[Coco] Multi-Processor 6809 Computer System

[Bill Gunshannon]

> I don't know much about multiprocessors, but for NitrOS9 or OS-9 to take
> advantage of the multiple processors wouldn't the OS code have to be
> modified to do the load sharing/splitting?  Something has to tell the
> programs which cpu to use as well as coordinate with the shared resourses
> (screen, memory, etc.)
>

Of course it would.  Any change made to the design of hardware of
the COCO is going to require changes to the software.  But isn't
that what it is all about?  If you want an appiance with all the
apps done for you buy Windows8.  :-)  Even speeding up the CPU is
likely to require changes to some software or has no one here
ever seen a BASIC program with a "timing loop" in it.

bill


> On Tue, Apr 30, 2013 at 4:51 PM, Bill Gunshannon
> <billg999 at cs.uofs.edu>wrote:
>
>>
>> >  > As would SMP. All changes are done at the OS level applications
>> need
>> >  > not even know they are running on a multi-processor machine.
>> >
>> > So, all RS-DOS applications would benefit from this?
>>
>> No, but OS-9 ones would.  Unless I am the only one who runs more than
>> one simultaneous process under OS-9.
>>
>> >
>> >  > I think the single greatest expansion option would be a plug in
>> Video
>> >  > Cartridge with better graphics and the ability to connect to modern
>> >  > technology displays.
>> >
>> > Better graphics with more color and resolution means more memory
>> required.
>>
>> In the graphics cartridge.  Dedicated to the graphics.  Doesn't take
>> away from the memory availabel to the processor.
>>
>> >
>> > And this to still be pushed by the same 1.78Mhz CPU?
>>
>> No, actually the COCO CPU does less as it doesn't have to compute
>> things like graphics vectors.  Graphics processor in the cartridges
>> does that freeing up the COOC CPU to do more of the things it does
>> best.
>>
>> >
>> > Seems like we'd be going from slow to slower.
>> >
>> > I'm back to my original statement... the greatest upgrade that can be
>> > offered to the CoCo3 is a faster CPU.
>> >
>> > This will make a world of difference to EVERYTHING currently on the
>> CoCo
>> > and open the doors for more complex applications in the future... even
>> > with the current video system.
>> >
>> > And if you want to run an LCD, there are several 15Khz RGB to 31Khz
>> > Scandoublers out there on Ebay. I bought one for $30 and it works a
>> charm.
>>
>>
>> OK, I have said my piece.  Obviously my interests as far as the
>> COCO go are considerably different from the mainstream.
>>
>> bill
>>
>> --
>> Bill Gunshannon          |  de-moc-ra-cy (di mok' ra see) n.  Three
>> wolves
>> billg999 at cs.scranton.edu |  and a sheep voting on what's for dinner.
>> University of Scranton   |
>> Scranton, Pennsylvania   |         #include <std.disclaimer.h>
>>
>>
>>
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-- 
Bill Gunshannon          |  de-moc-ra-cy (di mok' ra see) n.  Three wolves
billg999 at cs.scranton.edu |  and a sheep voting on what's for dinner.
University of Scranton   |
Scranton, Pennsylvania   |         #include <std.disclaimer.h>