2.0v is now availableARDI has rewritten much of the Macintosh OS and toolbox from scratch. We use this technology in Executor, an application that allows you to run your Macintosh applications on PCs. Executor lets your PC run many Macintosh programs as well as read and write Mac-formatted high-density floppies, Mac SCSI drives, Mac Zip drives, Mac Jaz drives, and read Mac CDs.
Download a free demo. You'll like what you see. After you try out the demo, order the Executor 2 CD-ROM, so you can run Executor 2 on your PC (whether you're running DOS, Windows 3, Windows 95, Windows NT, OS/2, or Linux) without the restrictions the demo has. If you'd prefer to order from a person rather than off the web, give us a call at +1 505 766 9115.
Executor uses no software from Apple Computer. It doesn't require Mac ROMs or a Mac System file. ARDI's engineers have re-implemented from scratch most of the operating system calls that MacOS provides. This provides speed and flexibility albeit currently at a loss in compatibility. Speed is gained by having all the OS calls running as native, rather than emulated software. By not requiring Apple ROMs, ARDI can allow demo versions of Executor, and can work with creators of Mac-only software to use ARDI technology to port their apps to 80x86 based platforms. However, since not all routines have been implemented, Executor has some limitations.
2.0v is now availableAs work on Executor 3.0 progresses, we make experimental releases available to existing customers and potential customers. Experimental patches are available for both demo and non-demo versions of Executor. To use the non-demo experimental version, you'll need to have Executor 2 already installed and have your Executor 2 CD-ROM handy.
2.0v has better cut and paste support under both Windows and Linux. The Linux release is now "FHS" compliant. The command line option "-sticky" turns on the sticky menu feature, which is new to 2.0v. You can also put the line "-sticky" in the file "commands.txt" if you want to use sticky menus. Starting with 2.0v, the demo versions of Executor can now be used for up to 30 days.
Everyone who now orders E2 will receive 2 CD-ROMs: the original Executor 2.0 CD-ROM and, to save you the need to upgrade via the internet, a second CD-ROM containing installers for either (Executor/DOS 2.0v and Executor/Win32) or for Executor/Linux 2.0v. In addition to the 2 CD-ROMs you'll receive now, we'll also send you a copy of Executor 2.1 on CD-ROM free of charge automatically when it ships.
Remember, the Executor demos expire 30 days after installation, so if you use PCs and want to access Macintosh formatted media, run Mac programs or interact with people who use Macs, call (toll-free) +1 888 BUY ARDI and order a copy (or ask about site licensing).
Our compatibility database has been rewritten to make it easier for you to use and for us to maintain. The entries from the old database have been converted to the new format and a few hundred submissions that were backlogged have been added in the new format.
Executor's printing subsystem has been reworked for 2.0r. It's now much easier to print to non-PostScript printers, because Executor 2.0r automatically recognizes when GhostScript has been installed. If you've already installed 2.0r, and you have a non-PostScript printer, you should seriously consider installing GhostScript.
If you've picked up a copy of 2.0t and had a chance to test some Mac applications under it, please let everyone know what you've found.
So much work has been done since the release of Executor 2.0 in October 1996, that we're preparing a new intermediate release to allow all our current customers to see the benefits that have previously been available only to those using experimental versions (see above). 2.1 will be a free upgrade for people who have purchased 2.0 and who can download a patch from the web. It will also be available at a nominal charge as a CD-ROM for people without web access who purchased Executor 2 before December 2. People who have purchased Executor 2 after December 2 will get 2.1 sent to them free of charge. 2.1 will contain a non-demo version of Executor/Win32.
Here is some more information about ARDI and Executor. If you're just learning about Executor 2, please read our Frequently Asked Questions document, first:
Several people have been kind enough to create unofficial ARDI/Executor pages. Gene DeClark put together an Executor Page to sharpen his HTML skills. Hideaki Tsuboshima has written an Executor page in Japanese, and Emilio Moreno maintains an entire Executor site in Spanish, complete with volunteer tech support services. Vincent S. Cojot has a screen-shot of Executor/Linux as part of his Linux desktops page.
