Nebula 1 (1993)/nebula.bin/Documents/FAQ/NeXT/FAQ-Other

Internet Message Format | 1993-01-27 | 155.2 KB

From: [e-mail] (Nathan F. Janette)
Date: Fri, 13 Nov 1992 19:56:42 GMT
Newsgroups: comp.sys.next.announce
Subject: NeXT-FAQ.changes: Changes to Frequently Asked Questions

NeXT-FAQ.changes: Changes to Frequently Asked Questions

Thanks to everyone for all the new entries and suggestions.  Keep
them coming!

A new FAQ posting, FAQ.NeXTSTEP486, has been created based entirely upon
a very informative file sent to user groups.


____________________________________________________________________________

NeXT-FAQ Editor:
Nathan Janette [e-mail]


--
Nathan Janette        "I'm a NeXTstep man,
Dept MB&B, Yale Univ     I'm a NeXTcube guy"
New Haven, CT
[e-mail] (NeXT)


From: [e-mail] (Nathan F. Janette)
Date: Fri, 13 Nov 1992 19:57:08 GMT
Newsgroups: comp.sys.next.announce
Subject: NeXT-FAQ.compatibility: Questions about compatibility

NeXT-FAQ.compatibility: Questions about compatibility


*** Subject: C1. Where can I obtain a NeXT version of X-Windows?

There is a X11R3 version named XNeXT developed by MIT.  This version is
available in binary only, works only on monochrome machines and does  not work
under Release 2.0 of the NeXT OS.  XNeXT is a 1-bit black and  white server.
XNeXT
is available from most ftp sites that have  NeXT software.

 McGill University (der Mouse) has produced a beta version of an X11R4 server
named mouse-X available via ftp from:

    132.206.1.1.

cd to X/XNeXT and fetch one of the files with names beginning with
"distribution".

 This version only uses NeXTstep for keyboard and mouse events.  This version
will only work with monochrome NeXT machines, it will not work with color
products.  This version  initially did not work under 2.0, however Howie Kaye
fixed it  to work again, diffs will be incorporated soon on the McGill server
sources.

In the meantime you can get binaries off of:

    cunixf.cc.columbia.edu

(11.5Mbytes) in the Xnext directory.

[Howie Kaye [e-mail]] adds:

---
We are planning on moving our public ftp tree, and it looks like the XNeXT
distribution here (cunixf.cc.columbia.edu) is going to disappear.  Since
it's listed in the FAQ.compatibility file, I thought I'd let you know.

Before we toss it, maybe one of the archive sights wants to take over the
distribution?
---


A color server is available from:

    [e-mail]

or

    [e-mail]

It should work on color NeXTstations.


Pencom Software of Austin, TX is distributing co-Xist, an X11R4 color server
that supports all hardware platforms and runs under NeXTstep2.0 or
higher.The rootless version of co-Xist allows you to use not only Motif but
also NeXTstep as a window manager ie. X-windows are opened on the WorkSpace
screen and act completely like NeXT windows. The Motif Window Manager,
development libraries and online Digital Librarian documentation are
available as options.  A demo is available on sonata.cc.purdue.edu

For more information:

    Pencom Software
    email: [e-mail]
    Voice: 1-800-PENCOM4 or


Cub'X in Puteaux, France has a commercial X server.  Cub'X-Window's new
version 3.01 is now available. Its most important improvement resides in a new
option permitting to run X-Window inside NeXTstep.

For more information:

    Claire Normand
    Cub'x Syst mes
    Tour CBC, Cedex 71, 92043 Paris La D fense, France
    tel: [phone]
    Fax: [phone]
    [e-mail]


MIT maintains a ftp server for X distribution:

    export.lcs.mit.edu

It currently does not have any NeXT specific servers.  If you compile software
make sure the libraries are install in the ld path, and that you use the X
provided C pre-processor.


There is another commercial X product called eXodus.

    White Pine Software
    603-866-9050.

____________________________________________________________________________

*** Subject: C2. Can I run DOS software on the NeXT?

There is a product called Soft-PC available for the NeXT, as well as other
machines.

For more information:

    Insignia Solutions, Inc.
    Voice: 408-694-7600


NeXT machines equipped with 2.88 MB floppy drives are able to read and write
DOS
diskettes (3-1/2" variety!) at 1.44MB or 720Kb in addition to having UNIX
filesystems.  Consult the User Manual on initializing disk for DOS or Unix
applications.

____________________________________________________________________________

*** Subject: C3. Can I run Macintosh Programs on my NeXT?

Abacus R&D, Inc. offers products called Executor and HFS_XFer that allows
some Mac functionality.

Executor allows you to run Microsoft Word versions 4 and 5, Excel, and other
selected programs on your next.  Some limitations include: no color, no sound,
no system 7, no appletalk, no desk accessories.

HFS_Xfer allows you to transfer files between HFS (Hierarchical Filesystem)
Macintosh disks and the NeXT ,where they're stored in Apple Double format.

The latest demo copy is available via anonymous ftp on unmvax.cs.unm.edu in
/pub/ardi/DEMO.

For more information:

    Abacus R&D, Inc.
    email: [e-mail]
    Voice:[phone]
    FAX: [phone]


Digital Instrumentation Technology vends software called FloppyWorks
which can read and write Macintosh diskettes.

DIT also offers an external floppy drive called CubeFloppy Plus that can
format, read, and write 400 and 800 KB Mac disks.

For more information:

    Digital Instrumentation Technology
    email: [e-mail]
    Voice: [phone]
    FAX: [phone]


Bill Roth has written a program called MacinDisk ToshBrowser which read 1.4
Meg Mac disks.  A demo version is available on sonata.cc.purdue.edu.

For more information:

    Impact Software
    email: [e-mail]
    voice: 1-800-822-3385.

____________________________________________________________________________

*** Subject: C4. Can I run tcsh or bash on my NeXT?

If you are simply looking for emacs-like command editing you can do this with
the csh distributed by NeXT by typing:

    set editmode=emacs
or
    set editmode=vi

Note that file completion will conflict with vi's use of esc to leave insert
mode, so you may want to map file completion to tab by adding the following to
your ~/.bindings:

    bind-to-key FilenameExpansion "\^I"

In addition it is possible to bind control keys to commands with a .bindings
file.  Users should seek the csh(1) man page for more information.

People have ported tcsh and bash to the NeXT.  bash is available from
prep.ai.mit.edu, the current version 1.21.1 makes correctly on the
NeXT.tcsh binaries for all kinds of machines are  available on
tesla.ee.cornell.edu , possibly including binaries for NeXT.

In addition zsh is also available. Zsh has interactive features very similar
to but more extensive than those of tcsh. In addition zsh is based on sh/ksh,
not
on csh - something which very many even casual shell programmers will consider
a great asset. A complete pre-compiled zsh package including documentation
is available from the purdue archives.

If you install your own shell on a NeXT, you need to add it to the file
/etc/shells
so that FTP will work.

____________________________________________________________________________

*** Subject: C5. Can sound files be used on the Suns and NeXT interchangeably?

Sun OS 4.0.3 stored only raw mulaw files without any extensions.  This format
is
obsolete; however to convert it to a NeXT snd format you can:

    sndconvert -o nextified.snd -f 1 -s 8012.8210513 -c 1 -r sun-sound

Starting with Sun OS release 4.1 they adopted a file format like NeXT's: A
comparison of <multimedia/audio_filehdr.h> on the Sun and
<sound/soundstruct.h> on the NeXT shows the formats to be compatible-- just
rename *.au to *.snd for the NeXT.

Sun only implements a subset of NeXT's sound file formats.   Currently these
seven are interchangeable:

    SND_FORMAT_MULAW_8
    SND_FORMAT_LINEAR_8
    SND_FORMAT_LINEAR_16
    SND_FORMAT_LINEAR_24
    SND_FORMAT_LINEAR_32
    SND_FORMAT_FLOAT
    SND_FORMAT_DOUBLE

While they are all _meaningful_ to the Sun, the standard SPARCstation
hardware only directly supports 8-bit mu-Law at the CODEC sampling rate.

If you have raw soundfiles (e.g. from SunOS 4.0.3 systems, or converted from
the Macintosh), you can use raw2audio on the Sun or sndconvert -r on the NeXT
to
add a sound header.

____________________________________________________________________________

*** Subject: C6. Why does talk not work between NeXTs and SUNs?

Sun is running an archaic version of talk, install a new version.

____________________________________________________________________________

*** Subject: C7. How do I get the arrow keys to work in csh?

[This is for people who use a terminal app that does vt100 keyboard emulation -
pasc]

First, add these lines to your ".cshrc" (preferably between the if and endif):

    set editmode = emacs
    set macrofiles = .macros

Then create a file called ".bindings" and put in it:

    bind-to-key ExecuteNamedMacro '\e['

And, next, you need to make a file called ".macros" however, this one you need
to
enter some control characters into, because the csh STILL cannot write a macro
file (And I'm using 2.1).  Into this file put:

    A^@^@^@^A^P
    B^@^@^@^A^N
    C^@^@^@^A^F
    D^@^@^@^A^B

where ^@ means Control-@ and ^A means Control-A, etc.  Also, don't put in the
leading spaces.   This will set up the left and right arrows to move back and
forth
on the line, and the up and down arrows will cycle through your history.

____________________________________________________________________________

*** Subject: C8. How do I view/convert GIF/TIF/jpeg images?

There exists a NextStep based application called ImageViewer by Lennart
Lovstrand at Xerox EuroPARC.  It can convert between many different image
formats.  It is available on the archive servers.   There is pbmplus tools
[oops
don't remember where right now -pasc] which does most conversions through
filters.  Another package to look into is The Image Conversion Tools from
sdsc.edu in sdscpub.dir/next.dir/graphics.dir.JPEG software en/decoder
has been uploaded to the prudueNeXT archives in
pub/next/2.0-release/source/jpeg.tar.Z.

A commercial application,PixelMagician, is available from Bachus Inc.

For more information:

    2210 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 330
    Santa Monica, CA 90403
    Tel:[phone]
    Fax:[phone]
    E-mail: [e-mail] or
    bacchus![e-mail]

Jef Poskanzers portable bitmap tools are also available pre-compiled from
the purdue archives.

In addition there is ViewGif2 (also available from the purdue archives) which
is about 40% faster and less memory-hungry than ImageViewer but only displays
gifs.

There is also GraphicsWorkshop (also from purdue) which is a front end to a
set
of graphic converter objects that allow you to load, save, and view  images in
gif, jpg, tiff, pbm, pgm, ppm, and xbm formats. It will also  allow you to do
some
basic image conversions like color to black and white  or color to one bit.


____________________________________________________________________________

NeXT-FAQ Editor:
Nathan Janette [e-mail]


--
Nathan Janette        "I'm a NeXTstep man,
Dept MB&B, Yale Univ     I'm a NeXTcube guy"
New Haven, CT
[e-mail] (NeXT)


From: [e-mail] (Nathan F. Janette)
Date: Fri, 13 Nov 1992 19:57:34 GMT
Newsgroups: comp.sys.next.announce
Subject: NeXT-FAQ.disks: Questions about disk drives

NeXT-FAQ.disks: Questions about disk drives

____________________________________________________________________________

*** Subject: D1. What disk drives will work with the NeXT?

First get a copy of NextAnswers and review hardware.586

Most scsi disk drives will work with 2.0 without modifying disktab. You should
read the Network and Systems Administrator manual provided with all new
systems and available on-line on 2.0 extended.  There have been problems with
the installation of boot blocks and badly formed  fstab generated by
BuildDisk.  A disk connected to the NeXT will need to have a NeXT specific
label
written to it before it can be properly recognized by the system.  If you get
an
error message "Invalid Label..." this indicates that the drive was
successfully seen by the NeXT machine but it does not have the proper label, to
install a label use the /usr/etc/disk program on the raw disk device that the
system assigned to the device and use the label command to write the label onto
the disk. [how the NeXT assigns disk devices is explained in the N&SA manual]

NeXT provides a low level disk formatter with 2.0, most drives are already
formatted at the factory.  The sdform program does not offer much flexibility.

____________________________________________________________________________

*** Subject: D2. How do I customize BuildDisk to create a bootable disk of my
own configuration?

The BuildDisk application is extremely limited in terms of the  types of disks
configuration it knows how to build.  Essentially it "knows" about swapdisks,
optical disks, 330 and 660 MB SCSI disks. If you wish to do custom
configurations you should look at existing BLD script files in /etc/BLD.*
There is a script which you can use to specify which BLD script you are using,
which disktab entry, and other useful parameters in /usr/etc/builddisk

Some things to note: - the fstab installed on the target disk is specified in
the
newclient command in the BLD script.  standard fstabs are extracted from
/usr/template/client/fstab.* - the BLD scripts do not put down a new boot
block on the scsi disk, you may want to install one by hand using the
/usr/etc/disk program. - some disks boot fine but NeXTstep comes up with a
blank window and no login window.  This is due sometimes to forgetting to
install an accessible /NextLibrary/{Fonts,Sounds}  In general you need
quite a lot of things to make a bootable disk.

Mike Carlton adds - you can build a minimally usable bootable floppy (for crash
recovery purposes).  There is a modified version of builddisk (to make it
support building floppies, a minimal change) and a BLD script to build the boot
floppy available at cs.orst.edu in next/sources/Bootfloppy.tar.Z.  (I put
this together in response to several requests.)  A newer version of Bootfloppy
for 2.1 is on the archives as next/sources/util/Bootfloppy2.1.tar.Z

____________________________________________________________________________

*** Subject: D3. How much disk space is lost due to formatting and file system
overhead?

Rex Pruess ([e-mail]) offers the following
explanation: Let's assume you bought a disk drive advertised with 400 MB
unformatted capacity.  Vendors are not consistent with the MB definition.  You
may have much less space less than you think you have.  Which of the following
did
you buy?

         400 * 1000 * 1000 = 400,000,000 bytes
         400 * 1024 * 1000 = 409,600,000 bytes
         400 * 1024 * 1024 = 419,430,400 bytes

The disk must be formatted.  This is often done by the vendor, but occasionally
by the user.  Formatting maps the disk into sectors.  Space is reserved for the
disk geometry and bad sectors.  Formatting can take 10-20% of the capacity
depending on the sector size.  Common sector sizes are 512 and 1024.
Generally,
bigger sectors mean less waste.

Once formatted, the UNIX file system must be created.  On the NeXT, this is one
of
the steps performed by the BuildDisk application.  It invokes the mkfs command
to make a file system.  This reserves space for the UNIX file system (e.g.,
superblocks, inode tables).  This overhead can take another 2-3% of the
available disk space.

If you issue the df command, you may be surprised to see another 10% the
available disk space has disappeared.  The df command shows the total, used,
and available disk space.  The df units are in kbytes (1024 bytes). The sum of
the
used and available numbers will generally be about 10% less than the total
kbytes.  This space is reserved to allow the UNIX file system to be efficient
in
its storage allocation.  If your disk fills up, only the superuser can store
files in the remaining 10%.

To complete the picture, here's a snapshot of what may occur:

     Capacity     Lost/Used/Reserved    Reason
    (in bytes)       (in bytes)
        419,430,000      19,430,000         Marketing hype (~5%)
    400,000,000      60,000,000         Formatting (~15%)
    340,000,000       6,800,000         UNIX file system (~2%)
    333,200,000      33,320,000         Efficiency & superuser (~10%)
    299,880,000          -                 -

For more information, refer to the df and mkfs man pages.

____________________________________________________________________________

*** Subject: D4. Can I run my SCSI-2 disks in synchronous mode?

Quick answer is: No!  Reason is that the NeXT does not support synchronous
transfers from the SCSI bus.  It does support SCSI-2 disks running in
asynchronous mode, which all SCSI-2 disks must do.

____________________________________________________________________________

*** Subject: D5. How do I configure my HP 660 to boot properly?

It has been reported that HP drives fail to autoboot on power on or while other
devices are on the scsi bus.  The problem seems to be with drives configured to
spin-up automatically on power on do not get recognized at boot time.  To
remedy
this problem reliably with HP 660Mb (HP97548) and 1Gbyte (HP 97549) drives
remove the auto spinup jumper on the back of the drive.  Looking at the disk
from
the back with the power connector on the lower left, it is the sixth jumper.

____________________________________________________________________________

*** Subject: D6. What is the procedure for installing a Fujitsu M2263SA/SB SCSI
Disk as the NeXT Boot Disk?

See Izumi Ohzawa's note in /pub/next/docs/fujitsu.recipe available via
anonymous ftp from sonata.cc.purdue.edu.

____________________________________________________________________________

*** Subject: D7. How do mount a corrupted OD that won't automount?

If you can't automount an OD, and you can't fix it, you can still manually
mount
it.  Log in as root.  Type "/usr/etc/mount /dev/od0a /FoO".  It will ask you to
insert the disk.  Insert it.  It is mounted.

This method WILL mount a corrupted OD so you can read its contents.  Since  it
is
corrupted, it is not recommended to write to it.  You should copy the
important
files to something else, then reformat it.


