OS Info

eBook - Informations about Operating Systems
Version: August 15, 2006 | Download: www.operating-system.org
AIX Internet: AIX

AmigaOS Internet: AmigaOS
AtheOS Internet: AtheOS
BeIA Internet: BeIA
BeOS Internet: BeOS
BSDi Internet: BSDi
CP/M Internet: CP/M
Darwin Internet: Darwin
EPOC Internet: EPOC
FreeBSD Internet: FreeBSD
HP-UX Internet: HP-UX
Hurd Internet: Hurd
Inferno Internet: Inferno
IRIX Internet: IRIX
JavaOS Internet: JavaOS
LFS Internet: LFS
Linspire Internet: Linspire
Linux Internet: Linux
MacOS Internet: MacOS
Minix Internet: Minix
MorphOS Internet: MorphOS
MS-DOS Internet: MS-DOS
MVS Internet: MVS
NetBSD Internet: NetBSD
NetWare Internet: NetWare
Newdeal Internet: Newdeal
NEXTSTEP Internet: NEXTSTEP
OpenBSD Internet: OpenBSD
OS/2 Internet: OS/2
Further operating systems Internet: Further operating systems
PalmOS Internet: PalmOS
Plan9 Internet: Plan9
QNX Internet: QNX
RiscOS Internet: RiscOS
Solaris Internet: Solaris
SuSE Linux Internet: SuSE Linux
Unicos Internet: Unicos
Unix Internet: Unix
Unixware Internet: Unixware
Windows 2000 Internet: Windows 2000
Windows 3.11 Internet: Windows 3.11
Windows CE Internet: Windows CE
Windows Family Internet: Windows Family
Windows ME Internet: Windows ME
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Windows NT 3.1 Internet: Windows NT 3.1

Windows NT 4.0 Internet: Windows NT 4.0
Windows Server 2003 Internet: Windows Server 2003
Windows Vista Internet: Windows Vista
Windows XP Internet: Windows XP
Apple - Company Internet: Apple - Company
AT&T - Company Internet: AT&T - Company
Be Inc. - Company Internet: Be Inc. - Company
BSD Family Internet: BSD Family
Cray Inc. - Company Internet: Cray Inc. - Company
Digital Research Internet: Digital Research
HP - Company Internet: HP - Company
IBM - Company Internet: IBM - Company
Microsoft - Company Internet: Microsoft - Company
Novell - Company Internet: Novell - Company
PDA - embedded devices Internet: PDA - embedded devices
SCO - Company Internet: SCO - Company
sgi - Company Internet: sgi - Company
Sun - Company Internet: Sun - Company
Knowledge, Terms Internet: Knowledge, Terms
Knowledge, Filesystems Internet: Knowledge, Filesystems
Company web sites Internet: Company web sites
Knowledge, Kernel Internet: Knowledge, Kernel
Knowledge, Platform Internet: Knowledge, Platform
Knowledge, information sources, References Internet: Knowledge, information sources, References
Base knowledge Internet: Base knowledge
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AIX 4.3 AIX is the first 64-bit UNIX that becames from the NSA in the USA the TCSEC C2 certificate, with
modifications it corresponds also the TCSEC B1. AIX 4.3 can run on 64-Bit CPUs binarily 32-Bit programs and
64-Bit programs. The TCP/IP stack and the I/O system were continued to optimize on high efficiency. Up to
128 non removable disks can be combined into a logical group. OpenGL GLX 1.3 and graPHICS extensions
make an increased application performance and better handling of large graphic models possible. NIS+, Java
support and numerous system management Tools supplement this AIX release.
Compatibility
Except for special exceptions applications for AIX version 4.1 or 4.2 run also under AIX 4.3- without new
compilation. A condition for it are: RS/6000 POWER-, POWER2 and PowerPC-based models. Applications
that use some X11R5 server extension (like the Windowmanager), are only executable under AIX version 4.3.
Applications that where compiled with specific POWER2 or other PowerPC compiling options, are executable
also only with such CPUs. The downward compatibility is reduced in so far that compiled applications on AIX
4.x are not compatible to the older releases of AIX. 64-Bit applications, which were provided on 32-Bit systems
under AIX 4.3, can be used on 64-Bit AIX 4.3 systems without problems.
Areas of application
Applicable on workstation to supercomputers and cluster systems; eBusiness, Intranet, Extranet,
enterprise-critical applications
Structure information
- support for up to 12 CPUs for each computer system
- 32-Bit or 64-Bit Kernel
- support for 64-Bit hardware
- HACMP, High Availability cluster multi-processing
- supports the safety stages C2 and optionally B1 #1
- IBM eNetwork LDAP directory support
#1 E3/F-C2/B1: these safety stages are published by the Federal Office for security in the information
technology for the certified employment in government authorities.
System environment
Korn Shell; Supports JFS and JFS2 file system; CDE and Motif as graphic surface; IA64 processors (Intel
Itanium) or power CPU
AIX 5LAIX (Advanced Interactive eXecutive) is the operating system developed by IBM, to meet the high
requirements for the enterprise employment. In addition handling particularly large applications and the scaling
ability belong to this high requirements. AIX 5L has the ability to segment programs in memory in 8 x 256
MByte parts, with AIX 5L 5.1 up to 10 x 256 MByte parts and with AIX 5L 5.2, 5.3 up to 13 x 256 MByte parts.
AIX was designed for the employment for workstations (for instance the RS/6000 line) to supercomputers
(RS/6000 FR) too. AIX is related to the Unix system V and BSD 4.3 operating system. It supported
distinguished different platforms and possesses high binary compatibility to the most diverse program formats.
AIX 5L is also for the employment on servers of the product series of IBM S80 intended and supported likewise
Linux applications. IBM offers among other things support and enterprise solutions approximately around AIX.
AIX 5L version 5.2Since the beginning of October 2002 the version 5.2 is available. Contained are
now also functions, which admits so far only from Mainframes. The dynamic Partitionierung (LPAR) permits the
enterprise of up to 16 virtual servers on a server. During operation resources can be assigned or taken off to
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each virtual server dynamically such as CCU, memory and I/O cards - without reboot or shutdown of the
running server. This makes it possible to react individually to the requirements from customers and to adapt
flexibly all resources. With the Keyed Capacity Upgrade on Demand (CUoD) for the p670 and p690 server it is
possible to increase the number of CPUs for higher performance during operation. With the function of
dynamic processor saving can be assigned reserved processors automatically as replacement for failed
processors. Thus a sudden perfromance loss is prevented and the full availability for the enterprise
employment is guaranteed.
For AIX 5L an extension and a bonus pack are free of charge available, with the additive of a broad number of
applications and Tools. The data recovery is provided by a data mirror software. For enterprise critical
applications that need some remote Backup, the software HAGEO (high availability geographic cluster) and
GeoRM (Geographic remote Mirror) is available. This software makes it possible to fall back on errors to
backup server with automatic resynchronization of the data in real time by mirroring of the data. For the
administration of the functions the hardware management CONSOLE (HMC) and HMC recovery software is
used for the LPAR control and cluster management. By the IBM cluster systems management (CSM) a central
control together for cluster 1600 and cluster 1350 systems as well as possible for distributed server from the
pSerie. It does not count whether Linux and/or AIX are used in a network - over those Web-based system
managers surface who can be served easily let themselves be served both operating systems.
AIX 5L version 5.3AIX 5L version 5.3 was published together with IBM of eServer p5 series in August
2004. It offers one in the comparison to the previous version further technology for self management of the
operating system on POWER5 servers. Main strength of AIX 5L is handling of high system resources and
communication services by the IBM virtualization engine, improved physical system utilization of available
resources to the previous version by Micro- Partitioning and virtual processors, memory, RAM and network
adapters.
The Dynamic the Logical Partitioning (LPAR), available since version 5.2, makes flexible handling possible
with virtual servers on a physical server. With the extended scaling system resources such as processors and
RAM can be assigned and revoked to the virtual servers, without affecting or restart of the running server
installation. Micro Partitioning extends this flexibility in POWER5-Systemen by dispatching of processor
performance from a system partition in 1/10 steps to correspond the tweaking permitted even the increase or
lowering in 1/100 steps for optimally the enterprise requirements. Several LPARs can divide a resource pool
automatically depending to the requirement from the virtual servers by balancing the processor performance
without interruptions for the LPARs.
AIX 5L V5.3 makes it possible to measure and log the resource utilization in a divided server infrastructure
during a certain period. A user can be assigned (virtual) to a server installation. This is important for the user to
profit thereby from the business model on demand to book exactly the performance which is necessary and
pays for it accordingly. This makes an accounting of achievements and the planning for the provided capacities
possible. Noted are the system processes, transactions in the file system, processor utilization, RAM and
network utilization.
AIX 5L V5.2 introduced already Capacity on Demand (CoD), to AIX 5L V5.3 this technology was continued to
improve. Selected IBM eServer like p5, i5 and models from the pSeries used this feature to belong to the best
scalable and most flexible servers in ranking. An example of use would be, if an enterprise pays a certain
resources package, which however for a sudden treatment of masses of orders is not sufficient any longer. In
this Case with CoD was automatically more resources such as processor performance and network bandwith
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during the high load assigned.
This operating system is completely compatible to 32-bit and 64-bit applications, these can be even running at
the same time. At the same time can be used the multithreading of all POWER5 processors available in the
server symmetrically. Supporting applications can reach a higher level of the system utilization and data flow.
AIX 5L supports inspired from many features such as high reliability, availability, self healing and independent
configurations from Mainframes. This guarantees highest availability for enterprise-critical applications. If
nevertheless appears an error the operating system used his logging functions to log the current condition of
the hardware and software. The dynamic reconfiguration permits the exchange of processors and RAM in
POWER5 to servers without interruption of current applications in LPARs.
The service Update Management Assistant (SUMA) makes the definition of guidelines possible, the assistant
service provide the operating system with automatically updates and files from the IBM support for download.
Programmers profit in this AIX version from the POSIX real-time application programming interface for simpler
porting of software.
The new NFSv4 Access Control List (ACL) safety minutes for the file systems JFS2 and GPFS (general
parallel file system) offers higher security and efficiency. Extended filter rules support network security and
notice break-in attempts in the network data traffic. The gnome desktop 2.4 is for the first time also as user
itnerface available. The maximum number of ethernet devices has been increased from 1024 to unlimited
(ent0, ...). The system protocols the activities of up to 32,767 registered users. For users and user groups the
name length was increased from formerly 8 up to 255 text characters. The JFS2 file system is offering Quota
and Shrink functions now.
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AmigaOSAmiga Inc. was founded in 1982. The Amiga was developed first as game console, the Amiga
designed from his mental father Jay Miner represent a complete computer. The hardware basis was developed
and marketed self.
Amiga was introduced for the first time on January 4th, 1984. Amiga Inc. was bought up by Commodore
completely in September 1985 and presented the Amiga 1000 ready for sale. He was excellently designed for
multimedia tasks like music and video handling with 4,096 colours, stereo Sound, video chip, synthetic text to
voice conversion, 16 colours were (EGA) standard in the PC area at that time. In the famous BOING!
technology Demo one red whitely checked Ball encouraged in 3D to sound samples in a virtual space. This
Demo became famous and the ball got bound closely to Amiga as a trademark since this.
The video screen resolution in the first Amiga computers with the OCS (original chip set) could be configured
from 320x256 to 736 x566 pixel in the PAL mode and 320x200 to 736 x482 pixel (Overscan) in the NTSC
mode. The video screen resolution was individually adaptable to the monitor with the Overscan method up to
the limit. In principle, the represented colour palette was defined out of 4096 colours. The video screen with
LowRes or HiRes was represented with 16 colours, 32 colours, in the EHB mode with 32 genuine colours and
32 colours with lesser brightness. In the HAM6 mode the screen display was supported by 4096 colours. The
OCS was taken off by the ECS (Enhanced chip set) in later Amiga models since 1988. This extended the
possible resolutions from 1280x256 to 1440x566 pixel in the PAL mode and 1280x200 to 1440x482 pixel
(Overscan) with SuperHires in the NTSC mode but only with up to 64 genuine colours. The successor of the
ECS was the AGA chip set which was used in Amiga models as of 1992. The applied colour palette was
defined out of 16.7 mio. colours. All resolutions could be represented now with 256 colours, in the HAM8 even
with 262,144 colours. Furthermore the EHB mode was supported (colour number doubled by brightness
difference).
Because of failed management and from bad sales figures Amiga Inc. were acquired by ESCOM in 1995, after
long negotiations with numerous competitors and the bankruptcy manager for approximately 12 million dollar.
One year later ESCOM came to obviously by miscalculation and to fast Expandition into bankruptcy. ComTech
still acquired ESCOM in the same year. 1997 were sold the Amiga section including the rights to Gateway
2000. In the year 2000 Gateway sold again the rights from Amiga in large parts to the enterprise Amino, which
thereupon was named as Amiga Inc..
The Amiga OS needs only small hardware requirements and runs on Amiga hardware with a Motorola 68K
CCU. Since 1997 exists extensions with PowerPC 603e and 604e-CPUs. Amiga OS is controlled by
preemptive multitasking, in the 512-kByte Rome chip (Kickstart) resides the entire OS core. As GUI
Workbench is used. The Amigas of the series of 1985 to 1991 could represent 4096 different color, of it
however only a fraction (8 to 16) simultaneously. Since 1991 (AGA Chipsatz) there is simultaneous 16 million
colors, of it 4096 at the same time. Optionally for a long time the Amiga can be upgraded with a graphic card,
since 1998 also with 3D-accelerator. The internal file system is FFS.
PEGASOS / MorphOS the computer system PEGASOS was developedand sold by the company Bplan
(before Phase5) in the Bundle with the Amiga compatible operating system MorphOS. Amiga OS 4 does not
run on Pegasos and MorphOS doesn\'t run on the AmigaOne.
Update 2002: With the new developed platform AmigaOne of Eyetech is an efficient computer with PowerPC
CPU available which should be bundled with Amiga OS 4 of Hyperion after his completion.
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Update January 2004: The AmigaOne is now avaiable with a pre-release of Amiga OS, alternatively with PPC
G3 or G4 CPU. Amiga OS 4.0 contains compared with Amiga OS 3.9 the following novelties. The operating
system Kernel is called Exec SG (Second generation), which became increased performance by removal of
the weak points and the complete portation of the source code from the 68k architecture to Power PC. An
emulator made it further possible to execute of 68k programs in the interpreted mode for compatibility or in the
JIT mode for maximum performance. System-critical memory ranges have now protected areas, SMP,
Multithreading and separate address ranges (still deactivated) are partly supported now. The addressing range
is complete virtual, i.e. it can be larger than available RAM, the paging on a non removable disk is also
possible. The API gets more than 50 new functions, TCP/IP and PPP driver was completely revised. The
Amiga file system FFS2 was improved.
Update: 15.03.2004 According to the press release from Amiga Inc., Amiga OS is now sold to KMOS Inc. with
all rights, source code and versions by Amiga OS. Amiga Inc. wants to concentrate from now on on the mobile
market. Amiga Inc. acquired in addition the company Capacity network from Finland, which is specialized in
data storage solutions. With this added know-how Amiga Inc. wants to develop an extended and secured
Amiga OS for mobile devices. KMOS continued the developing at Amiga OS 4.0 and the hardware without
breaking of existing contracts with Hyperion or other partner companies. Amiga Inc. keeps the rights to the
Amiga name and the intellectual property.
Characteristics- simplified the patching of system functions

