Topic       : The ATARI Compendium
Author      : Scott Sanders / JAY Software
Version     : 1.25 (20/6/2003)
Subject     : Documentation
Nodes       : 1117
Index Size  : 32614
HCP-Version : 6
Compiled on : Atari
@charset    : UTF-8
@lang       : en
@default    : 
@help       : %About
@options    : +g -i -t4 +y +z
@width      : 100
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                           Atari Computer Software


GEMDOS

GEMDOS consists of file system management routines that provide access to
all of the basic devices supported by Atari computers. It bears resemblance
to MS-DOS in its functions and opcode numbering while still maintaining some
differences and advantages.

MultiTOS

MultiTOS is the first truly multi-tasking extension to GEMDOS supported by
Atari. Based on MiNT, developed by Eric Smith, MultiTOS adds true pre-emptive
multitasking, memory protection, and process control. Its methods of job
control and interprocess communication will be familiar to UNIX users. With
the ability to support loadable device drivers and file systems, MultiTOS
provides a complete range of functions to complement GEMDOS. In its current
incarnation, MultiTOS is an option and thus disk-based as opposed to burned
in ROM.

BIOS

The ST BIOS ('Basic Input/Output System') comprises the lowest-level of device
communication. GEMDOS uses the BIOS to accomplish many of its file system
operations.

XBIOS

The XBIOS ('eXtended Basic Input/Output System') controls other hardware-
specific features such as the floppy drive, video controller, DSP, MFP, and
sound system.