Hello NEXTSTEP advocates and User Group leaders, I have two important new items for you today... => 1. NEXTSTEP Developer Release 3.2 Feature Set => 2. NEXTSTEP Hardware Compatibility Guide (August 10, 1993) Please feel free to save these documents for future reference and also distribute these to NEXTSTEP interested individuals in your community. Conrad Geiger NeXT Email: Conrad_Geiger@next.com _________________________________________________________________ => 1. NEXTSTEP Developer Release 3.2 Feature Set Retail Price: $1995 Product Includes software on CD-ROM, and full hardcopy technical library. Upgrade Pricing: FREE to those 3.1 customers that register BEFORE 10/31/93 Otherwise, $495. Price is the same for Intel and NeXT Computer versions. New Feature List: HeaderViewer Application Modifications - Update Menu Item - This feature allows the developer to reload precompiled headers into the application, if a new version has been created. Previously, developers had to quit the application and then relaunch it to get a newer version. This feature is useful for developers using HeaderViewer to work with their own object libraries, that are dynamically changing. - Kit Filter Preference - A new preference setting has been added to the application to allow more control over the contents being browsed by the developer. This feature enables object classes to be filtered out that are referenced by other object kits that the developer is browsing, providing the developer with more concise information. For example, a developer may want to only view the DBKit object classes, and not see the AppKit object classes in the browser, even though DBKit includes appkit.h in its definition. The default behavior for HeaderViewer is to italicize the objects in the browser that are included as opposed to being a part of the actual kit. - On-Line Documentation - In addition to the application's online Help facility, full documentation for the application has been added to the online library of technical documentation. ProjectBuilder.app Modifications - Finder Mode - This is a new view option in the ProjectBuilder main window, to allow a developer to find all instances of words/strings inside of the files that live in the different project categories. For example, a developer could search for a particular word or string in the object header and implementation files within the project. The developer can choose whether the search mechanism uses grep syntax for wildcard searches, or the standard UNIX cshell wildcarding. - Improved Bundle Attribute Support - More support for modifying the attributes of bundle projects has been added. For example, the developer is no longer limited to the .bundle extension, but can create an extension unique to their needs. - Object-Server Support - A new project type has been added to ProjectBuilder, called Tools. This project builds applications that are not dependent on the NEXTSTEP GUI, and therefore do not have the standard AppKit event loop processing, etc. The primary goal of this feature is to allow developers to build object services that run in a network, and can be accessed through DO/PDO via NEXTSTEP client applications. This project type also supports the building of standard UNIX command-line programs that do not interact with the NEXTSTEP Window Server. - Initial PDO Support - ProjectBuilder has always been able to build objects/applications remotely over the network, on another NEXTSTEP machine. Changes have been added to allow ProjectBuilder to now communicate via Portable Distributed Objects (PDO) to a non-NEXTSTEP machine, and build objects/applications in the target environment. This will allow PDO developers to build their object services for their servers from a NEXTSTEP client utilizing the same ProjectBuilder facilities they use for NEXTSTEP applications. FileMerge.app - FileMerge is a new application being added as a demo this release, with the intent of making it a fully supported and documented application in the next release. FileMerge is used to compare 2 directories, and show which files are added, deleted, or modified. For a pair of files that are different, the application will show them side-by-side in a view that marks all differences in a very graphical manner. The developer can choose to create a third file, which is viewed below the 2 files being compared, and then selectively merge the two files by choosing which of the above files the changes should come from, for each set of differences. Using this tool, a developer can quickly tell what changed, and quickly merge changes from different source branches with a few mouse clicks. This application will also support an open protocol to allow other tools, such as a Software Configuration Management System, to access and utilize it. Gdb Debugger - Data Breakpoints - Data breakpoints was a feature that existed in NEXTSTEP Release 3.0, but was taken out in Release 3.1 because of its platform dependent implementation. A new platform independent implementation has been added, that is actually more accurate than previous implementations. C++ Support - libg++ - The GNU libg++, v2.3, C++ class libraries are being added to the release. On-line documentation for the library is being