____________________________________________________________________________

NeXT-FAQ Editor:
Nathan Janette [e-mail]


--
Nathan Janette        "I'm a NeXTstep man,
Dept MB&B, Yale Univ     I'm a NeXTcube guy"
New Haven, CT
[e-mail] (NeXT)


From: [e-mail] (Nathan F. Janette)
Date: Fri, 13 Nov 1992 19:57:53 GMT
Newsgroups: comp.sys.next.announce
Subject: NeXT-FAQ.general: General FAQ

NeXT-FAQ.general: General FAQ


*** Subject: G0. Where can I find additional questions and answers regarding
the NeXT computer?

Every NeXT machine owner has access to manuals to a degree.  Network and System
Administration (NSA), for example contains answers to many of the questions
asked to comp.sys.next.  Some of the important man pages are reproduced in the
NSA as appendices.

User manuals are shipped with every NeXT.  Additional copies available from
NeXT (N6002/N6003/N6014/N6026) $25.

NeXT Technical documentation.  (How to program in the NextStep environment)
Order from Addison-Wesley (1-800-447-2226)

0-201-63248-9   NeXTSTEP General Reference CANCELED (split into 2)
0-201-62220     NeXTSTEP General Reference Vol I (date not known)
0-201-62221     NeXTSTEP General Reference Vol II date not known)
0-201-63249-7   NeXTSTEP Development Tools (1 NOV)
0-201-63250-0   NeXTSTEP User Interface Guidelines (1 NOV)
0-201-63251-9   NeXTSTEP OOP and the Objective-C Lng  (1 NOV)
0-201-63252-7   NeXTSTEP Operating System Software (3 OCT)
0-201-63253-5   NeXTSTEP Programming Interface Summary  (1 NOV)
0-201-63254-3   NeXTSTEP Network and System Admin 3 (OCT)

These are packaged ten volumes in two slipcases; the whole stack is 8-1/2
inches high.  They look just like the other documents that come with the
machine, 8.5x11", perfect-bound paperbacks.

    Operating System Software
    NeXTstep Concepts
    NeXTstep Reference, v. 1
    NeXTstep Reference, v. 2
    Development Tools
    Sound, Music, and Signal Processing: Concepts
    Sound, Music, and Signal Processing: Reference
    Writing Loadable Kernel Servers
    Technical Summaries
    Supplemental Documentation

The "Extended" OS release contains online versions of the "Reference" (but
not "Concepts") chapters.

Get NeXT's Concepts and Tutorial sections electronically from the ftp
archives.  These were not included in the 2.0 distribution but are included in
hardcopy form with the NeXT Technical Documentation.  This is perhaps the
single most important reference for people wishing to develop software for
the NeXT.

man pages, included with "Extended" release.

BSD unix documentation (MISC, PS1, PS2, SMM, USD). Available from to USENIX
site members.  A lot of this has been  integrated into the NeXT documentation.
Some of this is sorely missing.  The SMM Unix System Manager's Manual is really
useful!

    USENIX Association
    2560 Ninth Street, Suite 215
    Berkeley, CA  94710
    USA
        [phone]
    fax [phone]
    [e-mail]

    PS1 = Programmer's Supplementary Documents, Volume 1
    PS2 = Programmer's Supplementary Documents, Volume 2
    SMM = System Manager's Manual
    USD = User's Supplementary Documents

Adobe documentation.  Available machine-readable by e-mail from
[e-mail].  Hardcopy available from Adobe Developer
Support Line [phone] for a nominal charge.  NeXT last shipped these as
part of the 1.0a release; hardcopies appeared in 0.9 Technical
Documentation, were omitted in 1.0, and have returned in updated form in
_Supplemental Documentation_ of the 2.0 Tech Docs (which is not available
on-line).

Get NextAnswers for Digital Librarian from one of the many ftp sites (see
below) that have NeXT software.  NextAnswers is a series of questions and
answers that the NeXT technical support staff has compiled.  They tend to
clarify issues not covered or poorly covered in the on-line documentation.
Anyone can send bugs  or suggestions to [e-mail]

Get NeXT _Support Bulletin_ from the archives.  It is meant for support
centers.

Another good source of information is the archives of previously posted notes
from the comp.sys.next.*  newsgroups.  Note that since the split of
comp.sys.next, it is unclear if anyone is maintaining an archive of all the
groups.

NeXTstep Advantage book is available electronically from the archive
servers:

    cs.orst.edu:           pub/next/documents/NeXT/
    sonata.cc.purdue.edu:  pub/next/docs/ (still in submissions
                              directory?)
    etlport.etl.go.jp:     pub/NeXT/documents/NeXTstepAdvantage/

The file name is NeXTstepAdvantage.tar.Z; (its compressed size is 1.3
megabytes; uncompressed, it's 9.5 megabytes).  It is a good introduction to
the NeXT programming environment.

There is a tutorial on how to use IB on the archive servers under the file name
IB_tutorial.ps.Z which is the postscript only file and
IB_tutorial_Source.tar.Z which contains example source code for the
tutorial.  In addition NeXT has released an updated tutorial

It can not be overly emphasized that getting the on-line documentation from
2.0 extended will help enormously in researching problems with the aid of
digital librarian.

____________________________________________________________________________

*** Subject: G1. How may I contact NeXT Computer, Inc.?

NeXT Computer, Inc.
900 Chesapeake Drive
Redwood City, CA 94063
Voice: 800-848-NeXT (Redwood City #)
Voice: (415)-366-0900


NeXT marketing div. of Canon - Japan
Phone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]

NeXT Europe

Stockholm: 46-7-068-8930
Netherlands: 31-20-653-0333
Denmark: 45-45-41-2200
London:  44-81-565-0005
Italy/Milan: 39-2-95302510
Munich: 49-89-996-5310
Paris: (331) 46-45-1414
Japan: 81-44-549-5555

Note: numbers abroad are listed with the country codes first.  You will need to
dial the international access number of your long distance carrier before
proceeding to dialing the country code, area code and phone number.

____________________________________________________________________________

*** Subject: G2. Is there a mail order company that sells NeXT-related
peripherals?

    NeXTconnection
    9 Mill Street
    Marlow, NH 03456
    Voice: 1-800-800-NeXT

____________________________________________________________________________

*** Subject: G3. Is there a NeXT specific magazine?

Yes.  There are also many NeXT specific newsletters, many of which are
available via ftp from the NeXT specific ftp sites (look in
pub/next/newsletters on cs.orst.edu and pub/next/Newsletters on
sonata.cc.purdue.edu - purdue seems to carry more newsletters on line than
orst.).  Some cost money, others don't.


Available from purdue:

SCaNeWS - Southern California NeXT Users Group Newsletter, first issue came
out January 1991.  Edited by Mike Mahoney ([e-mail])

BaNG - Bay Area NeXT Users Group, one item on-line on Purdue.  Edited by  Joe
Barello ([e-mail])

rmNUG NeWS - Rocky Mountain NeXT Users Group Newsletter, latest issue  May 1991
(monthly).  Edited by David Bowdish ([e-mail]).

VNUS Newsletter - Vancouver NeXT Users Group The last issue  was in Nov 91.
Edited by three people, including the  Chairman of VNUS, Lawrence Clarke
([e-mail]).

NeXT Users' Journal, latest issue December/January 1990-1.  Edited by Erica
Liebman ([e-mail]).


Hardcopy:

NeXT on Campus.  NeXT developments in academia.  Call NeXT at 1-800-848-NeXT
for free subscription info.

NeXTworld.  Published quarterly with monthly ad-free newsletters ($23.95).
NeXTWORLD, 501 Second Street, San Francisco, CA 94107 415 978 3182 (phone),
415 978 3196 (fax) NeXTworld email address: [e-mail]

NeXUS.  Published bi-monthly for $36/year. Contact Alfonso Guerra at
{emory|gatech}!nanovx!nexus.

What's NeXT?  The Boston Computer Society NeXT User group produces a NeXT
newsletter called "What's NeXT?" edited by Michael Burress
(pro-angmar![e-mail]) and Eric Celeste
([e-mail]). The Boston Computer Society,  One Kendall Square,
Cambridge, MA 02139-1562 Phone [phone], M-F 9:30-5:30

Nextwatch - published by Skylee Press.  Edited by Arthur Kyle
([e-mail]).  For more information, contact [e-mail].

Bulletin - Gotham Users of NeXT, Inc., latest issue May, 1992 (monthly).
Edited by Robb Allan ([e-mail])

____________________________________________________________________________

*** Subject: G4a. What are the names of some of the ftp sites that have
NeXT-related files?

There are too many to list them all, so are here are just a few.

NeXT:

    cs.orst.edu
    nova.cc.purdue.edu
    sonata.cc.purdue.edu
    umd5.umd.edu
    fiasko.rz-berlin.mpg.de / 141.14.140.32

MIT GNU:

    aeneas.mit.edu

MIT X:

    export.lcs.mit.edu

music:

    princeton.edu


See NextAnswers for more sitenames.

____________________________________________________________________________

*** Subject: G4b. If I am not on the internet, how can I get to the ftp sites
via email?

cc.purdue.edu is configured as an email archive server.  This means you can
upload and download files via email.  Send mail to:
[e-mail] with the subject line help and you will get a
complete description of this service.

Submissions:

Mail should be sent to [e-mail] with the subject of
'submission' (no ticks) if a person is submitting material to the archives.
They need to include a 1-2 sentence description of the submission, the OS
release the product runs on, and if it is source, binary, newsletter, etc.

____________________________________________________________________________

*** Subject: G5. What is the claimed performance of the 68040-25 MHz NeXT
machines?

NeXT advertises the 68040-25MHz machines at 15 MIPS and 2 MFLOPS.
[e-mail] (David Lakritz) posted SPEC results for NeXT on
comp.benchmark

    Model:  NeXTstation Color
    Hardware: 25 MHz 68040
    4K+4K integrated cache
    16 MB memory
    400 MB internal scsi disk

    Software: NeXTstep 2.1 OS
    default tuning parameters
    multiuser, normal background load
    no source code changes to benchmarks
    compilers:
        GNU C 1.36
        Absoft FORTRAN 77 3.1
        Greenhills Fortran-68000 1.8.5 (Grh)

Benchmark       Time       SPECratio    Compiler Flags

001.gcc         96.2            15.41   GNU      -O -fomit-frame-pointer
008.espresso    214.5           10.56   GNU      -O -fomit-frame-pointer
013.spice2g6    2497.7          9.59    Absoft   -f -O
015.doduc       235.9           7.90    Absoft   -f -O -N1 -h4 -H4
020.nasa7       1709.7          11.75   Absoft   -f -O
022.li          408.4           15.20   GNU      -O -fomit-frame-pointer
023.eqntott     113.5           9.70    GNU      -O -fomit-frame-pointer
030.matrix300   426.1           10.62   Grh      -f -OLMA
042.fpppp       274.1           11.08   Absoft   -f -O -Z
047.tomcatv     281.8           9.40    Grh      -f -OLMA

SPECint 12.45
SPECfp 9.97
SPECmark 10.90

    Model: NeXTstation
    Hardware: 25 MHz 68040
    4K+4K integrated cache
    16 MB memory
    330 MB internal scsi disk

    Software: NeXTstep 2.1 OS
    default tuning parameters
    multiuser, normal background load
    no source code changes to benchmarks
    compilers:
        GNU C 1.36
        Absoft FORTRAN 77 3.1
        Greenhills Fortran-68000 1.8.5 (Grh)

Benchmark       Time       SPECratio    Compiler   Flags

001.gcc         103.6           14.31   GNU      -O -fomit-frame-pointer
008.espresso    222.8           10.17   GNU      -O -fomit-frame-pointer
013.spice2g6    2706.6          8.85    Absoft   -f -O
015.doduc       252.2           7.39    Absoft   -f -O -N1 -h4 -H4
020.nasa7       1875.6          10.71   Absoft   -f -O
022.li          425.3           14.59   GNU      -O -fomit-frame-pointer
023.eqntott     116.5           9.45    GNU      -O -fomit-frame-pointer
030.matrix300 464.3             9.75    Grh      -f -OLMA
042.fpppp       309.9           9.80    Absoft   -f -O -Z
047.tomcatv     297.4           8.91    Grh      -f -OLMA

SPECint 11.90
SPECfp  9.17
SPECmark 10.18

____________________________________________________________________________

*** Subject: G6. What are some good references on Objective C?

Objective-C and other useful Object-oriented programming references:

Budd, Timothy, _An Introduction to Object-Oriented Programming_
(Addison-Wesley) [It discusses Smalltalk, Object Pascal, C++ _and_
Objective-C]

Cox, Brad J., _Object Oriented Programming: An Evolutionary Approach_ ISBN
0-201-10393-1. (Addison-Wesley) [Note: 2nd edition - ISBN# is
0-201-54834-8 and has coauthor A.J. Novobilski]

Huizenga, Gerrit, "Slides from a short course on Objective-C" available via
anonymous ftp from sonata.cc.purdue.edu in pub/next/docs/ObjC.frame.Z,
ObjC.ps.Z, or OldObjC.wn.tar.Z

Meyer, Bertrand, _Object-Oriented Software Construction_
(Prentice-Hall).

NeXT Technical Documentation

Pinson and Weiner, _Objective-C:  Object-Oriented Programming Techniques_
(Addison-Wesley).  350 pages, ISBN 0 201 50828 1, paperback.

User Reference Manual for Objective-C which is available from Stepstone
Corporation. [phone].  Note: There are some differences between
Stepstone's Objective-C and NeXT's.

____________________________________________________________________________

*** Subject: G7. How much does the NeXT cost?

A retail price list may be obtained by contacting NeXT at the number or address
mentioned in a previous question.  Educational prices vary depending upon the
university.  The typical educational discount is between twenty and thirty
percent; NeXT offers registered developers about the same discount.

____________________________________________________________________________

*** Subject: G8. Where can I buy a NeXT?

From NeXT, Computer Attic (three locations in southern San Francisco Bay
Area), Abacus Inc (San Francisco), Random Access (Denver), Essex Computers
(N.J.), Farnsworth Computer Centers (Chicago Suburbs), and Advantage
Computers has three locations in Vancouver, Burnaby, and Victoria (British
Columbia). Also possibly from your university if you are a student, faculty or
staff.  if your university does not offer the NeXT, you may be able to buy from
a
"hub" university if the hub program is available in your state (contact NeXT
for more info). Cambridge Electronics is now selling NeXT systems.

____________________________________________________________________________

*** Subject: G9. How do i become a NeRD?  What does it cost?  What is involved?
Who do i contact if i am interested?

NeRD - NeXT Registered Developer

Call the 800 number to get a registration form, fill it out and send it back to
NeXT.

You may register to go to a 5 day developer's camp either in Redwood City, CA,
Chicago, IL, Westport, CT, and Toronto, Canada.  Cost is $1,500  They will
teach
you the essential information needed for developing applications on the
NeXT.  Often reported as an informative and enjoyable experience.

Attendance at Developer Camp is no longer a prerequisite for receiving
technical support.

On the other hand, technical support for developers is no longer free.

____________________________________________________________________________

*** Subject: G10. How do I start an official NeXT User Group?

To start a NeXT group, just send email to "[e-mail]".

____________________________________________________________________________

*** Subject: G11. How do I file a complaint with NeXT?

A number of postings to comp.sys.next indicates that NeXT really should have a
formal channel for complaints.  Complaints are about machines not arriving,
and about the company.  The current mechanism for doing this is to call the 800
number and be directed to the correct support center.

____________________________________________________________________________

*** Subject: G12. Where can I communicate to others interested in doing music
on the NeXT?

Since NeXT has become for now the platform of choice for much of the computer
music composition and research community, the newsgroup comp.music is one
good place to find people with information and interest in music on the NeXT.

There is also a mailing list specifically for NeXT music:

    NeXT Music SIG ([e-mail])

To subscribe, send email to:

    [e-mail]

____________________________________________________________________________

*** Subject: G13. Where can I get NeXTAnswers?

See the answer to G0.

