CompuServe Messages

Chris: Ever since I added a motherboard into the PC tower case I originally bought just to hold my 5.25" Amiga devices I've been playing around with several alternative OSes for PCs. First I tried OS/2 v2.0, but I had some troubles with my mouse with it, and in general I didn't care too much for it. As I had a small amount of Unix experience I then installed SCO Unix on the machine for a short time, and then started playing with the freeware Unix clones. via one of the other forums here on CIS I found a real deal on Interactive SVR3.2 Unix (real Unix, not a clone), and I used that for a while as well, but even with Interactive I wasn't able to get X windows (the freeware version, not the $$$ one from Interactive) up and running, and I really wanted a GUI, so when I heard about NeXT's special promotion of their new NEXTSTEP for Intel Processors (NS/FIP), a full user system, AND the developer systems (a $2700.00 list price package) selling for only $299.00 I had to jump on it (even tho many Amiga fans consider NeXT to be the competition, what I'd heard of it sounded VERY interesting), and I'm glad I did! NS/FIP is basically BSD 4.3 running with a Mach kernel, with their NEXTSTEP GUI running on top of it all. While it's not X windows, I think it might even be better than X. If NeXT continues their $299.00 pricing, or lowers the 'normal' package price even close to it, I think it'll give NT a run for it's money. The biggest problem with the special deal NeXT is running is that the 'evaluation kit' (as they call it) isn't upgradable to future versions at all. Of course, as long as they have this pricing deal on newer versions too, I wouldn't mind paying $300.00 for the whole new OS when it comes out, as that's MUCH cheaper than most 'high end' OS'es sell for. Gee, I just noticed that I've been rambling on, so I'll end it here. But I will say that if you want an alternative OS for a 486+ based PC, you should checkout NEXTSTEP! // -Mike Schiller \X/ AMIGA! On AutoPilot in sunny Fort Lauderdale