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Amiga computer related discussion => General chat about Amiga topics => Topic started by: amigasociety on December 01, 2016, 12:45:44 AM

Title: Best book to better learn/understand Amiga OS 4.1
Post by: amigasociety on December 01, 2016, 12:45:44 AM
So I have been into Amiga OS 4.1 since 2010 or so.  Owned an X1K but after 3.5 years sold it.  Had other needs and life got in the way as they say.  Was sad when I sold it but figured in time I would get another Amiga NG system.

Now fast forward a little while and the X5K has come and my order is in.  This time around I would like to get better at using and understanding Amiga OS 4.1 and above.  

I was not an Amigan before 4.1 as I come from other backgrounds so looking for any books, even if for older Amiga OS, that can be used to better understand and use the X5K to its fullest, when the time comes.

So what do you all read?  I know of no Amiga OS 4.1 book other than some wiki material.  Am I just best off finding some used 3.1/3.5/3.9 books, if there are any?

Would have loved an Amiga Bible style book like you see for other OSes, pages upon pages of in-depth, but I don't forsee that happening.

Thanks

TJ
Title: Re: Best book to better learn/understand Amiga OS 4.1
Post by: slygon on December 01, 2016, 12:56:27 AM
I am looking forward to the answer on this one!  I have never owned an Amiga... just used various emulators and the AmigaForever package.

Great question!
Title: Re: Best book to better learn/understand Amiga OS 4.1
Post by: amigasociety on December 01, 2016, 01:03:32 AM
Quote from: slygon;817115
I am looking forward to the answer on this one!  I have never owned an Amiga... just used various emulators and the AmigaForever package.

Great question!

I learned some good things but asked questions all the time. Prefer to read-up on it if I can.  I never found anything back then when I purchased the X1K and although learned a lot, I forget a lot too in my older age.  :roflmao:

I have a Amiga DOS book given to my by a member of the Sacramento Amiga Club and it is good but for me, I would love something more in dept for every-day Amiga OS 4.1, the ins-out of all the prefs, apps, etc....  

Well, you know... a Bible.  

Not gonna happen that I know but one can dream.

Until then, I will read wiki when I can find good ones and tinker.

TJ
Title: Re: Best book to better learn/understand Amiga OS 4.1
Post by: Matt_H on December 01, 2016, 02:48:34 AM
Post-AmigaOS3 documentation, let alone a formal publication, is nearly nonexistent. The 3.0 or 3.1 manuals (Workbench, AmigaDOS, ARexx) are probably your best source for detailed user-level information, with the caveat that anything introduced in 4.x won't be covered.

Also consider "AmigaDOS Reference Guide, Fourth Edition" by Sheldon Leemon and "Denny Atkin's Best Amiga Tips and Secrets" which were both published by Compute Books.

A good amount of stuff was published in the AmigaOS2.x era, and most of it will still be valid.

4.x does have the Documentation drawer on the SYS: partition, but the quality, style, and completeness of the info in there varies greatly (and some of it hasn't been updated since the 4.0 pre-release!).
Title: Re: Best book to better learn/understand Amiga OS 4.1
Post by: Jeff on December 01, 2016, 03:14:52 AM
@amigasociety

I have several of the huge Amiga OS 2.x binders that were shipped with systems years ago. I could send one to you if that would help. Send PM
Title: Re: Best book to better learn/understand Amiga OS 4.1
Post by: radzik on December 01, 2016, 03:34:25 AM
I have written book about AmigaOS 4.1 Emulation http://amiga.net.pl/index.php?lng=eng&kwt=2 (http://amiga.net.pl/index.php?lng=eng&kwt=2).
Now I'm thinking about something new, connected with X5000. Soon I should have this computer. ;) My plan is to write book abou "AmigaOS 4 everyday". Is it good idea?
Title: Re: Best book to better learn/understand Amiga OS 4.1
Post by: amigasociety on December 01, 2016, 05:56:39 AM
Quote from: Jeff;817121
@amigasociety

I have several of the huge Amiga OS 2.x binders that were shipped with systems years ago. I could send one to you if that would help. Send PM


Hi Jeff, thank you.  

Are you in the USA?  Might not be too bad shipping media rate via USPS.

I am in California myself.

If the info during 2.x days will be of value, I may just take you up on the offer.

