Date   : Thu, 13 Oct 1983 00:53:00 pdt
From   : Bakin.ESSDPP@hi-multics
Subject: DEC Rainbow questions

The DEC Rainbow now comes with both CP/M and MSDOS.  A Computique
salesman claimed that with the Winchesters, a file created by an MSDOS
program could be used by a CP/M program and vice versa.  IS THIS TRUE?

Also, in the same vein....  Does anyone make ANY MSDOS programs for the
Rainbow?  Every piece of software I have seen has been for CP/M.

Is there a vendor writing compilers for the Rainbow which use the same
object file format, and have similar calling conventions, and hence can
be linked together?  I wouldn't mind buying compilers which were not the
best, if there was a somewhat complete set of languages.  Specifically,
I am looking for a Pascal, FORTRAN (77?), PL/I, and assemblers that will
link together.  Any help?

I am also looking for real word-processing software, I do not have
enough experience with SELECT, and none with any Final Word stuff, but I
suspect they are not what I want.  I would rather have a screen editor,
and a word-processor which are separate.  Something ala runoff on the
DEC-10 or VAX, or compose on Multics or nroff on UN*X.  Is there
anything like these for the Rainbow?  In the same light, what are the
best screen editors for the Rainbow?  I know that MinceIsNotEmacs, but
how close is it?


Thanks in advance,  (In advance of my buying a Rainbow)

Jerry Bakin <Bakin -at HI-Multics>