Re: Idea: Multitasking graphical OS for the GS

[Tristan Mumford <mydotname@geemail.com>]

On Thu, 01 Jan 2009 13:56:09 -0800, Eric Rucker wrote:

> I've been thinking about stuff, and got to thinking... it'd be
> interesting if there were a semi-modern, multitasking, graphical OS for
> the IIGS - not necessarily backwards compatible with GS/OS. (The
> semi-modern bit means... The Manager on GS/OS does NOT qualify. ;))
> 
> Anyway, I'm thinking that starting from scratch with the OS might just
> be the best bet - unlike GNO/ME, which uses GS/OS for a lot of stuff.

Sorry about the lazy trim.

If you aren't interested in compatibility with GS/OS or whatever, there 
are many routes you can take.

Like most software of the era, if it is what you load into RAM at 
startup, the entire computer is your stomping ground, bar page 0. Still 
have to be careful there.

I know this may be a point of contention, so I will state that this is 
just my opinion, but I have found that trying to forget what already 
exists on a platform is a great way to start. You don't want to get stuck 
in the mindset of 'things have to work like [XYZ] because this is the way 
[A] did it. Summarised, think outside the box.

There are plenty of multitasking OSes out there that do the job their own 
completely different way. They all have their advantages and pitfalls.

Something helpful is to look at embedded systems programming. They may 
just be a simple single chip computer, but there are many operating 
systems for them. Quite a few have preemptive multitasking (although the 
tasks are already loaded).

If you are looking for chunkier OSes, I think uCLinux is used on embedded 
platforms and MMUless apps. Might still be too chunky but there are 
probably some ideas which can be gleaned from it.