Operating systems (OSs) do many things: it is the block of software that runs in the memory of a computer which mediates between the hardware below and application(s) above; provides consistent access to various hardware for user programs such as applications and utilities; multiplexes hardware resources between two or more processes, programs, users; provides some common services to all software via an application programming (or protocol) interface (API); allocates memory and storage; schedules tasks.
On this page, OSs are arranged in three groups and levels: 1) Top group: issues spanning multiple unrelated OSs. 2) Middle group: types or classes of OS, or OSs for which there are more than one instance of an OS of this name/type, an OS family. 3) Bottom group: specific OSs, individual instances; there is only one OS of this name/type, with its own category, and non-trivial, useful running code (more than a boot loader), and/or a body of worthwhile readings. It cannot be merely a new project with no significant code.
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The non-Wintel user group, supporting Acorn, Amiga, Apple, ARM, Be, NCs, PowerPC, Psion, Unix and other alternative operating systems. Services include a non-Wintel news summary.
Operating system for the CPC6128 and CPC-Plus. Information, downloads and help.
A professionally made operating system. Multiple desktop environments are available through official and community editions. Suitable as a replacement for Windows or MacOS. Philip Müller and Manjaro Developers.
Growing article, with links to many related topics. Wikipedia.
Weblog style online magazine on operating systems and computing environments. Daily updates, reader forum with many comments.
An alternative to Windows and macOS. The Lite edition runs on computers as old as 15 years.
An alternative to Windows and macOS. The Lite edition runs on computers as old as 15 years.
A professionally made operating system. Multiple desktop environments are available through official and community editions. Suitable as a replacement for Windows or MacOS. Philip Müller and Manjaro Developers.
Operating system for the CPC6128 and CPC-Plus. Information, downloads and help.
Growing article, with links to many related topics. Wikipedia.
The non-Wintel user group, supporting Acorn, Amiga, Apple, ARM, Be, NCs, PowerPC, Psion, Unix and other alternative operating systems. Services include a non-Wintel news summary.
Weblog style online magazine on operating systems and computing environments. Daily updates, reader forum with many comments.
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