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1994-03-10
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Path: bloom-beacon.mit.edu!hookup!swrinde!emory!europa.eng.gtefsd.com!fs7.ece.cmu.edu!honeydew.srv.cs.cmu.edu!bb3.andrew.cmu.edu!news.sei.cmu.edu!toads.pgh.pa.us!birdie-blue.cis.pitt.edu!pitt.edu!wcbst4
From: wcbst4+@pitt.edu (William C Beegle)
Newsgroups: comp.os.geos,comp.answers,news.answers
Subject: PC/GEOS FAQ List part 2/2 -- Developers' Q & A
Summary: PC/GEOS is a GUI (Graphical User Interface) developed by
GeoWorks. It runs on top of MS (or DR) DOS and provides
a multitasking, multithreaded environment for any DOS
machine with at least 512k of RAM and a hard disk.
Message-ID: <16906@blue.cis.pitt.edu>
Date: 10 Mar 94 22:15:37 GMT
Sender: news+@pitt.edu
Followup-To: comp.os.geos
Lines: 343
Approved: news-answers-request@MIT.Edu
Xref: bloom-beacon.mit.edu comp.os.geos:2277 comp.answers:4109 news.answers:16222
Archive-name: pcgeos-faq/part2
Last-modified: modified August 9, 1993
-----
[DEVCONTENTS] Contents for GEOS Developers FAQ
Search for: To find out about:
-----------------------------------------
[DEVINDEX] This index (For the Geos Developers' FAQ)
[DEVQ] Developer Questions
[SDK] What's available in the SDK
[DEVREQ] Developer Hardware & Software Requirements
[DEVSUPPORT] Developer Training and Support
[END] End of FAQ
The following information is stolen directly from the Geoworks Independent
Software Vendor information packet (Document 1001). An electronic version
including a product order form is available on America Online, and a
professionally printed copy can be obtained at no cost from Geoworks at:
800 GEOS SDK - Order number for the Software Developer's kit
510 644 1621 - International SDK Number
More numbers and addresses are available in FAQ 1.
-------------------------
Q: How can I start writing applications for GEOS?
A: Writing applications for GEOS can be done simply by purchasing the GEOS
SDK. If your setup satisfies the minimum system requirements for the SDK,
you'll be all set to go. See the specification for the SDK for more
details on these requirements.
If you are just in the investigation stages of writing an application for
GEOS and don't have much knowledge of the system, then a good first step
would be to purchase the GEOS System Software Overview ($15). This
overview describes the system in technical detail and shows some sample code.
Q: Why is the SDK still referred to as Beta?
A: The tools of the SDK are still in the process of being refined.
However, Geoworks felt that it was important for the developer community
to make the tools available as quickly and economically as possible. The
tools in their initial release state are fully functional and of solid
quality. However, as with all software products, defects will be found as
most people will use the tools. Fixes for these problems will be available
in the developer forum and through various other mechanisms.
Q: What is the difference between the version 0.8 technical documentation
and the new release?
A: Prior to the release of the SDK to the general public, preliminary
versions of the documentation have been available to for purchase to the
general public. The first public release of this documentation was
numbered 0.7. Buyers of this documentation set have been upgraded to
version 0.8.
The documentation available with the SDK is also referred to as beta.
However, this documentation is complete and accurate to the best of our
abilities at the time of printing. This documentation set is the same as
what is included in electronic form on the CD ROM. For those purchasers of
the 0.8 release of the documentation, Geoworks has made available an
addendum to that documentation that will make that set current with the
new release.
Q: What does the SDK consist of and what type of hardware and software
will it require.
A: The SDK is shipped on a single CD ROM which contains the tools
necessary for GEOS development, include files, sample source code, and the
run-time environment for testing your applications. In addition, all the
technical documentation for the system and the SDK is included on the CD
ROM in various formats. Printed versions of this documentation may be
ordered from Geoworks for an additional charge.
Q: What is the FrameReader(R) browser?