____________________________________________________________________________

*** Subject: G14. What special interest groups exist?

Adobe Illustrator NeXT SIG
    To join, email: [e-mail]
AFS NeXT SIG
    To join, email: [e-mail]
Berkeley Mathematics Software Group
    Email: [e-mail]
Classroom: NeXT Courseware SIG ([e-mail])
    To subscribe: send the following text message to
    [e-mail] --"Subscribe next-classroom <your name>"
Communications/TeleCommunications SIG ([e-mail])
    To subscribe: send email to [e-mail]
    Data GROUP NeXT SIG
    To join, email: [e-mail]
Create Users
    To join email: [e-mail]
DataPhile Users
    To join email: [e-mail]
Executor SIG
    To join, email: [e-mail]
Finnish: FUNeXT (Finnish Users of NeXT)
    To join, send email to: [e-mail]
     and write in body text:
        HELP
        LIST
        SUB FUNeXT
Frame: FUN (Frame Users Network)
    To join, email: [e-mail]
Frame User Network - New England (FUNNE)
    To join, email:  [e-mail]
GIS(Geographical Information Services)SIG ([e-mail])
    To subscribe: send email to [e-mail]
Lotus Improv Email User Group
    To join, email: [e-mail]
Mathematica:Special Interest Group
    To join. email: [e-mail]
Medical: NeXTMed SIG ([e-mail])
    To subscribe: send email to [e-mail]

Music: NeXT Music SIG ([e-mail])
    To subscribe: send email to [e-mail]

NeXT Icon Enthusiasts: [e-mail]
    To subscribe: send e-mail to [e-mail]
NexLAW: Legal NeXT User Group
    To join, email: [e-mail]
NeXTManagers (quick & technical answers) ([e-mail])
    To subscribe: send email to [e-mail]
NeXT Q&A's
    To join, email the text:
     "SUBSCRIBE NEXT-L <your> <name>"
    to [e-mail]
Network & Security Management for Labs & Large Installations
([e-mail])
    To subscribe: send email to [e-mail]
Programmers:  NeXT Programmers SIG ([e-mail])
    To subscribe: send email to [e-mail]
Publishing Interest Group
    To join, email: [e-mail]
Japanese: Kanji and Japanese on the NeXT
    To join - Email: [e-mail]
SCIENCE NeXT User Group (SNUG)
    To join, email: [e-mail]
United Kingdom SIG
    To join, email: [e-mail]
    and [e-mail]

____________________________________________________________________________

*** Subject: G15. Is it true I can get inexpensive 030 cubes from Businessland?

Businessland is no longer in business.

____________________________________________________________________________

*** Subject: G16. How may I let the NeXT user community know of an upcoming
NeXT-related event?

Please send any announcements of upcoming NeXT-related events to

    [e-mail]

These events will be posted to comp.sys.next.announce.  Be sure to send your
announcement in plenty of time to have it posted prior to the event.  One to
two
weeks in advance would be a good idea.

____________________________________________________________________________

*** Subject: G17. What are the guidelines for posting to
comp.sys.next.announce?

Submissions can be sent to [e-mail].

Since postings will be carried across many networks, commercial
announcements may be edited down to reflect network usage policies.  Program
announcements should contain as much information as possible (which ftp
sites, are sources included, is it shareware/freeware/commercial...)
Programs made available via anonymous ftp should not be in submissions
directory.

____________________________________________________________________________

*** Subject: G18. Where can I get NeXT paraphernalia?

The Company Store carries NeXT pencils, pens, decals, t-shirts, mugs,
sweatshirts, tote-bags, turtlenecks and mouse pads.

    The Company Store
    3073 Corvin Dr.
    Santa Clara, CA 95051
    Voice: 800-288-0443
    Voice: [phone]
    FAX: [phone]


____________________________________________________________________________

NeXT-FAQ Editor:
Nathan Janette [e-mail]


--
Nathan Janette        "I'm a NeXTstep man,
Dept MB&B, Yale Univ     I'm a NeXTcube guy"
New Haven, CT
[e-mail] (NeXT)


From: [e-mail] (Nathan F. Janette)
Date: Fri, 13 Nov 1992 19:58:13 GMT
Newsgroups: comp.sys.next.announce
Subject: NeXT-FAQ.internal: Questions about NeXT internal hardware

NeXT-FAQ.internal: Questions about NeXT internal hardware


*** Subject: I1. What can be done about older 030 NeXT cubes that have a fan
that turns in the "wrong" direction?

The fan on older 030 NeXTs cubes sucks air out of the back of the cube  which
means
that it draws unfiltered air in through the optical disk on the front of the
cube.  This causes optical disks to succumb to dust must sooner than cubes with
the new-style fan which turns in the opposite direction.

NeXT has apparently reversed their decision regarding fan reversal in the
case of machines that have been upgraded to 040 processor boards.  It is now
considered okay to reverse the direction of fans in these machines.  If you
have
many third-party cards installed in your cube or an older processor board, you
may wish  to consider not reversing fan direction (overheating could become  a
problem).  In any case, do not reverse the fan's polarity, only reverse the fan
assembly itself.  Perhaps the best solution is  obtain the cleaning kit and OD
filter from NeXT.

____________________________________________________________________________

*** Subject: I2. Can I connect SONY MPX-111N to my 030 cube?

The SONY MPX-111N internal 2.88 MB floppy drive which is shipped with all the
new 040 NeXT machines is *not* a SCSI device, therefor there is no way of
connecting that particular drive internally on an 030 system.

____________________________________________________________________________

*** Subject: I3. Why does the OD continually spins up and spins down?

A big problem with the Canon optical drives is that air flows through the drive
to cool it.  Dust accumulates inside the drive causing it to fail with the
continuous spin-up spin-down syndrome.  NeXT as part of it's 040 upgrades
provides a dust filter to prevent this.  If your drive has this problem it
usually can be fixed simply by cleaning out dust from the drive.  NeXT sells a
cleaning kit for both the drives and the optical disks.

____________________________________________________________________________

*** Subject: I4. How many colors can NeXT machines display?

The monochrome machines can display 4 gray levels.  You can use color apps on a
monochrome machine,  they will converted into monochrome images and dithered
accordingly.

Color NeXTstations can combine 4 bits of red, green and blue primaries for a
total of 4096 "pure" colors.  The imaging functions dither the image to produce
intermediate colors.

NeXTdimension can combine 8 bits of red, green and blue for 16,777,216.  There
are not 16 million points on the display so all can not be displayed at once.
Further display technology limits the usable color space.

None of the NeXT products support color look up tables where the user can
define
their own color palette on a per window basis. This feature is useful for
displaying images which have adaptive lookup tables, and display pure
grayscale images on the color NeXTstation.  On the NeXTdimension images can be
converted to full 24 bit representation.

____________________________________________________________________________

*** Subject: I5. Why is my machine so slow when I run the monochrome and
NeXTdimension displays?

There is a bug with the window system in which if you select the monochrome
display as your primary display the server will be much much slower.  The
solution for those wishing to use both displays is to select the color
(NeXTdimension) display as the primary display.  The most optimal
configuration at present with the NeXTdimension is to run only the color
display.


____________________________________________________________________________

NeXT-FAQ Editor:
Nathan Janette [e-mail]


--
Nathan Janette        "I'm a NeXTstep man,
Dept MB&B, Yale Univ     I'm a NeXTcube guy"
New Haven, CT
[e-mail] (NeXT)


From: [e-mail] (Nathan F. Janette)
Date: Fri, 13 Nov 1992 19:58:45 GMT
Newsgroups: comp.sys.next.announce
Subject: NeXT-FAQ.intro Introduction to Frequently Asked Questions on comp.sys.NeXT

NeXT-FAQ.intro Introduction to Frequently Asked Questions on comp.sys.NeXT

Every four weeks (depending on the phase of the moon) a number of postings are
made to comp.sys.next.announce which are a compilation of answers to
commonly asked questions in the comp.sys.next.* USENET groups.  Not all
questions appear, it is expected that readers have access to NeXT manuals, and
access other on-line sources of information.

The FAQ is broken into sections and posted separately.  These sections focus on
various aspects of the NeXT machine.  Items that appear within sections are not
in any particular order, and get added and removed over time.  Posting the
sections separately allows people to find the sections interesting to them
quickly.  It also allows sections to be easily masked by the news reading
program (ie put FAQ.intro in the kill file).

Within each section each question will be preceded by a "*** Subject:" field,
allowing news readers to break up the file into separate questions.  Each
question has its own unique number.

The FAQ is kept on-line at several sites and may be retrieved at any time:

    sonata.cc.purdue.edu in pub/next/FAQ
    srawgw.sra.co.jp [133.137.4.3]

We are not affiliated with any of the companies mentioned in this posting.  If
you have any corrections, additions, questions, or answers to add to this
list, please send email to:

    [e-mail]


____________________________________________________________________________

NeXT-FAQ Editor:
Nathan Janette [e-mail]

This compilation is meant primarily as a service to the comp.sys.next
community.  Newsletter editors wishing to excerpt from this work for
publication should consider using local electronic bulletin boards to
disseminate this information rather than preparing hardcopies. This allows
for readers to access the most recent information, and perhaps save a couple of
trees.

We do not collect any royalties, charge any fees, or compensate anyone in
connection with this endeavor.

--
Nathan Janette        "I'm a NeXTstep man,
Dept MB&B, Yale Univ     I'm a NeXTcube guy"
New Haven, CT
[e-mail] (NeXT)


From: [e-mail] (Nathan F. Janette)
Date: Fri, 13 Nov 1992 19:59:45 GMT
Newsgroups: comp.sys.next.announce
Subject: NeXT-FAQ.memory: NeXT memory

NeXT-FAQ.memory: NeXT memory


*** Subject: R1. What type of memory may be installed in a NeXT?

[See also NeXTanswers' hardware.620, and "Announcing NeXTstation Turbo and
NeXTcube Turbo" in 92_spring_bulletin]

Remember, RAM replacement voids the warranty on the older products, but is
"allowed" for the Turbo and newer 25-MHz systems.


NeXT Computer (68030-25MHz/68040-25MHz),
NeXTcube (68040-25MHz):

Cubes have 16 SIMM slots.  SIMMs must be installed in groups of 4 in these
machines.

Use low-profile 30-pin 1 or 4 MB SIMMs with 100 ns minimum access time.  The
low-profile vertically mounted 4 MB SIMMs are easier to install in the
NeXTcube than the horizontally mounted 4 MB SIMMs because of the small height
clearance above the SIMM slots.  It is possible to install the horizontally
mounted 4 MB SIMMs, but you will be required to slide the CPU board and the
center
tower in simultaneously.

Parity (9-bit) SIMMs can be used in both 68030 and 68040 NeXT machines, but
should not be mixed with non-parity SIMMs. Only 68040 boards with ROM levels of
2.2 (v63) and higher can use the parity memory to detect parity errors.


One user adds the following unverified claims:

[It is OK to mix parity and non-parity memory, but the system will not boot
unattended. Cubes with early boot ROMs will not work with 4 Mb parity ram,
unless at least 3 banks are used.  The system gives an exception error on power
up. The fix is to get a new boot rom from Next.  You can pay $30, or you may be
able to
squawk and get one for free.  I have found Next to be pretty responsive, once I
find the right person.]


NeXTdimension boards (i860):

These boards have 8 SIMM slots. SIMMs must be installed in groups of four on
the
NeXTdimension board.

Use 72-pin 1, 4, or 8 MB SIMMs with 80 ns or faster access time.  The SIMMs are
organized 256Kx32 or 1Mx32 for non-parity systems, and 256Kx36 and 1Mx36 for
parity.


NeXTstation (68040-25MHz),
NeXTstation Color (68040-25MHz) (older styles):

NeXT manufacturing introduced the new 25 MHz NeXTstation CPU board into
production in late June. To verify which SIMM type your machine uses, check the
system's memory configuration. You can do this by using the ROM monitor s
print memory configuration command m. Start with your machine powered down.
Press the Power key to power on. As soon as the message  Testing system...
disappears, press command-command-tilde (~ on the numeric keyboard). Under
these circumstances, this will access the ROM monitor. In the ROM monitor,
type m and press return. Turbo-designed boards including new 25 MHz
NeXTstations and all Turbo systems will return messages reporting the
memory configuration contained in four sockets (sockets 0 -3); old 25 MHz
boards will return messages for more than four sockets (usually 8).   You can
tell a Turbo-designed board, and the accompanying 72 pin, 70 nanosecond
SIMMs, by the fact it only reports information for only four sockets.

Older NeXTstations have 8 SIMM slots. SIMMs must be installed in groups of 4 in
these machines. Use 30-pin 1 or 4 MB SIMMs with 100 ns minimum access time.

Older NeXTstation Colors have 8 SIMM slots. SIMMs must be installed in groups
of two. Use 72-pin 1 or 4 MB SIMMs with 80 ns or faster access time.  The SIMMs
are
organized 256Kx32 or 1Mx32 for non-parity systems, and 256Kx36 and 1Mx36 for
parity.


NeXTcube Turbo (68040-33MHz),
NeXTstation Turbo (68040-33MHz),
NeXTstation Color Turbo (68040-33MHz),
newer NeXTstations (68040-25MHz),
newer NeXTstation Color (68040-25MHz):

These systems have only 4 SIMM slots, but they can take double-sided SIMMs.
SIMMs must be installed in groups of two in these machines.

Use 72-pin 4, 8, 16, or 32 MB SIMMs with 100 ns minimum access time. For
maximum
performance use 70 ns SIMMs.


[John Graves, Hardware Engineering, NeXT Computer, Inc. adds]

The memory system has programmable memory timing such that the number of
processor clocks needed to access a given amount of data can be tailored to the
speed of the memory installed. 70 ns memory is just enough faster than 80 ns
memory to allow the cpu to access the data with fewer clock cycles. This
improves memory system performance.

"70 ns" memory is faster than "80 ns" memory in many parameters other than just
RAS access time. The faster CAS access time in particular allows the memory
system to respond quicker to burst (16 bytes) bus transfers.

____________________________________________________________________________

*** Subject: R2. What is the NeXT SIMM tool?

The tool came with 68040 upgrade kits for NeXTcubes.

It really makes removing SIMMs easy.  It looks like a dental tool: about six
inches long with a 1/2" long head offset at 90 degrees.  To remove SIMMs, you
slip
the head into the hole on one side of the SIMM, rest the head on the SIMM
socket
next to the SIMM you are pulling, and pivot the tool back, using the simple
fulcrum to gently pry the SIMM up about 1/8" from the socket on that side.
Repeat
on the other side, and the SIMM can be then removed by hand.

____________________________________________________________________________

*** Subject: R3. Where can I purchase memory for a NeXT?

This list does not necessarily contain all vendors. Suggestions for
additional vendors welcome!


*** PRICES ARE CHANGING DAILY ***


South Coast Electronics
Tustin, CA
[phone]
714-669-9503
Contact: Jim

[Prices current as of 12-Nov-92]

30 Pin SIMMs
1x8-80ns     1 Mb SIMM   $ 38/44(PO Price)
4x8-80ns     4 Mb SIMM   $152/175

72 Pin SIMMs
8 MB Kit        (non parity)    $320/369
16 MB Kit    (non parity)    $640/738
32 MB Kit    (non parity)    call for price

8 MB Kit        (parity)    $360/415
16 MB Kit    (parity)    $733/846
32 MB Kit    (parity)    call for price

MC/Visa same as cash, Purchase Orders more.


Impediment

[phone]
Contact: Alex

[Prices current as of 11-Aug-92]

30 Pin SIMMs
1x8-80ns     1 Mb SIMM   $ *
4x8-80ns     4 Mb SIMM   $ *

72 Pin SIMMs
1x32-80ns     4 Mb SIMM   $ *
1x32-70ns     4 Mb SIMM   $ *
2x32-80ns     8 Mb SIMM   $ *
2x32-70ns     8 Mb SIMM   $ *

* Refused to give pricing!  Also has parity SIMMs.


Stratum Technologies
Austin, TX
800-533-1744
512-258-3570
Contact: Ted, Mike

[Prices current as of 12-Nov-92]

30 Pin SIMMs
1x8-80ns     1 Mb SIMM   $ 34
(1x8-60ns in lots over 100 $30)
4x8-80ns     4 Mb SIMM   $ 118

1x9-80ns     1 Mb SIMM   $38
4x9-80ns     4 Mb SIMM   $140

72 Pin SIMMs
1x32-70ns     4 Mb SIMM    $122
2x32-70ns     8 Mb SIMM    $245
4x32-70ns    16 Mb SIMM    $550

1x36-70ns     4 Mb SIMM    $142
2x36-70ns     8 Mb SIMM    $280
4x36-70ns    16 Mb SIMM    $625

Lifetime Warranty.


Marco International

800-621-4668 (Within US/Canada)
303-449-9191
Contact: Lisa

[Prices current as of 12-Nov-92]

30 Pin SIMMs
1x8-80ns     1 Mb SIMM    $ 36
4x8-80ns     4 Mb SIMM    $ 122

72 Pin SIMMs
1x32-80ns     4 Mb SIMM    $129
1x32-70ns     4 Mb SIMM    $129
2x32-80ns     8 Mb SIMM    $256
2x32-70ns     8 Mb SIMM    $256
4x36-70ns    16 Mb SIMM    $530

Parity also available.
Lifetime Warranty, toll-free support, 24hr RMA.


