OS3.9 - Why should I upgrade?

[mfletcher]

Currently running OS 3.1 Classic on my A1200... and I like it. Ive heard about OS 3.9, but why upgrade? Only reason I can think of, is the TCP/IP stack for networking, but cant I get that with 3.1 already? Plus Ive heard that 3.9 is bloated, compared to 3.1 .

What are the pluses / minuses for upgrading to OS 3.9 from OS 3.1?

Thanks,

Mark

[coze]

if you don't have PPC, I'ld say don't bother.

[alphonsus]

There's a few new workbench functions (clean up by...) and it looks a bit prettier without as many patches.

It also needs a reboot on cold start, takes more memory and REALLY wants you to have a graphics card.

[musashi5150]

Don't bother. Unless you've got a powerful Amiga, 3.1 and a few patches is all you need.

[Xenon]

Actually, I prefer Amiga OS 3.5 with all Boingbags and some manual adds. I use it in my Amiga 1200 with a 4 MB RAM upgrade)

[fc.studio]

My opinion about OS3.9 on real A1200:

I like:
- the GlowIcons.
- there is the DefIcons tool.
- to have a window tool to decrunc lha, lzx & zip file just on clicking on the relative icon.
- the search / find tool in WB menu.
- the WB "execute command" remembers old inputs (with Boing Bag 2 installed).
- browsing icons in opened windows using keyboard cursors...
- the WB/Icons/Info tool allows you to replace icon picture easily by placing a new one over the old in this window.
- the WB/Icons/Info tool reports drawer size, drawers and files quantity inside.
- ASync in WBStartup improves multitasking.
- many little improvements.

I don't like:
- THE SPEED, in my A1200 is acceptable but I have a Blizzard 1230/IV @ 50 Mhz.
- I would like to have an easy window tool to pack files/dirs.
- an easy guide to use DefIcons tool (if someone could help me to use it).

OS 3.5 has GlowIcons and is surely faster, but has not all the improvemnts above.

Although I'm disappointed about the OS 3.9 speed, I would not come back to previous OS version.

[Mick_AKA]

I have always found, on my A1200 with 030 3.5 is the best OS.

[Minuous]

There's also various software that requires OS3.5/OS3.9: eg. Report+, AmiArcadia, FTACE, BTCE, Q2CE, DWCE, PCE, ACSE spring immediately to mind, these programs won't run under OS3.1.

[Charlie]

FWIW:
3.9 Is great, but is a bit 'bloaty' by AmigaOS standards - It needs a good accelerator + decent amount of RAM to work well. I'd say it's best suited to virtual systems like Amithlon, X-Amiga, (Win)UAE...
3.5 Is probably better for a 'real' Amiga - Most of 3.9's features with a smaller 'footprint'.
3.1 Unless you're an eye-candy junky (like me) it's hard to justify the move.
2.1 ? Hear me out... My A1200/060 with KS 3.1 & WB 2.1 runs like nothing you've seen! No, it's not pretty, but it is fast + functional when in that mode.

[fc.studio]

Originally Posted by Charlie

FWIW:
3.9 Is great, but is a bit 'bloaty' by AmigaOS standards - It needs a good accelerator + decent amount of RAM to work well. I'd say it's best suited to virtual systems like Amithlon, X-Amiga, (Win)UAE...
3.5 Is probably better for a 'real' Amiga - Most of 3.9's features with a smaller 'footprint'.
3.1 Unless you're an eye-candy junky (like me) it's hard to justify the move.
2.1 ? Hear me out... My A1200/060 with KS 3.1 & WB 2.1 runs like nothing you've seen! No, it's not pretty, but it is fast + functional when in that mode.

Charlie, I think you are right.
OS 3.5 is a reduced OS3.9 version, but it's faster than OS 3.9 and not a lot slower than 3.1/3.0.
In my opinion OS 3.9 is slow, but it is enough usable with my Blizzard 1230/IV @ 50 Mhz and 16 MB. I prefere it 'cause its many little improvements and I would not come back.
Both are heavy upgrades Vs. Workbench 3.1 / 3.0.

[Mad-Matt]

I found the quick way to get os3.9 upto speed is simply dissable amidock. that single dock tool slows things right down as it seems to be refreshing constantly. dissabling the speed boost is noticably instant on my 040/25