A: The GEOS technical documentation set was written using FrameMaker(R)
product by Frame Technology Corporation. This is one of the file formats
the SDK is provided in on the CD ROM. The FrameReader is a Microsoft
Windows file browser allows you to view and print FrameMaker files. The
FrameReader browser is not required to view and print the documentation as
it is also provided in ASCII and PostScript format. The SDK package
contains information for ordering the FrameReader browser.
Q: Why is Microsoft(R) Windows(TM) recommended for the host machine?
A: There are two reasons for this. First, the FrameReader browser for
viewing and printing the online documentation files is only available in
the Microsoft Windows environment.
Second, the GEOS development tools run under DOS, not native under GEOS.
Microsoft Windows acts as an effective task switcher to allow you to go
quickly from one tool to the next. Windows PIF files and a Program Manager
group file are provided with the SDK for this purpose.
Q: What languages are supported? Can I program in C++?
A: The SDK allows programming in either C or Object Assembly language.
We've extended both of these languages with GEOS specific syntax for
defining objects, classes, message handlers, etc. The current version of
the SDK requires the Borland C++ compiler, version 3.1 to be installed.
The SDK, however, does not support C++. This is because GEOS is a
completely object oriented operating system while C++ is used to do object
oriented programming on non OOP systems.
Q: Do I have to write a program specifically for GEOS to take advantage of
its features?
A: Yes. To create a program that runs in the GEOS environment, your
application must be written specifically for the GEOS operating system API
(Application Program Interface). Standard DOS, Windows or other types of
applications will not run under GEOS.
Q: Can I port my Windows application to run under GEOS?
A: It's possible to port any application to a new environment and
therefore you could port your Windows application to GEOS. However, GEOS
is a radically different operating system and provides much more for
developers than Windows does. GEOS applications should be written to take
advantage of the sophisticated libraries and system services offered in
GEOS and should shed their Windows programs' baggage. If you try to port a
slow, 3 Meg Windows application to GEOS, you'll probably wind up with a
slow, large GEOS application. By making the most out of what GEOS offers
to application developers, you'll have a product that's small, fast, and
elegantly designed.
Q: What type of developer support and training will be provided?
A: Developer support comes in various formats including developer support
on CompuServe(R) and training classes in the use of the SDK and
fundamentals of GEOS programming. See the Independent Software Vendor
Support and Training Services page for more details.
Q: How can I get more information?
A: If you have additional questions or need more information, please write
or fax Geoworks Developer Support.
[SDK]
SDK INFORMATION - SDK COMPONENTS
The GEOS 2.0 SDK consists of the following software and printed components:
Software Tools
GOC - GEOS C Compiler. Preprocesses GEOS C source files into files
suitable for input to the Borland compiler.
Esp - GEOS Object Assembler. Generates object files from GEOS assembly
source files.
Glue - GEOS Linker. Produces GEOS executables from object files.
Swat - GEOS Debugger. Source level debugger that runs on the host machine
and remotely debugs the application running on the target machine.
Icon Editor. Interactive tool to allow you to draw graphics. Produces
files for input to Esp or GOC.
Loc - Localization Compiler. Takes output from the GOC, Esp, and Glue to
create a database for the Resource Editor to use for localization.
Resource Editor. Allows creation of new, localized executables from an
existing executable and output from Loc.
Communications Utilities. Allows communication between the host and target
machines via the serial cable. Also includes bi-directional file transfer
utilities.
Build Utilities. Controls the dependency resolution and make process for
building executables.
GEOS Include Files
GEOS 2.0 Runtime System
Error Checking (EC) and Non-EC versions of the GEOS system for the target
machine. Includes Welcome, Preferences, GeoManager, and their symbol files.
Documentation Set (in electronic and optionally printed form):
Installation / Getting Started guide
Tools reference
Concepts manual
Object reference and quick reference guide
Routines manual
Esp manual
Swat manual
-----
[DEVREQ]
SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS
The GEOS Software Development Kit will allow developers to produce
applications and/or libraries that will work in the GEOS 2.0 environment.
You will need two personal computers connected by a serial cable to use
this SDK. One of these PCs will be the host where you develop and debug
your code. The other will be the target where you will run your code.