Chip Merchant
9541 Ridgehaven Court
San Diego, CA 92123
[phone]


____________________________________________________________________________

NeXT-FAQ Editor:
Nathan Janette [e-mail]


--
Nathan Janette        "I'm a NeXTstep man,
Dept MB&B, Yale Univ     I'm a NeXTcube guy"
New Haven, CT
[e-mail] (NeXT)


From: [e-mail] (Nathan F. Janette)
Date: Fri, 13 Nov 1992 20:00:08 GMT
Newsgroups: comp.sys.next.announce
Subject: NeXT-FAQ.misc: tidbits

NeXT-FAQ.misc: tidbits


*** Subject: M1. Is there any way to change the text in the title bar of a
terminal window?

There is no way of changing the title bar of a Terminal window, but with Stuart
2.4 you can change the title of the current window from the command line. In
Stuart is possible to get more descriptive titles by linking /usr/ucb/rsh to
/usr/hosts/<hostname>.  Then by adding /usr/hosts to your Stuart ShellPath
you can then get the hostname into the title bar:

    $ dwrite StuartShellPaths <various dirs>:/usr/hosts

You should then type in the hostname as the shell to invoke (disable the "Shell
reads .login file" for this.  You can also add hosts to your .Stuartrc file:

    Shell=golem.ps.uci.edu
    SourceDotLogin=NO
    WinLocX=545
    WinLocY=563
    Lines=24
    |
    WinLocX=76
    WinLocY=833

For the localhost, link /bin/csh to /usr/hosts/<name>, or even better
/usr/local/bin/tcsh instead of using rsh


[Garance A Drosehn <[e-mail]>] adds:

For what it's worth, I do this with a script called "telnet_to" and a (bash)
function called "telnet_window".  The function simply does a

     local soil_pars="-Lines 32 -Keypad YES -Reverse YES -Strict YES -TestExit
YES";
     soil -Shell "telnet_to $1" $soil_pars

and the script is just:

     #!bin/sh
     /usr/ucb/telnet $*
     echo ' '
     echo '  -->   telnet exited, press enter to close window.'
     read -r Waste_Var
     exit 0

This has a number of advantages, not the least of which being that I can pop up
a
"telnet_window" to anywhere.  I don't have to create links for each host
(though I do create aliases for the most common hosts), and I can type
"telnet_window" (or, e.g., "tel_aix") as a unix command.  Also, if I lose the
connection suddenly then the window stays around until I get a chance to see
what happened.  I use telnet instead of rsh because I generally connect to
hosts
which won't accept rsh's.

____________________________________________________________________________

*** Subject: M2. Can I put both a 68030 and a 68040 system board in a single
NeXT cube?

There is a company which plans to offer hardware (extra CPU boards) and
software support solutions for the OD with Turbo NeXTcubes.

For more information:

    Sam Goldberger
    Spherical Solutions
    [e-mail]
    415-383-7512


[Note that we have no first hand experience with this problem, we have compiled
what we consider to be an accurate report.  We acknowledge conflicting reports
where appropriate.]

In general Mach may be configured as a multiprocessor operating system;
however, the NeXT kernel is only configured to deal with one processor. This
configuration can not be changed without access to the kernel sources.
[hopefully NeXT will offer a multiprocessor version of the NeXT operating
system at some future date]

Some have asked about the possibility of installing the 030 board for use as a
printserver or other CPU-intensive task server.  In this hypothetical setup,
each CPU would run its own copy of the operating system (essentially two
different computers sharing the same cube).

This might be workable except for the fact that even if the NBIC (NextBus
Interface Chip) chip is removed, the CPU board probes the  bus for slot ID [**a
conflicting report comes from Richard Dib who heard that someone ran a cube
with the CPU in another slot].

You could do hardware modification to the 68030 board which would isolate it
enough to use only the cube as a power supply, however you can not run two
monochrome monitor heads off the cube power supply. In this case you would
probably want to first boot the 68030 with a display head, set the boot prom to
boot off ttya, and attach an ascii terminal to that serial port.

____________________________________________________________________________

*** Subject: M3. Where is libc.a under 2.0?

From the developer's release notes concerning the 2.0 NeXT Operating System
Software available on-line with 2.0 extended:

    /NextLibrary/Documentation/NextDev/ReleaseNotes/OperatingSystem.rtf

- libc.a is not shipped with release 2.0.  All routines contained in   libc.a
are
also contained in the shared library libsys.a which should be used instead of
libc.a.  libc.a is not shipped because  as a normal archive it is impossible
for
improvements and system interface changes made to library routines to be
applicable to  existing applications without those applications being
relinked.   Applications referencing shared libraries, because they are
bound at runtime, always access the most recent release.  Release 1.0
applications linked against libc.a may not be compatible with  release 2.0
until they are relinked with libsys.a.


*** Subject: M4. How do I get pictures of people from remote sites to appear in
Mail.app and NewsGrazer?

Mail.app:
In /LocalLibrary/Images/People put a tiff (64x64) in the form of
[e-mail] (all lowercase). In
/LocalLibrary/Images/People/passwd add an entry for the person:
[e-mail]:*:-2:-2::/nodir:/noshell (person and
sitename need to be all lowercase as well)...  In the future anytime you get
mail
from the person their picture should appear.

You can include an "aliases" file in /LocalLibrary/Images/People too.  This
allows you to use the same picture for somebody that might send you mail from
accounts on many different sites, or for those people whose letters use
several different routings.

To do this, you include entries in this local aliases file like so:

    [e-mail]:bkohler.gonzo.ucr.edu
    gonzo.ucr.edu![e-mail]:bkohler.gonzo.ucr.edu

There should then be a .tiff file called bkohler.gonzo.ucr.edu.tiff.

There can be no CAPITAL LETTERS in this file.  So even if the address in the
~From:
field looks like gonzo.ucr.edu![e-mail], keep the letters
lowercase in the aliases file.

As always, you have to restart Mail.app before these changes take effect.


NewsGrazer:
In /LocalLibrary/NewsGrazer/People put a tiff (64x64) in the form of
person.remote.site.domain (all lowercase).  This is a different naming
convention from what Mail.app uses.

There is a large archive of some 4000 or 5000 pictures prepared for this
purpose. The name of this archive is Faces3.tar.Z and it is about 4.1 MBytes
large. Currently it is available from several anon ftp sites (e.g.
sonata.cc.purdue.edu) in:

    /pub/next/graphics/Images/icons/people.

That image archive also contains a script which automatically creates proper
alias and passwd files.

____________________________________________________________________________

*** Subject: M5. How do I access the "help" facilities in Mathematica 1.0?

While the help dialog doesn't show anything, you can get the help info by
clicking on the place where the slider bar should be.  This tidbit doesn't seem
to work on all systems though, and will be irrelevant once the new version of
Mathematica comes out. [Which it has].

____________________________________________________________________________

*** Subject: M6. How do I find out what are the defaults for a NeXT
application?

A command line utility for examining defaults is available from
sutro.sfsu.edu:/pub/wmdefaults1.0.tar.Z.

A PD App, DefaultMgr.app, is available on the NeXT ftp archives.

A more brute approach (done by DefaultMgr.app):

Start the application under gdb, and then try the following sequence of
commands:

    break  *0x500976a
    commands 1
    silent
    printf "%s: ", *$a2
    output {char *}(4+$a2)
    echo \n
    cont
    end
    run

____________________________________________________________________________

*** Subject: M7. How do I run NextApps remotely?

On the local machine make sure you have public window server access, this is
set
from the Preferences application.  On the foreign NeXT machine run the
application from a terminal window with the -NXHost <local_machine_name>.
Both machines should be running the same version of NeXTstep.

____________________________________________________________________________

*** Subject: M8. Why does UUCP hangs on outgoing connections after sending the
password, but other communications software do not have a problem with it?

What is happening is that the remote machine is waiting for you to end your
login
or password by typing a "Return" (aka ^M or CR or CARRIAGE RETURN).  UUCP ends
a
line by sending a LineFeed (aka ^J or LF).  Since UUCP doesn't send the CR, the
login sequence is never completed, and you will usually get one of two error
messages:

    wanted "password:" (means that username needs to end with a CR)
    imsg waiting for SYNC< (means that password needs to end with CR)

So how do you get UUCP to send CR, instead of LF?

End the send string with the sequence \n\c.  For instance this line in L.sys
will
send a LF after login, but a CR after password.

    myfeed Any DIR 9600 cub "" ATTD19095551212 9600 \
    "" ogin:--ogin: Unext ssword: secret\n\c

____________________________________________________________________________

*** Subject: M9. How do I access the NeXT's Digital Websters Dictionary from a
program?

Get Jiro Nakamura's define program from the archiver servers define.tar.Z.
This will allow you to access the database from the command line.

____________________________________________________________________________

*** Subject: M10. How do I remap the \ and | keys on my keyboard?

NeXT introduced a new keyboard configuration with the 040 products. The \|
keys which had been located on the main keyboard was moved to the numeric
keypad.  Many users have since complained about it, and a work around is to
remap
these keys using the demo application Keyboard
(/NextDeveloper/Demos/Keyboard), Mike Carlton's keyboardfix program (on
cs.orst.edu next/sources/next-interface/keyboardfix.tar.Z) which lets
you put these keys on shift-return or shift-delete.  One can hope that there
will be a choice of keyboards in the future.

____________________________________________________________________________

*** Subject: M11. Why doesn't email registration to Mathematica work?

There is a bug with this option where the mail instead of being sent to Wolfram
is
stored in /tmp/email.message. This file seems to be suitable for mailing to
[e-mail]

____________________________________________________________________________

*** Subject: M12. How do I stop NeXTMail/Sendmail adding\ ^Ms onto the end of
lines?

In /etc/sendmail.cf make this change:

[old code]

    #####        UUCP Mailer specification
    #####
    Muucp,    P=/usr/bin/uux, F=msDFMhuU, S=13, R=23,

[new code]

    #####        UUCP Mailer specification
    #####
    Muucp,    P=/usr/bin/uux, F=msDFMhuU, S=13, R=23, E=\n,

____________________________________________________________________________

*** Subject: M13. Where can I get black spray paint for my NeXT?

Sprayon Paint
Omni-Packblend
4Next-Black (icon black)
LAV-16
25216

Call 1-800-777-2966 for the name of a dealer near you. It's nominally $2.75/16
oz. can.

____________________________________________________________________________

*** Subject: M14. What default affects menu location?

dwrite GLOBAL NXMenuX <value>
dwrite GLOBAL NXMenuY <value>

____________________________________________________________________________

*** Subject: M15. How to get Gourmet to boot up the Mathematica 2.0 kernel?

Login as root, or get root privileges running 'su', and execute the following
five commands:

    mkdirs /NextApps/Mathematica.app/Kernel/NeXT
    cd /NextApps/Mathematica.app/Kernel
    ln -s uuuuu/Mathematica.app/Kernel/Display Utilities
    cd NeXT
    ln -s vvvvv/math mathexe

where uuuuu is the directory where Mathematica.app was placed (typically,
/LocalApps) and vvvvv is the directory where the executable 'math' was placed
(typically, /usr/local/bin)

____________________________________________________________________________

*** Subject: M16. How to have the hostname show up on the NeXT login screen?

As root:

    dwrite loginwindow HostName localhost

The "localhost" will be replaced with your system name.

____________________________________________________________________________

*** Subject: M17: How does one set UNIX man pages to be viewed in nroff format
with DL like the standard manual pages?

Beyond looking in the man pages under ixBuild, etc., what you want to do is put
a
few files (contents listed below file name) the .index directory:

    .roffArgs:
    -man

    displayCommand:
    tbl %s | nroff -man

    ixBuildOptions:
    -fman -Nwhatis -Ncat[1-8ln] -V

Other options that people suggested for ixBuildOptions:

    -fman -Nwhatis -Ncat[1-8] -V /usr/local/man
    -fman -Nwhatis -V /usr/local/man/man*

I don't think you need to explicitly name the directory in the first
alternative, but you do in the second unless you want the cat* directories
indexed as well.

Note: Do NOT leave a trailing return after the line in ixBuildOptions; DL will
barf.  (I think someone said that, as shipped, the standard man .index/
ixBuildOptions had this problem.)

____________________________________________________________________________

*** Subject: M18: Can I automatically have my ~/.signature file appended to
mail I send with Mail.app?

I want to automatically add additional header lines to mail going  out from
Mail.app (such as Reply-To or X-faces headers). Can this be  done?

[Carl Edman]

Yes, on both counts. First create a simple text file the following  content:

    #!/bin/sh
    {
    if test -r ${HOME}/.add-header; then cat ${HOME}/.add-header; fi
    cat -
    if test -r ${HOME}/.signature; then echo "--"; cat ${HOME}/.signature;
    fi
    }| /usr/lib/sendmail "$@"

A good name for this file would be "sendmail-addheader". If you want to  and
can
install it for system-wide use put this file in e.g. /usr/lib.  Otherwise your
private ~/Unix/bin directory is also fine. Make certain  that this file has
execute permission. To set that, use e.g. "chmod 755
/usr/lib/sendmail-addheader".

Next, open up the preferences panel in Mail.app. Switch to the expert  options.
Change the Mailer option from "/usr/lib/sendmail" (which it  should
originally be) to "/usr/lib/sendmail-addheader" (or whatever the  name of
the file you created is). OK this and you should be set.

From now on your ~/.signature file should always be appended to all  mail sent
out with Mail.app. In addition if you have a file called  add-header in your
home-directory it should automatically be prepended  to your outgoing mail.
To implement a reply-to line, you would simply  give it the following content:

    Reply-to: My Real Human Name <[e-mail]>

IMPORTANT: Make certain that you have one and exactly one newline at  the end
of
~/.add-header. Anything might break outgoing mail. Beware !

BUG: The ~/.signature file is not added properly for NeXT mail  containing
attachments. The headers will still be added properly. This  could be fixed but
probably is more of a hassle than it is worth.

____________________________________________________________________________

*** Subject: M19: How can I quickly find a file if I don't know it's directory?

The Unix 'find' command on the NeXT has the capability of quickly searching a
database of all the files.  This database is located in /etc/find.codes and has
to be generated periodically.  You can automatically generate this database,
say twice a week at 3:15 a.m., by adding this line to your file
/etc/crontab.local (you might have to create this file).

15 03 * * 2,5 root    /usr/lib/find/updatedb > /usr/adm/updatedb.err

After this has run, you can quickly find any file from a terminal by typing


    find pattern

where pattern is a part of the file name you want (it is case-sensitive).


____________________________________________________________________________

NeXT-FAQ Editor:
Nathan Janette [e-mail]


--
Nathan Janette        "I'm a NeXTstep man,
Dept MB&B, Yale Univ     I'm a NeXTcube guy"
New Haven, CT
[e-mail] (NeXT)


From: [e-mail] (Nathan F. Janette)
Date: Fri, 13 Nov 1992 20:00:33 GMT
Newsgroups: comp.sys.next.announce
Subject: NeXT-FAQ.NeXTSTEP486: Questions about NeXTSTEP 486

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.

____________________________________________________________________________

*** 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.

____________________________________________________________________________

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

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

____________________________________________________________________________

*** 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 "[e-mail]."

____________________________________________________________________________

*** 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.

____________________________________________________________________________

*** 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.

____________________________________________________________________________

*** 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.

____________________________________________________________________________

*** 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.

____________________________________________________________________________

*** 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.

____________________________________________________________________________

*** 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.

____________________________________________________________________________

*** 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.

____________________________________________________________________________

*** 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!

____________________________________________________________________________

*** 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.

____________________________________________________________________________

*** 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.

____________________________________________________________________________

*** 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.

____________________________________________________________________________

*** 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.

____________________________________________________________________________

*** 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.

____________________________________________________________________________

*** 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.

____________________________________________________________________________

*** 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.

____________________________________________________________________________

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

No. The Cyrix chip not a true 486.

____________________________________________________________________________

*** 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.

____________________________________________________________________________

*** 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.

____________________________________________________________________________

*** 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.

____________________________________________________________________________

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

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

____________________________________________________________________________

*** 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.

____________________________________________________________________________

*** 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.

____________________________________________________________________________

*** 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.

____________________________________________________________________________

*** 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.

____________________________________________________________________________

*** 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.

____________________________________________________________________________

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

Of course. Just like all NeXT Computers.

____________________________________________________________________________

*** 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.


____________________________________________________________________________

NeXT-FAQ Editor:
Nathan Janette [e-mail]


--
Nathan Janette        "I'm a NeXTstep man,
Dept MB&B, Yale Univ     I'm a NeXTcube guy"
New Haven, CT
[e-mail] (NeXT)


From: [e-mail] (Nathan F. Janette)
Date: Fri, 13 Nov 1992 20:02:29 GMT
Newsgroups: comp.sys.next.announce
Subject: NeXT-FAQ.os: Questions about the NeXT operating system

NeXT-FAQ.os: Questions about the NeXT operating system

*** Subject: O1. What preliminary information is there about NeXTstep 486?

See the separate FAQ file on NeXTSTEP-486!

____________________________________________________________________________

*** Subject: O2. Why does NeXTstep Release 1.0 hang a few seconds after
attempting to boot?

Release 1.0 contains a bug that can corrupt the kernel /odmach if a user
attempts to launch /odmach from the browser.  The solution is to copy a clean
/odmach from another NeXT system. Be sure to change the permissions of the
newly installed /odmach to remove execute permissions to prevent future
occurrences of the same problem.  Release 1.0a and 2.0 do not have this
problem.

