CompuServe Messages

Yes, in short – however, Windows applications expect an 86xxx series CPU and will not run otherwise. WindowsNT, on the other hand, is planned to be able to run on a variety of playforms – and 86xxx applications will be run on the "alien" machines by virtue of an emulation scheme that is built directly into WindowsNT. The current plans call for RISC machines and so on. Because the bottom line ops are based on emulation in many cases, that means that IF it were to be ported to the Amiga, you'd need a VERY fast Amiga; 25 mhz '040 machines are probably bottom-of-the-line for potential hosts; even then emulation of high-end 86xxx CPU's would be, well, "painful". Other operating systems – Unix, OS-9, MacSystem7, etc – can and even have already been, ported or run under emulation, as you're probably aware. It is clear that even with the additional software base provided, these things are not enough to keep the machine going. Consider; we have 486 level bridges; we've had B&W mac stuff for a long while, color Mac is now coming online; the Amiga is still in a major backwater, some would go further and call it a "slump" (looking at CBM's recent numbers, "slump" is what *I* would call it). Although extending the machine in this manner certainly adds utility for some users, its not a general solution that could "bring the Amiga back". The only thing that I can think of that would make the Amiga a viable platform is the availability of powerful application software on a par with the PC/windows systems. And between CBM and general resistance to funding new development in the US, I don't think it will happen. –Ben …via AutoPilot