Host PC Configuration
Minimum Hardware
386SX CPU (486/33 recommended)
VGA display and adapter
8 megabytes memory
62 megabytes disk space
Floppy drive compatible with target PC
CD-ROM drive
Available serial port
Software
MSDOS 3.0 or DR DOS 5.0
Borland C++ 3.1
Microsoft(R) Windows(TM) 3.1 (only for task switching)
FrameReader(R) browser (for documentation)
Target PC Configuration
Minimum Hardware
286 CPU (386 recommended)
CGA display and adapter
1 megabyte memory
15 megabytes disk space
Floppy drive compatible with host PC
Available serial port
Serial cable with null-modem
Software
MSDOS 3.0 or DR DOS 5.0
PRICING (IN US DOLLARS)
GEOS SDK on CD ROM $99
Printed Tech. Doc. Set $295
Tech. Doc. Set Addendum (for V0.8) $79
-----
[DEVSUPPORT]
SUPPORT AND TRAINING
DEVELOPER SUPPORT SERVICES
Geoworks Developer Support Services are provided in a forum on
CompuServe(R), one of the easily accessible information services. Within
the GEOS Developer forum you will be able to post messages to other
developers, chat with your fellow developers, upload and download files,
read the latest news about GEOS and the SDK, or submit technical
development questions directly to Geoworks Developer Support.
Three different levels of developer support are offered. You may choose
the level that best suits your needs.
The Basic Plan
The Basic support plan provides access to the GEOS developer forum. All
services are included in the price of the Basic plan with the exception of
the technical questions to Geoworks which cost $75 each (as purchased in
packages of five questions) and may only be submitted via the forum.
Response time on these questions is guaranteed in less than seventy-two
(72) hours (excluding weekends and holidays). Help with installation and
use of the development tools is free to all registered users as with other
Geoworks products and is offered via the standard Geoworks support channel.
The Preferred Plan
The Preferred plan offers all the services of the Basic plan with the
added benefit of unlimited questions with no per-question charges.
The Premium Plan
The Premium plan provides the highest level of developer support. This
plan provides all the services described for the Preferred plan with the
following added benefits. Response time is guaranteed to be less than
twenty-four (24) hours (excluding weekends and holidays) for all questions
submitted. Questions from Premium members receive top priority.
PRICING (IN US DOLLARS)
Basic Plan (annually) $595
Question Five-Pack $375
Preferred Plan (annually) $2000
Premium Plan (annually) $5000
Note: All fees must be paid in full before access is granted. The
developer is responsible for all online service fees and access charges.
DEVELOPER TRAINING CLASSES
Geoworks offers a comprehensive, hands-on training class designed to help
developers understand the concept of programming for GEOS(R), using the
tools that are part of the SDK. The class runs for five days and is
offered in the San Francisco Bay Area.
To allow more individual attention by the instructor in each training
session, the size of the class is limited. Classes are offered once a
month and started in April 1993. Geoworks will provide breakfast, lunch,
the classroom location, materials, and the machines for the class.
Transportation, incidentals, lodging, dinner, etc. are the responsibility
of the attendee.
Since Geoworks is strictly limiting the attendance of any session. You are
encouraged to register as quickly as possible to guarantee your space.
Please indicate your second and third choices for training dates in case
we cannot accommodate you in your first choice.
Partial List of Topics Covered
What is GEOS and its Application Model?
GEOS Object Oriented Programming Model
GEOS Graphics System
Memory Management
Virtual Memory Files
Generic User Interface
Using the SDK Tools
PRICING (IN US DOLLARS)
Five Day Developer Training $1995
Note: A $500 deposit is sufficient to reserve your space for a given
class. The balance due must be paid in full no later than fourteen (14)
days prior to the first day of class. Cancellation prior to the fourteen
day period before the start of the class entitles you to a full refund. No
refund will be issued for cancellation after this date unless a substitute
attendee can be found.
(c) copyright 1993 Geoworks
GEOS and Geoworks are registered trademarks of Geoworks in the U.S.A. and
foreign countries. All other trademarks are the property of their
respective holders. 10/93
-----
[END]