This is SAS-on-the-NeXT in view mode; [Up]
Date: Sun 21-Nov-1991 17:20:05 From: scott@gw.wmich.edu (Julie A. Scott) Subject: Re: SAS on the NeXT In article <6101@tamsun.tamu.edu>, dcher@dairy.tamu.edu (David Cherbonnier) writes: > Hi, this is my first attempt to post, so here goes.... > > We just installed a beta version of SAS 6.07 under ver. 2.0 on > a slab, and would like to hear from other SAS users.. > > So far, we are somewhat impressed with the performance, but have also > encountered a few abends. In addition, we were suprised to discover > that the editing capabilities did not appear to adhere to the normal > NeXT Step user interface (copy, cut, paste, etc.). > > I also understand that SAS has been formally released for the NeXT, > and > was wondering if anyone has leased as opposed to beta testing. > > We would be interested in communicating with other NeXT SAS users to > exchange > problems, tips, and such. Regards, > > David Cherbonnier > dcher@dairy.tamu.edu > > I am NOT impressed with it. The "NeXT Interface" just isn't. Windows do not have a sliding scroll (instead, SAS informs you of the number of lines it is scrolling at the top of a window, then when you lift up on the mouse, you go directly to that line). There are no tear away menus and command-key operations are not indicated on the appropriate buttons (like submit and recall). Further, when you click on a button, you must keep the mouse button depressed and drag through the choices. Apparently, SAS thinks a NeXT and a Mac are the same thing. The performance wasn't satisfactory on my machine (a NeXT dimension with the minimal memory requirements suggested by SAS). Also the beta release wouldn't run on a NeXT dimension. (I will say I have increased my display memory to 20 meg with definiate improvements). The interface is so poor I haven't had the time or inclination to try to deal with it. As a program is executing, the "scrolling" in the LOG window defeats any attempt to read it. When a window has filled, THE SCREEN CLEARS, and the next window begins (apparently SAS has confused platforms again, this time with VM/CMS). This, coupled with the scrolling problem and the inability to cut and paste, makes debugging a program a real pain, if not next to impossible (pardon the pun). I have used SAS on 6 different platforms and have to say that the implementation of SAS on Unix (as well as their pricing), has been a severe disappointment. They refuse to adapt their product to the platform and expect users to adapt their implenetation of the product. Unless the interface problems have been solved with the production release, I wouldn't recommend SAS at all on a NeXT. I really hate to sound so negative here, since I am an avid SAS user. SAS could just do better.
These are the contents of the former NiCE NeXT User Group NeXTSTEP/OpenStep software archive, currently hosted by Marcel Waldvogel and Netfuture.ch.