- supports additional data types by "Plugins" for graphic, text, audio, video,... formats (since OS 3.x)
- audio output with integrated LowPass filter (LED)
- DefIcons, freely definable icon for every file, not only after file extension (third party software)
- since AmigaOS 1.0 automatic hardware detection, plug n play (Autoconfig)
- dual playfield mode for several graphic planes (games)
- voice output also with accents, enthusiasm and mouth movements
- since version 2.x AmigaOS has also memory protection with Enforcer or CyberGuard (with MMU) third party
software
This information area was friendly supported by Martin Baud, you can find more information about Amiga OS
on the Website "Bielefeld Amiga Users&Developers" in german at www.baud.de.
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AtheOS AtheOS is a new operating system developed by Kurt Skauen under the GPL licence. It does not
have any true text mode but terminal emulators are possible. Up till now it is available only for x86 processors,
SMP and multithreading are supported. Besides UNIX characteristics it supports POSIX to large parts and
builds up on a new user interface and a new designed file system. The 64-bit file system AFS has journaling
functions. The monolithic kernel was modularized designed. UNIX related applications like bash and CLI tools
were ported, AtheOS itself is programmed in C++. Both desktop systems and web servers are intended
purpose by the TCP/IP support.
Syllable Syllable is a fork from the AtheOS project to meet other design goals. It is advanced of former
AtheOS developers. Syllable uses ideas of the API of BeOS.
Syllable 0.5.6 was published on 19. April, 2005. The audio/video support was improved in this version, the
burning of CD-RWs with the Cdrtools 2.1 is possible now. Syllable is compatible to the POSIX standard too,
the kernel was extended by many functions and supports ACPI. The support of USB has been added, the
GNU C library was updated. In comparison with the pre-released version problems with the installation process
were removed. An upgrade which eliminates a couple of bugs was published for version 0.5.6 a on 17. June,
2005. Version 0.6.0 followed on 13. December 2005, with improvement at the ATA device driver, video driver,
at the Kernel and many more.
In meanwhile everything points to the shut down of the AtheOS project, perhaps it is developed further in the
future. After all, since the last release have passed several years and the original website www.atheos.cx has
changed the owner since a long time.
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BeIABeIA® (Be Internet Appliances) is a software platform which offers particularly simple access to Internet
applications. It is based on BeOS and was scale-downed strongly. BeIA differentiates from BeOS by the
platform independence and the specialization for multimedia and Internet applications for devices like web
pads, settop or Internet boxes. Applications are surfing in the internet, audio streaming, video playback and
e-mail communication. The system boots particularly fast, was developed for the x86 and PowerPC
architecture and needs at least 8 mbyte fixed storage (harddisk, CompactFlash) as well as 32 mbyte RAM.
BeIA was licensed for a small selection of devices of Sony, Compaq and Qubit.
Sony presented a product named eVilla™ on the base of BeIA 1.0 for internet access. Sony released a press
report on 30th August, 2001 that this product is not continued any more because of the low market success.
eVilla hardware
15" display: 14" visible, portrait FD Trinitron® CRT display (800x1024)
CPU: Geode GX1R® (266 MHz), graphic: Geode CS5530A
24 mbyte flash ROM, 64-mbyte DRAM
V.90 modem
Audio: AC97 codec, Built-in stereo Speakers; Memory Stick® media slot
Keyboard/Mouse ports: 2 x PS/2
2 x USB ports for USB printers and ZIP drives
Power consumption: 120 VAC, 50-60 hz, 2.0 A, 110 W (maximum)
Size (W-H-D): 300 mm x 411 mm x 402 mm
Weight: 14.3 kg
Compact keyboard with 71 keys
Scroll Mouse; ISP Service: eVilla online service (powered by EarthLink)
eVilla software
e-mail communication for up to 4 users
Internet browser Opera 4.0
Real player®
Macromedia® Flash 4.0
Staff Java® Plugin
Support SSL2 and SSL3 for connections
File viewer for PDF, pure ASCII text and HTML includet
Graphic file formats: JPEG, progressive JPEG, GIF, PNG
Audio file formats: MP3, WAV, MIDI, AU, AIFF, real audio
Video file formats: MPEG 1, Real video
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BeOSBeOS was originally developed by the company Be with the former Apple coworker Jean-Louis
Gasseè for its own type of computer, the BeBox. It contains 2 power PC CPUs and was equipped with
maximally with 256 Mbyte of RAM. BeOS is written from sratch and does not contain obsolete operating
system design concepts. Designed as a single user operating system BeOS unfolds his optimal efficiency on
multi-processor systems with several parallel running programs through it modern multi-thread based
structure. BeOS basically does not run other applications that are not developed for this operating system. This
operating system is only available in English, French and Japanese languages.
With the new version 5.0 BeOS is at the first time free of charge for private use and was named "Personal
Edition". This version can be used exactly the same as the "Pro Edition" as single OS or started from any
Windows partition. However the free variant is limited to a 512 MByte virtual partition in one image file for the
operating system installation and further files. For network employment are a large amount of applications
available.
Update: August 2001

By the assumption of Palm Inc. for 11 million dollar BeOS is not any longer commercially developed. The
BeOS Community and some BeOS developers keeps the support for the future.
Update: March 2002

The BeOS Online website is a good start to download BeOS software or the BeOS 5.0 private edition which
was downloaded world-wide by several sources about 1 million time. Based on the approved source code of
the BeOS Personal Edition 5 the BeOS Developer edition 1.0 was developed, which contains current drivers
and is further maintained by the BeOS Online team. In December 2002 the BeOS Developer Edition 1.1 was
published.
Under the web address www.openbeos.info you can find the official continuation of BeOS as open source
project, provisionally named to OBOS (OpenBeOS). To go around the closed source code parts of BeOS only
the free source code is used and the missing parts are new developed. On the WalterCon 2004 meeting
Michael Phipps published on 19.06.04 the renaming of OpenBeOS in Haiku. This project has the goal to
develop an Desktop operating system that does not need administration, is simply to use, open source, with
high performance even on older computers, made possible complex applications and is exciting in use. In
future the development of BeOS applications on the Linux platform and BSD derivatives are possible too.
Primary platform is the x86 32-Bit architecture, secondary the PowerPC is supported. The support of these
architectures with 64-Bit processors is planned. SMP is also supported. The first release of Haiku should be
completely binary compatible to BeOS R5 and offers extended functions with user friendly design and
numerous improvements. In any following release this operating system got multi-user support, an improved
API and (new?) File system as well as many other improvements.
A other project is the commercial Zeta distribution developed by the company yellowTAB, this is an official
successor of the BeOS Personal Edition with source code from the OpenBeOS project. The Zeta distribution
was called at the beginning BeOS NG (new generation). yellowTAB was founded in Germany, Stuttgart by 10
persons. This company acquired the license from Palm to use and develop the BeOS source code. Yellowtab
engages itself also in Eastern Asia and Latin America for the sale and marketing. Zeta was located for the
German and English market and is planned in the variants Home -, Developer and Deluxe edition.
BlueEyedOS copies the features and the user interface from open source software. BeOS APIs were written
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again, so the BeOS programs remains to be executable. This operating system is based on the Linux Kernel
and the XFree86 server for graphic functions. You can download on www.blueeyedos.com the demo version
as an ISO image.
The Beos derivative eB-OS (Extender Beos Operating System) is based on the latest BeOS Personal Edition
5.0.3, current Haiku code, parts of BeOSMax 3.1, BeOS Developer edition 2.1 as well as drivers and
applications from www.bebits.com. The last version is eB-OS 1.1 beta on bootable CD-ROM.
Field of ApplicationBeOS is designed for handling large amounts of data. Therefore it is suitable
outstanding for Multimedia applications such as video and audio processing as well as Raytracing. By its
structural short response time of 250 microseconds between individual Threads it is particularly suitable for
time-critical tasks like the recording of videos in real time. The access to files takes under 10 milliseconds,
depending on the used hardware. BeOS is capably to use Plug&Play devices, after the installation of new
hardware the appropriate driver must be copied only in "/boot/home/config/" and the device is now useable.
The object-oriented Design allows it to activate new drivers without complete restart. During the loading only
the depending media modul is restarted in few seconds.
Area of application
support POSIX
CLI: bash Shell, GUI: Tracker
JFS support
Read/Write FAT16/32, Read ext2fs and NTFS/5, HFS, UDF(DVD) and ISO-9660(CD)
optimized for the web, integrated GNU compiler
OpenGL is supported
Microkernel
preemptive multitasking
Internal Client-Server architecture
Server: Services of the oeprating system
Clients: applications, which use the oepratign system services
protected memory areas
virtual memory
Object-oriented Design
Max. file size 18 millionen TByte
Pervasive multi-threading architecture (operating system is divided into small threads which profit optimally
from several CPUs)
System Environment
x86 CPUs or PowerPC (up to release 5.03)
needs at least 32MByte RAM
64-Bit operating system
befs 64-Bit JFS file system, R/W HFS, VFAT, FAT
Symmetrical multi-processing (SMP)
Multi-processor support (up to 16 CPUs)
not designed as network server or multi-user support
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BSDi The Berkeley Software Design Inc. offers the commercial operating system BSD/OS for x86
compatible computer. BSD/OS descended of BSD Net/2 (1991) and is licenced under the BSD software
licence. It is cheap, reliable, offers high accuracy and performance. BSD/OS is compatible for POSIX and use
the file system FFS (Fast File System). It finds application for web hosting, e-mail server, Dial-Up server, proxy
and DNS, router, firewall, Load Balancing and many further network services.
Update March 2000 BSDi merges with Walnut Creek CDROM, the main distributor of FreeBSD and
Slackware Linux.
Update April 2001 Wind River Systems, Inc. takes over the operating system BSD/OS and the FreeBSD
business from BSDi. The sale shall be completed until the end of April this year. BSDi renamed in iXsystems,
Inc. and focus his energy on the hardware business with Internet servers and cluster in future. iXsystems
becomes licenses to use BSD/OS and access to development tools of Wind River.
Update Jan. 2002 Wind River transfers the FreeBSD business with all customers and employees in this area
to FFreeBSD Mall, Inc. and concentrates on BSD/OS, vxWorks and Linux software solutions now. Already in
October 2001 Wind River cancelled the financial support of FreeBSD.
Update Dec. 2003 Wind River stops the further development and the support for BSD/OS Internet Server
Edition (ISE). The support for customers and the publication of bug fixes shall only be guaranteed up to Dec.,
31. 2004.
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CP/MGary A. Kildall developed for the company Intel the PL/M programming language for the Intel 8008,
derived of PL/I in 1973. In the same year he developed the operating system CP/M (Control Program for
Microprocessors) in PL/M. It was the first operating system for Intel based computers. Kildall set up with his
wife Dorothy McEwen the company DR Inc. (Digital Research Incorporation) in 1976. At first CP/M was
designed by DR only as a pure file manager program for 8-bit x86 computer and sold by Intel. In 1976 there
was a CP/M Bios for Intel 8080 computers. At this time CP/M was the dominating operating system on the
market and used by the most computer manufacturers on theyre computers to. In 1981 dozens of computer
machine types competed under various operating systems like CP/M in numerous variations. Additional there
were proprietary operating systems and UNIX variations. CP/M was used in 1985 worldwide approximately 4
million times in different versions. CP/M was renamed to DR-DOS after few other releases in 1988.
CP/M was available in many different versions for numerous application purposes. Technical further
advancements of processors and the trend towards multi-user systems also were included in the development.
MP/M II brought additional commands, multi-user ability with programs like CONSOLE, DISKRESET, SPOOL,
SHED and ATTACH. CP/M plus (CP/M 3.0) could address 1 mbyte of main memorie by segmentation the
memory areas, harddisk storage up to 16 mbyte was also possible. CP/M 86 managed max. 1 mbyte main
memorie without segmentation and stood into competition with MS DOS. CP/M 68 K was designed for 68 K
RISC CPUs and not able for multi-user or multitasking.
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Darwin Darwin is the from Apple named operating system core for Mac OS X. Darwin is Mac OS X without
the user interface. The BSD Unix and Mach 3.0 based Kernel connects since the first release in 1999
characteristics of the booth worlds Apple and UNIX. Mac OS X has beside the Mac OS predecessor his origin
in the know how of NeXT technology, taken over by Apple in 1997. NeXT has developed the OPENSTEP
operating system which was the further development of NEXTSTEP which in turn is based on 4.3 BSD. Apple
supports actively the BSD community, because Darwin is compatibly with the FreeBSD distribution as a
reference and takes advance of much open source projects. Mac OS X merge therefore the efficiency and
stability of UNIX (protected memory area) with the simple usability of Mac OS.
Affected by the open source concept developers of Apple and the open source community work together for
the PowerPC and x86 operating system version. Modifications and further developments flow back to the
public, after a free registration the source code can be downloaded from the Apple web site. It can not be
excluded that Darwin with his operating system core xnu splits up into independent distribution. All developed
applications for the Darwin system core work also under Mac OS X, except for special Mac OS X applications
which do not run directly under Darwin. Standard format for executable applications in Darwin is Mach-O.
Support for the primarily by Linux program used .ELF format is not possible at present, but Linux applications
can be ported.
Architecture By the related UNIX design Mac OS X profits from the protected memory area and
established preemptive multitasking. The Kernel consists of 5 components. Includet are the Mach Mikrokernel
with the BSD subsystem, file system, network ability and the I/O Kit. The file system supports file names with
up to 255 characters and unicode. The Mach Micro kernel cares about the resource management like
processor performance, scheduler, memory protection and the communication between the system layers. The
core is enclosed by a specified version of the 4.4 BSD-Lite2 Kernel and userland. This contains POSIX APIs
and abstracts the file system and the network communication. The BSD Kernel takes care for the
administration of system processes and security policies and threading of program parts for Mac OS X.
The I/O Kit introduced with Darwin is a object-oriented development software which provides the ressources
for the development of driver software with the support of SMP and preemptive multitasking.
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EPOCEPOC is the operating system of Symbian, formerly software house of Psion. Symbian has licensed
Symbian OS to companies which are big players in the market of High Technology mobile telephones.
Included are Motorola, Nokia, Samsung, Siemens and Sony Ericsson. Handhelds with SymbianOS from Psion
are the 5mx Pro, Revo, Revo Plus, netBook and others.
Symbian, EPOC, the Symbian logo and Symbian Developer Network logo are registered trademarks of the
Symbian Ltd.
Field of Application
Wireless embedded devices like telephones
Development of applications
Abilities
TCP/IP, WAP, GSM, Bluetooth, IrDA, serial
EPOC C++, Java, WML, HTML
security standards like SSL, HTTPS, WTLS
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FreeBSDIn November 1993 Jordan Hubbard started the FreeBSD project, in which he took source code
from the 386BSD. At present, FreeBSD is developed by about 200 developers which pass modifications on the
source code to a central team which in line are responsible for the next release. FreeBSD bases on 4.4 BSD
Lite release for x86 computers of March 1994 and has his strengths in the network area. FreeBSD has proved
itself in use everywhere where large amounts of data are transfered. The text based installation program
makes the individual customization for the planned use possible.
The name of devices like fixed storage disks in the "/dev" directory following a scheme of its own. So e.g. the
first partition is described as ad0s1 on the first IDE fixed disk, ad0s2 is the second partition. Installation of
ported system software and packages or update of installed programs can made easily over a software list. In
every port descriptions are the latest updates includet which can be installed by an freely eligible installation
medium like CVS (Concurrent Versions System). If the user prefer already compiled programs, he can use the
binaries. About 8,000 programs are available for FreeBSD by now. FreeBSD stands under the BSD license, is
free usably and freely copyable as long as the copyright notes remains with the BSD licence.
For FreeBSD are security extensions under the project name TrustedBSD available which correspond to the
B1 security level. Access Control Lists (ACL) and Mandatory Access Control (MAC) are only few of those.
In the version FreeBSD 5.3 of 11-05-2004 was besides security and bug fixes the hardware support mainly
improved and extended. Techniques like ACPI, Bluetooth, Firewire, Serial ATA, USB 2.0 and Wireless LAN
are supported completely now. Support for the FAT32 file system was improved and software like KDE 3.3.0,
Gnome 2.6.2 and Mozilla 1.7.2 taken to the newest stand.
The DragonFly BSD project has split up in the year 2003 from the FreeBSD 4.x operating system line to let
flow the newest innovations and techniques i nthis new derivative. The project of Matthew Dillon released the
version 1.0(a) in July 2004. This Release contains a new messaging API, a revised I/O model, kernel threads
and interrupt preemption. In a next version the package administration and threading model shall be improved.
Release 1.2.0 of this operating system was published in 04-08-2005. The network subsystem and the TCP
stack was improved, IPv6 and NFS version 3 were includet. New device drivers were added, the support of
USB was improved.
It is target of the ekkoBSD project to create an operating system based on FreeBSD which is simple and safe
to configure. Special value is attached to a democratic project control with open mind for new ways of thinking.
EkkoBSD was terminated in the middle of July 2004, thankfull words to the involved members was released
on the web site for conclusion.
The derivative PC-BSD bases on FreeBSD and was published for x86 computers with the version 0.5 beta in
April 2005. A graphical installation process, the automatic hardware detection and the integrated KDE surface
are parts of the special features. The developers of PC-BSD have set themselves the goal to offer a
particularly user friendly system for beginners in the home and office area which isn't reached by previous BSD
derivatives. PC-BSD 0.7.5 beta was released in June 2005. The source code was published under the BSD
licence, numerous bugs became eliminated and single graphical details improved .
PicoBSD is called the FreeBSD derivative which fits on one single floppy disk. It bases on FreeBSD 3.0 and
needs very few hardware resources. A 386 processor with at least 8 mbyte RAM is enough to set up a router,
firewall or a Dial-in Server. The current version 0.41 was already published in October 1998. With the
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Development Kit available every interested one can create his own specified version of PicoBSD.
Database server
Internet, intranet and file server
Internet client
Structure Information
proven TCP/IP stack
preemptive multitasking
monolithic kernel
System Environment
X-Windows
multi-user ability
max. 4 CPUs
File system: ufs
32-bit Intel, 64-bit UltraSPARC, alpha (experimental)
Read/Write: FAT, ISO9660, NTFS
Strenghts
runs transparently and stable
Portability
binary compatible: DOS, SCO UNIX, BSDI, NetBSD, Linux and 386BSD
NFS performance
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HP-UX HP-UX is based on the UNIX System V Release 4 and was designed by HP for the RISC
architecture of Motorola. It is a pure server operating system with high availability and flexible memory and
security management.
HP-UX is equipped with a variety of tools for use in enterprises for the monitoring (costs, work load) as well as
for the logging and visualization. Next to the base version there is a Enterprise Edition with resource
management and the Mission Critical Edition for companys with enterprise critical applications for highest
availability and security. This operating system has a built-in host intrusion detection (H-IDS). This oeprating
system is used for content servers, web server, databases or also for cluster systems.
The VUE (Visual User Environment) and CDE are available as a GUI, the last named is the standard GUI
since the HP-UX version 10.20.
- Operating system for 32-bit and 64-bit systems