added as well. - ld++ Command Wrapper - This wrapper will prevent C++ developers from having to look at mangled names when there is a link error. The errors will be expressed in the native C++ names. GNU Sources - A new package, GNUSource.pkg, is being added to the NEXTSTEP Developer product. This includes all the standard GNU sources that NeXT is required to make available to the public. The package will install the sources in the directory /NextDeveloper/Source/GNU/ by default. In addition to these new features, 3.2 includes both bug fixes and performance enhancements. _________________________________________________________________ => 2. NEXTSTEP Hardware Compatibility Guide (August 10, 1993) NEXTSTEP RELEASE 3.1 FOR INTEL PROCESSORS Hardware Compatibility Guide August 10, 1993 For easy readability of this Hardware Guide: If you are reading this with Mail.app, be sure to set your font preference for this message to a smaller fixed-width font (Ohlfs 10 point font). This document describes in general terms, the types of PC-compatible hardware that is supported by NEXTSTEP RELEASE 3.1 for Intel Processors. Although may different vendors' systems will work with NEXTSTEP, the systems listed here have been tested and found to be compatible with NEXTSTEP. For any hardware specification or purchase, please contact NeXT for the latest update to this guide. PC compatibles, portables and laptops from the following vendors are now supported: ALR ALTIMA AST COMPAQ DATA GENERAL DEC DELL EPSON GATEWAY HEWLETT PACKARD IBM INTEL LOGISYS/LUCKY GOLDSTAR NCR NEC TOSHIBA UNISYS ZENITH CONTINENTAL COMPUTERS GEC COMPUTERS Driver updates: Information on device driver updates may be obtained by sending email to NeXTanswers@next.com with the subject of "INDEX HELP". You will receive the master index for NeXTanswers. NeXT and third parties are constantly developing and enhancing drivers for NEXTSTEP. Updates to existing drivers, or new drivers can be downloaded from the Internet via email or ftp. NeXTanswers provides an easy method to obtain drivers by e-mail as described above. (Note: you must be able to receive NeXTMail in order to be able to receive drivers via email.) To obtain drivers via ftp: use ftp to access ftp.next.com and login as anonymous with any password and "cd" to /pub. Drivers can be downloaded from the NeXTanswers directory. ** TABLE OF CONTENTS ** -> NEXTSTEP-COMPATIBLE Desktop Systems -> NEXTSTEP-COMPATIBLE Portable Systems -> NEXTSTEP for Intel Processors: Graphics Adapters -> NEXTSTEP for Intel Processors: Other Devices and Adapters _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ -> NEXTSTEP-COMPATIBLE Desktop Systems General Requirements for Desktop Systems: CPU - i486 based or Pentium based PC Compatible Computer. This includes 486SX, 486SL, 486DX, 486DX/2 or Pentium. 486SX systems require a floating-point coprocessor, or upgrade to 486DX or DX2. EXPANSION BUS - ISA or EISA expansion bus. AVAILABLE HARD DISK SPACE - NEXTSTEP supports multiple partitioned hard disks, allowing the user to install and boot several operating systems from the same local hard disk. Larger local disks are recommended for standalone systems or for systems with a local non-NEXTSTEP partition. NEXTSTEP User Environment - 120 MB (megabyte) partition minimum - 200 MB recommended for standalone systems NEXTSTEP User + Developer Environments - 330 MB partition minimum - 400 MB recommended RAM REQUIREMENTS - Ram requirements vary depending upon selection of graphics adapter. GRAPHICS MINIMUM RAM RECOMMENDED RAM 16 bit color 16 Megabytes 24 Megabytes 8 bit grayscale 12 Megabytes 16 Megabytes 2 bit grayscale 8 Megabytes 12 Megabytes GRAPHICS ADAPTERS - See "NEXTSTEP for INTEL PROCESSORS GRAPHICS" in this Guide for details on graphics support. DISK INTERFACES - IDE and several SCSI Hard Disk Interfaces are supported. NOTE: a SCSI adaptor and SCSI CDROM are required for installation of NEXTSTEP. POINTING DEVICES - Microsoft compatible PS/2 and serial mice. Logitec PS/2, serial and bus mice. PRINTERS - Any Postscript printer connected via a serial or parallel port, including the NeXT Color Printer (connected via a SCSI port). NeXT recommends color Postscript printers with Postscript Level II for proper color support. NETWORKING - Several Ethernet and Token Ring networking adapters are supported. A networking adapter is optional. SOUND - NEXTSTEP can support certain PC sound cards for both playback and recording. A Sound card is optional. _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ NEXTSTEP-Compatible Desktop Systems PC MANUFACTURERS Below appear the following graphics configurations for NEXTSTEP for Intel Processors compatible hardware: I. 16 Bit Color Systems II 8 Bit Grayscale Systems III. 2 Bit Grayscale Systems I. 16 Bit Color Systems ALR Vendor Model name Bus CPU Graphics Architecture _____________________________________________________________________ For ALR: 1MB VRAM is required for 800x600 For ALR: 2MB VRAM is required for 1024x768 (Driver Update required) 486DX, 486DX2 ALR Evolution IV/e EISA 33 Mhz VL-Bus ATI 68800 VL-Bus ALR Evolution IV/e EISA 50 Mhz VL-Bus ATI 68800 VL-Bus ALR Evolution IV/e EISA 66 Mhz VL-Bus ATI 68800 VL-BUS AST Vendor Model name Bus CPU Graphics