC :-)

5. Amiga programs have to be recompiled to run on the x86 CPU, since it speaks a different language to the 68K.

6. Should you choose to compile AROS for the 68K CPU (the one the Amiga uses), it will run on an Amiga computer and run the Amiga programs with the need to recompile them.
Title: Re: AROS enlighten me
Post by: XDelusion on June 20, 2003, 01:24:21 PM
Ok thankx, I'll download that ISO when I goto bed. One more question, no wait!! 2. :)

 1.Is AROS as compact and resource friendly as Amiga OS was? I recall my Amiga 500 having 1Mb RAM at one time, and it still multi-tasked, and the OS fit on a half density floppy, can Aros compete with that since it is in C?

2.What is required to run it inside Linux? Just the kernal or do I have to run that gawd forbidden X server?
Title: Re: AROS enlighten me
Post by: XDelusion on June 20, 2003, 01:31:47 PM
Aghh read your page. Damn that is compact!

 P.S. You DO look like a kid I seen at the mall the other day selling flowers and love.
Title: Re: AROS enlighten me
Post by: bloodline on June 20, 2003, 01:34:21 PM
Quote

XDelusion wrote:
Ok thankx, I'll download that ISO when I goto bed. One more question, no wait!! 2. :)

 1.Is AROS as compact and resource friendly as Amiga OS was? I recall my Amiga 500 having 1Mb RAM at one time, and it still multi-tasked, and the OS fit on a half density floppy, can Aros compete with that since it is in C?

2.What is required to run it inside Linux? Just the kernal or do I have to run that gawd forbidden X server?


1. Yes. the whole thing even fits on to one floppy :-)

2. I don;t bother withthe Linux version, it's genearlly of most use to the AROS developers as it provides a safe environment in which to design and build AROS.


-Edit- my Pic is about 6 years old... so maybe I have traveled in time or something :-D
Title: Re: AROS enlighten me
Post by: XDelusion on June 20, 2003, 02:17:43 PM
Wait a second! You said software just needs a re-compile to run in Aros? Have you ever tried to compile Genetic Species in that case?
Title: Re: AROS enlighten me
Post by: XDelusion on June 20, 2003, 02:22:48 PM
Wait a second! You said software just needs a re-compile to run in Aros? Have you ever tried to compile Genetic Species in that case?
Title: Re: AROS enlighten me
Post by: 4pLaY on June 20, 2003, 03:28:50 PM
Hehe well "just a recompile" is a big word! you cant just "recompile" if the code is in 68k ASM or AMOS etc! if its however written in C its easier some appz only need a recompile but some might need adaption but for Games i would think most are written in such a manor that it bangs the hell out of the hardware so thats a no go! secondly you need to get a hold of those sources :).
Title: Re: AROS enlighten me
Post by: bloodline on June 20, 2003, 03:35:06 PM
Quote

4pLaY wrote:
Hehe well "just a recompile" is a big word! you cant just "recompile" if the code is in 68k ASM or AMOS etc! if its however written in C its easier some appz only need a recompile but some might need adaption but for Games i would think most are written in such a manor that it bangs the hell out of the hardware so thats a no go! secondly you need to get a hold of those sources :).


Just to add to 4's statement, AROS can only run Amiga software that is OS leagal, and that need the custom chips simply can't work, becuase they are not there on your PC.

To recompile one requires the "source code". Also as 4 said, 68K asm source code is next to useless... C is the only really portable language.
Title: Re: AROS enlighten me
Post by: Terminills on June 20, 2003, 03:48:02 PM
@bloodline

Quote
AROS can only run Amiga software that is OS leagal, and that need the custom chips simply can't work, becuase they are not there on your PC.


if I throw some spare custom chips on top of my PC ... will it work then?   :lol:

seriously tho I'm all for using AROS full time once it's ready.   I got plenty of spare pc parts for an aros only machine...  Speaking of that is there already or going to be an AROS port of VNC?
Title: Re: AROS enlighten me
Post by: bloodline on June 20, 2003, 03:54:35 PM
Quote

Terminills wrote:
@bloodline

Quote
AROS can only run Amiga software that is OS leagal, and that need the custom chips simply can't work, becuase they are not there on your PC.


if I throw some spare custom chips on top of my PC ... will it work then?   :lol:

seriously tho I'm all for using AROS full time once it's ready.   I got plenty of spare pc parts for an aros only machine...  Speaking of that is there already or going to be an AROS port of VNC?