TJ
Title: Re: Best book to better learn/understand Amiga OS 4.1
Post by: amigasociety on December 01, 2016, 05:58:45 AM
Quote from: Matt_H;817119
Post-AmigaOS3 documentation, let alone a formal publication, is nearly nonexistent. The 3.0 or 3.1 manuals (Workbench, AmigaDOS, ARexx) are probably your best source for detailed user-level information, with the caveat that anything introduced in 4.x won't be covered.

Also consider "AmigaDOS Reference Guide, Fourth Edition" by Sheldon Leemon and "Denny Atkin's Best Amiga Tips and Secrets" which were both published by Compute Books.

A good amount of stuff was published in the AmigaOS2.x era, and most of it will still be valid.

4.x does have the Documentation drawer on the SYS: partition, but the quality, style, and completeness of the info in there varies greatly (and some of it hasn't been updated since the 4.0 pre-release!).


Thank you Matt.  I will look into them.

I should have kept my 3.1 guides I had owned at one time but thought they were better owned by someone that owned an older 4000 series system.  Hindsight that I could have used them but... felt it best at the time to move them on I guess.

TJ
Title: Re: Best book to better learn/understand Amiga OS 4.1
Post by: amigasociety on December 01, 2016, 05:59:59 AM
Quote from: radzik;817123
I have written book about AmigaOS 4.1 Emulation http://amiga.net.pl/index.php?lng=eng&kwt=2 (http://amiga.net.pl/index.php?lng=eng&kwt=2).
Now I'm thinking about something new, connected with X5000. Soon I should have this computer. ;) My plan is to write book abou "AmigaOS 4 everyday". Is it good idea?


Personally, I think a OS 4.1 User Manual for every day stuff, tricks and tips, what all the apps that come with the OS can do and the hows, would be stellar.  Would be a lot of work of course.

TJ
Title: Re: Best book to better learn/understand Amiga OS 4.1
Post by: apsturk on December 01, 2016, 06:29:51 AM
@radzik

Yes that is a GREAT idea. Something like "the AmigaOS missing manual 4.1FE" That would be great I have talked to many people about this, but no one has the time or energy. If you want some help and or ideas PM me  goo thinking radzik!!!!

-Aaron
Title: Re: Best book to better learn/understand Amiga OS 4.1
Post by: Rotzloeffel on December 01, 2016, 01:59:27 PM
maybe the Wiki helps ?

http://wiki.amigaos.net/wiki/Main_Page
Title: Re: Best book to better learn/understand Amiga OS 4.1
Post by: Rob on December 01, 2016, 05:19:57 PM
Quote from: amigasociety;817114
So what do you all read?  I know of no Amiga OS 4.1 book other than some wiki material.  Am I just best off finding some used 3.1/3.5/3.9 books, if there are any?
TJ

I don't think there's anything much in hardback beyond the First Steps book you had before, I noticed your Amibay sale when searching earlier.

A lot of the features of of newer version were added over time by third party programs that either got rolled into or had their functionality replicated in 3.5 and beyond so many of us simply learned as we went along.

If you need a refresher the 3.1 manuals are the best place to start again.

Also I found this Amiga Format video guide to the basics of Personal Paint.  It might be useful since I think your getting the latest PPaint with your X1000.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MmrG3ij8_pI
Title: Re: Best book to better learn/understand Amiga OS 4.1
Post by: Rob on December 01, 2016, 07:04:22 PM
Quote from: radzik;817123
I have written book about AmigaOS 4.1 Emulation http://amiga.net.pl/index.php?lng=eng&kwt=2 (http://amiga.net.pl/index.php?lng=eng&kwt=2).
Now I'm thinking about something new, connected with X5000. Soon I should have this computer. ;) My plan is to write book abou "AmigaOS 4 everyday". Is it good idea?


I didn't notice that you had a 3.9 manual for sale until today.  Maybe that's a bit closer to what TJ requires and much easier to get hold of than old books.
Title: Re: Best book to better learn/understand Amiga OS 4.1
Post by: slygon on December 01, 2016, 08:05:49 PM
@radzik

I bought your emulation book!  I love it!  Yes, a general OS 4.1 book would be great!

Slygon
Title: Re: Best book to better learn/understand Amiga OS 4.1
Post by: radzik on December 01, 2016, 08:06:48 PM
Quote from: apsturk;817129
@radzik

Yes that is a GREAT idea. Something like "the AmigaOS missing manual 4.1FE" That would be great I have talked to many people about this, but no one has the time or energy. If you want some help and or ideas PM me  goo thinking radzik!!!!

