NEXTSTEP operating system
Reading Apple Confidential, I've learned that NeXT had released multiple versions of the NEXTSTEP os for 486 and pentium machines.
Did it require additional hardware for the intel based machine to run the operating system?
If not, where can I find a version of NEXTSTEP for intel? I'm really interested in NeXT.
Also, since the next operating system ran on NeXT computers which used 68030 and later 040 processors, is there any way to run the os for example, on my old LC which uses 68040?
Does anyone in this forum actually own a NeXT machine?
Thanks for the info.
Did it require additional hardware for the intel based machine to run the operating system?
If not, where can I find a version of NEXTSTEP for intel? I'm really interested in NeXT.
Also, since the next operating system ran on NeXT computers which used 68030 and later 040 processors, is there any way to run the os for example, on my old LC which uses 68040?
Does anyone in this forum actually own a NeXT machine?
Thanks for the info.
Comments
links:
http://www.levenez.com/NeXTSTEP/
http://homepage.mac.com/troy_stephens/main.html
http://www120.pair.com/mccarthy/nextstep/intro.htmld/
http://www.objectfarm.org/Activities...Confusion.html
http://www.objectfarm.org/Activities...ger/index.html
http://www.stepwise.com/Articles/
and for pics:
http://images.google.com/images?q=NeXT+cube
Originally posted by stevegongrui
Did it require additional hardware for the intel based machine to run the operating system?
No. It required some specific x86 hardware because NeXT could only write so many drivers. That is, only certain graphics cards, sound cards, SCSI cards, et al, were supported.
If not, where can I find a version of NEXTSTEP for intel? I'm really interested in NeXT.
EBay? I've got a copy, but it's not for sale. I believe there will be lots of information on the Apple website about NEXTSTEP if you can find it. There will be places on the Internet that will sell copies.
Also, since the next operating system ran on NeXT computers which used 68030 and later 040 processors, is there any way to run the os for example, on my old LC which uses 68040?
No. There simply aren't any drivers to support Mac hardware (sound, video, core logic, etc.)
My best advice is to run it on a Pentium II or Pentium III with supported hardware. Remember to get Omnigroup's hack for write combining. Get NEXTSTEP 3.3 or OPENSTEP 4.x. There is even a version of LaunchBar for it.
NEXTSTEP 3.3 ran on 4 architectures: (black) NeXT hardware (68030/40), (white) x86 hardware, (green) HP 9000 workstations (PA-RISC 7200, I think), and (yellow) Sun wonrkstations (Super/microSPARC, I think). Executables were as they are now in OS X. Multiple executables are placed within a folder, said folder would be the double-clicked app.
OPENSTEP 4.x run on 3 architectures because the HP hardware was dropped.
How big is the OS installation?
Is it on a cd? What is the official name of the software?
I don't know how I'd get it from Ebay. I am under 18 and I'm not sure if I want to pay for it. (Please don't nail me for piracy again, Brad)
So how is it? What system do you run it on?
Originally posted by Nebagakid
there is a 129 dollar newer version avaliable here
No Neb, I don't think that works with intel processors
Your link doesn't work, by the way.
Black Hole Inc stocks both OpenStep 4.2 and NeXTStep 3.3 in quad-FAT variaties. The link above is for OpenStep 4.2, which they have a special on right now.
You can also try eBay.
Originally posted by stevegongrui
How big is the OS installation?
32 MB minimum for NEXTSTEP 3.3
64 MB minimum for OPENSTEP 4.x
Of course, you always want to double or quadruple the minimums. Pentium II/III with write combining turned on is what you want by the way. It will be very responsive.
Is it on a cd? What is the official name of the software?
It's on CD. My memory is hazy and will need to check. But I recall drivers being on floppy to get initial boot, then the OS install from CD. Official name was NEXTSTEP 3.3 for Intel processors or OPENSTEP 4.x for Intel processors.
I don't know how I'd get it from Ebay. I am under 18 and I'm not sure if I want to pay for it. (Please don't nail me for piracy again, Brad)
I'd recommend getting a used academc version in some way. You may get it for less that $100.
So how is it? What system do you run it on?
Loved it. If Mac OS 10 had a true shelf, it would make a world of difference. Plus, left-side scroll bars are better than right-side ones for left-to-right oriented GUIs. Only problem was lack of software, like you won't be finding a good web browser on it. Some of it wasn't as automated as it could be. This was circa 1994...
Ran it initially on a 32 MB Pentium 120 MHz with 4 MB PCI graphics card and SCSI disk. Upgraded to 64 MB RAM. For Pentium II/III systems, EIDE disks and such are fine. It will be very responsive on Pentium II/III systems.