Architecture _____________________________________________________________________ For AST Power Premium: see Add-On Graphics adapter chart 486DX, 486DX2 AST Power Premium EISA 33 Mhz Add-on EISA card AST Power Premium EISA 50 Mhz Add-on EISA card AST Power Premium EISA 66 Mhz Add-on EISA card (Driver Update required) 486DX, 486DX2 AST Premmia 4/d EISA 33 Mhz Localbus ATI 68800 AST Premmia 4/d EISA 66 Mhz Localbus ATI 68800 COMPAQ Vendor Model name Bus CPU Graphics Architecture ____________________________________________________________________ For all Compaq systems: see Graphics Adapter chart 486DX Compaq Deskpro L EISA 50 Mhz EISA QVision 486DX, 486DX2 Compaq Deskpro M EISA 33 Mhz EISA QVision Compaq Deskpro M EISA 50 Mhz EISA QVision Compaq Deskpro M EISA 66 Mhz EISA QVision Pentium Compaq Deskpro 5M EISA 60 Mhz EISA QVision Compaq Deskpro 5M EISA 66 Mhz EISA QVision DATA GENERAL Vendor Model name Bus CPU Graphics Architecture _____________________________________________________________________ 486DX DG Dasher LE2 EISA 66 Mhz Localbus ATI 68800 DEC Vendor Model Bus CPU Graphics Architecture _____________________________________________________________________ DEC MTE-d2 system: requires 1 MB VRAM for 800x600 w/ Localbus S3-805 DEC MTE-d2 system: requires 1 MB VRAM for 800x600 w/ Localbus S3-928 DEC MTE-d2 system: requires 2 MB VRAM for 1024x768 w/ Localbus S3-928 DEC MTE-d2 system: requires 4 MB VRAM for 1280x1024 w/ LocalbusS3-928 486 DX2 (Driver Update required) DEC MTE-d2 EISA 66 Mhz Localbus S3-805 486 DX2 (Driver Update required) DEC MTE-d2 EISA 66 Mhz Localbus S3-928 DELL Vendor Model name Bus CPU Graphics Architecture _____________________________________________________________________ For 450DE/2 DGX: 2MB of VRAM - 16 bit color resolution is 1120 x 832 For Dell ME, L, M Series: 1 MB VRAM supports 800x600 486DX2 Dell 450DE/2 DGX EISA 50 Mhz Localbus JAWS 486DX, 486DX2 Dell ME Series EISA 33 Mhz LocalBus S3-805 Dell ME Series EISA 50 Mhz LocalBus S3-805 Dell ME Series EISA 66 Mhz LocalBus S3-805 486DX, 486DX2 Dell M Series ISA 33 Mhz LocalBus S3-805 Dell M Series ISA 50 Mhz LocalBus S3-805 Dell M Series ISA 66 Mhz LocalBus S3-805 486DX2 Dell L Series ISA 66 Mhz LocalBus S3-805 EPSON Vendor Model name Bus CPU Graphics Architecture _____________________________________________________________________ For Epson Progression NX: 2MB VRAM Version supports 1024x768 For Epson Progression: 2MB VRAM Version supports 1024x768 For Epson Progression: 1MB VRAM Version supports 800x600 For Epson Progression: 2MB VRAM Version supports 1120x832 (Driver update available for Progression, 1120x832) 486DX, 486DX2 Epson Progression NX ISA 33 Mhz Localbus C&T Wingine Epson Progression NX ISA 66 Mhz Localbus C&T Wingine Epson NX ISA 33 Mhz Localbus C&T Wingine Epson NX ISA 66 Mhz Localbus C&T Wingine Epson Progression ISA 33 Mhz Localbus C&T Wingine Epson Progression ISA 66 Mhz Localbus C&T Wingine GATEWAY Vendor Model name Bus CPU Graphics Architecture _____________________________________________________________________ For Gateway: requires 2MB VRAM for the 1024x768 16 bit color; requires 1MB VRAM for the 800x600 16 bit color 486DX. 486DX2 Gateway Series V ISA 33 Mhz VL-bus ATI 68800 VL-Bus Gateway Series V ISA 50 Mhz VL-bus ATI 68800 VL-Bus Gateway Series V ISA 66 Mhz VL-bus ATI 68800 VL-Bus HEWLETT PACKARD Vendor Model Bus CPU Graphics Architecture _____________________________________________________________________ For HP N and NI series: 1 MB VRAM supports 800x600 16 bit color For HP Vectra XM series: 1 MB VRAM supports 800x600 16 bit color For HP Vectra XM series: 2 MB VRAM supports 1024x768 16 bit color [HP Vectra XM series: driver update required.] [Vectra NI and XM-Series: LAN adapter not yet supported.] 486DX, 486DX2 Hewlett Vectra EISA 33 Mhz Add-on EISA card Packard U Hewlett Vectra EISA 50 Mhz Add-on EISA card Packard U Hewlett Vectra EISA 66 Mhz Add-on EISA card Packard U Hewlett Vectra ISA 33 Mhz Localbus S3-805 Packard N Hewlett Vectra ISA 50 Mhz Localbus S3-805 Packard N Hewlett Vectra ISA 66 Mhz Localbus S3-805 Packard N Hewlett Vectra ISA 33 Mhz Localbus S3-805 Packard NI Hewlett Vectra ISA 50 Mhz Localbus S3-805 Packard NI Hewlett Vectra ISA 66 Mhz Localbus S3-805 Packard NI Hewlett Vectra ISA 33 Mhz Localbus S3-928 Packard XM Hewlett Vectra ISA 50 Mhz Localbus S3-928 Packard XM Hewlett Vectra ISA 66 Mhz Localbus S3-928 Packard XM IBM Vendor Model name Bus CPU Graphics Architecture _____________________________________________________________________ For IBM Value Point systems: 1MB VRAM for 16 bit - 800x600 resolution (Please contact NeXT for an application note on installation) (For NEXTSTEP 3.1: Driver Update required for all IBM systems) 486DX, 486DX2 IBM ValuePoint ISA 33 Mhz Localbus S3-805 466DX2/S VL-BUS IBM ValuePoint ISA 66 Mhz Localbus S3-805 466DX2/S VL-BUS IBM ValuePoint ISA 33 Mhz Localbus S3-805 466DX2/D VL-BUS IBM ValuePoint ISA 66 Mhz Localbus S3-805 466DX2/D VL-BUS IBM ValuePoint ISA 33 Mhz Localbus S3-805 466DX2/T VL-BUS IBM ValuePoint ISA 66 Mhz Localbus S3-805 466DX2/T VL-BUS INTEL Vendor Model Bus CPU Graphics Architecture _____________________________________________________________________ For Intel: 2MB VRAM for 1024x768 16 bit color 