Regarding the next FreeDOS 1.2 and possible later 1.x releases, I'd like to see the kernel upgraded to supporting large sector sizes, rather than hear fantasies about '32 bit FreeDOS' !
As far as the 16-bitty-FreeDOS kernel is concerned, it's been clearly stated that the goal is to be (at least) at the level of MS-DOS 3.x to MS-DOS 6.2x Those proprietary DOSes support installable block devices with 8k-byte sectors (claimed) and even up to 32k (not claimed by MS, but effectively working, even if such sector sizes are ineffective and arguably ridiculous). I'd like to hear from the Kernel team (is that just one-man, aka PerditionC ?) on this subject. A proposed roadmap could have, ideally : - at FREEDOS 1.2 : achieve the compatibility as advertised with MS-DOS, i.e. allow installable block drivers declaring 8 k bytes per sector (bps). 16 & 32 k bps are not necessary IMO, if they work (silently, unadvertised) so much the better. At LEAST we SHOULD have 4k bps working and tested, which while not up to MS-DOS, is necessary (and sufficient) for most if not all current devices. - at 1.2 OR LATER, let FREEDOS optimise buffer management BETTER than MS-DOS : e.g. could have differentiated pools of buffers for 512 and 4K bps (or other 'large' sectors), or 1 pool but intelligent management of space so as not to waste a large part of buffer space in the presence of devices with different sector sizes. Possibly, with buffers in XMS, EMS... - some time : update DOS's built-in (not installable) disk drivers so they, too, support native 4k bps sectors (or more). - some time : support booting from large sectors (may need BIOS or auxiliart support) Of these steps, I deem the first one an absolute must in this time and world. Opinions please ? and HAPPY NEW TEAR ! -- Czerno ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Dive into the World of Parallel Programming! The Go Parallel Website, sponsored by Intel and developed in partnership with Slashdot Media, is your hub for all things parallel software development, from weekly thought leadership blogs to news, videos, case studies, tutorials and more. Take a look and join the conversation now. http://goparallel.sourceforge.net _______________________________________________ Freedos-devel mailing list [email protected] https://lists.sourceforge.net/lists/listinfo/freedos-devel