- File system and max. file size up to 2 tbyte
- max. 256 gbyte RAM addressable
- File systems: VxFS, JFS, HFS, LIF, ohne Format: FAT, UFS, BFFS, NFS
- SMP capable up to 128 CPUs
- Software development: Java (ported), C/C++, Fortran 90, COBOL, Perl
- EAL4-CAPP certify #1
- TCSEC-2 certify #2
#1 Evaluation Assurance Level 4, Controlled Access Protection Profile
#2 Trusted Computer System Evaluation Criteria Class C2 (without ACLs and boot authentification)
- PA-RISC and Alpha Systeme

- HP9000/500 Server Familie, up to 7 CPUs
- HP9000/300 Workstation Family
- HP9000/400 Family (Apollo)
File structure of HP-UX

/
/dev
/etc
/export
/home
/lost+found
/mnt
/net
/opt, /var/opt
/sbin
/stand
/tmp
/usr
/lib
/varRoot directory
Device files
Configuration files
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File sharing
contains the user directory
Mount directory (temporary)

NFS mount directory
Additional software
System programs
Kernel directory
Temporary files
Application programs
Libraries
various files, some logging files
Tru64 UNIX This UNIX derivative of the company DIGITAL was developed for the alpha platform.
Originally it resulted from the operating system OSF/1 out and is also called DUNIX (DIGITAL UNIX). It is used
on alpha servers and HP TruCluster servers. Tru64 UNIX was certified for the security level C2 and supports
ACLs.
- 64-bit operating system

- File system and max. file size up to 16 tbyte
- up to 256 gbyte RAM addressable
- need at least 128 mbyte RAM, 1 gbyte harddisk storage
- based on the Mach 2.5 Kernel design, BSD 4.3/4.4 technology and UNIX system V
- AdvFS file system (Advanced File System) with journaling function - up to 256 Data medias for each AdvFS
domain, up to 231 files
- File systems AdvFS, UFS, NFS, MFS, ISO 9660, UDF
- SMP support
- X11 R6.5 Window manager, CDE 1.0 user interface with Motif 1.2
- SVID (System V Interface Definition )
- Administration with SysMan tools in Java, X11, Curses or CLI interface
- Remote Installation Service (RIS )
- IPv6, IPsec, TCP/IP, SNMP, DHCP, PPP, ONC 4.2, DNS, NTP
- ATM 3.0/3.1, Slow-, Fast-, gigabit ethernet, FDDI, token ring
- LPD printing manager
- Windows 2000 single Sign-On with Kerberos, LDAP technology
- X/Open UNIX 98, UNIX 98 workstation, CDE certified
- Multithreading, Shared Libraries
- POSIX, C, Bourne and Korn Shell
File structure of Tru64 Unix

/
/dev, /devices
/etc
/home, /usr/users
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/lost+found
/mnt
/opt,/usr/opt,/var/opt
/sbin
/vmunix, /subsys, /sys
/tmp
/usr
/usr/lib, /usr/shlib
/var
/cluster
Root directory
Device files
Configuration files
contains the user directory
Mount directory (temporary)

Additional software
System programs
Kernel directory
Temporary files
Application programs
Libraries
various files, some logging files
specific files for Cluster membership
OpenVMS VMS (Virtual Memory System) was designed in 1976 especially for 32-bit computers and used
on VAX computer as well as the PDP-11. There also is a 64-bit version of the operating system for alpha
systems. DIGITAL (DEC, Digital Equipment Corporation) were founded by Ken Olsen on 25. Octobers 1977.
PDP system as well as the VAX and VMS architecture lasts never developed without DIGITAL. It is used for
mainframes, servers and clusters and in the desktop area too. With Ultrix DIGITAL had a BSD based UNIX. In
the 80s DIGITAL has placed itself as No.2 behind IBM. The complete technology was taken by Compaq in
1998, HP took the company Compaq and thus also OpenVMS in 2002.
- SMP, multitasking, multiprocessing, multi-user

- Alpha systems, VAX, Intel Itanium (since OpenVMS 8.0)
- POSIX standard
- consists of code of the programming languages like Ada, DEC C, Fortran, DEC C++, and others
- max. 32 CPU per system up to 96 systems in a cluster
- DCL Shell as CLI, X-11 and MOTIF GUI
- TCP/IP protocol
- File system: ODS-2, ISO 9660 (Read), FAT (R/W), NFS and SMB
- File system supports Record Management Services (RMS)
- Java Development Kit
- Netscape Fasttrack Web Server
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Hurd The GNU (Gnu is not Unix) initiative of the Free Software Foundation was foundet in 1984 by Richard
Stallman and has the goal to providing free software and a free operating system kernel. Together with
software from the GNU project it shall form a complete free operating system. Different servers which stand for
the file system, network and other functions are based on the Mach Mikrokernel. The first (test) release since
the beginning of the development of the GNU Hurd Kernel was in August 1996. The completion of version 1.0
was planned for the 1st quarter in 2003.
- till now only for the 32-bit x86 architecture

- licensed under the GPL licence
- built up completely modularly
- look & feel like Unix - but doesn\'t based on Unix!
- emulate a Unix environment by POSIX Wrapper, compatibly
- offers ANSI C development environment
- Mach Microkernel
- only base functions like scheduling run directly in the Kernel
- file systems (proc, ext2fs, ufs) and network services (auth) runs in Userland
- supports multi-threading
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Inferno Inferno is suitable particularly as a platform for the programming and use of distributed applications
in the network. It is an independent operating system which is installed on the base of another operating
system, such as Windows, Linux, and FreeBSD. Programmers profit from the development environment of the
own development environment for applications in the programming language Limbo. All resources availably on
the host system, can be accessed under inferno. This can be the Internet connection which is available directly
in inferno whithout configuration.
Inferno originally was designed in the department of research and development of Lucent Technologies
(belongs to Bell Labs). The programming under Limbo is syntactically similar to these in C. The Specialization
is the construction of network applications. The Limbo compiler creates an independent source code for many
sorts of architectures. This source code got interpreted in the Virtual Machine on runtime or compiled before
for performance reasons JIT (just in time).
All resources no matter whether local or remote access are shown as a file in the file system. This an be
storage devices, system processes, services and network connections. By Namespaces all resources and
services are saved in an unique addressed name for the use in applications. These lead to the real resource
names. The defined Namespace is usable from every network client or distributed to several servers. The Styx
- Standard Communication Protocol makes the access to every resource possible. Moreover it provides the
safe communications.
Inferno supports the following host oeprating systems: Windows NT, 2000, XP; FreeBSD (x86); Irix (MIPS);
Linux (x86); Mac OSX (PPC); Solaris (SPARC); Plan 9. It just is usable as a plug-in in the Internet Explorer 4.x
or better. Every Inferno installation is opposite to the executed applications identically.
Security is guaranteed on the Kernel layer. The following Algorithms are supported: IDEA, 56-bits DES, 40,
128 and 256-bit of RC4 encoding as well as MD4, MD5 and SHA Hash functions. Inferno needs at least 1
mbyte RAM and ROM, supports dynamic load of modules, Unicode and is fully with source code and the
licence declaration availably. Applications simply can access functions like audio, ethernet, graphics, touch
screen, USB and also WLAN (802.11b).
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IRIXSGI uses the industry standard UNIX to create its own operating system IRIX. Thus a basis for Hightech
computing and graphic computing was created. IRIX is compatible with the UNIX system V Release 4 and is
compatible to the standard UNIX 95. Therefore it supports among other things POSIX and is year 2000
compatibly. IRIX is used on special workstations by sgi like the Octane, Onyx, Iris and many other systems.
- From workstations up to supercomputers
- Visualization
- Simulation
- Film animations
- Natural science
System Environment
- only for MIPS/SGI systems
- scalable up to 512 CPUs and 1 TByte of RAM in one system
- 16 GByte RAM
- 64-Bit, 32-Bit on older systems
- XFS file system
- 4dwm window manager
- Supports the EFS, HFS and FAT file system
- GUI was named IRIX Interactive Desktop
The informations and Screenshots on this page are created with friendly support of Gerhard Lenerz, you can
find more information about sgi on his website sgistuff.g-lenerz.de (english)
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JavaOS JavaSoft is a subsidiary enterprise of Sun Microsystems and developed JavaOS (code name
Kona) which was introduced to the public at the end of May 1996 at the JavaOne developer conference.
JavaOS has clearly a different one system structure than typical desktop or server operating systems. JavaOS
is very compact and was designed especially for embedded devices to be able to execute Java applications on
this directly. It needs neither a file system nor virtual memory, concept conditionally it supports only a
programming language at the execution and does not have his own system calls. It boots independently,
supports a password protected login, own device drivers, has its own window system and API and can execute
several Java applets at the same time. JavaSoft has granted licences to more than 25 manufacturers, to this
companies belongs Oracle Corp., Acer Inc., Xerox, Toshiba Corp. and Nokia which will use the JavaOS in her
products. IBM and Sun announce the cooperation for JavaOS for Business at the end of March 1998.
Update: November 2001

