Linux for older Window homeschool software?

Rickkkk · 06-02-2017, 08:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sundialsvcs

If the software in question is for 16-bit Windows (e.g. Windows 95) then you could have many problems running that software in any modern-day environment.

I would first contact the vendors of that software: surely they have updated it since they published the copies that you now have.

Win95 was actually the first consumer version of Windows that could run 32-bit apps - it was sort of a hybrid beast. The last purely 16-bit version was Windows 3.11 For Workgroups ...

It's kinda sad that I know and remember this ... ;-)

Cheers.

rtmistler · 06-02-2017, 09:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rickkkk

Win95 was actually the first consumer version of Windows that could run 32-bit apps - it was sort of a hybrid beast. The last purely 16-bit version was Windows 3.11 For Workgroups ...

It's kinda sad that I know and remember this ... ;-)

Cheers.

Don't look at me, I still understand why the VAX 32-bit instruction set is all messed up because of the PDP-11 legacy.

wpeckham · 06-02-2017, 09:16 AM

The most recent version of WINE is VERY good, and should run most of that software. I would run DOS software under DOSBOX, I have found it very solid and dependable, and it has not failed me yet. There are a few things that I run under ReactOS, but the printing functions are not yet complete so if you need to print I might seek another option.

One thing I would NOT do is give up. If you cannot run them, you may be able to find an adequate (free) replacement.

Some of the companies that originated programs in that era have not been in business for years. Seeking an update might be possible for a few, but not for all. I would first try to find proper replacements or ways to run the software you already own.

Rickkkk · 06-02-2017, 09:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rtmistler

Don't look at me, I still understand why the VAX 32-bit instruction set is all messed up because of the PDP-11 legacy.

lol ... thx rtmistler ... I now feel marginally less like a dinosaur ...

Cheers and happy weekend to you, mate !

Soadyheid · 06-02-2017, 05:44 PM

Good grief! To think that I found my old PDP-11 programming card the other day along with a collection of these wee maintenance handbooks for LA36 & 120, TU80, RA80, RA60, etc.

No. I can't bring myself to throw them out, you just never know when you'll need something like that, do you?

Play Bonny!

wpeckham · 06-02-2017, 08:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Soadyheid

Good grief! To think that I found my old PDP-11 programming card the other day along with a collection of these wee maintenance handbooks for LA36 & 120, TU80, RA80, RA60, etc.

No. I can't bring myself to throw them out, you just never know when you'll need something like that, do you?

Play Bonny!

Hmmm. Those might go well with my old punch-card code sheets from my Fortran-IV days. The come in pads of 88 sheets with about 44 lines of 80 columns (you coded one card per line, so they were pretty frugal). I found two pads, those may be all I have left.

sundialsvcs · 06-02-2017, 09:56 PM

Yeah, yeah, and I am every bit as much an "old phart" as the rest of you.

Basically – if the OP's software is so old as to be [i]"16-bit Windows native," thus able to run only in 16-bit emulation mode (today) in whatever environment, then I would frankly now consider that software to be "too(!) old."

If the software was built to run in a 32-bit environment ... of whatever vintage ... then it might be salvageable.

However, the first thing that I would recommend is to go back to the vendor and to see if they have since come up with something newer.

Doug G · 06-02-2017, 10:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Soadyheid

Good grief! To think that I found my old PDP-11 programming card the other day along with a collection of these wee maintenance handbooks for LA36 & 120, TU80, RA80, RA60, etc.

No. I can't bring myself to throw them out, you just never know when you'll need something like that, do you?

Play Bonny!

If you ever do want to get rid of any of your old DEC books let me know. I have a couple old DEC pdp-11/73 around here that I may want to try to get working again someday

[EDIT]Ahh, I guess not, I just noticed your location[/quote]

Rickkkk · 06-02-2017, 11:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Doug G

If you ever do want to get rid of any of your old DEC books let me know. I have a couple old DEC pdp-11/73 around here that I may want to try to get working again someday

[EDIT]Ahh, I guess not, I just noticed your location

... what ? Same galaxy ;-)

onebuck · 06-03-2017, 09:43 AM

Hi,

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jjanel

<snip>
Anyway, LQ is AnswerHeaven for you

p.s. easyVB

Oh: 'your' Robinson link

Code:

7. RC Works Under Linux/WINE!  This note from Glenn, an RC user:

    FYI - I'm successfully using the Robinson Curriculum with RedHat 7.1 Linux
    and "WINE," which is a windows emulator. The only limitation is that I have to
    restart the program when I change CDs (this seems to be a limitation of linux.)

    You may want to let people know that they don't have to pay Microsoft license
    fees in order to use your excellent Curriculum.

    cheers,
    glenn

To be correct, Wine is not a emulator;

Quote:

From https://www.winehq.org/

Wine (originally an acronym for "Wine Is Not an Emulator") is a compatibility layer capable of running Windows applications on several POSIX-compliant operating systems, such as Linux, macOS, & BSD. Instead of simulating internal Windows logic like a virtual machine or emulator, Wine translates Windows API calls into POSIX calls on-the-fly, eliminating the performance and memory penalties of other methods and allowing you to cleanly integrate Windows applications into your desktop.

I also suggest the use of Vbox to allow the Windows client on a Linux host if the OP wants to use Linux.

As to which Gnu/Linux, I recommend Slackware as a good starting point if you really want to learn the knowledge about the inner workings. I know some will chime in that Slackware is not for new users but we do have knowledgeable Slackware users at the LQ Slackware forum that will openly help new members. Plus Slackware is the oldest stable Gnu/Linux available that will meet your Gnu/Linux needs. There will be a learning curve but once you accomplish the use you will find it the best.

Hope this helps.
Have fun & enjoy!

HT-Borås · 06-04-2017, 06:55 AM

If you install DOSBox, also Windows 3.1 runs perfectly in it. Thus most Windows programs from the 1990's can still be used.