I've heard of VNC, and it certainly seems like a very cool idea!!!

Once we get a TCP/IP stack we shall look at it some more :-)



PS:
Quote
if I throw some spare custom chips on top of my PC ... will it work then?   :lol:


Sure why not  :-?   :-P   :-D  :lol:
Title: Re: AROS enlighten me
Post by: Terminills on June 20, 2003, 03:58:58 PM
VNC is great I use it to control the various machines I use without needing anymore keyboards, mouse errr mice? or monitors etc... Also it's free.
Title: Re: AROS enlighten me
Post by: XDelusion on June 20, 2003, 04:59:37 PM
Oh well, I guess there is always UAE for AROS. :)
Title: Re: AROS enlighten me
Post by: bloodline on June 20, 2003, 05:00:58 PM
Quote

XDelusion wrote:
Oh well, I guess there is always UAE for AROS. :)


There is indeed :-)
Title: Re: AROS enlighten me
Post by: Terminills on June 20, 2003, 05:06:15 PM
Unplugging bloodline's net connection... Enough talk more 68K emu work... Frankly right now I don't even care if it's jit or not.   :lol:


~runs~
Title: Re: AROS enlighten me
Post by: bloodline on June 20, 2003, 05:07:32 PM
:lol:
Title: Re: AROS enlighten me
Post by: Terminills on June 20, 2003, 05:10:04 PM
Oh yeah here's another question how are the pci card drivers handled?   Custom pci library or an Openpci wrapper?
Title: Re: AROS enlighten me
Post by: bloodline on June 20, 2003, 05:20:22 PM
Quote

Terminills wrote:
Oh yeah here's another question how are the pci card drivers handled?   Custom pci library or an Openpci wrapper?


Custom pci.device... soon to be replaced with openpci
Title: Re: AROS enlighten me
Post by: Terminills on June 20, 2003, 05:28:57 PM
haha with some of the questions I ask you'd think I followed the project for a while.  :lol:  I get support for a ATI 9800 Pro, 68K emu and,  I'm sold.  :-D
Title: Re: AROS enlighten me
Post by: sephiroth111 on June 20, 2003, 05:33:04 PM
question, do you think they could create a transparent emulation layer so that m68k programs could work?

that would be awesome, running an old program on a new computer...
Title: Re: AROS enlighten me
Post by: XDelusion on June 20, 2003, 05:51:17 PM
Oh ya,....


....does AROS UAE have JIT, and Picasso, or is the Winblows version ironically the only one that does?
Title: Re: AROS enlighten me
Post by: bloodline on June 20, 2003, 07:13:44 PM
Quote

sephiroth111 wrote:
question, do you think they could create a transparent emulation layer so that m68k programs could work?

that would be awesome, running an old program on a new computer...


Well, Transparent emulation probably won't quite be possible on the x86 version (the two CPU's have a serious difference... the Byte order) but I would hope to hide at least 90% of it from the user...

The UAE JIT should be usable on AROS since it is a 68k-->x86 Emu.  :-)
Title: Re: AROS enlighten me
Post by: XDelusion on June 20, 2003, 08:19:11 PM
Ok, I have tried it out, and this ISO actually worked for me, though it would not use my USB Keybaord and Mouse, fortuanatly I had a PS2 one of each laying around that did work. I am very impressed, if it did not have to load off of CD, it would be blazing fast! Everything ran like a real Amiga with the exception that you programmed in a Magic Menu II clone which was a VERY GOOD MOVE! :) On the other hand, your Quake pak file needs to be in the ID1 drawer to work, so right now that demo is just wasting space.

 As for DOOM...  

...I happen to be a DOOM Editor from newdoom.com, and of course am taking a special interest in this. Did you remove the 32 FPS limit on it or what because I was running around super freaking fast, plus I could not go full screen. I assume it is that way just to show off how well AROS can multi-task?

 I know this is not top priority, but it is definatly something I would hope you could consider for a more final release.