Savaje Technologies offers JavaOS with the Espial Escape browser for handhelds in Java. The operating
system called SavaJe XETM is especially designed to run Java 2 applications (J2SE) on handhelds and
embedded devices. The Espial Escape browser is a fast and safe program for enterprise applications even for
complex web pages.
- Execution of java applications
- JavaOS for NC (Network CLients), use on Thin clients without fixed disk
- JavaOS for Consumer is optimized for networked consumer products like navigation systems or handhelds,
Settop Boxes, WebPhones
- Browse on the Internet with the HotJavaTM browser
- Platform independent
- supports 32-bit up to 128-bit operating systems, depending on used platform
- Microkernel
- needs low resources, 256 kbytes of RAM and 512 kbytes of ROM, for Internet application 4 mbyte RAM and
3 mbyte ROM
- small and efficient
- works with an Host-system or standalone
- HotJava as a window system installable
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Linux From Scratch The Linux From Scratch project was founded by Gerard Beekmans to develop
an instruction guide for the installation of a Linux installation from scratch with GNU/Linux and additional
software in 1998. This is very usefull if existing Linux distributions do not meet the requirements for the
planned field of application. You can imagine it like a public development process of a distribution at which one
takes part himself. With this project there is the possibility for the experienced user to build a own user defined
Linux distribution and to gain more knowledge in this operating system. On the project website you get
informed about the current development state and help over the mailing list and newsgroup.
LFS provides the detailed installation instruction with the download addresses for the necessary software
packages as well as some scripts and important patches for the installation. The software packages are in
source code and must be compiled first. An existing development environment is needed for this, also a
already running Linux system with all necessary development applications. The Debian GNU/Linux in version
3.0 r0 (Woody) distribution of 2002/20/07 has to be a particularly suitable development environment proved
after several tests and many LFS installation starts for LFS 4.1. After the update of few programs to the
needed versions the installation proceeded without errors. Since December 2005 a LiveCD also has released
where you can install LFS on the PC without a preinstalled LFS development environment. With the ALFS
(Automated Linux From Scratch) Projekt many of the installation steps can be automated and simplified.
If the LFS installation was completed, you can make further customizations and installation of a graphical
surface on this base. BLFS (Beyond Linux From Scratch) exactly starts there and leads in an instruction guide
through the further installation process for the use of LFS as a desktop, server or office system.
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Lindows Company Michael Robertson had announced the beginning of an ambitious project in
August 2001. He was a CEO at MP3.com before. The operating system LindowsOS shall unite many
advantages of Linux and Windows after the first completion. Programs of both Windows and Linux can be
installed and executed easily. LindowsOS is a derivative of the Xandros distribution which based on Debian
GNU/Linux, makes the execution of Windows programs by the smooth integration of the Wine project easily
possible. One of broader advantages is the installation simply held, there are only less user details needed to
install LindowsOS. With an agreement with WAL-MART Lindows has found a sales partner who offers a cheap
PC system with preinstalled LindowsOS.
LindowsOS Lindows merged the stability of a Linux derivative with the usability and characteristics which
one would rather assign to a Windows operating system. LindowsOS goes one step further. With the
procedure named Click-N-Run programs or upgrades can be installed with one single mouse click. The costs
for the software subscription amount are EUR 99 for 12 months. Registered users could choose at the
beginning from more than 1,000 applications, in meanwhile this number has increased to over 2,400 programs
in the year 2006. No licence is needed for the private use on several PCs.
- zero Maintenance
- containing plug-and-play abilities for USB 1.0, USB 2.0 devices
- improved driver software support particularly for multimedia devices
- blocks Advertisements and Spam from the Internet
In the legal controversy about the word similarity of the name Lindows to Microsoft Windows the opponents
agreed about the renaming of Lindows in Linspire. The software product, logos as well as the website from
Lindows was switched over to the changed naming in the period from April to the end of October 2004. In
response Microsoft assured the payment of 20 million dollars and a time limited use of Windows Media
components the distribution Linspire. For this Linspire put down the counter legal suit against the word mark
for Windows.
To the innovations of Linspire 5.0 of 2005/16/03 belongs the Kernel 2.6.10, KDE 3.3, X-Server 6.8.2, the
Reiser4 file system and improved support for Notebooks with Intel Centrino and AMD PowerNow technology.
The new user interface and the extended CNR technology have flowed into this version with more than 1,200
improvements altogether.
Linspire announced the publication of a Linspire based pure open source distribution named Freespire on
2006/24/04. The project is supported by the Community. No version was published for download till now.
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Development of Linux 1986 Linus (Benedict) Torvalds programmed its own driver for its floppy
controller. He learned intensively hardware programming and became better knowledge about his Sinclair
computer with Q-DOS. Additionally he provided his own programmer Tools. When 1991 the 386-Intel PC
became modern, he got one PC to learn about the programming of 386 CPUs. As operating system the Unix
derivate MINIX was used, he has know Unix already since 1990 from its university. Minix was developed by
Andrew Tanenbaum as learning system and was particularly used at universities. The written book from A.
Tanenbaum "Operating Systems: Design and Implementation" is about operating system concepts and Minix,
which became the favourite book from Torvalds. The source code of Minix is open source, any modifications
are bound to the license conditions.
Because he did not find the provided terminal emulator program in Minix acceptable, he began his project to
code his own and better terminal emulator with more functions on hardware level. In addition he programmed
his own drivers for the data medium access and the file system and others in assembler. With these functions
the software becames the ability to upload and download from the Internet. In the line of the development
terminal program got more and more functions so he made the decision to enhance it to a operating system.
Its operating system was derivated from Minix but completely written from scratch beginning at the Kernel,
taken over from Minix only the good concepts from Minix. After long programming evenings it was so far. On
17th September 1991 the operating system Freax version 0.01 was finished, as development environment was
used still the MINIX for 386 CPUs. It contained already the GNU Shell bash and the GNU C-compiler GCC
from Richard Stallman, which counts to the standard programs for the meantime named operating system
Linux. Because Linux profits particularly from the GNU software pool, it is generally called GNU/Linux.
After approximately 6 months Freax was renamed in Linux. Already on 3th July 1991 he had asked for the
POSIX standards in the minix-newsgroup, he presented on 25th August 1991 his project in public and asked
for suggestions for further functions and extensions. The source code was made freely accessible by ftp. To
communicate with other programmers and interested people he used the Mailinglist
"Linux-activists@niksula.hut.fi" and the newsgroup "comp.os.minix" for contact and progress messages. Later
its own Mailinglist and forums were created. In the line of the development he received wished postcards from
all over the world with thankfully words. The project has got a strong self-dynamic in the InterNet and was
maintained by the community. The rights at the brand name Linux was transferred after a legal incident to
Linus Torvalds and later distributed on several persons to ensure the further development and to avoid a
"takeover by enemys". The symbol figure "Tux the penguin" was selected because Torvalds was bitten by a
penguin in a Finnish zoo. The self-willed animal had impressed him in such a way, which it gave to its
operating system this guidance figure. At the beginning Linux doesn`t contain any installation script or
graphical installation menu. To make the installation from Linux easier and automated Owen LeBlanc from the
Manchester Computing Centre published the MCC Interim release, this was the key for the automated
installation of today\'s distributions.
File structure (first level) of Linux and derivatives

/ - Root-Directory
/bin - system tools
/boot - kernel, bootmanager
/cdrom - Mount-Point for CD-ROM drives (optional)
/dev - device files
/etc - configuration files
/floppy - Mount-Point for floppy drive(optional)
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/home - user directory

/lib - shared Libraries
/mnt - mount Verzeichnis
/opt - additional software, GUI
/proc - system informations
/root - root user directory
/sbin - system programs for root
/tmp - temporary files
/usr - applications for the GUI, source code (kernel)
/var - various files, log files
The advantages of a free development and distribution are among other things in the user orientation because
no unnecessary features are integrated that nobody does need. That is done via the dynamic development
process, which select principle from 1.000 current ideas the most necessary features out that taken up to the
official system core. In order to meet all requirements, the Kernel series of 2.2.x (max. 2 GByte RAM
addressably) exists beside the newer 2.4.x (max. 64 GByte RAM addressably) in coexistence. By the dynamic
development a rigid marketing plan that rules about the release date is unimportant. In addition new versions
are only published with proven reliability and are not determined if the schedule points to the best sales
favorable time. While Linux 0.01 with the most fundamental components and instructions consisted of 10.000
code lines, the source code increased now in version of 2.4.9 to approximately 3.7 million code lines including
many hardware drivers. Linux regards the specifications from system V and BSD Unix programs.
Some operating system companies use the open development to add new characteristics into the open source
operating system as example the file system support XFS by SGI. Linux and related operating systems are
only possible through the work of the InterNet Community that contains the support of developers world-wide
and increasingly development support by IT companies. Therefore there are so-called developer kernel
releases with odd version number like 2.3 and stable releases with straight numbers like 2.4 for the stable use
for user and employment in companys.
According to estimations there is at the beginning of 2001 at least 10 million Linux user world-wide, tendency
strongly rising. Since about 1997/1998 Linux is regarded strengthened by the IT industry as alternative
operating system. In the years 2000/2001 the assumption is expressed, that Linux can also replace the
existing commercial Unix variants gradually and wins further agreements. In the heterogeneous network Linux
co-operates by the native support of network protocols with Macintosh, Novell and Windows.
The license model GPL that Linux underlies, offers to the developer extensive liberties and spreads transfers
of technology because the knowledge is open. By the open development code audits constantly improve the
quality of the source code. By code sighting from various developers the software security is increased and the
further development doesn`t depend on probritary manufacturer. Many Linux derivatives are available on the
Websites of the Distributors and projects with ftp or HTTP for free Download at no costs. By redundant Mirror
servers the operating systems are available in ISO images around the world.
Goals
- to create a better MINIX than MINIX (he was dissatisfied with MINIX)
- Unix derivated operating system on normal PCs
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- open source development

- programming on this project with developers from around the world
- development after the needs of the users
Today Linus Torvalds lives and works in San Jose, California for the chip manufacturer Transmeta (CPU
Crusoe). Besides he cares for the public work and develops together with others the system core further.
Update: 17. June 2003

Linus Torvalds changes to the OSDN (open source development lab) to take care mainly for for the future
development of the Linux Kernels 2.6.x.
Distributors A Distributor is usually a developer team that takes advance from the Linux system core
(Kernel) to offer a installation-able software package. Beside the individually adaptable system core numerous
additional applications, driver and assistant are included, which can be installed and configured with the own
installation andsetup routine comfortably. Those distributions are made available on the Internet as ISO image
or to buy cheap on CD-ROM or DVD medias. The taken money is needed for the developers and the support.
Often Linux distributor companies are actively in other open source projects too.
In order to install a Linux distribution they exists different ways of installation. The booting of the installation
routine from CD-ROM after the El-Torito standard, DVD, floppy disk (in the meantime rather rare), by network
or ftp server after the boot procedure are supported directly. From the large and big offerers of Linux
distributions profit small distributors which are aligned to very special operational areas, like data Recovery or
software-routers.
Update: 30. May 2002

For the first time several large Distributoren united to a large community (see News note). Under the name
UnitedLinux was created a common basis for the uniform development of a Linux distribution. Elements of it
are guidelines of the Linux standard base. All participants of the partnership let its experiences in the business
area and technical knowledge flow together to rise up the market share in the server range. Final desktop
versions for customers are provided by each distributor separately. To the Comdex in November 2002 the
initiators presented the finished version 1.0 together. United Linux 1.0 is thereby LSB 1.2 and OpenI18N
conformal and flows in the future versions as standard.
Slackware On 17 July 1993 Patrick Volkerding announced the completion of Slackware version 1.0 in the
newsgroup comp.os.linux, interested could download by ftp the installation packages. From the beginning the
public Linux standard was considered. As package format for programs TGZ of archives are used, the
preferential surface is KDE. It exist only a text-based Setup. Slackware was ported for Sparc, alpha and x86 of
systems. Slackware addresses itself to the experienced user and developers.
Slackware Linux: date / version

1993 Juli / Slackware 1.0,
1994 Okt. / Slackware 2.1,
1995 März / Slackware 2.2,
1995 Mai / Slackware 2.3,
1995 Aug. / Slackware 3.0,
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1997 Apr. / Slackware 3.2,

1997 Juli / Slackware 3.3, Kernel 2.0.30
1997 Okt. / Slackware 3.4, Kernel 2.0.33
1999 Mai / Slackware 3.9, Kernel 2.0.37pre10
1999 Mai / Slackware 4.0, Kernel 2.2.7
2000 Juni / Slackware 7.1, Kernel 2.2.16
2002 Aug. / Slackware 9.0beta, Kernel 2.4.19 basiert auf gcc 3.2
2004 Juni / Slackware 10, Kernel 2.4.26 gnome 2.6.1 kde 3.2.3 X11R6.7
2005 Feb. / Slackware 10.1,
Red Hat The company Red Hat with company headquarters in the USA North Carolina was founded 1994
by Bob Young and Marc Ewing. From the beginning the open source operating system has played a high role
for the enterprise concept. The field of application reached from miniature devices over work stations up to
server systems on Intel x86, Dec alpha and Sun SPARC systems. One strengthens of Red Hat Linux is the
application in InterNet and Intranet. Extensive support, training and training offers as well as the broad support
of IT companies carry to the growth of Red Hat constantly. Red Hat reached with his Linux distribution about
15 % by the gross income, a majority income is realized by competent services like the Redhat network - RHN.
With the software package format RPM, Red Hat has set a standard which many distributions followed.
1998: Partnerships with Intel and Netscape

1999: Partnerships with SAP, Oracle, IBM, Compaq, Dell and Novell
The Fedora project is one of Red Hat approved Consumer version of the Linux distribution Red Hat Linux.
This open source project is sponsored by Red Hat, but lies independently in administration of the Linux
Community. In May 2004 the Fedora core 2 for the x86-64 and i386 architecture was published, used the Linux
Kernel 2.6, the new X-server of X.org and the extended access protection SELinux in the Kernel.
With the new Fedora Linux core 4 the contained software was brought up to date. GCC 4.0, gnomes 2.10,
KDE 3.4, OpenOffice 2.0 beta, the development environment Eclipse 3.1 and the universal document viewer
Evince 0.2.1 belongs to this software now. Beside the x86 32-Bit and x86 64-Bit architecture is now Fedora
also installable on power PC systems. The global file system (GFS) in version 6.1 is used for Cluster systems,
Xen 2 creates a virtual environment for guest systems. For the minimum installation are 620 MByte up to 7
GByte (everything to install) free storage space needed.
Red Hat Linux: date / version

1995 / Red Hat Linux 1.0 (mother\'s day), Kernel ?
1995 / Red Hat Linux 2.0 (?), Kernel ?
1996 Mai / Red Hat Linux 3.0.3 (picasso), Kernel 1.2
1996 Okt. / Red Hat Linux 4.0 (colgate), Kernel ?
1997 April / Red Hat Linux 4.2 (biltmore), Kernel 2.0.30
1997 Nov. / Red Hat Linux 5.0 (hurricane), Kernel 2.0.32
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1998 Mai / Red Hat Linux 5.1 (manhattan), Kernel 2.0.34

1998 Okt. / Red Hat Linux 5.2 (apollo), Kernel 2.0.36
1999 Apr. / Red Hat Linux 6.0 (hedwig), Kernel 2.2.5
1999 Sep. / Red Hat Linux 6.1 (cartman), Kernel 2.2.12
2000 März / Red Hat Linux 6.2 (zoot), Kernel 2.2.14
2000 Aug. / Red Hat Linux 7.0 (guiness), Kernel 2.2.16
2001 Apr. / Red Hat Linux 7.1 (seawolf), Kernel 2.4.2
2001 Okt. / Red Hat Linux 7.2 (enigma), Kernel 2.4.7
2002 Mai / Red Hat Linux 7.3 (vallhalla), Kernel 2.4.18, ext3
2002 Sept. / Red Hat Linux 8.0 (psyche), gcc 3.2, Kernel 2.4.18
2003 April / Red Hat Linux 9.0 (shrike), gcc 3.2.1, Kernel 2.4.20
2003 Nov. / Fedora Linux Core 1
2004 Mai / Fedora Linux Core 2
2004 Nov. / Fedora Linux Core 3
2005 Juni / Fedora Linux Core 4, Kernel 2.6.9
Mandriva (Mandrake Linux) MandrakeSoft was founded in France in 1998. With the distribution
Mandrake Linux based on Linux and configuration tools of its own as well as specified KDE surface the target
was put to be installable as simply as possible operably and without problems. RPM is used as a packet format
for software, one recognizes the precompiled software by the code contained in the package name, 'mdk\', for
Mandrake Linux. It is available as a desktop and server version.
Test: July 2003

