Date: Fri, 3 Jan 97 09:10:47 PST From: rdm@cfcl.com To: Jaap van Ganswijk Subject: PTF Bulletin, January 1997 Prime Time Freeware (PTF) sends these bulletins to customers, prospects, and other interested parties. If you do NOT wish to get our bulletins, or if we are using a bad address, please send a note to us at info@ptf.com. Include the "Sent to:" line (above), and tell us what you want us to change. PTF Bulletin, January 1997 ========================== Dear People- It has been about three months since the last PTF Bulletin. Many things have happened since then, including Apple's recent decision to buy NeXT and a LOT of work by both the Apple MkLinux Team and yours truly. The MkLinux reference release will be ready Real Soon Now, and support for PCI/PPC 604 machines is ALMOST ready for Real Use. (See below for details.) Neither one is actually available as a product, however, and December is but a fading memory. Consequently, some explanations are in order, if only to prevent a deluge of increasingly frantic queries. I think I have answered most of the probable questions below; please do everyone a favor and read things over carefully before you send off any inquiries. The time I spend answering your inquiry is time I can't be spending on the reference release! Finally, I apologize for the size of this bulletin; I hope you find the material interesting and/or useful enough to justify the volume. Yours, Rich Morin Contents -------- MkLinux: * Apple, MkLinux, and NeXT: Wazzup? * MkLinux: Microkernel Linux for the Power Macintosh (update) * MkLinux DR2 now works with PCI/PPC 604 machines! (sort of...) * MkLinux Developer Release 2 overview * MkLinux T-shirts and Sweatshirts General: * Discount Offers * PTF Product Summary * Ordering and Shipping Information Apple, MkLinux, and NeXT: Wazzup? --------------------------------- On December 20, Apple Computer announced its purchase of NeXT, along with its intention to base future Mac OS development on NeXT technology. This brings Mach and UNIX technology into the mainstream of Apple OS thinking; it is certain to have substantial implications for the MkLinux community. Despite our close working arrangement with the Apple MkLinux Team, PTF is not privy to the exact details of Apple's upcoming OS directions. So, we are watching the press releases along with everyone else. More to the point, PTF cannot and does not speak for Apple. We have been thinking about these issues quite a bit, however, and we have come up with a few observations. Time will tell how correct and/or relevant they are... Kernel Technology NeXT's present OS technology is based on Mach 2.5, a "monolithic" system in which the Mach code is tightly bound to code from the Berkeley UNIX kernel. Current Mach technology, as used in MkLinux, separates the Mach microkernel from the OS "personality" code. Although we think Apple will move to the newer architecture at some point, a great deal of painstaking work may be required. NEXTSTEP is based on Mach 2.5, but many customizations have no doubt been made. Any porting effort must handle all of these (correctly :-). Porting the monolithic kernel to assorted Power Macs, assisted by the advance work of the Apple MkLinux Team, should be somewhat less risky. Thus, we expect Apple's initial NEXTSTEP offerings to be based on NeXT's present OS technology. User Interface NEXTSTEP is famed for its user interface technology, but so is Mac OS. We would like to see Apple retain the NeXT technology, possibly using it to support a "Finder-like" environment for users who do not wish to adapt to the NEXTSTEP GUI. Support for existing Mac OS applications, at least at the level of source code compatibility, is critically important. Programming Environment Ordinary users of the new OS may not have access to a UNIX shell, to say nothing of compilers and other software development tools. We HOPE that these facilities will be available on an open and economical basis, as this would attract many members of the UNIX community and let developers (both freeware and commercial) begin porting their code to the system. On the other hand, unless Apple removes or modifies NEXTSTEP's UNIX-based system call interfaces, the kernel should allow easy ports of most UNIXish software packages. So, anyone who wants a UNIX-style environment on the new system should soon be able to have one. Transition Strategies Many programmers will want to start developing for the new technology as soon as possible. NeXT's present OS technology (e.g., on Intel hardware) is obviously the primary tool for early experimentation. We believe, however, that MkLinux also has a substantial role to play. MkLinux provides Mach and Linux programming interfaces which are similar to those found on NEXTSTEP. In addition, it offers GCC's Objective-C support, GNUstep, and a number of facilities for interacting with Mac OS file systems, networks, etc. And, of course, it runs on a Power Mac!!! For a totally different perspective on transition strategies, however, see