RocketMan on 24/6/2006 at 03:32
Quote Posted by cosmicnut
The only problem using USB sticks is that thay have a limited write life.
They do? why?
Drat on 24/6/2006 at 13:18
It all depends on how you use it, etc. My previous USB drive was a 256 meg one, and a bit of a "cheapie" that I got a flea market in september 2004 (I think). Anyway, to cut a long story short, I tossed it out a few weeks ago, but it was because the USB contacts had worn out. Getting a connection was almost impossible. But the data transfered just fine.
AxTng1 on 24/6/2006 at 17:36
Quote Posted by necro2607
haha, that would be awesome..! Mmm even better an SS2 version... ;)
I agree, but unless you used your own SS2 disc like in BartPE, there would be legal problems with including the appropriate files. I think it's not so much an issue with SS1 because it is almost impossible to buy except on ebay.
padawan on 25/6/2006 at 20:08
It runs almost perfect for me under dosbox 0.65, with some occasional sound cracks or some light framedrops, but it's definiately playable.
Too bad i can't stand more than 10 minutes of it since it makes me crap my pants :D
Edit: on an 1.6XP, 512 Ram, and a gef2mx
cosmicnut on 27/6/2006 at 09:17
Quote Posted by Drat
It all depends on how you use it, etc. My previous USB drive was a 256 meg one, and a bit of a "cheapie" that I got a flea market in september 2004 (I think). Anyway, to cut a long story short, I tossed it out a few weeks ago, but it was because the USB contacts had worn out. Getting a connection was almost impossible. But the data transfered just fine.
Not those contacts.
Normal memory chips work when they have power. When you take the power away all the current leaks out and the memory is lost.
Flash memory, has an insulation layer around each memory cell. So when the current comes in, it can't get out.
To write to flash memory you need to use a high current so it can get through the insulation and set the value. The problem is that when you do this the insulation layer is slightly damaged. The more you write to the same location the more damage you do to the insulation. Eventually it won't keep the current in and you'll loose information when you switch the power off!
It takes thousands of writes to do this but some Linux file systems write to EVERY FILE when you access them meaning thousands of writes every time you load up the OS!
I think I'll try working on a version of linux thats as hardware compatable as possible (not sure how but I'll think on it) and loads Qemu with a good, compatable harware list and hard drive config. Then it's up to the user to get DOS and SS1 installed with the original disks :thumb:
EDIT:
If you want to run a USB linux/DOS/etc system. You a LaCie Carte Orange 6GB USB2 1" External HDD or similar. They are real hdd's in a box and cost around £50 UK. They store more and you don't have the limited write life problem
Drat on 27/6/2006 at 10:08
I meant that it became nearly impossible to establish a connection with the USB drive. I had to jiggle it around in the slot sometimes before it would work. After that, data transfer wasn't a problem, but I had to be careful not to knock the drive even slightly.
cosmicnut on 27/6/2006 at 13:26
I was just pointing out that there are at least 2 problems with USB drives.
The one you mention about the contact between the USB drive and the PC.
Probably a Price V Quality issue for that stick, my MuVo has been used for years with frequent connection/disconnections without a problem.
the main one I was going on about was the limited life of flash memory that most people do not realise.
Oh and another thing. Flash memory will eventually loose data if you don't connect power for too long. However, it will take about 100 years :laff:
dbd on 24/10/2006 at 23:22
I was playing with qemu and freedos to try and get SS1 working, and I discovered that if you set your sound hardware to adlib (add -soundhw adlib when running qemu) then music works! Unfortunately digital sound (everything other than music) doesn't, so not really good enough for me, but may help someone.
Also, currently you have to compile qemu yourself for adlib support, by adding --enable-adlib when you do ./configure
I know I'm resurrecting a dead thread, but I think this may be of some value, to someone. It brings us one step closer to SS1 on linux :)