486DX2 Intel GX/Pro EISA 66 Mhz LocalBus ATI 68800 LOGISYS/LUCKY GOLDSTAR Vendor name Model name Bus CPU Graphics Architecture _____________________________________________________________________ For Lucky Goldstar: 2 MB VRAM for 1024 x 768 resolution 486DX, 486DX2 Logisys/Lucky VL-Bus Goldstar LG 486NX ISA 33 Mhz Localbus C&T Wingine Logisys/Lucky VL-Bus Goldstar LG 486NX ISA 66 Mhz Localbus C&T Wingine NCR Vendor Model Bus CPU Graphics Architecture _____________________________________________________________________ 486DX2 ISA NCR 3333 VL-Bus 66 Mhz VL-Bus graphics adapter NEC Vendor Model name Bus CPU Graphics Architecture _____________________________________________________________________ For NEC: requires Compaq QVision 1024/E for 800x600 or ATI Graphics Ultra Pro EISA with 2MB VRAM for 1024x768 486DX, 486DX2 NEC PowerMate Express DX/2 EISA 33 Mhz Add-on EISA card NEC PowerMate Express DX/2 EISA 50 Mhz Add-on EISA card NEC PowerMate Express DX/2 EISA 66 Mhz Add-on EISA card UNISYS Vendor Model name Bus CPU Graphics Architecture _____________________________________________________________________ For UNISYS: requires high resolution RAMDAC for NEXTSTEP support. On-board SCSI & LAN not yet supported. UNISYS U6000 DT2: Requires 1MB VRAM for 800x600 UNISYS U6000 DT2: Requires 2MB VRAM for 1024x768 486DX2 UNISYS U6000 DT2 EISA 66 Mhz Localbus ATI 68800 ZENITH Vendor Model name Bus CPU Graphics Architecture _____________________________________________________________________ 486DX, 486DX2 ZENITH Z-station XEn EISA 33 Mhz Add-on EISA ZENITH Z-station XEn EISA 50 Mhz Add-on EISA ZENITH Z-station XEn EISA 66 Mhz Add-on EISA HARDWARE SYSTEM INTEGRATORS 16 bit Color Systems CONTINENTAL COMPUTERS Integrator Model name Bus CPU Graphics Architecture _____________________________________________________________________ For Continental computers: 1MB VRAM for 800x600 16 bit color; 2MB VRAM for 1024x768 16 bit color 486DX, 486DX2 CONTINENTAL 3800 NeXT EISA EISA 33 Mhz VL-Bus ATI 68800 CONTINENTAL 3800 NeXT EISA EISA 50 Mhz VL-Bus ATI 68800 CONTINENTAL 3800 NeXT EISA EISA 66 Mhz VL-Bus ATI 68800 486DX, 486DX2 CONTINENTAL 3800 NeXT ISA ISA 33 Mhz VL-Bus ATI 68800 CONTINENTAL 3800 NeXT ISA ISA 50 Mhz VL-Bus ATI 68800 CONTINENTAL 3800 NeXT ISA ISA 66 Mhz VL-Bus ATI 68800 GEC COMPUTERS Vendor Model Bus CPU Graphics Architecture _____________________________________________________________________ For GEC computers: 1MB VRAM for 800x600 16 bit color; 2MB VRAM for 1024x768 16 bit color 486DX, 486DX2 GEC Jet F86 ISA 33 Mhz VL-Bus ATI 68800 GEC Jet F86 ISA 50 Mhz VL-Bus ATI 68800 GEC Jet F86 ISA 66 Mhz VL-Bus ATI 68800 486DX, 486DX2 GEC Jet F86 EISA 33 Mhz VL-Bus ATI 68800 GEC Jet F86 EISA 50 Mhz VL-Bus ATI 68800 GEC Jet F86 EISA 66 Mhz VL-Bus ATI 68800 II. 8 Bit Grayscale COMPAQ Vendor Model name Bus CPU Graphics Architecture ____________________________________________________________________ For all Compaq systems: see Graphics Adapter chart 486DX Compaq Deskpro L EISA 50 Mhz EISA QVision 486DX, 486DX2 Compaq Deskpro M EISA 33 Mhz EISA QVision Compaq Deskpro M EISA 50 Mhz EISA QVision Compaq Deskpro M EISA 66 Mhz EISA QVision Pentium Compaq Deskpro 5M EISA 60 Mhz EISA QVision Compaq Deskpro 5M EISA 66 Mhz EISA QVision DEC Vendor Model Bus CPU Graphics Architecture _____________________________________________________________________ DEC MTE-d2 system: requires 1 MB VRAM for 1024x768 w/ Localbus S3-805 DEC MTE-d2 system: requires 1 MB VRAM for 1024x768 w/ Localbus S3-928 DEC MTE-d2 system: requires 2 MB VRAM for 1280x1024 w/ LocalbusS3-928 486 DX2 (Driver Update required) DEC MTE-d2 EISA 66 Mhz Localbus S3-805 486 DX2 (Driver Update required) DEC MTE-d2 EISA 66 Mhz Localbus S3-928 DELL Vendor Model name Bus CPU Graphics Architecture _____________________________________________________________________ For Dell ME Series: 1 MB VRAM supports 8 bit - 1024x768 resolution For Dell M Series: 1 MB VRAM supports 8 bit - 1024x768 resolution For Dell L Series: 1 MB VRAM supports 8 bit - 1024x768 resolution 486DX, 486DX2 Dell ME Series EISA 33 Mhz LocalBus S3-805 Dell ME Series EISA 50 Mhz LocalBus S3-805 Dell ME Series EISA 66 Mhz LocalBus S3-805 486DX, 486DX2 Dell M Series ISA 33 Mhz LocalBus S3-805 Dell M Series ISA 50 Mhz LocalBus S3-805 Dell M Series ISA 66 Mhz LocalBus S3-805 486DX2 Dell L Series ISA 66 Mhz LocalBus S3-805 HEWLETT PACKARD Vendor Model Bus CPU Graphics Architecture _____________________________________________________________________ For HP N and NI: requires 1 MB VRAM for 8 bit - 1024x768 resolution For HP Vectra XM series: 1 MB VRAM supports 8 bit - 1024x768 For HP Vectra XM series: 2 MB VRAM supports 8 bit - 1280x1024 [HP Vectra XM series: driver update required.] [Vectra NI and XM-Series: LAN adapter not yet supported.] 