Software and Minerva issues

[Derek_Stewart]

Hi Dilwyn,

Maybe the Software list you started could be posted on an WIKI page so that others can update the list.

[Cristian]

Dear all,
thank you very much for your helpful suggestions and comments
So we can say there's not a complete list, but there are some general "rules of thumb".
Anyway, my impression is that the unworking software is very few, and sometimes not so useful or obsolete.
Maybe for my purposes making many modifications, adding second roms and so on is not worth...

[Cristian]

Hi Dilwyn,

Maybe the Software list you started could be posted on an WIKI page so that others can update the list.

I think it's a good idea

[tofro]

Some programs were written to run from a fixed location in memory, this means they stand very little chance of running on anything other than the unexpanded 128K QL. Worse, some Microdrive software used every single byte of a 128K system, leaving not even the few bytes needed for a disk interface to work. Probably not a lot you can do about software like this except keep a working QL to hand.

Dilwyn,
agree - There are quite some programs like that out in the wild that assume a fixed load address or use up all memory. But any problems you might have with them wouldn't be caused by Minerva, but rather any extension (Disk system, Hardware or memory expansion, whatever). Plain Minerva in an otherwise non-expanded 128K QL (rare case, I know) should be able to run those programs well - Minerva doesn't change the basic QL memory map - Disk systems and expansions do much more harm here.

Tobias

[swensont]

The question of software compatibility goes beyond just Minerva. I'm sure I've seen questions before about software that does or does not work with the Pointer Environment, or SMSQ/E, or expanded memory, or .............

Given the long list of commercial and non-commercial software for the QL, creating a list of what works with what is going to be a daunting task. Plus, some software that I might consider critical for my needs, others my never use. There might be a long list of QL software that no one is currently using.

About the only thing I can suggest is that QLer's volunteer to list the software they use and what environment they are using. Someone can step up and be a coordinator to collect the information and create a report. Over time, the spreadsheet will grow, but it may not have all the information or software that everyone needs. There could be more discussion on scoping out this project and deciding if the amount of work is necessary for the value that is returned (ie. bang for the buck).

I believe that on Dilwyn's site, for those packages where the limitations are know, it is listed. That might be a partial start to this project.

Tim Swenson

[dilwyn]

Hi Dilwyn,

Maybe the Software list you started could be posted on an WIKI page so that others can update the list.

Umm, did I start a list of software or was I asleep when I did that???

[dilwyn]

Dilwyn,
agree - There are quite some programs like that out in the wild that assume a fixed load address or use up all memory. But any problems you might have with them wouldn't be caused by Minerva, but rather any extension (Disk system, Hardware or memory expansion, whatever). Plain Minerva in an otherwise non-expanded 128K QL (rare case, I know) should be able to run those programs well - Minerva doesn't change the basic QL memory map - Disk systems and expansions do much more harm here.
Tobias

Agreed fully. I am definitely NOT anti-Minerva. The last thing I wanted to do was encourage someone to fit a Minerva, immediately find software doesn't work and blame it on Minerva without knowing enough about how to correctly decide if it is a Minerva compatibility issue or not.

Minerva is actually one of the best upgrades you can fit to a QL, alongside memory expansion and disk interfaces.

[XorA]

About the only thing I can suggest is that QLer's volunteer to list the software they use and what environment they are using. Someone can step up and be a coordinator to collect the information and create a report. Over time, the spreadsheet will grow, but it may not have all the information or software that everyone needs. There could be more discussion on scoping out this project and deciding if the amount of work is necessary for the value that is returned (ie. bang for the buck).

Why not just add a Runs On: field to the QL software wiki. I am sure RWAP would not mind people filling out more essential information like this.

QL Mega Xora Soft

Runs On: AH, JM, JS, MIN(1.XX), SQMSQ/E (1.xx)