Mail Archives: djgpp/1996/11/22/21:15:04
Erik Max Francis (max AT alcyone DOT com) wrote:
: Furthermore, the line has to be drawn somewhere. After all, a 286 isn't
: worth anything these days -- no protected mode.
Since the merits of non-DJGPP software might be a bit off-topic here <grin>,
and since it is true that DJGPP requires a 32-bit (386 or higher) CPU,
please let me just offer an amendment (hopefully not too unfriendly <grin>)
for the sake of accuracy.
While a 286 CPU does not support _32-bit_ protected mode, it certainly
can support 16-bit protected mode. For example, Lotus 1-2-3 3.0
(no endorsement of "look and feel" suits implied) and early releases of
OS/2 (roughly 1988-1990) ran in this type of protected mode so that they
would be compatible with the then-still-massive base of 286 computers
as well as the then-new 386 systems.
Even at that time, the advantages of 32-bit protected mode were well-known,
of course, and this was one benefit of Intel-compatible **IX systems as
opposed to the early OS/2, for example.
BTW, I see no reason to put down _any_ computer, including a TRS-80
running CP/M; but it is a legitimate question whether anyone would want
to rely on this today as their _only_ computer.
Certainly I would agree that the move to 32-bit software is as important
for DOS users as for those using other environments.
Respectfully,
Margo Schulter
mschulter AT mpu DOT com
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