From 7202d18a85f002b19760a721879738747da23c82 Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001 From: Joshua Bell Date: Mon, 28 Aug 2017 21:21:31 -0700 Subject: [PATCH] Update README.md --- README.md | 41 ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++- 1 file changed, 40 insertions(+), 1 deletion(-) diff --git a/README.md b/README.md index 25b682b..6293205 100644 --- a/README.md +++ b/README.md @@ -1,5 +1,44 @@ +# A2D + Work-in-Progress disassembly of Apple II Desktop (a.k.a. A2.Desktop) -Disks can be found at: +## Background +A2.Desktop started its life as "Mousedesk" by Version Soft, as a mouse-driven +Mac-like "Finder" GUI application for 8-bit Apples with 128k of memory +(Enhanced Apple //e, Apple //c) using double-hires monochrome graphics +(560x192) and the ProDOS operating system. + +Although the history is sketchy, it appears that Apple Computer licensed +(or acquired) the software, and released it - rebranded as Apple II Desktop - +as the initial system software for the Apple IIgs before 16-bit GS/OS +replaced it. The rebranded version still functions on 8-bit Apples. + +Introduction/overview: http://toastytech.com/guis/a2desk.html + +A more thorough pieced-together history, details of versions, bug reports and feature requests: https://mirrors.apple2.org.za/ground.icaen.uiowa.edu/MiscInfo/Misc/mousedesk.info + +Disks can be found at: ftp://ftp.apple.asimov.net/pub/apple_II/images/masters/other_os/gui/ + +Other GUI environments exist for the 8-bit Apples, including GEOS (which includes +productivity applications) and Quark Catalyst. While A2.Desktop is more limited - +serving only as a file manager and application launcher - it is (subjectively) +more visually appealing and better integrated with ProDOS. + +## Goal + +The goal of this project is to disassemble/reverse-engineer the suite +with an eye towards understanding how it functions, and eventually fixing +bugs and adding functionality. + +## Tools + +The [cc65](http://cc65.github.io/cc65/) tool chain will be used; source files will +target the ca65 macro assembler. Cross-development on modern systems will be assumed. +(Sorry, Merlin purists! We still love you.) + +## Code of Conduct + +Discussions should be polite, respectful and inclusive, and focus on the code. +Harassment will not be tolerated. Keep comments constructive.