TENON's web site (http://www.tenon.com). Effects on MkLinux The new OS is likely to cause some attrition from the ranks of MkLinux users: why mess with MkLinux if Apple is supporting "real" UNIX? On the other hand, the MkLinux community could actually GROW in size, fueled by the exposure of many more Macintosh users to the joys of UNIX freeware. Meanwhile, MkLinux kernel development is likely to proceed apace. Apple needs to support the new OS on a variety of platforms; each MkLinux port provides an abundance of critical hardware information. It will take time for all the pieces to fall into place. Stay tuned!!! MkLinux: Microkernel Linux for the Power Macintosh (update) ----------------------------------------------------------- We have received numerous inquiries about the content, release schedule, and update strategy for the MkLinux Reference Release. We try to give answers, but some things are still (sigh) up in the air. Meanwhile, the email cuts into the time we have available for doing our editorial work! So, here is a summary which should answer some common questions. Background: Apple has chosen Prime Time Freeware to publish the reference release of MkLinux, their Microkernel-based port of Linux for the Power Mac. Our product will contain an installable system, complete source code, and extensive documentation. It is scheduled for release in January. Release Description: The release will consist of a book and two CD-ROMs. The book is now approaching 400 pages. It currently contains: Contents Part III - Hardware Reference Dedication Foreword Hardware Overview Preface Controls And Devices Acknowledgements Analog I/O Digital I/O Part I - Tutorial Introduction PowerPC CPU Power Macintosh Systems Introduction Power Macintosh Chips Preparation PowerPC Platform Installation Getting Started Part IV - Resources Essential System Administration Upgrades And Enhancements Hardware Bibliography Building The System Software Bibliography Contact Information Part II - Software Reference Index Mach Overview Colophon, etc. MkLinux Overview The product will contain two CD-ROMs, one each by Apple and PTF. The Apple disc will contain an installable copy of MkLinux, including the source code for all freely redistributable portions (everything except a few Mac OS utilities). The PTF disc will contain a large amount of online documentation, covering Linux, Mach, and Power Mac hardware. Update Strategy: MkLinux (like Linux itself) is a bit of a moving target. Worse, not all updates get made into CD-ROMs. So, we can't predict exactly what will be on the Apple disc when the reference release goes out. It is also certain that some of the reference releases will sit on bookstore shelves for an unpredictable length of time before they get purchased. In order to reduce the risk to our customers, we will include a coupon with each reference release we sell, good for a free copy of an Apple MkLinux disc. No matter when (or how!) you purchase the release, you will be able to send in the card and get a free, up-to-date Apple disc. In addition, of course, users will be able to pick up the FTP updates from ftp://ftp.mklinux.apple.com and its plethora of mirror sites. MkLinux DR2 now works with PCI/PPC 604 machines! (sort of) ---------------------------------------------------------- The Apple MkLinux Team has released a (Beta) update for the DR2 release that extends support to the 7200 and [789]500 (PCI Bus/PPC 604) class of machines. There are NO GUARANTEES that this will work on any particular machine. In fact, early reports indicate that there are some nasty bugs. On the other hand, bug fixes should come at a rapid rate now that Apple's MkLinux Team is back from the holidays, so we expect that there WILL be a solid version Real Soon Now. In order to run MkLinux on a PCI/604 machine, you must: * Obtain a copy of Developer Release 2. This is about 400 MB, so FTP will take a loooong time. We strongly suggest that you get the release via the DR2 CD-ROM, described below. * Retrieve the "PCI Update Kit" (about two megabytes of material) from the Apple FTP site or one of its mirrors. See the Apple MkLinux Web site (http://www.mklinux.apple.com) for details. Summary: By purchasing the DR2 disc, you get a 400 MB distribution. A small (2 MB) update kit allows this distribution to support a large class of PCI/604 machines. MkLinux Developer Release 2 (DR2) overview ------------------------------------------ MkLinux Developer Release 2 (DR2) is a "Beta" quality release. It runs on NuBus/PPC 601 Power Macs (e.g., [678]100). With the PCI update (see note above), it also supports PCI/PPC 604 machines (e.g., 7200, [789]500). DR2 is a relatively complete and stable release. It contains a complete software development system, several hundred commands, X11R6.1, etc. It also appear to be very popular: several thousand CD-ROMs have been sold or otherwise distributed; untold numbers of copies have been made via FTP and informal user exchanges. Note: A disc entitled "MkLinux Fall 