Antic Magazine Interviews Alan Reeve, the Creator of the Diamond OS (1990)
12 days ago
- #Atari
- #RetroComputing
- #GUI
- Alan Reeve created the Diamond Operating System (DOS), a GUI for 8-bit Atari computers, featuring windows and drop-down menus.
- Diamond Paint includes unique features like cut and paste, not commonly found in other 8-bit programs.
- Memory limitations affect functionality: 48K allows ~1 page in Diamond Write, 64K ~5 pages, and 130K ~30-40 pages.
- Diamond supports multiple disk drives (up to 7), hard disks, RAMdisks, and interfaces like ICD’s MIO.
- Compatibility includes SpartaDOS, Atari DOS 2.0/2.5, and others, but not MyDOS initially.
- Reeve Software started in 1986, with early products like NewsStation and Publishing Pro for Atari 8-bit.
- Diamond was inspired by GEOS for Commodore 64 and developed from 1987-1989, shifting from disk to cartridge for memory efficiency.
- Diamond revitalizes the 8-bit Atari, offering a user-friendly, intuitive interface, though adoption depends on community support.
- Future plans included Diamond-based languages (BASIC, C) and applications, contingent on user interest.
- Reeve emphasized the 8-bit’s cost-effectiveness and encouraged support for Diamond to ensure its future.