The Helios Unix lookalike operating system is making its mark in the UK parallel processing arena, winning a broad range of support strategies and applications from third parties. Bristol-based Distributed Software Ltd is offering two new tools – a Helios source debugger, and X Window System graphics support – both of which were developed by Perihelion Software Ltd, Cambridge-based designer of Helios. The debugger is claimed to enable software developers to debug parallel programs running simultaneously on any number of processors via high level source code objects, and source windows which are opened for each particular task. It includes a command language and user interface. Initially it supports the Helios C compiler, but future versions will also support Fortran and other compilers. Graphical windowing support is also offered to users of Helios on MS-DOS micro-hosted Transputer systems via an implementation of the X Window System for Inmos G300, Paracom GDS, Quintek Harlequin and Tektite XTRAM Transputer baords. Available this month, each product costs UKP485.