486DX, 486DX2 Hewlett Vectra ISA 33 Mhz Localbus S3-805 Packard N Hewlett Vectra ISA 50 Mhz Localbus S3-805 Packard N Hewlett Vectra ISA 66 Mhz Localbus S3-805 Packard N Hewlett Vectra ISA 33 Mhz Localbus S3-805 Packard NI Hewlett Vectra ISA 50 Mhz Localbus S3-805 Packard NI Hewlett Vectra ISA 66 Mhz Localbus S3-805 Packard NI Hewlett Vectra ISA 33 Mhz Localbus S3-928 Packard XM Hewlett Vectra ISA 50 Mhz Localbus S3-928 Packard XM Hewlett Vectra ISA 66 Mhz Localbus S3-928 Packard XM IBM Vendor Model name Bus CPU Graphics Architecture _____________________________________________________________________ (Please contact NeXT for an application note on installation) (For NEXTSTEP 3.1: Driver Update required for all IBM systems) For IBM Value Point systems: 1MB VRAM for 8 bit- 1023x768 resolution 486DX, 486DX2 IBM ValuePoint ISA 33 Mhz Localbus S3-805 466DX2/S VL-BUS IBM ValuePoint ISA 66 Mhz Localbus S3-805 466DX2/S VL-BUS IBM ValuePoint ISA 33 Mhz Localbus S3-805 466DX2/D VL-BUS IBM ValuePoint ISA 66 Mhz Localbus S3-805 466DX2/D VL-BUS IBM ValuePoint ISA 33 Mhz Localbus S3-805 466DX2/T VL-BUS IBM ValuePoint ISA 66 Mhz Localbus S3-805 466DX2/T VL-BUS NCR Vendor Model Bus CPU Graphics Architecture _____________________________________________________________________ 486DX2 ISA NCR 3333 VL-Bus 66 Mhz VL-Bus graphics adapter NEC Vendor Model name Bus CPU Graphics Architecture _____________________________________________________________________ For NEC: Select add-on EISA Graphics adapter 486DX, 486DX2 NEC PowerMate Express DX/2 EISA 33 Mhz Add-on EISA card NEC PowerMate Express DX/2 EISA 50 Mhz Add-on EISA card NEC PowerMate Express DX/2 EISA 66 Mhz Add-on EISA card ZENITH Vendor Model name Bus CPU Graphics Architecture _____________________________________________________________________ 486DX, 486DX2 ZENITH Z-station XEn EISA 33 Mhz Add-on EISA ZENITH Z-station XEn EISA 50 Mhz Add-on EISA ZENITH Z-station XEn EISA 66 Mhz Add-on EISA III. 2 Bit Grayscale AST Vendor Model name Bus CPU Graphics Architecture _____________________________________________________________________ 640x480 2 bit grayscale 486DX, 486DX2 AST Power Premium EISA 33 Mhz Built-in VGA AST Power Premium EISA 50 Mhz Built-in VGA AST Power Premium EISA 66 Mhz Built-in VGA DELL Vendor Model name Bus CPU Graphics Architecture _____________________________________________________________________ For Dell L Series: 1 MB VRAM supports 1024x768 - 2 bit grayscale 486DX, 486DX2 Dell L Series ISA 33 Mhz LocalBus S3-805 (ET4000W32) Dell L Series ISA 66 Mhz LocalBus S3-805 (ET4000W32) HEWLETT PACKARD Vendor Model Bus CPU Graphics Architecture _____________________________________________________________________ For HP: Built-in VGA supports 640-480 2 bit grayscale 486DX, 486DX2 Hewlett Vectra EISA 33 Mhz Built-in VGA Packard U Hewlett Vectra EISA 50 Mhz Built-in VGA Packard U Hewlett Vectra EISA 66 Mhz Built-in VGA Packard U NEC Vendor Model name Bus CPU Graphics Architecture _____________________________________________________________________ Built-in VGA supports 1024x768 2-bit grayscale 486DX, 486DX2 NEC I-series ISA 33 Mhz LocalBus ET4000AX NEC I-series ISA 50 Mhz LocalBus ET4000AX NEC I-series ISA 66 Mhz LocalBus ET4000AX 486DX2 NEC Image 466 ISA 66 Mhz LocalBus ET4000W32 Built-in VGA supports 640x480 2-bit grayscale 486DX, 486DX2 NEC PowerMate Express DX/2 EISA 33 Mhz Built-in VGA NEC PowerMate Express DX/2 EISA 50 Mhz Built-in VGA NEC PowerMate Express DX/2 EISA 66 Mhz Built-in VGA ZENITH Vendor Model name Bus CPU Graphics Architecture _____________________________________________________________________ Built-in VGA supports 640x480 2-bit grayscale 486DX, 486DX2 ZENITH Z-station XEn EISA 33 Mhz Built-in VGA ZENITH Z-station XEn EISA 50 Mhz Built-in VGA ZENITH Z-station XEn EISA 66 Mhz Built-in VGA _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ -> NEXTSTEP-COMPATIBLE Portable Systems OVERVIEW CPU - i486 based PC Compatible Portable Computer. This includes 486SX, 486SL, 486DX, 486DX/2. 486SX systems require a floating-point coprocessor, or upgrade to 486DX or DX2. EXPANSION BUS - AC powered portables require at least one ISA or EISA slot for a SCSI adapter to install NEXTSTEP from CD-ROM. BATTERY-POWERED PORTABLES AND DOCKING STATIONS - Battery powered portables require a docking station with at least one ISA slot for a SCSI adapter to install NEXTSTEP from a CD-ROM. Once NEXTSTEP is installed, the portable may be used away from the docking station. AVAILABLE HARD DISK SPACE - NEXTSTEP supports multiple partitioned hard disks, allowing the user to install and boot several operating systems from the same local hard disk. Larger local disks are recommended for standalone systems or for systems with a local non-NEXTSTEP partition: NEXTSTEP User Environment - 120 MB (megabyte) partition minimum - 200 MB recommended for standalone systems NEXTSTEP User + Developer Environments - 330 MB partition minimum - 400 MB recommended RAM REQUIREMENTS - RAM requirements vary depending upon selection of graphics adapter: GRAPHICS MINIMUM RAM RECOMMENDED RAM 16 bit color 16 Megabytes 24 Megabytes 8 bit grayscale 12 Megabytes 16 Megabytes 2 bit grayscale 8 Megabytes 12 Megabytes(+) Note: Since 16 bit color and 8 bit color grayscale support require LocalBus, VL-Bus, PCI, or EISA graphics adapters, only AC-powered portables with EISA slots can support 16 bit color or 8 bit grayscale. (+) - NeXT recommends a minimum of 12MB or RAM for acceptable performance on portables. GRAPHICS ADAPTERS - Current display panel technology in popular PC-compatibles is limited to 640x480 resolution and cannot yet display 16 bit color. These systems do not yet support the linear