It is possible for the sdmach to get corrupted in the same way. Boot from the
OD,
copy an uncorrupted version of the kernel to the hard disk, and remove the
execute bits from sdmach.

____________________________________________________________________________

*** Subject: O3. How much free disk space is available on the NeXTstation and
NeXTcube?

For NeXTstep 2.n:

As shipped, the 105MB NeXTstation has less than 25 MB free. Note: The swap
space
is by default configured to 16MB with a low water mark of 20MB (the system does
not attempt to reduce the size of the swapfile space until the swapfile grows
past the low water mark).

The extended release takes 179M, including a 16M swapfile, and not including
Mathematica or Sybase (this is from a virgin install of 2.0 extended from an
optical).

____________________________________________________________________________

*** Subject: O4. What software is bundled with the new 040 NeXT machines?

Both the 105MB and 200MB systems come with Release 2.0 preinstalled. The
systems with larger hard disks have Release 2.0 Extended preinstalled.  The
price of all of the new systems includes the cost of the software license.
Note
that the price of the 040 upgrade for 030 machines does not include the cost of
the software license.


RELEASE 2.0 includes:

    *End User Applications
        Workspace Mgr(tm),
        NeXT Mail(tm),
        Digital Webster(tm) (9th Collegiate Dictionary(r)
        and Collegiate Thesaurus(r)),
        Digital Librarian(tm),
        Edit,
        Mathematica(r) [for higher education customers only],
        DataViz/Bridge(tm),
        Installer,
        FaxReader,
        Preferences,
        Preview for Post Script,
        PrintManager
    *Developer Tools
        VT100(tm) Terminal Emulator [based on Stuart]
    *System Administration Applications
        BuildDisk,
        InstallTablet,
        Mail Manager,
        NetInfo Manager,
        NetManager,
        Printer Tester,
        User Manager,
        Installer

RELEASE 2.0 (extended) adds:

    *End User Applications
        Oxford(r) Dictionary of Quotations,
        William Shakespeare-The Complete Works (DL),
        TEX(tm) Document Processing System (Radical Eye Software).
    *Developer Tools
        Interface Builder(tm),
        Objective-C(r) Language Compiler,
        C++ Language Compiler,
        Objective-C Class Definitions,
        56001 DSP Tools,
        GNU Emacs,
        GNU Debugger,
        BUG-56(tm) Debugger (Ariel),
        Malloc Debugger,
        AppInspector(tm),
        PostScript Tools,
        Application Kit(tm),
        Music Kit(tm),
        Sound Kit(tm),
        On-line technical documentation

You are allowed to copy software from the extended release from a friend if you
are licensed to run 2.0.

Digital Webster is not complete except in the "extended" release.

WriteNow(R) is no longer bundled as a full App. A crippled, read-only version
will continue to be bundled.

____________________________________________________________________________

*** Subject: O5. Can I delete /odmach or /sdmach and save 700K?

Go ahead and delete it if you want.  However, you might as well leave it there
since sdmach and odmach are links to the same file (i.e. you won't save much
space by deleting it).

Better to look for random core files!  Icon.app generates quite a lot of core
dumps.

____________________________________________________________________________

*** Subject: O6. NeXTstep 2.0 machines report an error on the console:
"loginwindow: netinfo problem - No such directory."  Is this a problem?

The netinfo problem is because the /keyboard directory is missing. It's
benign...

[EPS adds]

"But annoying.
    niutil -create . /keyboard"

Fixed in 2.1.

____________________________________________________________________________

*** Subject: O7. Under NeXTstep 2.0 running UUCP and other incoming connections
hangs the modem serial line: what can I do?

There is a bug in the serial driver which causes getty to get stuck. The
situation arises after a successful uucico connection, subsequent
connections via modem will get a connection with the modem, but no login
prompt.  This is caused by getty hanging.  A simple work around  is to have a
process run in cron to reset the getty every 15 minutes:

    #! /bin/sh -u
    PIDS=`ps -ax | bm getty | grep -v bm | awk '{print $1}'`
    kill -TERM $PIDS

Of course trying to connect when the script is running will not allow you to
connect, try again a minute later.  This fix will not affect on-going UUCP or
interactive connections.  This will probably be fixed in the next kernel
release.

This bug is corrected in 2.1

____________________________________________________________________________

*** Subject: O8. Applications installed in /LocalApps are not being found on my
NeXTstep 2.0 system.

Workspace has its own internal application path.  In 2.0 /LocalApps was
omitted.  Improv needs to have /LocalApps in the Workspace path if you have
Improve installed in /LocalApps.  The work around in 2.0 only is:

    dwrite Workspace ApplicationPaths
"~/Apps:/LocalApps:/NextApps:/NextDeveloper/Apps:/NextAdmin:/NextDeveloper/Demo
s
    (one continuous line! - pasc)

This bug is corrected in 2.1, and hopefully all subsequent releases.

____________________________________________________________________________

*** Subject: O9. Why can't root login onto client machines?

A number of people have complained about the situation where root can log onto
the configuration server, but not its clients.  Login proceeds normally, then
a window with "Workspace error Internal error (signal 10)" pops up.  Other
users are not affected.

This scenario occurs with NetBooted clients that are not permitted root
access to / via the server's /etc/exports file, either via an explicit root=
option or [the most heinous] anon=0. For security reasons many sites will NOT
want to permit such access.

Note that what you're up against is only a Workspace Manager misfeature;
there's no problem logging in as root on the real UNIX console, or logging in
as a
non-root user and then using "su" to obtain root privileges.

Root access is needed to:

- Log in a root Workspace.
- Perform BuildDisk on a client.
- Run the GuidedTour demo for the first time subsequent invocations will not
autologin, but they will run just fine if you log in as NextTour (no password).

It is not required to perform updates on the local NetInfo database, for any
normal user operations, nor to run programs requiring root access on the
server using -NXHost.

____________________________________________________________________________

*** Subject: O10. How to boot a NeXT from the second (higher SCSI ID) HD?

    bsd(1,0,0) -a

which will then ask you for the drive to use as the root disk, or still easier,

    bsd(1,0,0)sdmach rootdev=sd1

____________________________________________________________________________

*** Subject: O11. How to make swapfile shrink to the "normal" size?

The swapfile is located in /private/vm.  The only current way to make it shrink
is to reboot the machine.

Putting a space after the comma in /etc/swaptab (lowat=###,hiwat=###) makes
swapon ignore the hiwat entry.

____________________________________________________________________________

*** Subject: O12. Does netinfo work between machines running NeXTstep 2.n and
3.0?

Yes.


____________________________________________________________________________

NeXT-FAQ Editor:
Nathan Janette [e-mail]


--
Nathan Janette        "I'm a NeXTstep man,
Dept MB&B, Yale Univ     I'm a NeXTcube guy"
New Haven, CT
[e-mail] (NeXT)


From: [e-mail] (Nathan F. Janette)
Date: Fri, 13 Nov 1992 20:02:44 GMT
Newsgroups: comp.sys.next.announce
Subject: NeXT-FAQ.peripherals:  Questions about peripherals for the NeXT

NeXT-FAQ.peripherals:  Questions about peripherals for the NeXT


*** Subject: P1. What type of microphones will work with the NeXT?

Some NeXT owners use the RadioShack (Realistic) Tie Clip Microphone ($19.95)
cat 33-1052.  NeXT Computer, Inc. uses the "Sony Electret Condenser
Microphone ECM-K7" in-house (available for ~$60).  Some use Sony Tie-Clip
microphone, #ECM-144, which costs around $40.  Others have successfully used
a WalMart brand microphone (available for ~$6).

____________________________________________________________________________

*** Subject: P2. How do I connect a modem to the NeXT?

Previously, we suggested that people use Mac modem cables; however, it has
come to our attention that there is no one standard Mac modem cable.  Since
correct modem operation on a NeXT depends upon a correctly wired modem cable,
buying a Mac cable is not a good idea.  Some Mac cables do not allow dial-in
and no
Mac cable allows the use of hardware flow control.  For these reasons, we are
recommending that only cables that meet NeXT specifications be used.
[however, if you have a Mac modem cable lying around and don't care about
dial-in or hardware flow control, then by all means....]

These cables are available commercially from NextConnection, and from
Computer Cables and Devices, or can be custom built.  Note that no off-
the-shelf Mac cable will allow hardware flow control.  It is however possible
to make a such a cable from an Imagewriter II cable by replacing one of the
mini-8
ends with a DB-25 connector.

Hardware flow control is absolutely essential for all serial port
connections with speeds of 9600 bps and above. Make certain that you cable
supports it, your modem is configured to use it and you are using the hardware
flowcontrol devices /dev/cuf[ab], /dev/ttydf[ab] and /dev/ttyf[ab],
respectively.

Most people use tip or kermit to control the modem.  SLIP and/or UUCP may also
be
used (but are more complicated to set up and require the remote machine to also
have SLIP and/or UUCP (respectively)).

The 2.0 Network and System Administration Manual, which is available in
hard-copy (shipped with each machine) contains an extensive description of
how to use modems with the NeXT machine.  Additionally NeXT in their
TechSupportNotes series called SerialPortDoc.wn and UUCP for 1.0/1.0a
systems .  This document is available from most FTP sites that carry
NextAnswers.  Also, try to obtain the comp.sys.next note by Mark Adler
entitled "How to connect a modem" (reposted 5 Jan 91) [Adler's note does
contain info on the changes required to connect a modem to the 68040 NeXTs]

____________________________________________________________________________

*** Subject: P3. Are there any alternative sources for the SCSI-II to SCSI-I
cable required to attach external SCSI devices to the 040 NeXTs?

Yes.  This cable is the same as the one used by Sun SparcStations and
DecStation
5000's (but not DecStation 3100's which use 68-pin micro rather than the 50pin
micro connector used on NeXT 040, Suns and DecStation 5000).

[Carl Lowenstein adds]

The implication that a Sun SparcStation cable can be used with NeXT
peripherals is generally false.  NeXT themselves, and DEC, and nearly
everyone else who makes SCSI peripherals, puts Telco-50 (centronics)
connectors on their devices.  Sun in their infinite wisdom uses DD50 which are
quite different.  Telco-50 is an approved connector type in the SCSI spec.

Probably the original point was that the 50-pin microSCSI on the NeXT and Sun
and some DecStations was different from the 68-pin microSCSI on the
DecStation 5000.  But this does not address the other end of the cable.

____________________________________________________________________________

*** Subject: P4. What fax modems will work with the NeXT?

The following fax modems are currently available for the NeXT Computer:

    Manufacturer, Model Supplier, Phone        Avail.  Type
    ----------------------------------------------------------------
    DoveFax for NeXT, Dove Computer, ???    Now     Class 1
    HSD FaxMaster, HSD Microcomputer, 800-828-5522Now     Class 2*
    mix fax, i link GmbH, [phone]    Now     Class 2**

(*)Note that the Class 2 is not yet approved; it is still out for ballot, after
having failed in an October 1990 round.  The Abaton InterFax 24/96 NX driver
supports Class 2 as it was in that draft;  there are expected to be very few
changes prior to approval.

(**)Note that mix fax works with both the October 1990 and October 1991 draft
versions of Class 2, especially with the NeXT supplied Class 2 modem driver.
Upgrading to an approved version of  Class 2 would be a matter of just a
software
update (holds true for any forthcoming (class 3?) standard, for that matter).

In order to use a fax modem with the NeXT Computer, a NeXT compatible fax
driver
must be available to operate the modem.  Modem control procedures may be
proprietary or conform to one of the following EIA/TIA standards:

Class 1: CCITT T.30 session management and CCITT T.4 image data handling are
controlled by the driver.

Class 2*: CCITT T.30 session management and image data transport are handled
by the modem.  CCITT T.4 image data preparation and interpretation are
controlled by the driver.

Release 2.0 of the NeXT system software includes a Class 2 modem driver which
will work with any fax modem which meets the EIA/TIA Asynchronous Facsimile
Control standard.  Other fax modems must supply a NeXT compatible driver.

The following are notes by Alan Marcum of NeXT Tech Support  concerning the
Class 2 modem driver:

    Note that there's a small bug in 2.0 (fixed in 2.1): a
    symbolic link is missing for the file
    Class2_Fax_Modem_Driver in /usr/lib/NextPrinter.
    The simple fix: create the link; it should reference
    Interfax_Fax_Modem_Driver, also in the
    /usr/lib/NextPrinter directory.

    An alternative workaround for Class 2, especially
    useful for  novices: just use InterFax as the modem type in
    PrintManager, rather than Class 2*.

    After installing a fax modem using PrintManager one must
    repeat setting things in the Fax Options panel in order
    for them to be stored correctly. In particular, these
    include the Rings to Answer and Number of Times to Retry.
    This affects all fax modems being installed.

    If one uses illegal characters in the Modems Number field
    in the Fax Options when configuring an InterFax modem
    then the modem will not answer the phone.  Legal
    characters are digits, spaces, and plus signs (+).  This
    does not affect the Dove modem.

____________________________________________________________________________

*** Subject: P5. How may I attach more than two serial ports to the NeXT?

Unitnet has a device, the SLAT-1, that will connect to the scsi bus.

    Uninet Perhipherals, Inc.
    Voice: 714-546-1100
    [e-mail]

[Jacob Gore adds:]
Also, one can use an IP terminal server.  In a non-Internet environment,
inexpensive terminal servers, which don't control access to the network
securely, can be used.  If your network is an Internet subnet, you must use a
terminal server that controls either: (1) who can log into the terminal
server, or (2) which machines the terminal server will access.  These tend to
be
more expensive (around $250/port, but in 8-port increments), but it may be
quite economical means of sharing ports among many NeXTs (or other computers)
on the network.

[Eric P. Scott adds:]
Particularly if one has a NeXT network, an Ethernet terminal server may be the
way to go.  One that supports Linemode Telnet (such as the Xylogics Annex III)
will offer the best performance.

____________________________________________________________________________

*** Subject: P6. What is the best and/or cheapest way to connect a NeXT to a
thick Ethernet?

There are many possible solutions.  For example, here are three:

1) The University of Waterloo [Audio Research Group] uses an old door-stop PC
XT clone with two Western Digital cards (WD8003E Ethercard Plus, $250 CDN
each; you should be able to get them for under $200 (US$)) running Vance
Morrison's PCRoute (available from accuvax.nwu.edu). You will also need a
thickwire transceiver and a drop cable (about $300). In addition, you will
need Internet addresses for the NeXT and both PC Ethernet cards (and a subnet
address).  The documentation for PCRoute contains quite a bit of information
on the performance of this setup. This solution requires two subnets.  There is
another program called PCbridge that allows the machines on the thin and thick
wires to be part of the same subnet.  This product also does packet filtering,
so
that packets destined to machines on the same side of the net do not cross
over.

2) Cabletron sells a MR-2000C Singleport Repeater for $695 that does exactly
what you need minus drop cable and transceiver.  Their number  is (408)
441-9900.

3) The march 1992 INMAC networking and connectivity products catalog lists
thicknet to thinnet convertors. Product number Z903071 price $445. Claims
full ieee 802.3 comaptibility and diagnostic LED's.

____________________________________________________________________________

*** Subject: P7. How can I connect my NeXT to the telephone line and use it
like an answering Machine?

A company that is selling both hardware and software to allow you to do this:

    SES Computing
    13206 Jenner Lane
    Austin, Texas 78729
    Voice: [phone] (Demo system number)

i.link, a european company, has a combined data/fax modem and telephone
answering machine. It uses the DSP port and is implemented mainly in software
on the DSP with a little bit of hardware to interface to the phone line.

    i.link GmbH
    Nollendorfstrasse 11-12
    D-1000 Berlin 30
    Germany
    Tel: [phone]
    Fax: [phone]
    Email: [e-mail]

Hayes has announced a telephone interface which takes advantage of the yet to
be released PhoneKit in 3.0.  This interface will work for ISDN and POTS (plain
old telephone systems).

____________________________________________________________________________

*** Subject: P8. What color monitors can I use with the Color NeXT machines?

The important specs for the color monitor are:

    Horz Scan Rate:        61 KHz
    Vertical Scan Rate:    68 Hz
    Resolution:        1280x1024 (NeXT uses 1120x832)
    NON-INTERLACED

Displays may require alignment to adjust for the scan rate of NeXT machines.

Sony GDM-1601 were demonstrated with the NeXT color products. NeXT is not
shipping these monitors.  Sony no longer makes them, however there is a
replacement GDM-1606.

The Nanao T560i 17" color display has been used with NeXTstation Color
machines, and seems to work well.

Some larger NEC displays have also worked.

____________________________________________________________________________

*** Subject: P9. Where can I get 13W3 to BNC adapters to connect third party
color monitors?

From NeXT: part number S4025.

NuData in New Jersey carries 13W3 female to 4 BNC male connectors. The price is
about $100.

