Newsgroups: comp.realtime,comp.os.qnx,comp.os.ms-windows.advocacy,comp.robotics
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From: jfox@netcom.com (Jeff Fox)
Subject: Re: Real-time systems:  Windows-NT or QNX
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References: <FriOct14102309EST1994@eric>
Date: Sun, 16 Oct 1994 19:30:42 GMT
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In article <FriOct14102309EST1994@eric> bernie@ecr.mu.OZ.AU 
           (Bernie Kirby) writes:
>Greetings Fellow Netters,
>
>I am currently charged with the task of investigating and comparing
>different operating systems for the development of a real-time robot
>controller. I'm new to the problems associated with robot control so I'm
>rather confused about what is required from an operating system for this
>type of work, but I think the broad specifications should be fairly common
> \ \ 
>Anyway I've narrowed it down to two (or three) operating systems:
>Microsoft Windows, Windows NT, and the QNX operating system from Quantum
> \ \
>Any thoughts what-so-ever would be greatly appreciated.
>
>Bernie.

This has been one of the most amusing threads I have seen in some time. :-)

If performance, cost of your system, cost of development, etc are a factor
they you should definitely consider using Forth as the OS.  Not just
running a Forth compiler on top of DOS!

Forth INC provides realtime systems tuned for PERFORMANCE.  Forget DOS, 
forget WINDOWS, and go with QNX if Forth is just too much of a change
in mindset.  But be aware of the fact that you will be giving up an 
order of magnitude in real time performance, and possible orders of
magnitude in required machine resources.   Forth INC provides professional
systems designed to get orders of magnitude better performance in real-
time applications.  The very idea of WINDOWS.... ROTFL 

I enjoy seeing systems that are 10,000 times smaller and faster than
they would be if it were made with the products that get all the
advertising.  The biggest advantage is development/debugging/maintenance.

If your application requires 1000 times more code or computing power not
only will you have to pay more for the harware up front, but there is
the potential for n^1000 more bugs.  And your robot will need a MUCH
larger battery, or heavier power  cord.

In most cases the Forth solution will not be considered because it is 
just too different.  So if there is any chance that you could even
suggest it to your boss, you really should check with Forth Inc.
They are not the only company providing professional quality real-time
stand alone Forth systems for the Intel chips, but they do have lots
of sucessful experience and some very powerful products. I don't
know all of your requirements, but they might be a good match with
something that they have.

You asked for "any thoughts what-so-ever" so I am tempted to discuss
the choice of Intel chips, but ...

Jeff Fox           ( I have no affiliation with Forth Inc., but you )
Ultra Technology   ( asked about real-time on Intel chips.          )
                  