-Aaron


Good. This is just idea. But we can talk. :) Can you send PM with ideas and then we will think or talk.
Title: Re: Best book to better learn/understand Amiga OS 4.1
Post by: radzik on December 01, 2016, 08:08:21 PM
Quote from: Rob;817144
I didn't notice that you had a 3.9 manual for sale until today.  Maybe that's a bit closer to what TJ requires and much easier to get hold of than old books.


All books are from Adam Zalepa. He is an author and publisher. The only book about emulation OS4 is from me, and Adam is a publisher.
Title: Re: Best book to better learn/understand Amiga OS 4.1
Post by: amigasociety on December 01, 2016, 09:14:49 PM
Quote from: Rob;817144
I didn't notice that you had a 3.9 manual for sale until today.  Maybe that's a bit closer to what TJ requires and much easier to get hold of than old books.

Are these hardcopy books?

How many pages is the 3.9 manual?

What kinds of info are covered?

TJ
Title: Re: Best book to better learn/understand Amiga OS 4.1
Post by: amigasociety on December 01, 2016, 09:16:38 PM
Quote from: Rob;817144
I didn't notice that you had a 3.9 manual for sale until today.  Maybe that's a bit closer to what TJ requires and much easier to get hold of than old books.

Are these new books hardcopy?  Or digital?

How many pages is the 3.9 manual?

What kinds of info are covered?

TJ
Title: Re: Best book to better learn/understand Amiga OS 4.1
Post by: amigasociety on December 01, 2016, 09:18:31 PM
Quote from: Rob;817141
I don't think there's anything much in hardback beyond the First Steps book you had before, I noticed your Amibay sale when searching earlier.


Yes and I kick myself for selling them.  ;-(

Held onto a very long time and then moved them on when I felt it was the end of playing Amiga.

Reverse of timing and now back into and miss having that resource.

TJ
Title: Re: Best book to better learn/understand Amiga OS 4.1
Post by: Matt_H on December 01, 2016, 09:32:15 PM
That reminds me:
Haage and Partner did a 3.9 book, but it's German only. I believe you can still get a PDF version from Alinea.

Slightly modified PDF versions of the 3.1 docs were included with 3.5 or 3.9.

A lot of this documentation is probably available on DLH's site.
Title: Re: Best book to better learn/understand Amiga OS 4.1
Post by: invent on December 01, 2016, 10:22:31 PM
I'd be interested in buying an Amiga 4.1 book also.
I'd suggest a Kickstarter funding site if your going to produce a book, otherwise consider digital version.
Title: Re: Best book to better learn/understand Amiga OS 4.1
Post by: Rob on December 01, 2016, 10:32:01 PM
Quote from: amigasociety;817152
Are these new books hardcopy?  Or digital?

How many pages is the 3.9 manual?

What kinds of info are covered?

TJ


400 pages, both hardcopy and digital.  It says shipment January 2017.

Info here.

http://amiga.net.pl/index.php?lng=eng&kwt=10010&tms=73

Adam Zalepa's Facebook page if you need to ask for any more info.

https://www.facebook.com/adam.zalepa
Title: Re: Best book to better learn/understand Amiga OS 4.1
Post by: magnetic on December 01, 2016, 11:30:07 PM
Quote from: amigasociety;817126
Hi Jeff, thank you.  

Are you in the USA?  Might not be too bad shipping media rate via USPS.

I am in California myself.

If the info during 2.x days will be of value, I may just take you up on the offer.

TJ



Ive seen this guys book at Amiwest looks really good and looks like a lot of work! We need more of this in the community
Title: Re: Best book to better learn/understand Amiga OS 4.1
Post by: amigasociety on December 02, 2016, 01:15:43 AM
Wow, that looks great.  May just get it and hope for a 4.1 one day.

TJ

Quote from: Rob;817161
400 pages, both hardcopy and digital.  It says shipment January 2017.

Info here.

http://amiga.net.pl/index.php?lng=eng&kwt=10010&tms=73

Adam Zalepa's Facebook page if you need to ask for any more info.

https://www.facebook.com/adam.zalepa
Title: Re: Best book to better learn/understand Amiga OS 4.1
Post by: SACC-guy on December 02, 2016, 07:37:31 PM
@TJ
Are you coming to the SACC December meeting?
Title: Re: Best book to better learn/understand Amiga OS 4.1
Post by: amigasociety on December 02, 2016, 07:44:57 PM
Quote from: SACC-guy;817208
@TJ
Are you coming to the SACC December meeting?