buffer NEXTSTEP requires for 16 bit color or 8 bit grayscale. Therefore, NEXTSTEP supports these systems with 2-bit grayscale at 640x480. Active matrix or plasma panels are recommended for better cursor tracking response. ISA systems (AC-powered or through a docking station) can support add-on, high resolution 2-bit grayscale graphics adapters and EISA-based AC-powered portables can support 16-bit color or 8-bit grayscale graphics with an add-on EISA graphics adapter. DISK INTERFACES - Both built-in IDE and add-on SCSI Hard Disk Interfaces are supported. Battery powered portables require a docking station to install a SCSI hard disk interface card. POINTING DEVICES - Microsoft and Logitec compatible PS/2 and serial mice are supported. PRINTERS - Any Postscript printer connected via a serial or parallel port, including the NeXT Color Printer (connected via a SCSI port). NeXT recommends color Postscript printers with Postscript Level II for proper color support. NETWORKING - Ethernet and Token Ring networking adapters are supported. Battery-powered portables require a docking station to install a networking adapter. A networking adapter is optional. SOUND - NEXTSTEP can support certain PC sound cards for both playback and recording. Battery-powered portables require a docking station to install a sound card. A Sound card is optional. _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ NEXTSTEP-Compatible Portable Systems PC MANUFACTURERS I. Built-in Panel Portables ALTIMA Vendor Model Power Panel CPU Dock. Max disk Source type Speed Exp. /RAM _____________________________________________________________________ 486DX ALTIMA 433D Battery Passive 33 Mhz ISA 200/20 Matrix Mono Built-in panel supports 640x480 2-bit grayscale Built-in expansion: Fax/modem Send email to nextanswers@next.com for update on pointer support for Altima 433D. AST Vendor Model Power Panel CPU Dock. Max disk Source type Speed Exp. /RAM _____________________________________________________________________ 486SL AST Power- Battery Passive 25 Mhz ISA 200/32 Exec Color KMM 4SL or Mono MS AST Power- Battery Active 25 Mhz ISA 200/32 Exec Matrix KMM 4SL Mono MS Built-in panel supports 640x480 2-bit grayscale Built-in expansion: Fax/modem COMPAQ Vendor Model Power Panel CPU Dock. Max disk Source type Speed Exp. /RAM _____________________________________________________________________ 486DX, 486DX2 COMPAQ 486/M AC Passive 25 Mhz 525/32 Port. Matrix Mono COMPAQ 486/M AC Passive 33 Mhz 525/32 Port. Matrix Mono COMPAQ 486/C AC Active 25 Mhz 525/32 Port. Matrix Color COMPAQ 486/C AC Active 33 Mhz 525/32 Port. Matrix Color 486SL COMPAQ LTE Battery Active 25 Mhz ISA 200/20 Lite Matrix KMM 4/25c Color MS Built-in panel supports 640x480 2-bit grayscale Built-in expansion: Fax/modem (EISA expansion for 486/C and 486/M) NEC Vendor Model Power Panel CPU Dock. Max disk Source type Speed Exp. /RAM _____________________________________________________________________ 486SX NEC Pro- AC Active 20 Mhz 200/20 Speed Matrix 486C Color 486SL NEC Ultra- Battery Passive 20 Mhz ISA 180/12 lite Matrix MS Versa M Mono KMM NEC Ultra- Battery Passive 25 Mhz ISA 180/12 lite Matrix MS Versa M Mono KMM NEC Ultra- Battery Active 20 Mhz ISA 180/12 lite Matrix MS Versa C Color KMM NEC Ultra- Battery Active 25 Mhz ISA 180/12 lite Matrix MS Versa C Color KMM Built-in panel supports 640x480 2-bit grayscale Built-in expansion: Fax/modem (EISA expansion for ProSpeed 486C) Built-in expansion: PCMCIA for Ultralite Versa C & M models ProSpeed 486C requires floating point upgrade. Send email to nextanswers@next.com for update on built-in trackball support for LTE Lite 4/25c. TOSHIBA Vendor Model Power Panel CPU Dock. Max disk Source type Speed Exp. /RAM _____________________________________________________________________ 486DX, 486DX2 TOSHIBA T6400DX AC Passive 33 Mhz 200/32 Mono or Plasma TOSHIBA T6400DX AC Passive 50 Mhz 200/32 Mono or Plasma TOSHIBA T6400 AC Active 33 Mhz 200/32 DXC Matrix Color TOSHIBA T6400 AC Active 50 Mhz 200/32 DXC Matrix Color 486SX TOSHIBA T4400SX Battery Passive 25 Mhz ISA 120/20 Mono or MS Plasma KMM TOSHIBA T4400 Battery Active 25 Mhz ISA 120/20 SXC Matrix MS Color KMM 486DX TOSHIBA T4400C Battery Active 25 Mhz ISA 120/20 Matrix MS Color KMM Built-in panel supports 640x480 2-bit grayscale Built-in expansion: Fax/modem (ISA expansion for T6400DX and T6400DXC models) T4400SX and T4400SXC require floating point upgrades. _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ -> NEXTSTEP for Intel Processors: Graphics Adapters OVERVIEW NEXTSTEP GRAPHICS SYSTEM NEXTSTEP for Intel Processors' Display Postscript graphic system supports such advanced capabilities as scalable fonts, unified imaging model for both screen display and printing, image transparency (also known as alpha channel), Pantone color matching, and Pixar Interactive Renderman 3D imaging. NEXTSTEP's window server composites multiple layers of images, and allows the user to work with images of any quality with any supported imaging model, in other words users can work with a 32 bit color image even on a 2-bit grayscale system! In order to provide these sophisticated capabilities NEXTSTEP requires a "workstation"-style linear frame buffer graphics system and a high performance 32-bit data path to the frame buffer. The number of colors or shades of gray, depth of transparency, etc., varies depending on the image model supported. ** TABLE FOR NEXTSTEP IMAGING ** Imaging Model Colors or Transparency Window Server Support Shades of (alpha channel) for Renderman 3D Gray Graphics _____________________________________________________________________ 32-bit color 24-bit - 8-bit (256 YES 16 million levels) colors 16-bit color 12-bit - 4-bit (16 YES 4096 colors levels) 32-BIT COLOR 2-bit color support on Intel-based PCs is planned for a future release of NEXTSTEP for Intel Processors. 