In the latest update to ProDOS Drivers, version 1.6 has been released, introducing significant enhancements to the FujiNet Clock Driver and the addition of a new “jumbo” clock driver, amalgamating various functionalities. This update, marked as a significant milestone, is a testament to the ongoing efforts of Joshua Bell to further the enhancements of the Apple II series computers in the software realm.
FujiNet Clock Driver Refinements:
One of the key improvements in this update is the refinement of the FujiNet Clock Driver. Users can now benefit from a fix in the search continuation during installation, ensuring a smoother and more seamless experience.
Introducing the “Jumbo” Clock Driver:
A noteworthy addition is the introduction of the “jumbo” clock driver, a comprehensive amalgamation of various clock drivers. This consolidated feature aims to provide users with a versatile and extensive array of options for customizing their Apple II experience.
Understanding ProDOS Drivers:
For those unfamiliar with ProDOS “drivers,” they play a crucial role in customizing the ProDOS operating system for the Apple II. These drivers are .SYSTEM files found in the boot directory and are designed to tailor ProDOS by installing drivers for hardware or modifying specific parts of the operating system. The ProDOS Drivers repository collects various drivers and utilizes common code to chain to the next .SYSTEM file, supporting network drives.
Included Drivers and Modifications:
The repository encompasses an array of drivers and modifications, including:
- Real-time Clock drivers: No-Slot Clock, Cricket!, Applied Engineering DClock, ROMX Real-Time Clock, FujiNet Clock, and a “jumbo” driver.
- Accelerators: ZIP CHIP configuration for speaker access.
- RAM Disk drivers: RAMWorks Driver by Glen E. Bredon.
- Quit dispatcher/selector (BYE routines): 40-column Selector (from ProDOS), 80-column menu-driven Selector (from ProDOS 1.9 and 2.x), Bird’s Better Bye, and Buh-Bye.
- Text color themes for IIgs (or VidHD) text/background/border colors.
Non-drivers and Utilities:
The release also includes non-drivers such as DATE binary for displaying ProDOS Date/Time and utilities for The Cricket! clock.
How to Use:
Users are encouraged to utilize tools like Copy II Plus or Apple II DeskTop to copy and arrange the SYSTEM files on their boot disk according to their preferences. The README provides a comprehensive guide on the suggested arrangement of drivers for optimal functionality. The ProDOS Drivers disk does not include the ProDOS operating system on it.
Building ProDOS Drivers:
To build ProDOS Drivers, follow the instructions provided in the README. The process involves fetching, building, and installing cc65 and Cadius.
