The operating system is a new generation
for ZX Spectrum - compatible computers
NeOS
CONTENTS:
1 .................. General Information
2 ................. The concept of OS NeOS
3 ............. Filesystem NeOS
4 .. Console and user interface
5 ............ Hardware interface
6 ......... Programming under NeOS
7 ....... Perspective and gratitude
1. General Information
Operating System (OS on) - is
program designed to control
computer resources, ensuring the work of external programs and
provides user interface to
with the system and program - interface to
interaction with devices that are within
of the computer.
Such a definition, though not claim to absolute
completeness, but still fairly accurate, fairly exactly
describes the essence of the concept of OS NeOS. From the
above, you can also get an idea that is the OS in general and
what it is needed, what is important.
Speculate here on what is already
Operating System on the Spectrum and that
They do not have, would be repeated many times. Let me just say
that on the Spectrum there is only one operating system - it
iS-DOS, in comparison with which all previous and subsequent
attempts to create a complete operating system can be assumed
to fail miserably. This is a fairly well thought out and
well-developed system, which has a number of original solutions
and stable, the whole concept of due
what it is, in many cases irreplaceable (for example - HDD).
Speaking about the operating system, it is important
remember that the most important part of
OS is not the code and interface, and its
concept and positioning in a particular
family of machines for which it is intended. The reason for the
failure of many good zadumok was precisely the authors' attitude
the concept of the OS as something abstract and
far from reality that it is wrong.
Conversely, when the right approach, taking into account the
subtleties of a particular platform (not schematic and
architectural - should reflect on this as a last resort)
including the scope and footprint platform for a niche in the
world of information technology, the system, if not doomed to
success, at least not without chances survive and develop.
It is this concept-oriented approach used in the development
OS NeOS. We did not aim to embrace
immense as to kill a flock of birds with one stone will be
difficult. We just makes it convenient and reliable operating
system that would satisfy the most modern requirements for
operating systems, while being sufficiently simple to use and
minimally Depending on the configuration computer.
2. The concept of OS NeOS
■ System for Spectrum (rather than the Spectrum
for the system - [1])
■ Focus on the ordinary user
Spectrum (not lamer - [2])
■ The most comprehensive use of resources
coincides with the computer, with an emphasis on feasibility
difference (resource for the resource - [3])
■ Focusing on computer use
network (LAN, Fidonet, Internet - [4])
■ Total orienirovannost on HDD OS
the diskette does not make sense (the standard
LIMITED controller - [5])
[1] This means that the OS is developed
to work on any Spectrum and does not require
hardware modifications beyond what is already
available.
[2] Since the Spectrum is not a massive computer, the
orientation of the OS on lamer impossible for the lack thereof.
To install the OS and work with it will require some level of
knowledge, which is at most podavlyayuschego6 spektrumistov.
This not Microsoft Windows (r).
[3] A common mistake many spektrumistov (not only)
mashinopoklonnichestvo ((c) Nemo). Unhealthy attitude of the
public to the hardware generates refinements Fetish, to which
all look with admiration, not realizing that by itself it is
meaningless no. Support the bells and whistles, no "consumer
content" - it means create yourself a lot of problems as a
result - no benefit. Therefore supports will be the instrument
that can be realistically and usefully used system or
application programs.
[4] On the Spectrum is still no n / a for
Work on the Internet - and this is a direct consequence of the
lack of OS.
[5] Using the operating system on diskette does not make
sense - slow speeds, the impossibility of its virtual memory
and File sharing is meaningless organization
File System (FS) on a floppy disk to reduce
all the advantages of the operating system.
Example - the same iS-DOS. Therefore, when developing NeOS we
initially focus on HDD. Pro Connection HDD - see below.
