NEXTSTEP In Focus, Spring 1994 (Volume 4, Issue 2).
Copyright © 1994 by NeXT Computer, Inc.  All Rights Reserved.

FAQ

Replacing the NEXTSTEP Boot Sector

My PC doesn't give me a choice between NEXTSTEP and DOS when the system starts up, even though my disk has DOS and NEXTSTEP partitions. How can I fix the disk so I can boot from either partition?

The boot sector for the disk became corrupted or was removed. You need to replace it.

As root, type the command shown below in a Terminal window. If you're using an IDE disk, substitute /dev/rhd0a for /dev/rsd0a.

disk -B0 /usr/standalone/i386/boot0 /dev/rsd0a

You must execute this command as root. Incorrectly typing this command can cause serious problems. Use caution when logged in as root.

See also: "Intel Boot Process," NeXTanswers #1487.

S3-928 Support

Can an S3-928 card that's not listed in the Hardware Compatibility Guide work

Any card that follows the S3 guidelines should work with the NEXTSTEP S3 driver,which is shipped with Release 3.2 and available from NeXTanswers for Release 3.1. Problems occur when card manufacturers optimize cards beyond S3 specifications, enhancing performance but breaking NEXTSTEP's and other operating systems' S3 drivers. Examples of such cards are the Number Nine GXE-VL, STB Pegasus VL, Diamond Viper VL/PCI, and Genoa cards.

If you have an unlisted card that you suspect may work, the most likely mode to try is 1024 768 16-bit color.

Dot-Matrix Printer Support

Which dot-matrix printers are supported for NEXTSTEP?

NeXT provides drivers for the Epson 510 printer and the IBM ProPrinter. These drivers come with NEXTSTEP Release 3.1. For Release 3.2, the drivers are available as a separate product; contact your NeXT representative for details. Drivers for these and other printers are also available with the product Dots from Alembic Systems, Inc.; call 1-800-452-7608, fax (303) 799-1435, or send e-mail to info@alembic.com.

See also: Third-Party Products guide.

HP/PA Supported Systems

Which HP systems will be supported for NEXTSTEP Release 3.2 for HP/PA-RISC?

The release will initially be supported for these HP 9000 series 700 system models: 712/60, 712/80i (the "Gecko"), 715/80i, 715/33, 715/50, 725/50, 735, and 755. Other systems are currently being tested.

Light Pen Support

Does NEXTSTEP support light pens?

Design Technologies sells a NEXTSTEP-compatible light pen. When you use it, both the pen and mouse are active at the same time, so both devices control the cursor. For information, contact David Weinberg at Design Technologies, (619) 448-2888.

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