16-BIT COLOR Graphics Architectures Supported - Intel JAWS (such as DELL Processor-Direct Graphics), Chips and Technologies Wingine, ATI Graphics Ultra Pro (68800), S3-805 and Compaq QVision. Due to the performance requirements of 16-bit color, these graphics adapters must be connected via LocalBus, VESA LocalBus (VL-Bus), PCI or EISA. The ISA expansion bus does not provide the 32-bit data path, or adequate performance to support NEXTSTEP 16-bit color. Future support is planned for the Tseng Labs ET-4000W32i and S3-928. Refer to the Desktop Systems and Add-on Graphics Adapter charts for specific adapter support. Supported Resolutions: 800x600, 1024x768, 1120x832. Specific support varies by graphics adapter and graphics frame buffer size. 8-BIT GRAYSCALE Graphics Architectures Supported - S3-805 and Compaq QVision. Due to the performance requirements of 8-bit grayscale, these graphics adapters must be connected via LocalBus, VESA LocalBus (VL-Bus), PCI or EISA. The ISA expansion bus does not provide the 32-bit data, or adequate performance to support NEXTSTEP 8-bit color. Future support is planned for the ATI Graphics Ultra Pro (68800), Tseng Labs ET-4000W32i and S3-928. Refer to the Desktop Systems and Add-on Graphics Adapter charts for specific adapter support. Supported Resolutions: 1024x768 or 1280x1024. Specific support varies by graphics adapter and graphics frame buffer size. 2-BIT GRAYSCALE NeXT has devoted a special driver that simulates the linear frame buffer required by NEXTSTEP's graphics system on segmented frame buffer graphics adapters such as standard VGA and Super VGA cards. This allows NEXTSTEP to support most standard VGA cards as well as certain Super VGA cards. Refer to the Desktop Systems and Add-on Graphics Adapter charts for specific adapter support. Graphics Architectures Supported - Standard VGA compatible and certain Super VGA graphics adapters using the Tseng Labs ET-4000AX or Cirrus Logic GD 542X. These graphics adapters can be connected via LocalBus, VESA LocalBus (VL-BUS), PCI, EISA or ISA. Supported Resolutions: 640x480 (Standard VGA) or 1024x769 (Super VGA). _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ NEXTSTEP for Intel Processors Graphics MANUFACTURERS OF GRAPHICS ADAPTERS ATI 68800 Vendor Model Bus Driver Graphics Resolutions Supported _____________________________________________________________________ ATI Ultra- VL-BUS ATI 16 bit color: Pro Ultra- 1 MB VRAM supports 800x600 Pro 2 MB VRAM supports 1024x768 ATI Ultra- VL-BUS ATI 16 bit color: Pro Ultra- 1 MB VRAM supports 800x600 Pro 2 MB VRAM supports 1024x768 ATI Ultra- EISA ATI 16 bit color: Pro Ultra- 1 MB VRAM supports 800x600 Pro 2 MB VRAM supports 1024x768 ATI Ultra- EISA ATI 16 bit color: Pro Ultra- 1 MB VRAM supports 800x600 Pro 2 MB VRAM supports 1024x768 COMPAQ QVISION Vendor Model Bus Driver Graphics Resolutions Supported _____________________________________________________________________ COMPAQ QVision EISA Compaq 16 bit color: 1024/E QVision 1 MB VRAM supports 800x600 8 bit grayscale: 1 MB VRAM supports 1024x768 COMPAQ QVision EISA Compaq 16 bit color: 1280/E QVision 1 MB VRAM supports 800x600 2 MB VRAM supports 1024x768 8 bit grayscale: 1 MB VRAM supports 1024x768 2 MB VRAM supports 1280x1024 CIRRUS LOGIC GD542X Vendor Model Bus Driver Graphics Resolutions Supported _____________________________________________________________________ STB Horizon ISA Cirrus 2 bit grayscale: Logic .5 MB VRAM supports 1024x768 GD542X JAWS Vendor Model Bus Driver Graphics Resolutions Supported _____________________________________________________________________ DELL 450DE/2 Local- DELL 16 bit color: DGX bus JAWS 2 MB VRAM supports 1120x832 DGX Note: Upgrade for Dell 450DE only. TSENG LABS ET-4000AX Vendor Model Bus Driver Graphics Resolutions Supported _____________________________________________________________________ ISA Tseng 2 bit grayscale: Labs .5 MB VRAM supports 1024x768 ET4000 STANDARD VGA Vendor Model Bus Driver Graphics Resolutions _____________________________________________________________________ various various ISA VGA 2 bit grayscale Adapter 640x480 resolution (default) _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ -> NEXTSTEP for Intel Processors: Other Devices and Adapters NEXTSTEP supports a variety of additional devices and add-on adapters: DISK INTERFACES Both IDE and several SCSI hard disk interfaces are supported. POINTING DEVICES Microsoft compatible PS/2 and serial mice. Logitec PS/2, serial, and bus mice. PRINTERS Any Postscript printer connected via a serial or parallel port, including the NeXT Color Printer (connected