Unsure.

Is it this Monday at the Holiday Inn Express?

Not sure....  I am like close enough to attend but far enough it is a pain in the butt to find the time to get down there.

:hammer:

I should though.... you guys have a nice group down there.

I could pick you guys brains down there for sure.

TJ
Title: Re: Best book to better learn/understand Amiga OS 4.1
Post by: SACC-guy on December 02, 2016, 07:53:27 PM
Quote from: amigasociety;817210
Unsure.

Is it this Monday at the Holiday Inn Express?

Not sure....  I am like close enough to attend but far enough it is a pain in the butt to find the time to get down there.

:hammer:

I should though.... you guys have a nice group down there.

I could pick you guys brains down there for sure.

TJ
It's Sunday the 4th at 1:30PM

I thought you were on the mailing list for the meetings?

And Yes... we will have at least on x5000 there to show off (grin)
Title: Re: Best book to better learn/understand Amiga OS 4.1
Post by: amigasociety on December 02, 2016, 08:02:36 PM
Quote from: SACC-guy;817212
It's Sunday the 4th at 1:30PM

I thought you were on the mailing list for the meetings?

And Yes... we will have at least on x5000 there to show off (grin)

Yup, on the email list.  Just did not remember.  I am not at that system that gets those messages.

Odds are I will not be there but in spirit I will.

Me and the Oakland Raiders will be tied up during that time slot.

LOL

I hope to have my X5K in the next couple weeks.

TJ
Title: Re: Best book to better learn/understand Amiga OS 4.1
Post by: apsturk on December 02, 2016, 08:59:49 PM
@amigasociety (http://www.amiga.org/forums/member.php?u=7277)

How does this coming week sound. The reg cards are on there way to me now. I also have them with every new board I am receiving from now on. All new orders (AmigaOneX5000) will ship to customers within 5 days tops :)

-Aaron Smith
Title: Re: Best book to better learn/understand Amiga OS 4.1
Post by: amigasociety on December 02, 2016, 09:09:41 PM
Quote from: apsturk;817216
@amigasociety (http://www.amiga.org/forums/member.php?u=7277)

How does this coming week sound. The reg cards are on there way to me now. I also have them with every new board I am receiving from now on. All new orders (AmigaOneX5000) will ship to customers within 5 days tops :)

-Aaron Smith

Noooo!  That is completely and utterly unexpectable to get something so fast....  :laughing:
:laughing::laughing::laughing:

Looking forward to it!

TJ
Title: Re: Best book to better learn/understand Amiga OS 4.1
Post by: apsturk on December 02, 2016, 10:46:04 PM
Welcome to America, welcome to Amiga On The Lake :)
Title: Re: Best book to better learn/understand Amiga OS 4.1
Post by: SACC-guy on December 03, 2016, 03:16:56 AM
Quote from: apsturk;817218
Welcome to America, welcome to Amiga On The Lake :)
Keep up those shipping times! You get my vote (read business).
Title: Re: Best book to better learn/understand Amiga OS 4.1
Post by: apsturk on December 03, 2016, 09:52:23 AM
Yes indeed and I should have said 5 days (or before) is on the long end of it. It is great that we have  everything to ship the Motherboards and Systems we have sold so far. Now on to any new orders, I am very happy about this. I am up for the rest of the day with Jeff (tek438) to work and to start putting some plans in motion. We will be doing some brain storming during the day as well. We are both excited about what we are doing and are going to do.  --MAKE A DIFFERENCE

The Amiga community needs everything it can get, we aim go give it our ALL
Title: Re: Best book to better learn/understand Amiga OS 4.1
Post by: slygon on December 03, 2016, 11:26:30 PM
Nice!  

Can't wait to get my X5000!

:)
Title: Re: Best book to better learn/understand Amiga OS 4.1
Post by: apsturk on December 04, 2016, 03:18:35 AM
@slygon

I can't wait for you to get it :)
Title: Re: Best book to better learn/understand Amiga OS 4.1
Post by: amigasociety on December 21, 2016, 06:18:48 PM
Quote from: apsturk;817218
Welcome to America, welcome to Amiga On The Lake :)

Hoping to see my X5K soon.  Been told it should ship tomorrow.  Late but if it arrives safely before 2016 ends, it will be a great New Years!

TJ