Questions and Answers
Copyright (c) 1991 Apple Users' Group, Sydney
Republished from Applecations, a publication of the Apple Users' Group, Sydney, Australia.
o I'm still new to the Apple //GS (coming from the Mac and Unix world) and I am having trouble distinguishing the difference between GS/OS and file systems like ProDos 8 or 16.
- Technically, P8 and P16 support the same file system. P16 was the first version of ProDOS written specifically for the Apple IIgs. The 16 refers to the GS's 16-bit processor, P8 got the '8' stuck on afterwards to differentiate between it (for older Apple IIs) and the IIgs-specific operating system. ProDOS 16 is now obsolete. GS/OS was a rewrite of P16 and is a significant improvement.
o What does ProDos 8 or 16 do? Are these just file systems of different block sizes or what?
- P8 and P16 are disk operating systems. Their main job is to handle disk input and output (I/O).
- Both P8 and P16 use the same 512 bytes per block file system.
- GS/OS is the real operating system. It provides file-system-independent operating system functions, full character and block device driver support, and a few other goodies.
o Does GS/OS have the Finder, Desktop, System, etc. files located in it?
- GS/OS is cleverly disguised as the "Apple IIgs System Disk". The system disk comes with the desktop application "Finder", but the Finder is not necessary for a program to use GS/OS.
o What's a good source of overall GS descriptions and explanations?
Non Technical books:
Apple //GS Owner's Reference
A Touch of Applesoft BASIC
Getting Started With Your Apple //GS
Technical books:
Technical Introduction to the Apple //GS
Apple //GS Hardware Reference
Apple //GS Firmware Reference
Programmer's introduction to the Apple //GS
Apple //GS ToolBox Reference, Vols 1 - 3
Apple //GS GS/OS Reference
There are miscellaneous manuals from Apple available through AAPDA. There are many less technical books on the GS. Just go to your local Hotline or Dymocks bookstore.

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