 Since we are no longer limited by the 68K CPU, I think it would be marvel to port over one of the more advanced DOOM clones out there. DOOM Legacy is in C, and moving to C++ currently, or if you want to retain the original DOOM gameplay as much as possible, yet still maintain support for Deh files, BOOM, in game customizable controlls, and what not, there is also PRBOOM:

http://prboom.sourceforge.net/

 Imagine, you could port that over, then include FreeDOOM with it, so that you woudl not be stuck with a mere Demo, but a complete fully functional, low resource FPS!

http://freedoom.sourceforge.net/

 Just something to consider. I know FreeDOOM is not finished, but I know they plan on packing it with a few different Linux Distros when it is.


Oh ya, I think I read this before but can't find it now. Does AROS support dual CPU systems? Sorry for all the questions, just very curious, and I happen to be a Dual CPU owner. :)
Title: Re: AROS enlighten me
Post by: The_Wolf on June 21, 2003, 02:26:46 PM
Your a nutcase!
Title: Re: AROS enlighten me
Post by: PulsatingQuasar on June 21, 2003, 03:55:42 PM
Is it allready possible to install AROS on a harddisk? Because I have a laptop that is waiting for it. And if it is, is there some sort of a basic guide on it? I only need to know the outlines of the tools that I need.

I do not like the CD version and so untill there is possibility to install it, I won't look at AROS anymore.
Title: Re: AROS enlighten me
Post by: dammy on June 21, 2003, 04:23:13 PM
by PulsatingQuasar on 2003/6/21 10:55:42

Quote
I do not like the CD version and so untill there is possibility to install it, I won't look at AROS anymore.


An easy to use installer is currently being worked on as TeamAROS (http://www.thenostromo.com/teamaros/) first bounty project is underway.
Title: Re: AROS enlighten me
Post by: Prod on June 21, 2003, 07:07:00 PM
btw, the source language is irrelevant, if you want something
recompiled you just download some cheap script that converts the
source to whatever you like and recompile.
Title: Re: AROS enlighten me
Post by: bloodline on June 21, 2003, 07:27:00 PM
Quote

Prod wrote:
btw, the source language is irrelevant, if you want something
recompiled you just download some cheap script that converts the
source to whatever you like and recompile.


Err.... :-?  :-?  :-?  :-?  :-?
Title: Re: AROS enlighten me
Post by: that_punk_guy on June 21, 2003, 07:55:19 PM
Quote

Prod wrote:
btw, the source language is irrelevant, if you want something
recompiled you just download some cheap script that converts the
source to whatever you like and recompile.


Ummm....  :-D assembler isn't source, it's damn near the finished product, and too hardware-specific to port without many human-hours of work.
Title: Re: AROS enlighten me
Post by: bloodline on June 21, 2003, 08:53:19 PM
Quote

that_punk_guy wrote:
Quote

Prod wrote:
btw, the source language is irrelevant, if you want something
recompiled you just download some cheap script that converts the
source to whatever you like and recompile.


Ummm....  :-D assembler isn't source, it's damn near the finished product, and too hardware-specific to port without many human-hours of work.


Exactly...


Anyway since I'm now a cult member, I feel a change of Avitar is needed :lol:


PS: can any one guess which film I've just been to see? :-D
Title: Re: AROS enlighten me
Post by: XDelusion on June 21, 2003, 11:16:28 PM
Cult members are often found at showings of Bambi, so I am saying Bambi.

 ...and NO I am not a Nut Case, just behind my times. :)
Title: Re: AROS enlighten me
Post by: that_punk_guy on June 21, 2003, 11:56:42 PM
Quote

bloodline wrote:

Anyway since I'm now a cult member, I feel a change of Avitar is needed :lol:



(http://amiga.org/images/avatar/users/795.jpg)

What is that?

 :-D
Title: Re: AROS enlighten me
Post by: bloodline on June 22, 2003, 09:56:54 AM
Quote

that_punk_guy wrote:
Quote

bloodline wrote:

Anyway since I'm now a cult member, I feel a change of Avitar is needed :lol:



(http://amiga.org/images/avatar/users/795.jpg)

What is that?

 :-D


That would be my...um.. Secretary ;-)