The installation of Mandrake proceeds uncomplicatedly. By dialog procedures the system is established, the
kind of installation can with or without surfaces, development, console tools as well as server applications be
selected comfortably. As a typical workstation with Open Office the installation uses approx. 1.1 GByte storage
space, as complete server installation 490 MByte and as a development environment only 370 MByte. If one
selects all components, the setup installs 1.7 GByte of the 3 CD-ROMs. As a booting manager lilo is installed,
after the graphical booting procedure the first-time assistent enabling the configuration of the GUI and the
e-mail client.
Update March 2004, Mandrakelinux 10.0 Community Release: The ISO images of the three CDs be able to
download or to send by an ISO distributor on CD-ROM at mail. ontained are the Kernel 2.6.3, XFree86 4.3,
GCC 3.3.2 and glibc 2.3.3. You can choice between the KDE 3.2, gnomes 2.4.2 and IceWM 1.2.13 desktop.
Standard applications are the web suite Mozilla 1.6 and Open Office 1.1. Details of the control centre became
improved, software tools for the DVD burning and for the network set up were revised.
From the fusion of Mandrakesoft and Conectiva was Mandriva formed. Mandrakesoft published the take-over
of the Linux enterprise Conectiva leading in Brazil and Latin America on 24-2-2005. This strengthens the know
how of Mandrakesoft in the area of research and development. The strengths of Conectiva were broad Linux
software solutions for big firms, enterprises and authorities in whole Latin America. Mandrakesoft purchases
all shares of Conectiva for about 1.8 million euros in shares.
Mandriva published his new Linux distribution Mandriva limited edition 2005 on 04-13-05. Processors with
dual core are supported now and besides 32 bits also 64 bit processors. The contained applications for the
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web became improved as others like GCC 3.4.3, OpenOffice.org 1.1.4 and MySQL 4.1.11 are part of the
installation package with better hardware suport too. The Linux Kernel 2.6.11.6, KDE 3.3.2 and gnomes 2.8.3
are up to date.
The agreement between Mandriva and Lycoris to take on values in the form of patents and enterprise parts
was published on 06-15-2005. The founder of Lycoris, Joseph Cheek, changes to Mandriva. A new and better
Linux product shall arise for the desktop and the development of desktop technologies be accelerated by the
acquisition. Lycoris has developed special customizations of his Lycoris desktop/LX distribution for Tablet and
Pocket PCs. Both distributions shall unify into a common product.
Mandrake Linux: date / version

1998 Juli / Mandrake Linux 5.1 (venice) Kernel 2.0.35
1998 Dez. / Mandrake Linux 5.2 (leeloo) Kernel 2.0.36
1999 Feb. / Mandrake Linux 5.3 (festen) Kernel 2.0.36
1999 Mai / Mandrake Linux 6.0 (venus) Kernel 2.2.9
1999 Sep. / Mandrake Linux 6.1 (helios) Kernel 2.2.13
2000 Jan. / Mandrake Linux 7.0 (air) Kernel 2.2.14
2000 Juni / Mandrake Linux 7.1 (helium) Kernel 2.2.15
2000 Okt. / Mandrake Linux 7.2 (ulysses) Kernel 2.2.17
2001 Apr. / Mandrake Linux 8.0 (traktopel) Kernel 2.4.3, ext3, JFS, ReiserFS, XFS
2001 Sept. / Mandrake Linux 8.1 (vitamin) Kernel 2.4.8
2002 März / Mandrake Linux 8.2 (bluebird) Kernel 2.4.18
2002 Sept. / Mandrake Linux 9.0 (dolphin) Kernel 2.4.19, gcc 3.2, XFree86 4.2.1
2003 März / Mandrake Linux 9.1 (bamboo) Kernel 2.4.21
2004 März / Mandrake Linux 10.0 Kernel 2.6.3
2005 Sept. / Mandrake Linux 10.1
2005 April / Mandriva Limited Edition 2005
Turbolinux The distribution based on Red Hat has her main field of application in Asia. Since the
foundation of Turbolinux Inc. 1992 the supply was supplemented with commercial products and services.
Turbolinux has strongly developed and established himself by the extended support of large IT enterprises.
Since the beginning Turbolinux gives great importance to the internationalization of the software and is
primarily in the industry on servers, but also on workstation. As a graphical surface were installed up to version
6.0 gnomes as a standard includet, the following versions set as standard the KDE desktop. RPM is used
primarily as installation format.
Turbolinux: date / version

1998 Juni / Turbolinux 1.0 (kyoto), Kernel 2.2.9
1999 Mai / Turbolinux 2.0 (okinawa), Kernel 2.2.13
1999 Juni / Turbolinux 3.0 (karatsu), Kernel 2.2.14
1999 Aug. / Turbolinux 4.0 (--), Kernel 2.2.15
2000 März / Turbolinux 4.2 (--), Kernel 2.2.17
2001 Aug. / Turbolinux 6.0 (--), Kernel 2.4.3
2001 Nov. / Turbolinux 7.0 (monza), Kernel 2.4.8
2002 Mai / Turbolinux 7.0S (esprit), Kernel 2.4.18
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2002 Juli / Turbolinux 8.0 (silverstone), Kernel 2.4.19, gcc 3.2

2002 Okt. / Turbolinux 8.0S (vitamin), gcc 2.96, Kernel 2.4.18
2003 Okt. / Turbolinux 10D
2004 Mai / Turbolinux 10F
2004 Okt. / Turbolinux 10S
Debian GNU/Linux The Debian GNU /Linux Project team is a special one under the distributors since
it does not pursue any commercial targets. Since the foundation by Ian Murdock on 16th August 1993 Debian
is cared by voluntary developers and supported by the FSF. Ian Murdock conducted the team to 1996. The
name Debian gets together from Deb for Ian Murdock\'s Wife Debra and his first name together. Only software
which was published completely under the GPL flows into the Debian distribution. Developed in Germany the
main area lies more in Europe. Specified versions exist for Intel x86 and ARM systems. As unusual feature a
format of one\'s own is used for the installation by software packages (Deb), just like the packet format RPM it
resolves the dependences automatically, though according after another principle. The GUI Gnomes become
preferred as standard. Up till now only a simple text mode for the installation is available. Debian has got
synonymous for quality and stability. The code names as of release 1.1 are from figures from the digital
cartoon film Toy Story.
Ian Murdock set up a new company with Bruce Perens named Progeny Linux Systems in 1993. It is target to
develop a network solution based on Debian GNU/Linux named Linux NOW (Network of Workstations). Linux
NOW shall merge the advantages of efficient, flexible and scalable workstation with centralized solutions that
are simply to be administered.
The networked systems then form one single, smooth system with the advantages of those two worlds. A
software product that uses this technique is the web-based Linux Platform Manager which accelerates the
construction, administration and the test of distributions.
A distribution based on Debian is Knoppix (Knopper\s UNIX) from Klaus Knopper. It is a directly bootable live
system from CD-ROM or DVD media. Knoppix is installable also on a fixed disk, e.g. it is suitable for a
productive desktop system or also as a Rescue system. Knoppix 4.0 bases on Debian GNU/Linux 3.1 and was
released on the event "Linux Tag 2005" on 06-22-2005. As a user surface KDE 3.4.1 and gnomes 2.8 can be
chosen. By the cloop data compression over 9 gigabytes of software on a single layer DVD and to 2 GByte on
a CD-ROM are possible. Knoppix based distributions are Freeduc, Kanotix, Quantian, Paipix, SymphonyOS
und DSL (Damn Small Linux).
The first release by Ubuntu Linux was introduced on 10-20-2004. Ubuntu 4.10 bases on Debian and contains
the gnomes desktop. Ubuntu is an African word that translates stands for humanity. It is free and is shared in
the whole world, only the support costs money. There are ported versions for the x86, x86 64 and PowerPC
architecture. New releases shall appear twice a year. The next release in April 2005 was Ubuntu 5.04.
Beginning of July 2005 the multi-millionaire Mark Shuttleworth founded the Ubuntu Foundation with an initial
budget of 10 million U.S. dollars. This foundation shall guarantee the long-term development of the distribution
and the support, the main developers were hired in fulltime.
BeatriX bases on Ubuntu and also supports Debian and Ubuntu software packages. It was design objective to
manage Linux distribution to be used a compact and simple. This distribution is a slim Linux system which can
started live from CD-ROM and uses less than 190 MByte storage on this. The version 2005.1 of 01-28-2005
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contains the Linux Kernel 2.6.7, the gnomes desktop 2.8, Open Office, the Firefox browser and other popular
application programs.
Debian Linux: date / version

1993 Aug. / Debian GNU/Linux 0.1
1994 Jan. / Debian GNU/Linux 0.91
1996 Juni / Debian GNU/Linux 1.1 (buzz);
Kernel 2.0.0, 474 Softwarepakete, .ELF Support, dpkg
1996 Dez. / Debian GNU/Linux 1.2 (rex);
Kernel 2.0.27, 120 Entwickler, 848 Softwarepakete
1997 Juni / Debian GNU/Linux 1.3 (bo);
Kernel 2.0.29, 200 Entwickler, 974 Softwarepakete
1998 Juli / Debian GNU/Linux 2.0 (hamm);
Kernel 2.0.34, über 400 Entwickler, mehr als 1.500 Softwarepakete enthalten.
1999 März / Debian GNU/Linux 2.1 (slink);
Kernel 2.0.36, erstmals auch für Sparc und Alpha, etwa 2.250 Softwarepakete
2000 Aug. / Debian GNU/Linux 2.2 (potato);
Kernel 2.2.19, erfüllt FHS, über 450 Entwickler, mehr als 3.900 Softwarepakete, 55 Millionen SLOC
2002 Juli / Debian GNU/Linux 3.0 (woody);
Kernel 2.2.20, erfüllt LSB, gcc 2.95.4, erstmals mit kryptografischer Software, über 900 Entwickler, etwa 8.900
Softwarepakete
2005 Juni / Debian GNU/Linux 3.1 (sarge)
(SLOC= source lines of code)
Gentoo Linux Gentoo was founded by Daniel Robbins in the year 2001. The first version 1.0 has been
published in March 2002. Gentoo offers a special and powerful installation program named Portage. This
installs the programs or the source code after the package selection, optionally from the Internet, a high-speed
Internet connection is recommendable. Advantages are the use of always most current software as well as the
special customization and optimization on the existing hardware and the field of application. Portage takes
care of it automatically. The software must be compiled at every installation, there are no precompiled software
packages as in the case of other distributions. A speed advantage at modern processors of 20% compared
with software compiled normally is possible. Gentoo Linux is usably on the x86, PowerPC, UltraSparc and
alpha architecture. Gentoo Linux 1.4 (08-05-2003) is based on the new gcc 3.2 and current Linux Kernel
2.4.19, over 4,000 software packages can be chosen.
D. Robbins decided to take distance in April 2004 of his roll as boss developer at Gentoo. Gentoo 2005.0 has
appeared on 03-28-2005. The contained software was taken to the newest version and integrates numerous
accuracy updates. On 23th May 2005 D. Robbins changed to Microsoft, before he transferred all rights and
intellectual property at the Gentoo project to the charitable Gentoo-Foundation.
Lycoris Desktop/LX Lycoris was founded in the year 2000 and resided in Redmond/Washington.
Based on Linux the Lycoris Desktop/LX has his strengths primarily in the simplified installation and user
guidance, at the boot process only a small line of text indicates the consoles Shell.
Current version: build 75 (beta) test: July 2003

The installation routine of Lycoris desktop/LX (amethyst, beta) is a instant set up, no package selection or
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details for the application area are allowed. At least 850 MByte of free hard disk space are therefore needed.
The installation turns out very simple, according to detail of used hardware (mouse, keyboard, network,
printer,...) starts the installation and at the same time a card game. Windowmanager is KDE 2.2.2, the Linux
Kernel version 2.4.20 is used, the booting manager is grub that can boot other system partitions too. After the
restart the system is established and a detailed ShockwaveFlash presentation starts with the english speaking
introduction into the Lycoris Desktop/LX. The DMA mode was already activated at all drives.
Different problems have been noticed because of the beta status, in the final version they are maybe solved.
- nvidia graphics board doesn`t use 3D support

- Sound is palyed with noise and interruptions
- DVD playback isn`t reliably
On 09-13-04 Lycoris gave his Linux distribution Desktop/LX in version 1.4 free for release. The new Linux
Kernel 2.4.27 and KDE 3.2.3 are contained.
FAUmachine FAUmachine (formerly UMLinux) is open source and runs completely in the user mode
(not privileged CPU mode) of Linux. It can access directly the hardware and is transparently for use to the
host. The main memory is provided virtually in a protected area. Depending on resources many UMLinux
systems can run at the same time.
Caldera Open Linux Caldera, Inc. was founded in October 1994 by Bryan Sparks and taken over in
January 1995 as a society. In summer 1998 Caldera Inc. has founded two subsidiary firms. Caldera Systems,
Inc. responsible for the development and sale of Linux based Linux products in his main area on the PC
market for desktop and servers computers like OpenLinux and Caldera Thin Clients Inc. with focus at solutions
for Thin clients and the market for Embedded Systems like Embedix (embedded Linux OS) and DR DOS. In
July 1999 the second named company was renamed to Lineo, Inc..
Renaming in August 2002 in SCO Group, now offers UnixWare and OpenServer products from the product
take-over of SCO.
Corel Linux / Xandros Corel Linux OS based on the Debian distribution this one has found
worldwide big encouragement. The Linux division of Corel was sold to the Startup enterprise Xandros,
inclusive of the developers in August 2001. Xandros has his headquarter in Ottawa, Canada. Still this year
(2002) Xandros wants to publish the Xandros desktop OS 1.0 in a Standard, Deluxe and Server Edition.
Unusual feature opposite other distributions is the integrated CrossOver Office, a special customization of the
Wine project for the use of Microsoft Office 97/2000.
Red Flag Linux Red Flag Software Co., Ltd. was founded of the software research institute "Chinese
Academy of Sciences" and NewMargin venture capital in June 2000. Red Flag Software maintains business
relations with IBM, Intel, HP, Oracle and other companys. Red Flag aimed at the implementation of buildings
for training, technological support and point of sales in China and later worldwide. In several server variants
they exists currently the Function Server, Database Server, Cluster Server and Webmail Server in version 3.0.
Red Flag came in an alliance with Miracle and Oracle for the Asian Linux at the beginning of January 2004.
This shall guarantee an free alternative operating systems for servers and desktops. The server software shall
be certified in the Oracle China Development centre. South Korea, Japan and China announced already in
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September 2003 to create an alternative for Windows. With the certification of users both the involved
companies and the customers can profit.
Redflag Linux: date / version

