Re: [MiNT] New MiNT distribution [...]

[lars brinkhoff <lars.brinkhoff@intermec.com>]

Jo-Even.Skarstein@gjensidige.no wrote:
> > If you want to hide the hosting operating system, then you
> > are free to do
> > that.  In the Linux case, just make /sbin/init start your familiar GEM
> > environment.
> Really?? It's still there, isn't it?

Yes, of course.

> I will still have to maintain it, I
> will have to boot it and I will have to deal with it whenever I maintain the
> disks, configure the network etc. (or in the case of Windows, perform the
> weekly reinstall of the entire OS).

This it all true, but
1. you have to do this in all operating systems
2. you could still do it in GEM

> This is not a solution for those that
> wants to use MiNT/GEM as their primary OS, it's for those that has already
> switched platform but wants to use their old software occasionally.

My idea is that it's a way for MiNT and GEM to survive.  With MiNT running
on top of Linux, you would get so much for free.  Take what you want and
throw away the rest.

You could even build MiNT into the kernel[*].  Then wouldn't you get want you
want?  Let Linux drive the devices, but present a MiNT API to the
applications.

Anyway, I think I'll let the issue slide.  If people want port MiNT to new
platforms and write all the device drivers and network stacks themselves,
then fine.  I wish you the best.  I hope you succeed.

[*] GPL issues aside.  it's not critical to the concept.