3. Filesystem NeOS
In the process of technology development
it was decided that NeOS will have its own filesystem. Here are
its main distinguishing signs:
- Structuring (nested subcategory
Taloga)
- Partition size is limited to the volume of the mouth
REFER
- Names of files and directories in the standard
unicode
- The file name is 16 characters
- Lack of dedicated extensions
- No restrictions on use of a
check in a file name
- Ability to create logical time
Delov
- Ability to mount devices
Other FS
- Segmented Files
- Neogranichannoe number of files on
CD
- File size is limited to the volume of the mouth
REFER
- Ability to create logical bound
bonds (simlink)
Access to devices other FS (TR-DOS,
iS-DOS, MS-DOS, NTFS, HPFS, ..) is carried out by mounting the
corresponding partition to the mount point in the root
directory of the device NeOS. The mount point is a
subdirectory. For mount the filesystem other than NeOS,
necessary to handle the corresponding
PSI has been installed in the system. Format Descriptor FS
standardized and will be published later. Thus, it becomes
possible to easily use network resources by mounting, for
example, FTP or network drive.
4. Console and user interface
The user interface in a "clean" NeOS
a TTY terminal, or a character input / output device. Console
independent of the screen and keyboard - virtual console can be
directed to modem, or even exist only virtually. This
facilitates the creation of a graphical environment, in
particular, creating a window system console. Command processor
NeOS has a set of standardized commands (currently not fully
developed), as well as the macro language system scripts, in
essence resembling shellscript or msdos batch, but provides a
more complete utilization of system resources.
TTY console works with the screen via
driver, so it is possible to use additional graphics modes for
more convenient presentation of information.
5. Hardware interface
Each of the known system, device
has a unique identifier. Length
ID is not defined yet. Identifiers are of two types: character
and numeric. The symbolic identifier of the device is used to
refer to the device through the console, for numerical
circulation to the interface module (since the core and kernal
system will be closed this is the only way to work with devices
except a direct appeal to the ports). Devices are grouped by
type. Working with devices directly allowed only
in the case of substitution of the application of standard
Driver NeOS - for example, the use of any unknown system
resources. In other cases, work with equipment made through the
interface module of the system.
6. Programming under NeOS
OS NeOS conceived and developed as
completely open to the programmer at the architectural level,
and will be supported by full documentation of all necessary
information, the programmer. Style of programming under NeOS -
mashinnonezavisimy because the program uses only function of
the OS. This is a standard way of programming the operating
system. Thus, the program is machine-independent, which is
convenient.
7. Perspective and gratitude
At the moment, willing the general concept
OS, a command language interpreter developed system scripts.
Being Preparation of low-level modules,
in particular the interface disk drives. Actively developing
web applications - they planned to make integrated into the
system. Most likely, it will be a HTML browser and an emulator
Telnet, through which services will be available FTP, POP3,
SMTP, IRC. Since the basic network Services will also be
integrated into the system, writing a more convenient online
applications will not be easy.
NeOS project development at the moment
engaged Insanity ^ Syndrome Projects Associacion (Bratsk). We
thank all subscribers for ehokonferentsii ZX.SPECTRUM useful
information concerning the equipment, constructive criticism
and helpful advice / suggestions.
A special thanks goes to announce
those who have agreed to cover the process of working on a
project NeOS in the media information and participate in the
development of system. IT'S:
- Denis Tsigancov
- Pawel Kislyak (Real Software)
- Alexander Kandaurov (KACuK)
- Alexei Zyryanov (LdAbOrC)
- And others.
We are grateful to Ivan for Roshchin
useful idea of publishing information and NeOS.
You can contact us as follows:
email: neos@zx.ru
fido: 2:5071 / 1999 To: Nikolay Shpilchin
phone: +7-395-315-3045
time 17:00-19:00 MSK
mail: 665,601 Russia
Irkutsk region, Bratsk reg
Vikhorevka city street. Mishka 7-68
Shpilchinu Nicholas
Information about NeOS can also search for:
ftp://zx-museum.org.ru/Ns/NeOS
We invite you to cooperate with those who
there is a reasonable proposal, and any
ideas for NeOS, as well as free
programmers and artists who are ready to cooperate in the work
on NeOS.