    NuData
    Voice: 908-842-5757


____________________________________________________________________________

NeXT-FAQ Editor:
Nathan Janette [e-mail]


--
Nathan Janette        "I'm a NeXTstep man,
Dept MB&B, Yale Univ     I'm a NeXTcube guy"
New Haven, CT
[e-mail] (NeXT)


From: [e-mail] (Nathan F. Janette)
Date: Fri, 13 Nov 1992 20:03:02 GMT
Newsgroups: comp.sys.next.announce
Subject: NeXT-FAQ.printing: Questions about printing on the NeXT

NeXT-FAQ.printing: Questions about printing on the NeXT


*** Subject: H1. What are some other sources of toner cartridges for the NeXT
laser printer?

The toner cartridge is a standard EP-S cartridge, the same that fits the HP
LaserJet III and other printers.

____________________________________________________________________________

*** Subject: H2. What alternative printers (laser or otherwise) may be used
with the NeXT?

Adding supported postscript printers is rather simple:

    1. Get a serial cable (e.g., Macintosh to LaserWriter Plus), but
    check whether that works with your printer
    (see below for HP-printers)!
    2. Configure using Print Manager
    3. Configure printer communication according to manufacturer's
    recommendations. (9600 baud software flow control).

If you plan to connect an HP LaserJet (II, IIP, III, etc.) you need to make a
special cable in order for the NeXT 040 and HP to get the hardware handshaking
correct.  This is true for whatever version of the OS you are running.

NeXT 68040 to HP LaserJet III Cable (not a Null-modem cable):

    Mini-Din       HP DB-25

    1   (DTR)      nc
    2   (DCD)      4  (RTS)
    3   (TXD)      3  (RXD)
    4   (GND)      7  (GND)
    5   (RXD)      2  (TXD)
    6   (RTS)      5  (CTS)
    7   (RTXC)        nc
    8   (CTS)      20 (DTR)


You may want to use hardware flow control for reliability (ie /dev/ttyfa).

A sample printcap entry needs to be loaded into the netinfo database. You can
use either "niload printcap . < myprintcap", or use NetInfoManager to change
the br and lp properties of your LaserJet. Using the default baud rate  and
/dev/ttya will also work, for most print jobs.

LaserJet_III: \
    :note=LaserJet_III:ty=HP LaserJet III PostScript: \
    :sd=/usr/spool/NeXT/LaserJet_III:lp=/dev/ttyfa: \
    :lf=/usr/adm/lpd-errs:af=/usr/adm/lp.acct:br=19200:rw:fc#0000374: \
    :fs#0000003:xc#0:xs#0040040:mx#0:sf:sb:if=/usr/lib/transcript/psif: \
    :of=/usr/lib/transcript/psof:gf=/usr/lib/transcript/psgf: \
    :nf=/usr/lib/transcript/psnf:tf=/usr/lib/transcript/pstf: \
    :rf=/usr/lib/transcript/psrf:vf=/usr/lib/transcript/psvf: \
    :cf=/usr/lib/transcript/pscf:df=/usr/lib/transcript/psdf:

HP printer configuration:

    auto cont = off        (doesn't matter)
    I/O = serial
    serial=rs-232        (for LJ III only)
    baud rate = 19200    (or whatever baud rate you have
                in ni database/printcap)
    robust xon = on        (doesn't matter)
    dtr polarity = hi
    startpage = off        (doesn't matter)
    language=english
    ret = med        (you choose for LJ III only)

Note that if you modify the printcap this way you cannot reconfigure this
particular printer entry with PrintManager.

If you have problems with other printers, check the cable pinouts in the
printer's manual against the one recommended in the zs man-page!   Refer to
Chapter 13 in Network and System Administration.

If you are using NeXTstep 2.0 and you use remote non-next printers, there is a
bug that can be simply corrected by doing "dwrite system PrinterResolution 1"
for each user trying to access non-next printers on the network. This not a
problem in NeXTstep 2.1.

____________________________________________________________________________

*** Subject: H3. What fonts can I use on my NeXT?

Properly packaged Type 1 or 3 PostScript fonts will work on the NeXT, certain
conversions may be necessary to get them to work.  Freeware and shareware fonts
are available on sonata.cc.purdue.edu.  There are utilities on the NeXT to
download fonts into postscript printers.

Purdue (nova and sonata) have freeware and shareware Type 1 and 3 fonts in
pub/next/graphics/fonts in files Fonts-1.0-free.tar.Z and
Fonts-2.0-sw.tar.Z. Each file unpacks into it's own directory.  Within each
directory is a ReadMe.rtf and a Makefile.  See the ReadMe.rtf for more font
descriptions and installation instructions.  (You may also find comments in
the Makefile of interest.)  These packages were prepared by Doug Brenner
<[e-mail]>.

The same directory contains fonts Shalom (Hebrew and Yiddish in Old Style,
Stick and Script typefaces, by Jonathan Brecher, shareware) and
CyrillicGothic (san serif, by Jay Sekora).  These were packaged by Jacob Gore
<[e-mail]> to work with the Installer application.

The archive maintaners know the organization is screwy, some of the fonts are
buggy, and that there are more fonts "out there" -- and welcome suggestions to
make things better.  Suggestions and comments about the Purdue NeXT Archives
should be addressed to:

    [e-mail]

and should have a meaningful Subject because they get a lot of mail! Submission
of new fonts is welcome, too, of course.

Fonts may be purchased from Adobe (800-USA-FONTS) or from The Font Hotline, a
new division of RightBrain Software.

For more information:

    RightBrain/The Font Hotline
    Vox: [phone]
    Vox: 800-472-7246

____________________________________________________________________________

*** Subject: H4. How can I save my WriteNow [or other printable] documents to a
postscript file?

It's easy.  Just select PRINT from the main WriteNow menu, then select SAVE
from
the resulting print panel.


*** Subject: H5. How can I print only the even or odd pages of a document?  I
wish print on both sides by feeding the paper through twice.

We must recommend against re-using laser printed paper in your printers.  The
reason is that the toner which is used is not very robust, in that when heated
again (which happens when you print) it can come off the other side of the
paper.
This causes a mess to accumulate in your printer, and probably some pretty rude
things to happen.

Now to address the even/odd stuff, essentially you need to write a postscript
filter which extracts every other page.  So you would save your WriteNow
document to postscript file, run the filters, and then print the two documents
with lpr.  There is no packaged filter on the NeXT to do this.  Corey Satten
<[e-mail]> wrote  a toolkit to deal with this issue.  It is on
ftphost.cac.washington.edu ps-* in the local/bin-next{1.0,2.0}
directories.

____________________________________________________________________________

*** Subject: H6. What can I do to prevent my NeXT printer from running all the
time?

The NeXT 400dpi printer powers up every time you boot up when the print daemon
is
started (/usr/lib/NextPrinter/npd in /etc/rc).  Apart from not running the
daemon at boot time (commenting it out and having to run it by hand later), you
can add the following lines to /etc/rc.local:

    if [ -f /usr/etc/nppower ]; then
        sleep 3
        /usr/etc/nppower off
        (echo 'powering off NeXTprinter')        >/dev/console
    fi

Once you queue a print job the printer daemon will automatically power up the
NeXT printer for you.  The printer daemon will not automatically power off the
machine after a print job, you will need to turn off the printer by typing
/usr/etc/nppower off.

____________________________________________________________________________

*** Subject: H7. How do I get banner pages on my printer output?

There is a sample banner prologue file in /usr/lib/NextPrinter that is  sent to
the printer before or after the print job depending on what printer attributes
are set in NetInfo.  Sounds gross, but it isn't. Start up NetInfo on your
printer
machine.  Go to the printer directory, and open up your local printer by double
clicking it. Select the append property from Directory menu.  Replace the name
with BannerAfter (or BannerBefore if you want the banner page printed first).
The select the New Value option, and put in the name of the banner prologue
file.
If you do not wish to do fancy customization of the file, simply put the path
to
the NeXT sample banner file: /usr/lib/NextPrinter/banner.pro Save out the
netinfo modifications.

____________________________________________________________________________

*** Subject: H8. How do I get [la]TeX files to print correctly on non-NeXT
printers?

If you are printing to a non-NeXT printer from NeXT TeX using dvips, make sure
you specify the correct resolution (300 dpi, usually), either on the command
line with -D300, or in the /usr/lib/tex/config.ps file with a line that looks
like :

    D 300

If you are printing from within TeXView, you will have to choose
CustomResolution and enter the correct number (300, usually) because of the
way DefaultResolution defaults to 0.

____________________________________________________________________________

 *** Subject: H9. What if I have a PostScript font has not been ported to the
NeXT?

Many PostScript fonts port to the NeXT with little effort.

The easiest case is a font generated by Fontographer version 3.2 or above (a
comment near the top of the file should say which program generated the font).
This version of Fontographer can generate fonts "for the NeXT".  This means
that no hacking of the font is needed, but you may need to make some
adjustments
to make it appear in your font panel.  Suppose you were porting the font family
Shalom, which consists of three faces: Old Style, Stick and Script.  Here is
the
procedure to follow:

    1.  In a working folder of yours, create folders called:

        Shalom-OldStyle.font
        Shalom-Script.font
        Shalom-Stick.font

    Note that the font family name is to the left of the hyphen
    ("-"), and the typeface name is to the right and with no
    spaces in it.

    2.  Copy the outline font file for each typeface from
    wherever it is into its folder, and give it the name of the
    folder minus the ".font". For example, if you are doing
    this in a Terminal window:

        cp /Floppy/ShalomOldStyle.NeXT Shalom-OldStyle.font/Shalom-OldStyle
        cp /Floppy/ShalomScript.NeXT   Shalom-Script.font/Shalom-Script
        cp /Floppy/ShalomStick.NeXT    Shalom-Stick.font/Shalom-Stick

    If you are working in Workspace Manager's File Viewer,
    double-click on the big fat F icon to open the font
    directory as a folder, then you'll be able to rename files
    in it.

    3.  Do the same thing with the font metric files, but make
    the suffix ".afm":

        cp /Floppy/ShalomOldStyle.AFM Shalom-OldStyle.font/Shalom-OldStyle.afm
        cp /Floppy/ShalomScript.AFM   Shalom-Script.font/Shalom-Script.afm
        cp /Floppy/ShalomStick.AFM    Shalom-Stick.font/Shalom-Stick.afm

    4.  If there is a "read me" file with the font, or any other
    documentation, copy it into the .font folder too.  For
    example, each of the Shalom font folders contains files
    ReadMe, CheatSheet.wn and Sample.wn specific to the
    typeface.

    5.  Edit the outline and font metric files to make them fit
    the NeXT AppKit's Font Panel, which is what most NextStep
    applications use to let you choose your font.

    a.  Editing the outline file, e.g.,
    Shalom-OldStyle.font/Shalom-OldStyle:

    The original used "ShalomOldStyle" as the font's name,
    full name, and family name.  We want the name to be
    "Shalom-OldStyle", the full name "Shalom Old Style",
    and family name just "Shalom".

    First, find the lines:

        /FullName (ShalomOldStyle) readonly def
        /FamilyName (ShalomOldStyle) readonly def

    and change them to

        /FullName (Shalom Old Style) readonly def
        /FamilyName (Shalom) readonly def

    Then, replace all remaining occurrences of the string
    "ShalomOldStyle" with "Shalom-OldStyle".

    b.  Editing the AFM file, e.g.,
    Shalom-OldStyle.font/Shalom-OldStyle.afm.

    Find the lines:

        FullName ShalomOldStyle
        FamilyName ShalomOldStyle

    and change them to

        FullName Shalom Old Style
        FamilyName Shalom

    Replace all remaining occurrences of the string
    "ShalomOldStyle" with "Shalom-OldStyle".

    Repeat this procedure for the remaining typefaces.

    6.  You now have a font family ready to be installed.  If the
    font family is to be used by your account only, place it in
    ~/Library/Fonts (creating it if necessary):

    mkdirs ~/Library/Fonts
    mv Shalom-*.font ~/Library/Fonts
    buildafmdir ~/Library/Fonts

    If everybody on your system should have access to this font family,
    place it (as superuser) in /LocalLibary/Fonts:

    su
    mkdirs /LocalLibrary/Fonts
    mv Shalom-*.font /LocalLibrary/Fonts
    buildafmdir /LocalLibrary/Fonts
    exit

That's all you need to do for fonts generated by Fontographer version 3.2 or
above.  This will work with all applications that use AppKit's FontPanel.
FrameMaker does not, so other changes may need to be done to keep FrameMaker
happy [does anybody have something to add here?].

 Fonts generated by Fontographer version 3.1 or below don't work in Display
PostScript as they are, because they use a memory management trick that screws
everything up in a multitasking environment like DPS. However, there is a
simple, though kludgy, way to make them work.

The problematic trick uses a dictionary with a name like "Fog3.1" ("Casa1" in
Casady & Green's fonts) in which most of the font resides. The problem is that
Fontographer puts that whole dictionary into dictionary 'userdict' and
expects it to stay there.  DPS, however, clears out 'userdict' between tasks,
including the task that loads the font and the task that uses it.  This makes
the
font useless on the screen, and printable only by prepending the outline font
file to the file you want to print and sending the result to print in one task.

The fix is to move the troublesome dictionary from 'userdict' into the font
dictionary itself (unlike 'userdict', the font dictionary does stick around
between tasks).

Perform the following changes in the outline font file (the font
CyrillicGothic is used as the example):

    1.  Find the line "%%EndProlog".  It will be followed by the
    line like this:

         /$CyrillicGothic 23 dict def $CyrillicGothic begin

    Write down the number before 'dict' (in this case, 23).  You will
    need it in the following step.  Delete the dict definition, making
    the line look like this:

        $CyrillicGothic begin

    2.  Go back to the beginning of the file.  near the top of the
    font program, find the following lines:

        userdict/Fog3.1 known{{currentfile(   )readstring
            {(%%%)eq{exit}if}{pop exit}ifelse}loop}if
        userdict begin/Fog3.1 45 dict def Fog3.1 begin

    and replace them with these:

         /$CyrillicGothic 24 dict def
        $CyrillicGothic begin/Fog3.1 45 dict def Fog3.1 begin

    The number before 'dict' (in this case, 24) is one greater than the
    number you wrote down in the previous step.

    3.  Find the line that defines procedure BuildChar:

         /BuildChar{Fog3.1/BuildChar get exec}def

    and change it as follows:

          /BuildChar{1 index begin Fog3.1/BuildChar get exec end}def

    4.  Go to the end of the file.  The last line looks like this:

        /CyrillicGothic findfont/EFN get Fog3.1 begin{RF}forall end

    Delete it (or comment it out by placing one or more "%" in the
     beginning of it).

The AFM file requires one adjustment.  Change the line

    EncodingScheme AppleStandard

to

    EncodingScheme AdobeStandardEncoding

This concludes conversion of a font generated by Fontographer version 3.1 or
lower to work on the NeXT.  You may still need to make the changes described
for
version 3.2 and above, to make the font fit the NeXT font panel.

____________________________________________________________________________

*** Subject: H10. What color printers (laser or otherwise) may be used with the
NeXT?

The NeXT/Canon color printer, of course!

[heinz.in-berlin.de]:

With Dots Color, the HP DeskJet 500C can print in color *today*, under
NeXTStep
2.1, and it costs significantly less than $1000 (in Germany at  least).

You can get more information from

    d'ART Software GmbH
    Virchowstr. 17-19
    W-2000 Hamburg 50
    Germany
    ([phone] - 0
    ([phone] - 290 fax
    [e-mail]


____________________________________________________________________________

NeXT-FAQ Editor:
Nathan Janette [e-mail]


--
Nathan Janette        "I'm a NeXTstep man,
Dept MB&B, Yale Univ     I'm a NeXTcube guy"
New Haven, CT
[e-mail] (NeXT)


From: [e-mail] (Nathan F. Janette)
Date: Fri, 13 Nov 1992 20:03:21 GMT
Newsgroups: comp.sys.next.announce
Subject: NeXT-FAQ.upgrades:  Questions about Upgrades

NeXT-FAQ.upgrades:  Questions about Upgrades


*** Subject: U1. What comes with the NeXTcube 68040-25 MHz upgrade?

A disposable anti-static bracelet, installation guide, new OD cable, OD
filter (*very* important), 68040-25 MHz board, a SIMM extractor tool, Fed-Ex
return slip, and registration card.

____________________________________________________________________________

*** Subject: U2. What comes with the 1.0 -> 2.n software upgrade?

The 2.0 upgrade comes with an optical disk with 2.0 extended, a bunch of
manuals, and keyboard tilt feet.

There is are registration cards to get Mathematica 2.0 and Sybase for
educational users.

The 68040-25MHz upgrade requires the NeXTstep 2.0 upgrade.

NeXT is now shipping "direct" 1.0->2.1 upgrades on OD as #N5507.

____________________________________________________________________________

*** Subject: U3. What has happened in release 2.0 with the versions of Franz
Allegro Common Lisp, the Sybase SQL Server, and Mathematica that were
distributed with NeXTstep 1.0?