1996" is being sold in CD-ROM stores. It appears to be a "drag-copy" of the DR1 disc, plus the July 8 FTP update (not applied). In any event, it is NOT the same (DR2) disc PTF is selling. Commercial bias aside, we recommend that you avoid this product. It does not contain the current version of MkLinux, has no added value to speak of, and will not be supported by Apple. MkLinux T-shirts and Sweatshirts -------------------------------- PTF has some nifty MkLinux T-shirts and sweatshirts for sale. The fronts display MkPenguin (the Linux penguin mascot, sitting in splendid repose on a Power Mac). The backs modestly proclaim "MkLinux: Linux at Mach 3". By wearing one of these shirts, you can help promote MkLinux, raise the tone of the Linux community, and make your friends very jealous. The shirts are white, with silkscreening front and back. Both shirts are made of heavy-grade 100% cotton fabric. The shortsleeve T-shirts are $15; crewneck sweatshirts are $30. Both shirt styles are available in S, M, L, XL, and XXL; the T-shirts are also available in XXXL. Discount Offers --------------- Our Continuing Customer discount is something like a product upgrade. Send us a photocopy of the front cover of any PTF product. Then, deduct $10 from the total cost of your order! Note: The Apple MkLinux CD-ROMs count as PTF products, even if you got one for free! Just send us a photocopy of the CD-ROM's artwork. Our MkLinux DR2 Combo offer is just as good. If you order DR2 with any other PTF product, you can get the DR2 disc for only $10. For instance, a DR2 and T-shirt combo costs only $25! Finally, our MkLinux Pre-publication offer lets you get MkLinux DR2 for free! Order the MkLinux reference release (book/CD) now, paying the full price ($50), plus S/H, etc. We'll ship the reference release as soon as we possibly can. In the meanwhile, we'll send you a copy of DR2. So, by trusting us to produce and deliver the MkLinux book, you can save the $20 price of MkLinux DR2, plus any S/H charges and taxes. Note: Only one of these offers may be used in a single order. Offers only apply to mail order purchases from PTF. PTF Product Summary ------------------- Issue Title ===== ===== --- MkLinux Developer Release 2 ($20) --- MkLinux Sweatshirt ($30) --- MkLinux T-shirt ($15) 1-1 Prime Time Freeware for AI ($60) 4-2 Prime Time Freeware for UNIX ($50) 1-1 Tools & Toys for UnixWare ($60) 3-2 Prime Time Freeware for UNIX ($25; back issue, has NetLib) 4-1 Prime Time Freeware for UNIX ($25; back issue, has NCSA Vis. suite) 1-1 Prime Time TeXcetera ($25; back issue, snapshot of CTAN) Ordering and Shipping Information --------------------------------- The following prices apply to normal retail sales. Please contact us regarding unusual cases, quantity discounts, etc. California orders must include 7% to help with sales tax. Our shipping and handling charges are: Domestic (USA) $4/order + $1/unit (e.g., $5 for a one-unit order) Foreign $6/order + $4/unit (e.g., $10 for a one-unit order) We accept MasterCard and Visa, postal money orders in US funds, and checks in US funds THAT ARE PAYABLE THROUGH A US BANK. We do NOT accept UNESCO coupons, foreign currency or checks, wire transfers, or anything else we have not specifically authorized (DON'T send us stuff we can't use!). We accept (but do not encourage) wire transfers, subject to a $10 surcharge. We are happy to sell through technical and professional book stores, user groups, and other retailers. Please tell your favorite retailer about us! ============================= Order Form ============================= Inquiries and orders may be sent (no email orders, please) to: Prime Time Freeware 370 Altair Way, #150 +1 408 433 9662 info@ptf.com Sunnyvale, CA 94086 USA +1 408 433 0727 fax MkLinux Developer Release 2 ______ list ($20) MkLinux RR (Pre-publication) ______ list ($50) MkLinux T-shirt ______ list ($15) ______ Size (S, M, ...) MkLinux sweatshirt ______ list ($30) ______ Size (S, M, ...) PTF for AI Issue 1-1: ______ list ($60) PTF for UNIX Issue 4-2: ______ list ($50) T&T for UW Issue 1-1: ______ list ($60) PTF for UNIX Issue 3-2: ______ list ($25) Back issue; see above PTF for UNIX Issue 4-1: ______ list ($25) Back issue; see above PT TeXcetera Issue 1-1: ______ list ($25) Back issue; see above Discount _________________________________________________________________ = ________ + ________ tax = ________ + ________ S/H = _______ total Visa/MC __________________________ Exp. _______ Name _____________________ Purchaser ___________________________________________________________ Organization ___________________________________________________________ Street Address ___________________________________________________________ (No PO Boxes!) City,State,Zip ___________________________________________________________ Country ___________________________________________________________ Phone, Email ___________________________________________________________ =============================================================================