1. Re: compiler?? step 4
-----Original Message-----
From: CenSe [mailto:cense at MAIL.RU]
Sent: 06 June 2000 01:55
To: EUPHORIA at LISTSERV.MUOHIO.EDU
Subject: compiler?? step 4
<SNIP>
Step 4: Every un*x machine has a C compiler. maybe ms should take the hint.
Compilers are a good thing because they allow smaller downloads and promote
free software. Also, compiling is quite easy when you use config and make
files. two or three commands and its done.
I think free distribution of code to compile is a great idea and if someone
is so lazy the he/she does not want to compile free software than they
should not bother with it and stick with MS and affiliates(ie Adobe, etc.)
products.
<SNIP>
Every un*x machine has a C compiler *available* but whether it is available
on a particular host or not depends...
Some C compilers for UNIX are separately purchased products - I think that
the C compiler for Solaris is like this.
Others are not part of the base installation UNIX but can be loaded after
the initial install - AIX version 3 was like this if I recall correctly.
Others still give you a non-ANSI compliant compiler by default (e.g. HP-UX)
but you can purchase an ANSI compliant C compiler if you want to.
The good news is that most un*x can run the GNU gcc compiler which is ANSI
compliant and totally free 
Compiling software can be daunting for the casual user but I totally agree
that well crafted configuration and make files can make the process very
straightforward.
I do think that to get more people using free software we all need to put in
effort to make compiling the software as simple as possible.
Regards,
Andy Cranston.
