Iris

[David F. Rogers]

Brent L. Bates's comments re the quality of the Silicon Graphics software
and documentation are at best immature. Especially on a public net.

I have worked with Iris's since the 2400 (i.e. a 68010 box) thru a 2400T
i.e. a 3000 series machine and now on to the 4D.

In some nearly 20 years of experience in both computers and computer
graphics I find that not only is the hardware outstanding, but also
the actual user (i.e. application programmer) software and especially
documentation is superior to anyone elses in the market place.

That is not to say that room for improvement does not exist. The
TCP/IP problem is one of long standing. It definitely needs
fixing. SGI should definitely devote some real resources to
correcting this problem.  However, one has to realize that networking
is an ancilliary problem and concern as far as the basic machine
function is concerned. I for one would rather have the really great
graphics machine and struggle with the network than vice versa.

There are also other known problems. These are especially annoying
if you are a BSD 4.2/3 person and have to cope with some of the
System V differences. But then that is the Unix world.

In comparison, I find trying to cope with a Sun and the Sun documentation
quite annoying. AND I don't even get good graphics.

Because any workstation of the sophistication of an Iris or a Sun or
a Raster Tech, etc. is a complex engineering and manufacturing system,
difficulties will always exist. Ranting and raving about them does not
really help.  Good constructive rational criticisms made to appropriate
company representatives will achieve more lasting and useful results.

Come on people let's remember that this is a public net. Comments in
poor taste are not appropriate.

Professor David F. Rogers
Aerospace Engineering Department
U.S. Naval Academy
Annapolis, MD 21402
USA
 
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