1999 Okt. / Vertrieb von Redflag Linux Server 1.0 gestartet
2000 Okt. / Redflag Linux Server 2.0 in mehreren Sprachen verfügbar
1999 Sept. / Redflag Linux Desktop 1.0
2000 Okt. / Redflag Linux Desktop 2.0
2001 April / Redflag Linux Desktop 2.4
2002 April / Redflag Linux Desktop 3.0
2002 Aug. / Redflag Linux Desktop 3.2
2003 Juli / Redflag Linux Desktop 4.0
2004 Nov. / Redflag Linux Desktop 4.1
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Mac OS 9 Mac OS is an in-house development from the company Apple and not usably on x86
processors. By Macintosh hardware of its own Mac OS takes a special role under desktop systems and is
used because of his simple operation and software support preferentially not only in the professional computer
aided design. Office applications and 3D games are also available. The classic Desktop by Mac OS has been
designed as a single user system. This operating system does not contain any CLI (Command Line Interface)
and works with cooperative multi-tasking.
Mac OS X Different technologies like the Mach Kernel, NEXTSTEP and tools from NetBSD and FreeBSD
found influence in Mac OS X to merge the previous Apple technology with UNIX features. The operating
system core Darwin is open source and can be used also on x86 computers standalone. Mac OS X works with
preemptive multi-tasking and brings the classic GUI from Mac OS 9 and the new variant Aqua.
Considerable performance and comfort improvements were carried out in version Mac OS X 10.1. The surface
reacts quicker at user interaction, the system start was accelerated and the OpenGL performance increased
noticeable.
Mac OS X 10.3 has now a GUI in metallic scheme and the optimized Finder. The use and access in
heterogeneous networks was further simplified. Files can be provided with etiquettes, the compression format
ZIP is now directly supported.
According to Apple Mac OS X 10.4 brings more than 200 new features. Features are the fast, system-wide
and index-based search function named Spotlight, the Dashboard for easy access to small programms
(Widgets), the Automator for the simplified composition of Applescripts for the automation of tasks. The Web
browser Safari in version 2.0 now contained RSS support, the QuickTime software was updated to version 7
with support for the H.264 video codec. Further novelty is the delivery at a DVD medium, an installation of
CD-ROM is no longer possible.
- 64-bit processing
- supports max. 32 CPUs
- needs a PowerPC G3/G4/G5
- POSIX compatible
- HFS+ file system
- digital photography
- 2-D and 3-D animations
- video processing, streaming
- audio processing
- platform for DTP, web design, office applications
Structure Information
- supports QuickTime/VR
- monolithic Kernel
- Read/Write FAT, FAT32, ISO9660, UDF
- finished TCP/IP Stack
- graphical user interaction with the finder
- graphical representation by Quickdraw
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- central password administration (Keychain)
Characteristics
- easy to use user interface
- genuine plug&play, no manual adjust of resources like IRQs
- easy uninstall, programs and files are located in a same directory
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Minix Minix was programmed by the computer scientist Andrew Tanenbaum as a teaching operating system
for x86 computer. It is related to the AT&T UNIX, however it does not contain any licence requiring source
code of UNIX so that it is free of charge to be used and sold. In January 1987 Minix was made public for the
first time and the users discussed about it in newsgroups in the Usenet. Minix 3.1 was downloaded 75.000
times as an ISO image of interested users in the first 2 months after the release.
- MINIX 2.0 for 16bit/32bit systems
- supports multi-threading
System environment
- about 200 console programs
- up to 3 simultaneous user
- can use 16 mbyte RAM on Intel 286 and up to 4 gbyte RAM with 386 CPUs or better
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MorphOS Originally the MorphOS project was started to port AmigaOS from the 68k CISC architecture to
the more current PowerPC RISC architecture in 1999. However, it came to that in the further project course,
the MorphOS got an independent development with own hardware and not been based on AmigaOS or its
hardware. The members of the MorphOS project already had knowledge in the hardware development.
Fastlane (SCSI controller), CyberStorm (first 68060 CPU board), CyberVision64 graphic boards and the
PowerPC architecture. These are very good condition for use of MorphOS on the Pegasus, a computer with
PowerPC G3 or G4 processor and modern microATX mainboard.
MorphOS offers highly optimized and object-oriented code, contains the quark microkernel, needs few RAM
and can emulate the 68K CPU through a fast JIT (Just In Time) compiler. In this project flows components of
the AROS (Amiga Research Operating System) project, MorphOS is compatibly to AmigaOS programs. USB
devices are supported and 3D games can be played with this operating system too. As desktop Ambient is
used which is similar to the concept of the Amiga Desktop Workbench. The icons of the user interface can be
scaled freely in real time, the MUI (Magic User Interface) provides round forms and opacity effects. By the
multi-threading Ambient reacts at any time, the desktop does not freeze at the user input if the accessed
network is not obtainable. The colour representation in true colour, visual effects and the transparent display
with alpha colour channel are supported. Files and data storage devices are accessed with 64-bits of
computing precision, nothing therefore is in the way for the use of large files and fixed storage disks. The Kaya
Audio Player supports files with Ogg Vorbis and MP3 format, with the VoyagerPPC you can surf in the Internet.
Since the 2004/15/11 has to be read under the MorphOS website that maybe unpayed salary demands of
members of the previous developer team and other project related persons against the company Genesi
exists. Until the payment shall not be published any new release. Genesi has given a statement after that
which denies these demands and the not licensed sale of MorphOS. Genesi further supports the external
development of MorphOS 1.5 if the development project plam and time schedule for this is named. By the
public announcement of the demands new partnerships of Genesi with companies were prevented.
The MorphOS desktop Ambient has been put under the GPL on 2005/22/01 and is available in source code
under sourceforge for free download.
MorphOS in the version 1.4.5 was published in April 2005. A free test version of MorphOS was published for
Amiga systems with PowerUP extension to the 5-year MorphOS jubiliaeum in August 2005. This test version
can become a full version after registration.
For current news and forum contributions the visit of the web sites www.morphzone.org as well as
www.morphos-news.de is recommendable.
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DOS (Disk Operating System) In July 1980 IBM assigned Microsoft to develop a 16-bit operating
system for the personal computer for the fee of 186,000 dollars. Although the company Digital Research of
Gary Kildall allready had with CP/M 86 such a 16-bit version,but by circumstances no contract has been
established with IBM. Microsoft did not have yet any operating system, Microsoft licensed CP/M from Digital
Research in November 1977 for 50,000 dollars. Since Microsoft could not sell licenses, a corresponding
agreement with the company Seattle Computer Products was reached for QDOS. QDOS is a 16-bit clone of
CP/M and was finished by Tim Paterson in April 1980. At first Microsoft licensed QDOS for 25,000 dollars.
After a licence agreement with IBM was signed, Bill Gates bought QDOS for 50,000 dollars in July 1981. How
proved this was a very lucrative business. IBM delivered it on all IBM computers as PC DOS for the first time
on the IBM 5150 PC, for all other ones the name MS-DOS was for OEM partner. MS DOS 1.0 consists of
about 4,000 lines assembler code.
The command interpreter is integrated in the file command.com with the internal commands for MS-DOS.
Together with the file io.sys for simple device routines like the access to the monitor, keyboard, fixed storage
disks and interfaces as well as the booting code these form the base operating system. DOS works very
hardware near.
In 1982 MS-DOS becomes the binary standard for all compatible systems when 50 companies licensed
MS-DOS. Software and hardware manufacturers build on this standard at this time. In 1983 the success of the
PC system was clear the desire for a graphical surface was rising. Microsoft corresponded to the trend and
announced a graphical user interface named Windows in 1983. Many other systems lost her market relevance
at this time. In 1984 the number of PC and MS-DOS resellers increased to over 200. IBM published the AT
computer in August, this one should refine the market for personal computer with MS-DOS 3.0/3.1. MS-DOS is
already spread worldwide on Intel x86 computers in 1985. The easy extendibility of the computer by numerous
plug-in cards of third party manufacturers, relatively low acquisition costs and a strongly growing amount of
applications was a reason for it.
1988 was MS-DOS established and had reached measured on the market share a monopoly in the DOS
market. The number of the MS-DOS installations grew worldwide to about 60 million and surpassed all other
systems with that amount. Almost every software company offered standard applications like word processing,
calculation or also special solutions like measurement tools, CAD (Computer Aided Design) or image
processing for MS-DOS. The PC manufacturers designed her systems compatible to MS-DOS except for few
manufacturers.
Update: With the release of Windows 95 up to Windows ME MS-DOS has only a minory roll. It is installed for
compatibility reasons for MS-DOS programs and makes Windows 95 up to ME start able. DOS programs
being executed in the DOS box or directly in MS DOS before Windows start. Today it finds application for boot
disks or similar purposes.
- booting system for storage media
- File management
- For single user systems only
- Network client (NetBEUI, IPX/SPX, TCP/IP)
- batch processing
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- 16-bit operating system, (formerly 8-bit)
- Single tasking
- command interpreter for internal and external commands
- external driver software imbedding for periphery devices possible
System environment
- minimum: 512 kbytes RAM, 5 mbyte harddisk storage (depends on version for full installation)
- FAT file system
- executable with every x86 compatible CPU
- low RAM and fixed storage disk needs
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MVS, OS/390, z/OS operating system MVS (Multiple Virtual Storage) is the operating system
which is developed by IBM in the sixties and has his roots in UNIX and supports POSIX. MVS was developed
further from MVT operating system and extended by many functions like the use of virtual memory. It is used in
IBM mainframes like the system /370 and system /390, needs low hardware requirements and convinces by a
high stability in long-term operating mode. It primarily was used for providing of resources for terminal
connections. As CLI the JCL (Job Command Line) is used. At the beginning it was a 16-bit operating system
and was developed further for the 32-bit of processing. With the version MVS/ESA the addressability for RAM
and hard disk storage was extended. After the renaming of MVS into OS/390 the TCP/IP support was added
into the release. This operating system now is called z/OS and his special char "z" at the beginning of "z/OS"
stands for the good suitability of IBM servers of the zSerie like the z900. Now it is offering 64-bit addressing of
memory too.
With the Hercules open source software it is possibly to emulate an IBM mainframe. Last update was with
version 3.03 in December 2005, the emulator runs under different operating systems.
Abbreviations
MFT = Multiprogramming with fixed number tasks
MVT = Multiprogramming with variable number tasks
SVS = Single Virtual Storage
MVS/XA = MVS with extended architecture
MVS/ESA = MVS with enterprise system architecture
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NetBSD NetBSD is a UNIX derivative and is descended directly from the Berkeley Networking Release 2
(BSD Net/2) and was published for the first time in March 1993. NetBSD was provided for several platforms
from the beginning and got that way to the Atari, Amiga, Mac, PC and other platforms. The strengths are
besides the UNIX relationship in the platform general application of a stable operating system in research and
development areas. Moreover, it is compatible for POSIX and stands under the BSD licence.
NetBSD supports in Version 1.6.1 11 different CPU families in 17 different system architectures as like x86,
SPARC, 68K, VAX, Alpha and PowerPC. There are further 12 different platforms, which only are offered as
source code. Altogether, 52 different system architectures are supported now. Depending on the processor
NetBSD is useable with 32-bit or 64-bit processing. No SMP is supported till now, the mode shall be integrated
in a later version.
Compared with Linux, NetBSD is primarily different in the system structure and the console programs. About a
binary emulation applications also programmed for Linux in ELF format can be used. Especially for NetBSD
the graphic server XFree86 4.2.0, GNU C compiler gcc 2.95.3 and further applications where adapted. The
latest version of the user interface KDE 3 can just be compiled for NetBSD. As a file system UFS or better LFS
is used. LDAP authentificatiom and also NDS are supported for ethernet.
Compared to the previous version 1.5 new supported Platforms where added, the performance of the file
system was improved, the Pipe and the PPPoE implementation is now integrated into the Kernel. For use on
modern hardware becomes now support for USB 2.0 and IrDA. By several code audits the security of the
operating system was further improved. Further details for the modifications and bug fixes are in the release
announcement to NetBSD 1.6 readable.
On December, 09. 2004 was introduced the Version 2.0. This version has speed improvements onto the file
systems and the memory management as well as new supported hardware platforms and devices. NetBSD
runs now on 54 different hardware platforms and offers POSIX-Threads as well as balanced multiprocessing
(SMP), ACPI and energy management for some systems like i386, SPARC and PowerPC.
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NetWare Novell developed with NetWare a network operating system that no complex and overweighted
GUI needs for use on servers. Novell provides simple but powerful text-based menus on the command line for
the configuration since the first NetWare release. The administration of resources like printers, files and users
is possible with a client and a graphical window system and granted administrator rights. Since NetWare 6 no
more client is necessary for this, the configuration can be done completely on the server.
NetWare needs only low hardware requirements and has memory protection. It protects single processes from
each other and is very stable through this in operation. Virtual memory is used reliably. By IFS file systems can
be exchanged. This operating system is used for all sorts of fields of application. Use as a directory service,
Internet server, Intranet server, file server or also application server is part of it.
The first release of NetWare was 1983 for the operating system DOS. In 2005 the current version of the
network operating system Open Enterprise Server was published in different variants. Either with NetWare 6.5
kernel or Linux kernel of the Suse Enterprise 9 server, no matter which variant is used the same services are
available.
NetWare 3.0 With the version NetWare 3.0 the 32-bit performance of the Intel 386 CPUs could already
be used fully. The following versions 3.1 and 3.11 eliminated many bugs from the main release. NetWare 3.11
had great popularity in companies and worked very reliable and stable. NetWare can respectively manage at
most 32 TByte harddisk storages for at most 64 Volumes per servers. Novell cancelled the support for the
version 3.2 in the year 2002.
NetWare 5.0
- 64 mbyte RAM, 550 mbyte fixed storage disks are minimal
- SMP up to 32 CPUs, ASMP
- Monolithic kernel
- preemptive multitasking
- integrated Java applications and development tools (JVM)
- 64-bit file system NSS (Novell Storage Services)
System environment
- graphical installation
- TCP/IP is standard protocol now (before IPX/SPX)
- Program format is NLM (NetWare Loadable Module)
- Configuration over Novell Client32 possible
- Web optimized, offers network management
- JavaScript and VB Script support
- Reads FAT16 partitions
- Server connects different platforms
- Maximum size of Volumes: 8 terabyte with NSS
- New network functions like WAN Traffic manager
- DHCP and DNA integrated in NDS 8
NetWare 5.1
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- Application platform for internet & intranet applications

