Executor (software)

Executor is software for x86-based PCs that allows older 68k-based Apple Macintosh programs to be run under various x86-based operating systems. Executor was created by ARDI (Abacus Research and Development, Inc.). As of 2005, Executor development has been indefinitely postponed. [http://www.ardi.com/ardi.php]

Unlike other true Macintosh emulators, Executor requires no startup ROM images or other Apple intellectual property. Executor, much like Wine for running Windows applications on Unix-like platforms, translates Macintosh Toolbox API calls and QuickDraw routines into equivalent Win32 or POSIX API calls. The MS-DOS version of Executor runs using the CWSDPMI protected mode DOS extender.

Executor translates 68k big-endian binary code into x86 little-endian binary code. [http://archives.cnn.com/2000/TECH/computing/05/05/emulate.mac.idg/index.html] Executor can only run Macintosh programs designed to run on PowerPC-based Macintosh hardware on PowerPC -based computers. Executor can mimic either Macintosh System 7.0.0 or System 6.0.7 for older applications that don't work in System 7.0.0 mode.

Due to the GUI-oriented nature of classic Mac OS applications, Executor has its own GUI environment known as Browser. Browser attempts to somewhat mimic the classic Mac OS desktop and the Finder application without having features such as the trash can or Mac OS control panels. [http://archives.cnn.com/2000/TECH/computing/05/05/emulate.mac.idg/index.html] The default Apple menu also does not exist in Browser but is replaced with a rough-equivalent; running Mac applications will have Apple menu functions available. Executor does not have support for networking of any type, including AppleTalk support. Executor also lacks the ability to run components (such as extensions or control panels) that are highly integrated with classic Mac OS versions. [http://archives.cnn.com/2000/TECH/computing/05/05/emulate.mac.idg/index.html]

pecifications

Executor can run on x86-based PCs running Microsoft Windows and various specific Linux distributions. All versions of Executor require a minimum configuration of a 90 MHz Pentium processor, 32 MB of RAM with 4 MB available to Executor, and a minimum of 8 MB of hard drive space for installation. [http://www.ardi.com/exe_win.php] [http://www.ardi.com/exe_lin.php]

The Linux version of Executor has been tested under Red Hat Linux 5 through 7, SuSE 6, Caldera OpenLinux 2, Debian 2.1, and Yellow Dog Linux. [http://www.ardi.com/exe_lin.php]

Older versions of Executor also ran under MS-DOS and NeXTSTEP.

Current Status

Currently, Executor isn't being supported or developed. Clifford Mathews, ARDI's Founder, has released the Serial codes that went to December 31, 2006, and again until the end of June 2007. On July 23, 2007, a new working serial code with no expiration date has been released Fact|date=July 2008 while the status of Executor remains unchanged. [cite web|url=web.archive.org/web/20061017131504/www.ardi.com/ardi.php|title=ARDI, an Emulation and Reverse-Engineering Company|accessdate=2007-07-24] Mathews has stated earlier that he has thought of releasing Executor's source code to the public under an open source license. [cite web|url=http://www.ardi.com/future.php|title=ARDI's Future|accessdate=2007-04-24]

External links

* [http://web.archive.org/web/20061017131504/www.ardi.com/executor.php ARDI - Executor website]
* [http://web.archive.org/web/20061017131504/www.ardi.com/compat_search.php ARDI - Executor applications compatibility database]
* [http://www.geocities.com/SiliconValley/Lakes/9359/w95.htm Unofficial Executor site]
* [http://emaculation.com/executor.php E-Maculation's Executor page]

References