In the open systems world, multi-user microcomputer operating systems face a daunting task trying to survive against Unix, or NetWare in the MS-DOS and Windows world. But Walnut Creek, California-based Theos Software Corp is still around, and has popped up with a new variant of the Theos operating system, Theos DOS, which is a multi-user overlay for MS-DOS – 3.1 up and will sell for $600 for up to five users. According to Newsbytes, the idea behind Theos DOS is to enable users to attach slave dumb terminals off a top-end iAPX-86 machine, rather than have users link low-cost, low-power machines together in a network. Theos DOS is very cost-effective for power users wanting to use a multi-user MS-DOS. The networking aspects of the operating system are not proprietary, and support NetWare, 3Com and LANtastic networks, meaning users can plug into those networks if required, Theos says. The company recommends a 33MHz 80386 with 4Mb for two users, a 25MHz 80486 machine with 8Mb memory for five users, while a 66MHz 80486 with 24Mb of memory will support 16 users – each user getting the performance of an 8MHz 80286 machine when all the terminals are active.
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