- NDS 8, Novell Directory Services, efficient database model
- supports NFS (Network file system), AFP (Apple Filing Protocol)
- optimized for the services of Microsoft Office 2000
- supports the web publishing (NetWare Netpublisher optional)
- NetWare Enterprise Web server 3.6 with Frontpage support or Apache web server
- Novell International Cryptographic Infrastructure modul, 56-bit encryption, 128-bits optional
- NetWare client for Windows 2000, planned for Mac and Linux
- uniform user administration for different platforms
- use as a FTP server
- NetWare Management Portal, Administration of network installations over a browser
- Cluster services upgradeable as Add-On
- Hardware requirements for the full installation: 512 mbyte RAM, 2 gbyte harddisk storage
NetWare 6.0
- Cluster services integrated, up to 32 NetWareserver in one system group
- Console One as a NetWare management program
- NFA (Native File Access) replaces the NetWare client, access from different platforms possibly, supported:
- CIFS (Computer Internet File System) for Windows Clients
- AFP (Appletalk Filing Protocol) for Mac Clients
- NIS/NFS for Unix Clients
- FTP (File Transfer Protocol) for data exchange
- NSS 3.0 (Novell Storage Services), up to 8 tbyte harddisk storage, 64-bit processing depth
- Mirroring of NSS partitions with Raid 0 and Raid 1, use of virtual partitions, Storage Pools, up to 255 Logical
Volumes
- I-Folder for virtual work directories and synchronization tasks (with comparison by-bits), with I-Folder client
by HTTP(S), Blowfish (128-bits)
- I-Print is further development of NDPS (Novell Distributed Print services), inclusive Drive Map for graphical
location plan
- IPP (Internet Printing Protocol) for control of printers over the Internet
- Minimum: Pentium II or AMD K7 (Server class), 256 mbyte RAM, DOS partition with 200 mbyte of size, 2
gbyte for sys Volume
NetWare 6.5
- support for Mac, Windows and UNIX networks
- modul-based Installation, server profiles for App, DNS, Print, ...
- Browser based administration and control
- E-Directory, formerly NDS (as like Active Directory of Microsoft)
- simplified Administration and use of network resources
- Virtual Office portal, remote access to working environment
- counts on OpenSource solutions, mySQL is integrated
- Minimum: Pentium II or comparable, 512 mbyte RAM, 200 mbyte start partition and 2 gbyte for system
partition
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NewDeal 3.0 NewDeal is a further development of the PC/GEOS operating system (1990 from
Geoworks) and is offered with a number of included programs. GEOS (Graphical Environment Object System)
was developed before by Berkeley Softworks as 8-bit operating system for 8-bit computers like the Commodor
C64 or also C128 which brought a high market acceptance under the users. Not least by the surface with Drag
& Drop which one followed it by the Apple Macintosh graphically was a cheap alternative to the acquisition of a
Macintosh. Popular standard applications are among others GeoPaint, GeoWrite, GeoCalc, GeoFile, GeoSpell
as well as GeoPublish.
Geoworks assigned all rights of GEOS to NewDeal Inc.. It was developed for desktop systems with 386/486
CPU. It needs an existing DOS installation and can only be used with DOS applications/driver software or
programs written especially for the NewDeal operating system. It supports TCP/IP as well as IPX by himself
and is Internet capable with the PPP (Point-to-Point-Protocol) service. It uses cooperative multi-Tasking and
reminds from the look & Feel to the Windows 95 surface.
Long file names are saved and managed by an internal database, VFAT from Windows is not supported till
now. Most important applications are contained in the software package, like the visual programming
environment NewBASIC for creating of own NewDeal applications and Office applications. Standard driver
software for graphic and sound devices are already contained.
The company NewDeal had published news on her website last in November 2000, a new financing should
save the enterprise. Unfortunately, this failed in January 2001, all employees had to be dismissed a month
later therefore.
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NEXTSTEP NeXT Computer Inc. is named the company that was set up by Steve Jobs in 1985. Steve
Jobs was previous at Apple and made independently with the company NeXT. The company NeXT was taken
by Apple completely for 400 million dollars later. The developed operating system NEXTSTEP is UNIX related
and also contains parts of the BSD and the Mach Kernel, therefore it is compatibly to BSD (4.2 BSD release).
In 1990 the first web server and client in the CERN was set up on a NeXTStep system available. NeXTStep
was used on special computers, x86 CPUs and Motorola CPUs were supported.
The concept of the bundle of the computer system and operating system was given up and the operating
system was sold separately in 1993. Another software product of NeXT was WebObjects for the construction
of websites. In February 1997 Apple completed the take-over of the company NeXT and developed Mac OS 8
and the following operating systems with the technology of NEXTSTEP.
- Server, use in networks
- Application development
- System administration
- File system is UFS
- Mach 2.5 based Kernel
- DPS (Display Post Script) interface
- does not support multi-processors
- object-oriented operating system
System environment
- runs with x86 CPUs, RISC CPUs
- With SoftPC 4.0 the execution of Windows programs is possible
Screenshot Source: Thomas McCarthy
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OpenBSD OpenBSD is descended from NetBSD 1.0 (1994) and split in October 1995 through Theo de
Raadt in an independent distribution. Leading figure of this operating system is a fish named Puffy. OpenBSD
is regarded as the safest open source operating system and stands under the BSD licence. By "Secure by
Default" and code audits OpenBSD had a secure base. All unimportant services are in the standard installation
deactivated. This project started with an effortful, systematic source code audit by different techniques in
summer of the year 1996. This way thousands of security related errors and other software errors in the source
code were discovered and cleared in acceptable time. To hold the high security demand, 6 to 12 members in a
team continue to search and fix new security gaps often before these arise or become known.
The OpenBSD team also developed OpenSSH, a free variant of the known protocol. OpenBSD is used as
operating system for services preferentially in the network and is available for many platforms. The software
variety is expandable by the optional binary compatibility to SVR4, (inclusive Solaris), IBCS2 Binaries, Linux,
FreeBSD and BSD/OS.
OpenBSD release 3.6

There were the SMP support for i386 and AMD64 systems, new hardware drivers, support of USB 2.0 as well
as numerous security and bug fixes.
OpenBSD release 3.7

Numerous bug fixes and security corrections were made as well as improvements at the hardware support in
this new release. There is the gcc in version 3.3.5 now, as X-Window server version 6.8.2 of X.org is used for
the display of the user interface and alternative XFree86 3.3.6. New supported hardware platforms are the
Zaurus PDAs and the workstation O2 of SGI (64-bit, MIPS).
MirOS BSD is a derivative of OpenBSD. His origin is located in the Patchkit developed by Thorsten Glaser
with the name BSD-mirabile for OpenBSD. The first release was on 2002/11/10. The Patchkit evolved into an
independent operating system distribution. Few persons work on this project till now. It exists already ported
source code for the x86 and SPARC platform, further portings are planned. In contrast to OpenBSD MirOS
was facilitated about rare used code. As language only English is supported, there is no support for NLS
(National Language Support). Where it is appropriate, many code was included in the project by FreeBSD and
less code of NetBSD. A frequent synchronization takes place with the OpenBSD source code, with the
NetBSD code less frequently. MiroOS is designed as an operating system for the field of the communications
servers, router and developer desktop till now.
emBSD raised from the OpenBSD project and was optimized particularly to a low installation size. This
operating system is primary suitably as router and firewall. It needs not once a fixed disk, a CompactFlash card
with 32 mbyte storage space. Version 1.0 was released in March 2001, Version 1.1 few months later in May
2001.
Anonym.OS is an OpenBSD 3.8 distribution on a live CD particularly for the anonymous and encrypted
internet access. After the boot from CD-ROM only a couple of questions about the internet access must be
answered before the Internet connection is made. As applications the Firefox internet browser as well as a
e-mail and Instant Messaging program are available. The operating system was hardened against attacks and
secured by removed unnecessary files and services. The kernel became patched for security, many encrypted
Internet protocols are supported. The data traffic as well as contents is filtered and about the anonymization
service gate transported. To protect the operating system on the base, the network fingerprint was changed to
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hide the real installed operating system. It is recognized as a Windows XP operating system with SP1. The
idea for this project cames from Taylor Banks in March 2005. The members of kaos.theory introduced this live
CD officially on the hackers Convention ShmooCon in January 2006.
OliveBSD is an OpenBSD live CD of Gabriel Paderni. The first version was published on 2006/18/02 and
released as an ISO image for the download. This distribution contains only the most important application
programs and build on the slim window manager IceWM. The Mozilla Thunderbird e-mail client and Firefox
browser are included. Gimp provides the image processing and XMMS to play various multimedia files.
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OS/2 Warp Main characteristics of OS/2 (Operating System 2) are primarily the simple and powerful user
interface WPS (Workplace Shell), stability and technology lead in the earlier years of OS/2. The user interface
is built up completely object-oriented.
OS/2 of IBM does not have to be compared with DOS or Windows extensions any more since the version 2.0.
This new version corresponded to a new operating system generation, which has the potential to use the full
performance of a 32-bit CPU, developed only by IBM. Up to version 1.3 IBM had cooperated in development
with Microsoft. The beta version was tested by 30,000 voluntary. It was made under the slogan to create a
"Better DOS than DOS" with success. Much programs for DOS and Windows (3.x, Win32s) are executed
faster under OS/2 than in the original operating environment.
The project Odin has the destination to execute Win32 programs (Windows 9.x and Windows NT) in OS/2
Warp natively. This happens by conversion of the .EXE and .DLL files into the OS/2 format or about
adjustment of the programcode copy in the memory as in the case of OS/2 programs. Said more exactly, the
PE (Portable Executable) Win32 binary format get converted into the OS/2 LX binarily (linear eXecutable)
format.
A special project is the operating system eComStation developed by Serenty Systems. The last version of the
OS/2 operating system was modified, enhanced and taken to the newest technical level, the user interface
also was improved.
OS/2 Warp 4 OS/2 Warp 4 was released by IBM in 1996. Because of the long-lasting support by IBM this
operating system is holded up to date through service releases and newer hardware drivers to use OS/2 on
current computer systems.
Until May 2001 the service release 15 and the Device Driver Pack 2 [0] are free of charge. With this update the
system version 4.0 (rev. 9.023) was upgraded to version 4.5 (rev. 14.096 c_W4). After this release IBM grants
newer updates only in context of the software subscription with costs. Furthermore free of charge are additions
and driver software to support new fixed disk controllers as well as ATAPI devices. Indispensable are the
driver software of Daniela Engert [1] which completely replace the IBM standard driver software. With this new
drivers large FAT 32 partitions are accessable without problems and the drives operates now in the DMA
mode instead of the much slower PIO mode.
The original installation media consists of one boot and two installation floppy disks, one operating system
CD-ROM with bonus pack, one application sampler CD-ROM and one driver software CD for older hardware
like ISA boards. However, you will need only the boot disk, the operating system CD-ROM and more current
installation floppy disks [2] for booting on current PCs.
By the updates you got year 2000 support, new hardware devices, support for large fixed disks up to 502
GByte by the 48-bits of LBA addressing (before at most 4.3 or 8.4 GByte), memory of more than 1 GByte
(instead of only 64 MByte), USB devices, faster graphics display and SMP support. FAT 16 partitions are
limited to a maximum size of 2.1 GByte, HPFS partitions are recognized up to a size of 64 GByte. It is
recommended to upgrade to a newer Kernel like from 11/2003 [3] and the MTRR management [4] supported
by Intel P6/AMD K7. With the IFS there can be added the driver to support FAT 32 and ext2fs support. To use
sound cards from Creative Labs there exists a ported Open source driver [6], support for current graphics
boards comes with the Display Doctor 7.07 in the IBM special edition [7] of SciTech. This is a lite version from
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the full driver software licensed for IBM to provide it to all OS/2 users for free. If the correct driver software for
the available graphics board isn\'t contained,
only a general driver software is used with only slowest standard functions to provide the highest compatibility
for all unknown graphics boards. But if you don`t use OS/2 as platform to play games you will not be able to
state any performance deficits. Otherwise the always current full version of SciTech remains indispensable.
The internet access was established with a standard 56K modem with standard AT instructions. The contained
Web browser is to old for modern use of the web and should be replaced by an alternative and more current
browser. Otherwise many websites are not displayed correct. If the file size does not matter you can download
the Mozilla (approx. 14 MByte) or Opera browser (approx. 5 MByte) for OS/2.
To play sound files the PM123 player and MMAudio pack offers its services for media access. The audio
format MP3 is supported directly, support for OGG Vorbis and FLAC is also available as Plugin. Video files in
the AVI and MPEG format are played best with the Warpmedia player. This also offers DivX support but only
for the expired DivX format in version 3.11. Maybe it exists a codec that makes it also possible to view current
DivX videos.
With the Odin project there exists a Win32 emulator which makes the use of Windows programs under OS/2
possible through different ways. Comparably with Wine under Linux, only a fraction of all applications for
Windows are supported.
PC Konfiguration:OS/2 Warp release 4.0 (rev. 9.023, original version 1994)OS/2 Warp release 4.5 (rev.
14.096c_W4, incl. updates up to 2003)AMD Athlon XP 2600+without extended featuressupports MTRR
management 1024 MByte RAM64 MByte recognizedcomplete utilizableSeagate 80 GByte and 120 GByte
harddisk drivenot utilizable, PIO modecomplete utilizable, DMA modeGeforce 4-TI-4200 Graphiccard640x480
with 16 coloursup to 1600x1200 with 16 Mio. coloursSoundblaster 512 PCI soundcardnot utilizablecomplete
utilizableELSA Microlink 56K Modemcomplete utilizablecomplete utilizable
Installation
With the use of the newer setup floppy disks as mentioned large harddisks are utilizably and the desired
partition can be selected for the installation. This must be selected as a start partition (C) and marked as
installation destination. If you don\'t take care about this, data loss in the just active partition can be happen.
OS/2 Warp 4 is established in this example as the 3rd primary partition with 2.0 GB of size. The booting
manager is installed only in this one. As filesystem you should certainly choose HPFS to make long file names
possible and avoid installation aborts by to short file names.
[0] Hobbes large OS/2 archive hobbes.nmsu.edu, the service and device Driver pack should be downloaded
from here since the installation process was simplified
[1] Daniela Engert: danidasd144.zip (EIDE driver from 11/2001), daniatapi0315.zip (ATAPI driver from
01/2004), danis506r168.zip (chipset driver from 03/2004) can be obtained at Hobbes OS/2 archive; FAT-32
support from fat32.netlabs.org
[2] newer installation floppy disks from 04/2002 at warpdoctor.org
[3] OS/2 Warp Kernel from 11/2003, w41103.zip
[4] P6K7MTRR ver.0.08a from 06/2002, p6k7mtrr_v008a.zip
[5] ext2fs driver from ftp.leo.org
[6] SoundBlaster Live! OS/2 Audio driver version 0.81, sbliveos2-081b.zip
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[7] Graphic driver SciTech SNAP Graphics for OS/2, 01r1064.exe from Hobbes OS/2 archive or as trial version
from scitechsoft.com
05.24.2003, eComStation 1.1 Today Serenity Systems has published version 1.1 of the eComStation
operating system based on OS/2 4.52. Consumer can choose between the basic system with few standard
programs or a version with additional programs. There is optionally also an upgrade for SMP support (up to 64
CPUs) and the function as a server, based on the OS/2 Warp server for e-business. NTFS drives can now be
accessed with read support.
09/2003 publication of the German language version of eComStation 1.1 with a revised GUI, new driver
software, NTFS read only support.
The operating system eComstation 1.2 was released out in December 2004. Now it gets up to 4 GByte RAM
addressed, better hardware support and the Installer was revised. The number of OS/2 working installations
was valued at 500,000.
IBM has released in March 2005 the news to guarantee the payed support of OS/2 for registered customers
until 12-31-2006 and the ending of the sale of OS/2 products on 12-23-05. After this dates no further support of
OS/2 is planned.
- few small firms, customers
- Communications and transaction server in the banks and insurance branch
- other existing important big firms<
- OS/2, MS-DOS and 16-Bit Windows applications
- WPS (Workplace Shell) with a powerful scripting language
- monolithic Kernel
- preemptives multi-tasking
- 1 to 64 CPU system
System environment
- HPFS, JFS
- optimized for web applications; reads FAT16 file system with tools for network management
- reads with shareware solutions FAT32, VFAT, NTFS, ext2fs, HFS
- connect platforms in the servers version
Features
- very stable, protected processes from each other
- interchangeable file systems by Installable File Systems
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More operating systems

