DRIVER WATCH

While NeXT shipped NEXTSTEP 3.1 with only a few device drivers, the company has been busy writing new drivers to support the wide array of hardware available in the PC marketplace. NeXT plans to distribute drivers as user-installable packages through its support channels and over the Internet.

In this new feature, NeXTWORLD Extra will monitor advances in the NEXTSTEP driver universe. Ð Simson L. Garfinkel

Video

NeXT is now distributing a new video driver for Epson's NX computer, which allows full-screen resolution at 16-bit color.

NeXT has updated its S3 driver to support the 928 graphics-interface board and IBM's PS/2 Value Point machines.

Serial

NeXT has finished and is now testing a new serial driver, which should eliminate system crashes caused when NEXTSTEP communicates with high-speed modems or other serial devices.

Sound

Drivers for Intel GX Professional's on-board 16-bit sound and Compaq's Pro Audio board are expected to be included in NEXT-STEP 3.2.