Re: [MiNT] working on new AFROS (was: Localisation of other MiNT SW)

[Bohdan Milar <bohdan@milar.name>]

Hello,

Dne 25.1.2011 02:19, Paul Wratt napsal(a):
> Bohdan:
> > When I looked to the CVS, I saw there also COPS and HYPView.
> > But why weren't they part of the 1.17.0 release?
> > And there are some programs in the "tools" directory, namely fsetter and toswin2.
>
> 1-17-0 is technically FreeMiNT Kernel, which is why Alan wants to move
> the tools folder you mentioned out into its own repository. The next
> release of FreeMiNT Kernel will not have any tools in it, just kernel
> and XaAES
>
> When the next release does come out, a package will need to be made
> available (I may do it my self) that does contain all the other tools
> needed to run the MiNT as a usable environment (AFROS did this with a
> desktop), as there are some tools currently missing (the minix
> filesystem tools)
>
> I would think that COPS, HYPView, BubbleGEM, and Teradesk would also
> me the basics (there are others too)

OK, good idea.


> This does lead itself to a MiNT distribution, or something like "MiNT
> Desktop Base", so it tends to come down to what the list (and other
> users) want in such a package. Although this does not stop individuals
> creating there own and making them available

It sounds interesting.


> Alternatively, it can be left to a new release of AFROS, which does
> intend the above (a usable MiNT environment), in which case it would
> just be a matter of copying it to you system, then (re)placing the
> correct FreeMiNT kernel files depending on the hardware used.
>
> At some point (hopefully soon) I will have update that can patch AFROS
> 8.12 LiveCD with new stuff, including FreeMiNT 1-17-0. It uses shell
> scripts, so it needs bash or sh. ATM it works for AFROS, Pack3D,
> EasyMiNT for ARAnyM, and backs up before making changes. However it is
> technically too differcult to script an install or update of FreeMiNT
> &  XaAES, because there are as many different was to install it on real
> hardware, as there are people that use it.

I am glad to hear that. I already tried to modify AFROS. I send the new version to maintainer (Petr Stehlik) about 1,5 years ago 
but still not have clear answer (although I know him personaly and we met since then). While you are going to update the system 
part, I did something different. My idea was to offer more free end-user applications. So far I added:
	JAY MSA 1.08
	ArcView 0.8
	HypView 0.40
	Smurf 1.06
	KK Commander 1.4C (UK)
	GEMJing 1.40
	Explode! 2010-08-28
I changed configuration of Teradesk (file-type associations),
sorted the applications by types and made a logical structure for them in /C/APPS/
and made taskbar groups.

Updated system part is exactly what I missed :-)


> Apart from FreeMiNT for non-AFROS setups everything else could be
> scripted if you could supply a drive letter and/or path.

I also tried to solve the hardware diversity problem. I am one of those who try to run the AFROS environment on real HW (TT and 
CT60 Falcon). But it is more complicated than just changing the kernel:
- kernel drivers (natfeat vs. real HW)
- fVDI and its drivers
- special AUTO tools (aranym ones vs. fpatch and other real HW staff)

So I decided to prepare one general package (AFROS-common) and several arch-dependent "patches" (AFROS-aranym, AFROS-F030, ...)
But I have not finished this yet.


> When I have this new update ready, I will be looking to the AFROS
> maintainers to get a new release made available. I have been doing
> these AROS patches for almost 2 years now, and I am ready to do one
> that can successfully be used for development work as well (requires
> partition images)

Looks like we have similar ideas.
Could we cooperate on the new version of AFROS?

Bringing this new AFROS could have several advantages:
- fast installation on clear disk (just unzip on C:) or new Aranym installation (copy the image).
- "unify" the configuration of Atari systems installed around the globe - this could help discussing problems (look at 
/C/APPS/UTILS/ARCVIEW/ARCVIEW.CFG and edit line xy...)
- move users from laboriously installing and configuring their systems for months to just using it.
- ...


> Cheers
>
> Paul

Regards,

Bohdan