These products are no longer bundled with the NeXTstep. Owners of old NeXT
Computers are, however, entitled to continue using them.

Allegro Common Lisp: When upgrading from NeXTstep 1.0 to NeXTstep 2.0, the
upgrade program offers the opportunity to save your copy of Common Lisp. You
can do this, and it will still run on the 68030 NeXt Computer except that the
Foreign Function Interface no longer works. The hardware upgrade from the
68030 to the 68040-25 MHz, however, breaks this version of Common Lisp
completely and it will no longer run. With the NeXTstep 2.0 upgrade, there is a
postcard to return to NeXT requesting an updated version of Common Lisp which
(when released) will run on the 68040 under 2.0. Future enhancements to
Allegro Common Lisp (including the soon-to-be-released version with CLOS
support) will only be available directly from Franz Inc. Owners of old NeXT
Computers can obtain upgrade service as "maintenance/support" at a lower
cost than buying a new Allegro Common Lisp license (which is what owners of new
cubes and slabs must get). Contact Franz Inc. for details and prices.

Sybase: The release 1.0 Sybase SQL Server is completely broken by release 2.0,
and the upgrade program will delete this from your disk (without asking
permission) in the course of upgrading. Release 2.0 contains an SQL client,
which can be used to connect to SQL servers on your network (perhaps older NeXT
Computers still running NeXTstep 1.0, for example). A new SQL server (with
some modified features) will be sent to owners of old cubes who request it by
means of the same postcard that gets you a new version of Common Lisp.

Mathematica: The upgrade program offers you the opportunity to save your old
version of this, and the old version still runs under 2.0 (on both 68030 and
68040 hardware). Sending in the postcard referred to above from the NeXTstep
2.0 upgrade kit will get you a new version of Mathematica, too. This version
will be available free to academic users with new cubes and slabs as well.

All of the upgraded programs referred to above will be provided on NeXT
floppies, not OD's. You will need either to buy an external floppy drive or to
have someone else transfer them from floppy to OD in order to make use of them.
These upgrades are shipping.

____________________________________________________________________________

*** Subject: U4. How do I get NeXTstep 2.1?

People running NeXTstep 2.0 can order an upgrade distribution from NeXT.  The
2.1 distribution does not include a 2.0->2.1 upgrade application.

NeXTstep 2.1 Upgrade kit is part #n7022 on floppies costs $50 call the NeXT 800
number for it.

____________________________________________________________________________

*** Subject: U5. What does NeXTstep 2.2 offer?

Hardware support for the Turbo machines.  There are no software upgrades, and
no reason to upgrade a non-Turbo machine to this release.  In fact, there are
reasons not to upgrade a non-Turbo machine to 2.2.

____________________________________________________________________________

*** Subject: U6. Will a 68030 NeXT Computer run NeXTstep 3.0?

Yes, but note that NeXTstep 3.0 will be optimized for the 68040 CPUs.  NeXTstep
1.0 and 2.x were optimized for the 68030 CPU, 68882 FPU machines.

____________________________________________________________________________

*** Subject: U7. What happens to the OD drive in NeXTcubes under NeXTstep 3.0?

Release 3.0 will work fine with the OD that you have.  You cannot buy release
3.0
on optical disk (you can only get it on CD-ROM.  Release 3.0 will not require
that
you drop the optical, but if you want to upgrade to the latest 68040 board (the
33-MHz Turbo), then you lose hardware support for the optical.  There is a
company which plans to offer hardware (extra CPU boards) and software support
solutions for the OD with Turbo NeXTcubes.

For more information:

    Sam Goldberger
    Spherical Solutions
    [e-mail]
    415-383-7512

____________________________________________________________________________

*** Subject: U8.  What equipment do I need to load 3.0?

A CDrom drive and a means of getting an upgrade-prep app onto your disk.  This
means having your own floppy drive,  being on the net, having someone with a
floppy drive put it onto OD, kermitting it over with a serial line... you get
the
idea.  You do not need a special boot ROM for 3.0.

____________________________________________________________________________

NeXT-FAQ Editor:
Nathan Janette [e-mail]


--
Nathan Janette        "I'm a NeXTstep man,
Dept MB&B, Yale Univ     I'm a NeXTcube guy"
New Haven, CT
[e-mail] (NeXT)


From: [e-mail] (Nathan F. Janette)
Date: Fri, 13 Nov 1992 20:03:39 GMT
Newsgroups: comp.sys.next.announce
Subject: NeXT-FAQ.utilities: Questions about software utilities

NeXT-FAQ.utilities: Questions about software utilities


*** Subject: T1. Where can I obtain the most recent version of Kermit?

The source for the latest version is available via ftp from cs.dartmouth.edu
in the directory named kermit/sw.  Get the file ckaaaa.hlp to get started and
see what files are required. Note that this version of Kermit does have a NeXT
specific compile option.

Kermit can also be found on...

The Purdue NeXT archive:

    pub/next/2.0-release/source/kermit5a.170.tar.Z
    pub/next/2.0-release/binaries/kermit5a.170.bin20.tar.Z

The Oregon NeXT archive:

    pub/next/sources/comm/kermit5a.170.tar.Z
    pub/next/binaries/kermit5a.170.bin20.tar.Z.

____________________________________________________________________________

*** Subject: T2. Where can I obtain a NeXT version of SLIP or PPP?

PPP:

The free version of SLIP available from purdue was written by Louis Mamakos and
is an excellent implementation. Basic SLIP is free, but VJ TCP header
compression requires a license which is available inexpensively from Mr
Mamakos.

Morning Star Technologies offers a commercial version.

For more information:

    email: [e-mail]
    ftp: ftp.morningstar.com (anonymous FTP archive
    of docs & literature)
    phone: [phone].

SLIP:

A free version is available on the archives.

Morningstar and Marble Associates both have commercial packages available.

For more information:

    Marble Associates
    [e-mail]

____________________________________________________________________________

*** Subject: T3. Where can I obtain a version of Larry Wall's patch for the
NeXT?

Patch is a utility that allows people to distribute updates to sources without
resending the whole packages.  This is done by detecting changes between the
last release and the new one and creating a file of differences to each source
file in the release. Patches need to be applied sequentially.  The
distribution can be found on the Purdue NeXT archives in:
pub/next/2.0-release/source in file patch-2.0.12u3.NeXT.tar.Z

____________________________________________________________________________

*** Subject: T4. Where can I get a NeXTstep netnews reader?

By far the most versatile NeXTstep-specific newsreader application for the
NeXT is NewsGrazer by Jayson Adams formerly of NeXT.  It is on the archive
servers.

Many non-NeXTstep-specific newsreaders have been ported to the NeXT
environment providing the flexibility and familiarity existing on other
platforms.  Most of these may be obtained via anonymouse ftp from
ftp.uu.net:~ftp/news

____________________________________________________________________________

*** Subject: T5. Where can I get plotting software?

nxyplot by Tom Pulliam is available from cs.orst.edu

graph is available in source form from 4.3BSD systems.  It is useful  for
dealing
with pairs of numbers that need to be viewed.

psplot comes with the NeXT, it takes the output of the graph program and
generates a .ps file that can be previewed with Preview or Yap.

gnuplot is available from prep.ai.mit.edu.  Very useful patches for gnuplot
are available from Purdue which allow it to open NeXTstep windows and output
its graphs on them.

jsplot clone of graph that generates ps files directly.

plplot is a library of c routines that generate 2D, 3D and contour plots.  It
is
available on purdue archive, plplot.tar.Z contains the source, and
NXplplot.tar.Z contains the library, example programs and documentation.

Mathematica The ReadList command will bring in files containing sample
values and produces a plot on the fly.

____________________________________________________________________________

*** Subject: T6. Where can I get objective-c mode for emacs?

You can get ObjC mode for Emacs, by Douglas Worthington and Kenneth Persson
from cs.orst.edu

____________________________________________________________________________

*** Subject: T7.  Is there a backup utility for multi-volume dumps (gnu tar)?

GNU tar has a number of features not found in the tar delivered with the NeXT,
and
in some cases it may be a better choice for backups than rdump and rrestore.
The
NeXT supplied rdump/rrestore don't work when using multiple volumes to
non-NeXT systems (see the man page for rdump/rrestore). GNU tar will also
allow a dump of a portion of a file system as well as an entire file system.
Other
useful features of GNU tar include: incremental dump capability like BSD
dump/restore, scripts for backing up heterogeneous workstations across the
network automatically, multivolume tape and floppy disk support (it can't do
multivolume compressed unfortunately), long filename support, and scripts
for integrating floppy disks into a three level backup scheme. Source and
binary for the NeXT is available on the purdue and orst archives in
tar-1.10.tar.Z.

An inexpensive commercial application for backup to DAT and SCSI tape is
available from Impact Software publishing.  The app automatically
configures your tape drive and gives a NeXTstep browser interface for
selecting files to save or restore.  The program is distributed
electronically, and a demo version can be obtained from nova.cc.purdue.edu
or sonata.cc.purdue.edu under the pathname:
/pub/next/2.0-release/demos/enTar1.4.tar.Z


____________________________________________________________________________

NeXT-FAQ Editor:
Nathan Janette [e-mail]


--
Nathan Janette        "I'm a NeXTstep man,
Dept MB&B, Yale Univ     I'm a NeXTcube guy"
New Haven, CT
[e-mail] (NeXT)


From: [e-mail] (Nathan F. Janette)
Date: Fri, 13 Nov 1992 20:22:16 GMT
Newsgroups: comp.sys.next.announce
Subject: NeXT-FAQ.languages:  Questions about programming languages on the NeXT

NeXT-FAQ.languages:  Questions about programming languages on the NeXT


*** Subject: L1. What Fortran compilers are available for the NeXT?

There is a fortran to c translator called f2c available via anonymous ftp from
the archives.  Check the sources directory.

Absoft FORTRAN 77 Object Oriented FORTRAN compiler; fully compatible w/
NeXT's Interface Builder toolkit, allows programmers to add a  graphical i/f
to any FORTRAN program. FxP a screen oriented source level debugger designed
by and for FORTRAN programmers. IMSL FORTRAN Libraries

    313-853-0050

Numerical Algorithms Group (NAG) FORTRAN 90 for NeXT Modern Fortran fully
compliant with ISO/IEC 1539:1991 and ANSI X3.198-1991 standards.

    [phone]

OASYS OASYS Native Compilers, OASYS Optimizing 680x0 Cross Compilers, OASYS
Optimizing 88000 Cross Compilers (C, C++, Fortran, Pascal available for
each) Highly optimized Fortran, Pascal.,  C and C++ compilers and cross
compilers.

    617-862-2002.

Diab Data

    [phone]

____________________________________________________________________________

*** Subject: L2. What Lisps are there for the NeXT?

Scheme is available from altdorf.ai.mit.edu.  A quick tutorial on how to
install it on the NeXTs is in the works.  Schematik is a NeXT front end app
available on the archive servers.

There is also a commercial Scheme implementation that supposedly conforms to
an IEEE Scheme standard.

    Cadence Research Systems
    812-333-9269

Xlisp is available from bikini.cis.ufl.edu.  Changes To make it work on the
NeXT:

    in unixstuf.c:
        #define BSD
    in function init_tty:
        declare extern char xltoplevel()
    in function read_keybd:
        change     char buf[1]   to   char buf[100]
        change     sizeof(buf)   to   sizeof(char)

AKCL is available from sonata.cc.purdue.edu.

Scheme->C Compiler is available from sonata.cc.purdue.edu and
gatekeeper.dec.com.

ACL (allegro common lisp) used to be bundled with 1.0, now it is available
directly from:

    Franz Inc.
    1995 University Avenue
    Berkeley, CA 94704
    Voice: [phone],
    FAX: [phone]
    email [e-mail].

____________________________________________________________________________

*** Subject: L3. What Pascal compilers are available for the NeXT?

uvapc/NeXT is an ISO standard Pascal compiler developed by the University of
Virginia's Academic Computing Center and the Department of Computer
Science.  uvapc/NeXT passes the ISO standard Pascal validation suite.  The
compiler is written in C and has been ported to several other Unix platforms.
uvapc/NeXT can generate the necessary information so that the GNU
source-level symbolic debugger, gdb, can be used (see Caveats below). It also
supports obtaining gprof type profiles.

Contact is:

    Mr. Jack Davidson
    University of Virginia
    Department of Computer Science, Thornton Hall
    Charlottesville CA 22903
    [phone]
    [phone] FAX
    [e-mail]


p2c, David Gillespie's Pascal to C translator, can be obtained from
csvax.cs.caltech.edu in pub/p2c-1.20.tar.Z.

It translates many dialects of Pascal including Turbo, VAX, Sun/Berkeley.

But there is a very serious problem in that %g and %lg are used to read reals
in the
translated code, and these formats are not supported by NeXT in scanf.

Gillespie maintains that this is a bug in NeXT's compiler.  A fix is to make
the
following change in funcs.c:

[Old code]

    case TK_REAL:
    if (var->val.type == tp_longreal)
        ex = makeexpr_string("%lg");
    else
        ex = makeexpr_string("%g");
    break;

[New code]

    case TK_REAL:
    if (var->val.type == tp_longreal)
        ex = makeexpr_string("%lf");
    else
        ex = makeexpr_string("%f");
     break;

Here is a very disturbing example.  %lg gives garbage, and %lf even gives
garbage when it follows %lg:

    ariel% more test.c
    main()
    {
    double x, y, z;
    scanf("%lf%lg%lf%*[^\n]", &x, &y, &z);
    getchar();
    printf("% .5E  % .5E  % .5E\n", x, y, z);
    }

    ariel% cc test.c
    ariel% a.out
    3.14 3.14 3.14
    3.14000E+00   6.36599E-314   1.40000E-01
    ariel%

[this seems to be a good task for a compiler wizard to look at... -pasc]

____________________________________________________________________________

*** Subject: L4. What should I know about c++ shipped with the NeXT?

cc++ shipped with the NeXT 2.0 is actually: NeXT Release 2.0 (v31.1) -- GNU
version 1.36.4 (based on GCC 1.36) libg++ is not provided, you need to compile
it (GNU software is available from prep.ai.mit.edu).

Two things to note about the cc++ on NeXT.

Any C include files have to be specified as below:

    extern "C"
    {
    #include <libc.h>
    #include <stdio.h>
    #include <stdlib.h>
    #include <math.h>
    }

This tells that the code is C, so you won't have problems with the standard
libraries thinking your program is Objective C.

Also the /usr/include/stdio.h in line 75 has a variable "new" that conflicts
with a g++ keyword. You can redefine it using

    #define new __new__
    #include "stdio.h"
    #undef new

After the above two fixes, g++ programs that do not  use the g++ class library
(and therefore do not need  libg++ to be available) work.

____________________________________________________________________________

*** Subject: L5. What Ada compilers are available for the NeXT?

Meridian Software offers a NeXT Ada compiler.

    Meridian Software
    Voice: [phone]
    FAX: [phone]

____________________________________________________________________________

*** Subject: L6. Is Perl available for the NeXT?

Take most of the features of C, csh, awk, and add a sprinkling from sed, and
you get
Perl.

Practical Extraction & Reporting Language.  Perl is very much of a kitchen sink
language, in that it has almost all the features of everything.  This results
in
it being easy to write programs in perl (because all your favorite constructs
are there) but difficult to read perl. (Because other people have used their
favorite constructs, not yours)

Perl's strength is in scripting.  Anything that would take more than 20 lines
in
a csh script is a candidate.  Anything that isn't a straight pass through, chew
on each line, program for awk is a candidate.

Current version: 4.035

Perl is available from:

    jpl-devvax.jpl.nasa.gov        128.148.1.143
    tut.cis.ohio-state.edu        128.146.8.60
    uunet.uu.net                192.48.96.2

While Perl does come with a 70 page man-book, an easier way to learn the
language
is from "Programming Perl" Larry Wall & Randal Schwartz.

    O'Reilly & Associates
    632 Petaluma Ave
    Sebastopol CA 95472
    Voice: 800-338-6887
    Voice: [phone]
    uunet!ora!nuts.


*** Subject: L7.  Where can I get gawk?

Gawk, as with all FSF GNU software is available in source form from
prep.ai.mit.edu

Gawk is the Gnu version of Awk.  Like most of the other GNU programs Gawk has
more
features than does awk.  Further unlike the wretched man page for awk that
comes
with the Next, Gawk comes with a 140 page manual/tutorial.

Gawk is a text processing language.  In this respect it is similar to sed.
However Gawk adds to sed conditional execution (if) subroutines, and the
ability to execute a block of instructions before and after the file itself is
processed.

gawk is not the only public-code awk.  Mawk version 1.1, published through
comp.sources.reviewed in February, 1992, by Mike Brennan
<[e-mail]>, should be mentioned as an alternative.