via a SCSI port). NeXT recommends color Postscript printers with Postscript Level II for proper color support. NETWORKING Several Ethernet and Token Ring networking adapters are supported. A networking adapter is optional. SOUND NEXTSTEP can support certain PC sound cards for both playback and recording. A Sound card is optional. ADDITIONAL DEVICES Other popular PC peripherals such as FAX/Modems will be supported. DRIVERKIT NEXTSTEP for Intel Processors incorporates a newly developed object-oriented driver architecture called DriverKit. DriverKit allows the quick development of device drivers for new peripherals and add-on cards for Intel-based PCs running NEXTSTEP. DriverKit's architecture allows drivers to be loaded at run-time, thereby allowing users to add additional cards or devices to their systems without re-installing the main operating system. Loadable device drivers also allow NeXT and third parties to easily distribute additional drivers as they become available. NeXT is actively working with hardware manufacturers and third parties to provide additional drivers for NEXTSTEP for Intel Processors. Developers interested in the DriverKit should contact Developer Support (1-800-848-6398) and join the registered developer program. _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ NEXTSTEP for Intel Processors ADDITIONAL DEVICE SUPPORT PRODUCTS FLOPPY DISK Vendor Model Bus Driver _____________________________________________________________________ 3.5 inch Floppy Disk 1.44MB floppy Controller IDE HARD DISK INTERFACE Vendor Model Bus Driver _____________________________________________________________________ IDE IDE Disk Controller SCSI HARD DISK INTERFACE Note on Adaptec 1542c & 1742, DPT 2011/95 & 2012/95: built-in floppy disk interface not supported Vendor Model Bus Driver Additional Features _____________________________________________________________________ Adaptec 1540B ISA Adaptec 1542B SCSI adapter Adaptec 1540C ISA Adaptec 1542B Built-in floppy disk SCSI adapter not supported Adaptec 1740 EISA Planned for 3.2 release of NEXTSTEP Adaptec 1742 EISA Planned for 3.2 release of NEXTSTEP Bus 542B ISA Adaptec 1542B Logic SCSI adapter Bus 747S EISA Adaptec 1542B Logic SCSI adapter DPT 2012/90 EISA DPT 2012B EISA 512K-16.5MB cache SCSI Adapter upgradable DPT 2012/95 EISA DPT 2012B EISA 512K-16.5MB cache SCSI Adapter upgradabUse of uninitialized value in concatenation (.) or string at E:\listplex\SYSTEM\SCRIPTS\filearea.cgi line 455, line 1756. le (Built-in floppy not supported) DPT 2011/90 ISA 512K-16.5MB cache upgradable planned for 3.2 DPT 2011/95 ISA 512K-16.5MB cache upgradable planned for 3.2 (Built-in floppy not supported) SCSI TAPE Vendor Model Bus Driver Additional Features _____________________________________________________________________ SCSI SCSI tape Driver update tape driver available PARALLEL PORT Vendor Model Bus Driver Additional Features _____________________________________________________________________ Standard On-board Parallel Port Parallel port SERIAL PORT Vendor Model Bus Driver Additional Features _____________________________________________________________________ Standard On-board Supports COM1 & COM2 Serial Ports serial ports LOCAL AREA NETWORK ADAPTERS Note on Intel Etherlink: support of TP port requires Driver update Vendor Model Bus Driver Additional Features _____________________________________________________________________ 3COM Etherlink III ISA 3COM Ethernet coax or (3C509) Etherlink III twisted pair ethernet adapter SMC Etherlink 16 ISA SMC Ethernet coax or (8013) Elite 16 twisted pair ethernet adapter INTEL EtherExpress 16 ISA Intel Ether- Ethernet coax or (TP, Coax or Combo) Express twisted pair ethernet adapter INTEL TokenExpress ISA Intel Token- Token ring Express ISA Token Ring POINTING DEVICES Vendor Model Bus Driver _____________________________________________________________________ Microsoft MS mouse serial mouse serial mouse Microsoft MS mouse PS/2 mouse port PS/2 mouse Logitec Mouse Man serial mouse serial mouse (Right or adapter Left) Logitec Mouse Man PS/2 mouse PS/2 mouse (Right or adapter Left) Logitec Mouse Man Bus Bus mouse Bus mouse adapter AUDIO DEVICES NOTE: Driver updates required for Intel and Compaq audio devices Vendor Model Bus Driver Features _____________________________________________________________________ Standard PC CPU System beep System audio alerts speaker board driver only support Media ProAudio ISA ProAudio Up to CD quality Vision Spectrum 16 Spectrum 16 stereo record & play Media Pro ISA ProAudio Up to CD quality Vision Studio 16 Spectrum 16 stereo record & play Intel GX/Professional CPU planned for Up to CD quality board NEXTSTEP 3.2 stereo record & play Compaq Business Audio CPU planned for Up to CD quality board NEXTSTEP 3.2 stereo record & play Microsoft Sound System ISA Up to CD quality PRINTERS Vendor Model Bus Interface _____________________________________________________________________ NeXT Color Printer SCSI Standard Adobe Postscript Serial or parallel Printers (Postscipt Level II recommended for proper color support.) _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ August 10, 1993 NEXTSTEP RELEASE 3.1 FOR INTEL PROCESSORS Hardware Compatibility Guide