References for Gawk/awk:

    Sed & Awk, Dale Dougherty,
    O'Reilly & Associates

    The Awk Programming Language
    Alfred V. Aho, Brian W. Kernighan, &
    Peter J. Weinberger
    Addison-Wesley Publishing Co.
    ISBN 0-201-07981-X


*** Subject: L8.  Where can I get Eiffel?

A port of the Eiffel language and development environment is available  for the
NeXT. The company is:

    Interactive Software Engineering, Inc.
    Voice: [phone]
    FAX: [phone]
    [e-mail]

The port is for Eiffel version 2.3 and includes their standard class libraries
as well as some additional NeXT-specific classes and facilities for
integration with the Interface Builder.

A free eiffel-like language called Sather is available via ftp from
icsi-ftp.berkeley.edu


____________________________________________________________________________

NeXT-FAQ Editor:
Nathan Janette [e-mail]


--
Nathan Janette        "I'm a NeXTstep man,
Dept MB&B, Yale Univ     I'm a NeXTcube guy"
New Haven, CT
[e-mail] (NeXT)


From: [e-mail] (Nathan F. Janette)
Date: Fri, 13 Nov 1992 20:25:03 GMT
Newsgroups: comp.sys.next.announce
Subject: FAQ subject lines

FAQ.NeXTSTEP486:*** Subject: S1.  What is the current status of NeXTSTEP 486?
FAQ.NeXTSTEP486:*** Subject: S2.  Where can I see NeXTSTEP 486 3.0?
FAQ.NeXTSTEP486:*** Subject: S3.  When will the first Beta release of NeXTSTEP
486 be available?
FAQ.NeXTSTEP486:*** Subject: S4.  How do I get on the beta list for NeXTSTEP486
3.0?
FAQ.NeXTSTEP486:*** Subject: S5.  When will the first "Shrink Wrap"  release of
NeXTSTEP 486 be available?
FAQ.NeXTSTEP486:*** Subject: S6.  How does NeXTSTEP 486 differ from NeXTSTEP on
NeXT Computers?
FAQ.NeXTSTEP486:*** Subject: S7.  What about support for NeXT Computer specific
hardware features such as the DSP?
FAQ.NeXTSTEP486:*** Subject: S8.  How would you compare 486 systems running
NeXTSTEP 486 vs the NeXT Computer product line?
FAQ.NeXTSTEP486:*** Subject: S9.  Can I use NeXTSTEP 486 systems with my
existing NeXT Computers?
FAQ.NeXTSTEP486:*** Subject: S10.  How do I use applications compiled for both
NeXT Computers and NeXTSTEP 486 on the same network?
FAQ.NeXTSTEP486:*** Subject: S11.  Do Multi-Architecture Binaries take a lot of
extra disk space?
FAQ.NeXTSTEP486:*** Subject: S12.  How difficult is it to recompile existing
NeXT applications over to NeXTSTEP 486?
FAQ.NeXTSTEP486:*** Subject: S13.  When developing programs, are there any
portability issues I should be aware of?
FAQ.NeXTSTEP486:*** Subject: S14.  What is the difference between the NeXTSTEP
486 User Environment and Developer Environment?
FAQ.NeXTSTEP486:*** Subject: S15.  What are the general requirements to run
NeXTSTEP 486 on Intel-based Computers?
FAQ.NeXTSTEP486:*** Subject: S16.  If a specific I/O card is not supported by
NeXT, can 3rd parties write drivers for NeXTSTEP 486?
FAQ.NeXTSTEP486:*** Subject: S17.  How will NeXTSTEP 486 be installed?
FAQ.NeXTSTEP486:*** Subject: S18.  Has NeXT published any specific
configurations I can purchase today?
FAQ.NeXTSTEP486:*** Subject: S19.  Will NeXTSTEP 486 run on 386 machines?
FAQ.NeXTSTEP486:*** Subject: S20.  Will NeXTSTEP 486 run on the Cyrix 486SLC?
FAQ.NeXTSTEP486:*** Subject: S21.  Will NeXTSTEP 486 run on the future Intel
Microprocessors in the x86 family?
FAQ.NeXTSTEP486:*** Subject: S22.  Will NeXTSTEP 486 run on portable computers?
FAQ.NeXTSTEP486:*** Subject: S23.  Will NeXTSTEP 486 be able to run Microsoft
DOS and Windows programs?
FAQ.NeXTSTEP486:*** Subject: S24.  Will DOS and Windows compatibility be
included with NeXTSTEP 486?
FAQ.NeXTSTEP486:*** Subject: S25.  How will my DOS and Windows applications
perform under NeXTSTEP 486?
FAQ.NeXTSTEP486:*** Subject: S26.  Is the window I use to run Microsoft Windows
applications resizable?
FAQ.NeXTSTEP486:*** Subject: S27.  Will this DOS/Windows compatibility system
allow me to run several DOS programs at once?
FAQ.NeXTSTEP486:*** Subject: S28.  Can I cut and paste between DOS/Windows
sessions and NeXTSTEP applications?
FAQ.NeXTSTEP486:*** Subject: S29.  Can I use both DOS and NeXTSTEP 486
partitions on the same hard disk?
FAQ.NeXTSTEP486:*** Subject: S30.  Can NeXTSTEP 486 read and write DOS format
floppies?
FAQ.NeXTSTEP486:*** Subject: S31.  What are the hardware specs for NeXTSTEP
486?
FAQ.compatibility:*** Subject: C1. Where can I obtain a NeXT version of
X-Windows?
FAQ.compatibility:*** Subject: C2. Can I run DOS software on the NeXT?
FAQ.compatibility:*** Subject: C3. Can I run Macintosh Programs on my NeXT?
FAQ.compatibility:*** Subject: C4. Can I run tcsh or bash on my NeXT?
FAQ.compatibility:*** Subject: C5. Can sound files be used on the Suns and NeXT
interchangeably?
FAQ.compatibility:*** Subject: C6. Why does talk not work between NeXTs and
SUNs?
FAQ.compatibility:*** Subject: C7. How do I get the arrow keys to work in csh?
FAQ.compatibility:*** Subject: C8. How do I view/convert GIF/TIF/jpeg images?
FAQ.disks:*** Subject: D1. What disk drives will work with the NeXT?
FAQ.disks:*** Subject: D2. How do I customize BuildDisk to create a bootable
disk of my own configuration?
FAQ.disks:*** Subject: D3. How much disk space is lost due to formatting and
file system overhead?
FAQ.disks:*** Subject: D4. Can I run my SCSI-2 disks in synchronous mode?
FAQ.disks:*** Subject: D5. How do I configure my HP 660 to boot properly?
FAQ.disks:*** Subject: D6. What is the procedure for installing a Fujitsu
M2263SA/SB SCSI Disk as the NeXT Boot Disk?
FAQ.disks:*** Subject: D7. How do mount a corrupted OD that won't automount?
FAQ.general:*** Subject: G0. Where can I find additional questions and answers
regarding the NeXT computer?
FAQ.general:*** Subject: G1. How may I contact NeXT Computer, Inc.?
FAQ.general:*** Subject: G2. Is there a mail order company that sells
NeXT-related peripherals?
FAQ.general:*** Subject: G3. Is there a NeXT specific magazine?
FAQ.general:*** Subject: G4a. What are the names of some of the ftp sites that
have NeXT-related files?
FAQ.general:*** Subject: G4b. If I am not on the internet, how can I get to the
ftp sites via email?
FAQ.general:*** Subject: G5. What is the claimed performance of the 68040-25
MHz NeXT machines?
FAQ.general:*** Subject: G6. What are some good references on Objective C?
FAQ.general:*** Subject: G7. How much does the NeXT cost?
FAQ.general:*** Subject: G8. Where can I buy a NeXT?
FAQ.general:*** Subject: G9. How do i become a NeRD?  What does it cost?  What
is involved?  Who do i contact if i am interested?
FAQ.general:*** Subject: G10. How do I start an official NeXT User Group?
FAQ.general:*** Subject: G11. How do I file a complaint with NeXT?
FAQ.general:*** Subject: G12. Where can I communicate to others interested in
doing music on the NeXT?
FAQ.general:*** Subject: G13. Where can I get NeXTAnswers?
FAQ.general:*** Subject: G14. What special interest groups exist?
FAQ.general:*** Subject: G15. Is it true I can get inexpensive 030 cubes from
Businessland?
FAQ.general:*** Subject: G16. How may I let the NeXT user community know of an
upcoming NeXT-related event?
FAQ.general:*** Subject: G17. What are the guidelines for posting to
comp.sys.next.announce?
FAQ.general:*** Subject: G18. Where can I get NeXT paraphernalia?
FAQ.internal:*** Subject: I1. What can be done about older 030 NeXT cubes that
have a fan that turns in the "wrong" direction?
FAQ.internal:*** Subject: I2. Can I connect SONY MPX-111N to my 030 cube?
FAQ.internal:*** Subject: I3. Why does the OD continually spins up and spins
down?
FAQ.internal:*** Subject: I4. How many colors can NeXT machines display?
FAQ.internal:*** Subject: I5. Why is my machine so slow when I run the
monochrome and NeXTdimension displays?
FAQ.intro:Within each section each question will be preceded by a "***
Subject:" field,
FAQ.languages:*** Subject: L1. What Fortran compilers are available for the
NeXT?
FAQ.languages:*** Subject: L2. What Lisps are there for the NeXT?
FAQ.languages:*** Subject: L3. What Pascal compilers are available for the
NeXT?
FAQ.languages:*** Subject: L4. What should I know about c++ shipped with the
NeXT?
FAQ.languages:*** Subject: L5. What Ada compilers are available for the NeXT?
FAQ.languages:*** Subject: L6. Is Perl available for the NeXT?
FAQ.languages:*** Subject: L7.  Where can I get gawk?
FAQ.languages:*** Subject: L8.  Where can I get Eiffel?
FAQ.memory:*** Subject: R1. What type of memory may be installed in a NeXT?
FAQ.memory:*** Subject: R2. What is the NeXT SIMM tool?
FAQ.memory:*** Subject: R3. Where can I purchase memory for a NeXT?
FAQ.misc:*** Subject: M1. Is there any way to change the text in the title bar
of a terminal window?
FAQ.misc:*** Subject: M2. Can I put both a 68030 and a 68040 system board in a
single NeXT cube?
FAQ.misc:*** Subject: M3. Where is libc.a under 2.0?
FAQ.misc:*** Subject: M4. How do I get pictures of people from remote sites to
appear in  Mail.app and NewsGrazer?
FAQ.misc:*** Subject: M5. How do I access the "help" facilities in Mathematica
1.0?
FAQ.misc:*** Subject: M6. How do I find out what are the defaults for a NeXT
application?
FAQ.misc:*** Subject: M7. How do I run NextApps remotely?
FAQ.misc:*** Subject: M8. Why does UUCP hangs on outgoing connections after
sending the password, but other communications software do not have a problem
with it?
FAQ.misc:*** Subject: M9. How do I access the NeXT's Digital Websters
Dictionary from a program?
FAQ.misc:*** Subject: M10. How do I remap the \ and | keys on my keyboard?
FAQ.misc:*** Subject: M11. Why doesn't email registration to Mathematica work?
FAQ.misc:*** Subject: M12. How do I stop NeXTMail/Sendmail adding\ ^Ms onto the
end of lines?
FAQ.misc:*** Subject: M13. Where can I get black spray paint for my NeXT?
FAQ.misc:*** Subject: M14. What default affects menu location?
FAQ.misc:*** Subject: M15. How to get Gourmet to boot up the Mathematica 2.0
kernel?
FAQ.misc:*** Subject: M16. How to have the hostname show up on the NeXT login
screen?
FAQ.misc:*** Subject: M17: How does one set UNIX man pages to be viewed in
nroff format with DL like the standard manual pages?
FAQ.misc:*** Subject: M18: Can I automatically have my ~/.signature file
appended to mail I send with Mail.app?
FAQ.misc:*** Subject: M19: How can I quickly find a file if I don't know it's
directory?
FAQ.os:*** Subject: O1. What preliminary information is there about NeXTstep
486?
FAQ.os:*** Subject: O2. Why does NeXTstep Release 1.0 hang a few seconds after
attempting to boot?
FAQ.os:*** Subject: O3. How much free disk space is available on the
NeXTstation and NeXTcube?
FAQ.os:*** Subject: O4. What software is bundled with the new 040 NeXT
machines?
FAQ.os:*** Subject: O5. Can I delete /odmach or /sdmach and save 700K?
FAQ.os:*** Subject: O6. NeXTstep 2.0 machines report an error on the console:
"loginwindow: netinfo problem - No such directory."  Is this a problem?
FAQ.os:*** Subject: O7. Under NeXTstep 2.0 running UUCP and other incoming
connections hangs the modem serial line: what can I do?
FAQ.os:*** Subject: O8. Applications installed in /LocalApps are not being
found on my NeXTstep 2.0 system.
FAQ.os:*** Subject: O9. Why can't root login onto client machines?
FAQ.os:*** Subject: O10. How to boot a NeXT from the second (higher SCSI ID)
HD?
FAQ.os:*** Subject: O11. How to make swapfile shrink to the "normal" size?
FAQ.os:*** Subject: O12. Does netinfo work between machines running NeXTstep
2.n and 3.0?
FAQ.peripherals:*** Subject: P1. What type of microphones will work with the
NeXT?
FAQ.peripherals:*** Subject: P2. How do I connect a modem to the NeXT?
FAQ.peripherals:*** Subject: P3. Are there any alternative sources for the
SCSI-II to SCSI-I cable required to attach external SCSI devices to the 040
NeXTs?
FAQ.peripherals:*** Subject: P4. What fax modems will work with the NeXT?
FAQ.peripherals:*** Subject: P5. How may I attach more than two serial ports to
the NeXT?
FAQ.peripherals:*** Subject: P6. What is the best and/or cheapest way to
connect a NeXT to a thick Ethernet?
FAQ.peripherals:*** Subject: P7. How can I connect my NeXT to the telephone
line and use it like an answering Machine?
FAQ.peripherals:*** Subject: P8. What color monitors can I use with the Color
NeXT machines?
FAQ.peripherals:*** Subject: P9. Where can I get 13W3 to BNC adapters to
connect third party color monitors?
FAQ.printing:*** Subject: H1. What are some other sources of toner cartridges
for the NeXT laser printer?
FAQ.printing:*** Subject: H2. What alternative printers (laser or otherwise)
may be used with the NeXT?
FAQ.printing:*** Subject: H3. What fonts can I use on my NeXT?
FAQ.printing:and should have a meaningful Subject because they get a lot of
mail! Submission
FAQ.printing:*** Subject: H4. How can I save my WriteNow [or other printable]
documents to a postscript file?
FAQ.printing:*** Subject: H5. How can I print only the even or odd pages of a
document?  I wish print on both sides by feeding the paper through twice.
FAQ.printing:*** Subject: H6. What can I do to prevent my NeXT printer from
running all the time?
FAQ.printing:*** Subject: H7. How do I get banner pages on my printer output?
FAQ.printing:*** Subject: H8. How do I get [la]TeX files to print correctly on
non-NeXT printers?
FAQ.printing: *** Subject: H9. What if I have a PostScript font has not been
ported to the NeXT?
FAQ.printing:*** Subject: H10. What color printers (laser or otherwise) may be
used with the NeXT?
FAQ.upgrades:*** Subject: U1. What comes with the NeXTcube 68040-25 MHz
upgrade?
FAQ.upgrades:*** Subject: U2. What comes with the 1.0 -> 2.n software upgrade?
FAQ.upgrades:*** Subject: U3. What has happened in release 2.0 with the
versions of Franz Allegro Common Lisp, the Sybase SQL Server, and Mathematica
that were distributed with NeXTstep 1.0?
FAQ.upgrades:*** Subject: U4. How do I get NeXTstep 2.1?
FAQ.upgrades:*** Subject: U5. What does NeXTstep 2.2 offer?
FAQ.upgrades:*** Subject: U6. Will a 68030 NeXT Computer run NeXTstep 3.0?
FAQ.upgrades:*** Subject: U7. What happens to the OD drive in NeXTcubes under
NeXTstep 3.0?
FAQ.upgrades:*** Subject: U8.  What equipment do I need to load 3.0?
FAQ.utilities:*** Subject: T1. Where can I obtain the most recent version of
Kermit?
FAQ.utilities:*** Subject: T2. Where can I obtain a NeXT version of SLIP or
PPP?
FAQ.utilities:*** Subject: T3. Where can I obtain a version of Larry Wall's
patch for the NeXT?
FAQ.utilities:*** Subject: T4. Where can I get a NeXTstep netnews reader?
FAQ.utilities:*** Subject: T5. Where can I get plotting software?
FAQ.utilities:*** Subject: T6. Where can I get objective-c mode for emacs?
FAQ.utilities:*** Subject: T7.  Is there a backup utility for multi-volume
dumps (gnu tar)?


--
Nathan Janette        "I'm a NeXTstep man,
Dept MB&B, Yale Univ     I'm a NeXTcube guy"
New Haven, CT
[e-mail] (NeXT)