AllOS/Alliance OS
The Alliance Operating system Project had choose the target since 1998 to create a new stable operating
system which is based on the Stanford Caching Kernel Model. Originally this project has split from the
Freedows project. Modifications at the source code were published last in March 2001. The project was
stopped in meanwhile.
Aperios is a proprietary of Sony developed (Artificial Intelligence Robot) real time operating system for the
autonomous dog Aibo. The development time lasted for about 5 years, the first model was hit the market in
1999. This robot is equipped with a MIPS of 64-bits RISC processor (100 MHz) and 8 MByte DRAM main
memory. The color video camera with a resolution of 180,000 pixels as well as the audio input and output
interfaces make an orientation possible. Altogether 18 engines control the movability of the new mechanical
domestic animal for the entertainment market. A battery provides electrical power for 90 minutes, till now he
still can not charge itself. The hardware is built up on the Open-R architecture and the operating system reacts
to the signals of the sensors in real time. Aperios is optimized for high transfer rates of audio and video
streams. Originally Aperios was used for TV set top boxes like the Plus Media Station in Japan which offered
the user interactive services like Internet, video On-Demand and games.
The AIBO ERS-7 came for approx. € 2,000 onto the market in the year 2003 and has a 64-bit RISC processor
(MIPS R7000) with 576 mhz and 64 mbyte SDRAM as well as a W-LAN device for a wireless Internet
connection. The integrated digital camera has CMOS sensors with a resolution of 350,000 pixels. Like the first
model it had a temperature sensor, infrared sensor, acceleration sensor, pressure sensor and vibration sensor.
The electrostatic sensor for increased interactivity of the robot was added newly.
The production of the AIBO models was discontinued in March 2006.
AROS (Amiga research Operating system) has the target, to became a compatible operating system to
AmigaOS 3.1 on the x86 platform and to port for other platforms. The project started at the end of 1995. Many
improvements flow into the development, the source code was put under the APL licence which is derived from
the Mozilla Public License.
CRUX is a Linux distribution which define itself from other distributions by a slim basic installation. Applications
for the same task were reduced on two different programs. Current software from the GNU software pool flows
together with the latest Linux kernel into new releases. Different optimized versions exist for modern x86
processors.
The version CRUX 2.1 was published in April 2005, version CRUX 2.2 one year later.
The Freedows project plans to release a open source operating system under the GPL only for the x86
platform. Freedows shall emulate different operating systems and be compatible to applications, such as for
Windows or Linux. No version was published till now, the content of the Freedows website were not updated
any more for a long time. This project was stopped in 2002.
LynxOS is an real time operating system with short latencies. It is particularly suitable for time-critical
applications, the performance can be increased linearly by additional hardware. LynxOS is binary compatibly
to Linux and supports network applications and the POSIX Standard. With version 4.0 a performance increase
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of 30% was reached opposite to the pre-version.
The 32-bit operating system MenuetOS was programmed by Ville Turjanmaa with assembler. It is a new,
graphical real time multitasking operating system which is programmed by several developers. Up till now
FAT12 and FAT32 file systems are supported only rudimentarily. MenuetOS fits comfortably on one single
floppy disk and offers a standard colour depth of 16 million colours. Multi-Threading and simple TCP/IP are
supported in meanwhile. An assembler is already contained. The version 0.78 was published in March 2005.
With MenuetOS 64 (beta v0.02) of Ville Turjanmaa even a variant is available for 64-bit processors.
Programmed in 100% assembler the execution of 64-bit and 32-bit applications is possible. The installation on
fixed storage disks is supported. The improved version 0.43 was published at the beginning of June 2006.
Micriµm with his µC/OS-II real time kernel supports preemptive multitasking and finds his use on micro
controllers and embedded systems. The "µC/GUI" allows the design of user interfaces and with "µC/FS" a
high-speed and efficient file system is available.
Miray µnOS supports several processor families and was designed for embedded systems. The efficient real
time Microkernel Sphere SP 2.0 is offered currently. The version µnOS 0.98 was released in July 2003.
Mungi is a single address space operating system (SASOS) on a 64-bit base. It is open source and is
released under the GPL licence. By the SASOS design it differs from typical operating system structures. The
sourcecode of the version 1.2 was published in September 2002.
Microware OS-9 was developed by the company RadiSys Corporation. It is a modularly built up real time OS
for small devices and has preemptive multitasking. It can dynamically assign resources to prefered processes.
Applications use the shared libraries, the file system is built up hierarchically. OS-9 can be operated without
harddisk storage, it manages the system modules directly in the memory. This operating system does not
allow programs direct hardware access by his architecture. The MGR Window Manager is used as user
interface with X-Window. OS-9 supports processors of the architectures m68k, ARM/StrongARM, IXP1200,
MIPS, PowerPC, SPARC, SuperH and x86/Pentium.
PaulOS was designed by Paul Sheer for small devices which shall be used for application development. It
supports 16-bit, 32-bit and 64-bit processors. The file system follows the POSIX standard. Applications are
executed in the single threading procedure with a very low latency. Many network applications were ported by
Linux and come by the TCP stack from BSD and is used for example as mini-web server. The version 1.3.1
was published in April 2005.
PROLOGUE is a pure text oriented multitasking and multi-user operating system for x86 CPUs. Originally it
was developed by Honeywell BULL as a very stable working environment for industry software as used by
human doctors or workers. Successor of PROLOGUE is the operating system TWIN Server.
ReactOS
In 1996 a small group of persons had decided to create a completely new operating system that can execute
Windows applications. At first this project was called FreeWin95 and did not make progress so properly. At the
beginning of 1998 the project was near to got abandoned, the new project manager Jason Filby revived this
project and renamed the OS to ReactOS. ReactOS shall became in the plan a compatible operating system to
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Windows NT. Both applications and driver software include this. Even further subsystems like Java Operating
System, OS/2 and DOS shall there be later built in. ReactOS is still in alpha development state, open source
and protected by the GPL (GNU General Public License). The version ReactOS 0.2.6 was published on April,
10th 2005.
The SkyOS operating system was initiated by Robert Szeleney in 1996. SkyOS was programmed entirely
newly for the x86 architecture. The first version 0.1 which consisted of a 16-bit kernel and a very simple user
interface was published on 15-12-1997. The version 5.0 beta was available in March 2005. In meanwhile
SkyOS supports multitasking , multithreading, SMP, virtual memory, memory protection and Internet abilities.
The built-in GUI named SkyGI has got very flexible and efficient. Only some of the feature are alpha blending,
transparent windows, shades, window animations, OpenGL rendered windows, anti-aliasing and hardware
acceleration. The Unicode interface can be adapted for any native language. The used file system is called
SkyFS. It belongs to the 64-bit file systems with journaling functios and supports extended attributes, indices
and inquiries. Moreover, it supports all FAT file systems, BFS (BeOS), Ext2/Ext3 and the ISO9660 CD-ROM
format.
SkyOS is suitable for playing all sorts of media files like videos, DVD, Audio CD and MP3 files. The ISS
(Integrated Sound System) is also suitable for the development of complex audio applications. It plays several
audio stream without restrictions, can adjust the sampling rate and use effect filters. The operating system
provides the Web browser SkyKruzer, a porting of KHTML, to surf in the WWW. Further popular applications
are AbiWord, GIMP, the GNU Compiler Collection, Pearl, VideoLan and much more.
TinyOS 1.0 bases on a component model which can be adapted flexibly to embedded devices. It is designed
for minimal hardware requirements.
TriangleOS in the current version 0.0.3 of 30-4-2003 was developed by Wim Cool. It was programmed in C
and assembler on the x86 platform with network abilities. For the version 0.0.5 a new Virtual file & Database
System as well as a new user interface is researched.
v2os 0.64c is an assembler operating system which is freely developed. v2os is still in development, provided
applications already demonstrate the abilities.
brickOS (formerly legOS) (last review: July 2003) is a open source operating system for robots from the Lego
Mindstorm Kits. It supports all RSX subsystems, preemptive multitasking, infrared technique and the dynamic
memory management as well as the dynamic load of programs and driver software.
Visopsys is developed since 1997, is open source and an independent development. The user interface is
kept simple and functional. The version 0.62 was published in April 2006.
Wind River is specialized in real time operating systems and offers with the operating system VxWorks an
optimal development system for embedded operating systems. The multitasking and real time kernel "wind"
offers a POSIX extension and network functions. VxWorks is used in the Rover robots conceived for geological
purposes at NASA, as in the case of the Pathfinder mission to Mars. A Rover robot was used successfully with
VxWorks in 1997 too. The RTOS controlled even the Lander, the transport unit for the Spirit named Rover and
provided the communications to earth. On February 23rd, 2004 the in 1981 founded company Wind River
introduced the improved VxWorks 6.0. VxWorks was used for the development of the embedded operating
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system of the two Rovers Spirit and Opportunity in the Mars investigation in June/July 2004.
Operating systems for Automobiles

Operating systems in automobiles are used for all sorts of control and security purposes. For example the air
conditioner, instrument panel, anti-lock braking system, airbags, comfort functions are connected to the CAN
bus. The car manufacturers need high demands on such operating systems. In Germany these software must
primarily be OSEK certified if they are in relation with the CAN bus. OSEK or OSEK/VDX is such a
specification for distributed control units and the API. Many important companies like BMW, Daimler Crysler,
Siemens, Motorola, Infineon, Mercedes Benz and still many more are involved in this specification which was
suggested as an ISO standard.
OSEK/VDX 2.2.1 specification (16-01-2003)

- for the first time version 1.0 published on 11-2-1995
- defines multitasking behaviour and API for system services in C
- for distributed 1 processor systems
- real time requirements
- interrupt and task behaviour
- minimal hardware requirements
- scalability
- portability
- resources management
- error handling, application and system errors
Windows Automotive Current: Version 4.2 (last review: July 2003)

- 32-bit real time operating system
- memory protected kernel
- short booting time
- < 10 ms interrupt time, depending on CPU
- supports .NET, based on Windows CE
- voice controlled software
- various web services
- Win32® API, SAPI v5.0 (Speech API)
- High performance graphic support, DirectX® API and GDI subsystem
- DirectShow ® API supports Windows Media® audio, MP3 and DVD
- driver diversion-control
- enhanced error-report-system, information-acquisition for the diagnosis
- APM (Advanced Power Management) process monitoring
- transaction save file system (TFAT)
- Bluetooth 1.1, IPv6, IEEE 802.11 and 802.1x
- Messenger RTC/SIP client, VoIP, IEEE 1394 and MOST® support
- Internet Explorer Webbrowser for Windows CE
Operating systems of the Eighties

EOS is an operating system developed in Germany, was written in the programming language C and has
compared to CP/M 3.1 more commands.
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Eumel (Extendable Multi User Microprocessor Elan System) was spread a little and was developed by the
GMD (Society for Mathematics and Data processing) and the "Hochschulrechenzentrum Bielefeld" (University
in Germany/Bielefeld). It is designed as an multiuser system and contains the programming language Elan
(Elementary Language).
Famos (Microcomputer Systems Inc.) was only little spread on the market like PDOS and was used for
multiuser systems. PDOS had the markable feature, that it was developed for processors of the series MC
6800 and TI 9900 and is designed especially for realtime applications.
Oasis runs on different embedded computers for business independend and business specific application
software. It was developed by Phase One Systems Inc., the abbreviation stands for Online Application System
Interactive Software. Oasis runs on 8-bit and 16-bit processors like the Z80, 8088, 8086, 68000. It was used
for singleuser and multiuser systems.
Prologue is based on the in 1975 developed operating system BAL and was developed in France. It was
developed more for customers of multiuser systems, software and system solution companys which wanted
more advanced application solutions. The Prologue architecture contains different layers which guarantee the
greatest measure in portability at different hardware configurations. The system core "Nueleus" of the
operating system was programmed mainly in assemblers, however the source code also partly consists of "C"
and "BAL". The availability of the programming language BAL (Business Application Language) increases the
value of this operating system. Many commands for data communications, file and database management,
graphic and more became directly integrated so additional routines are no longer necessarily.
System informations:
- real multiuser and multitasking operating system
- runs on Intel 8086/8088 computers
- can manage up to eight workplaces
- up to 1 (one) mbyte RAM, at least 128 kbytes
- can manage storage devices with at most 512 mbyte per drive
- needs 60-70 kbytes of RAM- dynamic memory management
- time controlled program flow
- spooling function for printers
- supports index sequential access (ISAM) to harddisk storage devices
- supports the programming language Dialogue II (similar to dBaseIII)
Operating systems produced for VEB Robotron The personal computers "AC A 7100"
from the DDR (German Democratic Republic) VEB (Nationally-owned company) Kombinat (compareable with
a company) Robotron was delivered with the basic equipment K1710 monitor with the model number K
7229.22 as well as the keyboard K 7637.9X for special working tasks. With the port of CAD/CAM periphery it
also was used for technical drawings. There was even the possibility of the remote power on and a integrated
fan and power failure detection.
- 16-bit processing deepth

- modular computer design
- individually expandable
- up to 768 kbytes of RAM, 560 ns access time
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- 32 kbytes permanent storage in the EPROM

- installation of 5"1/4 harddisk storage disks with 10 mbyte possible
- support for K 5600.20 5"1/4 floppy disks
- CPU description: K 1810 WM 86,5 MHz- extendable by a Co-processor
- up to 1 mbyte memory addressing
- system bus clock frequency: 9,832 MHz
SCP 1700 (Single User Control Program)

- floppy disk oriented singleuser system
- use as a terminal or in the local area network
- prefered use for the development of programs and office automation
- modular design
- control program loader LDSCP for transient commands in the CMD format- control program SCPX (file
SCP.SYS)
- including standard software (like word processing)
- delivered with the compilers FORTRAN77, C, Pascal, MODULA-2, COBOL
- with the porgram interpreter BASIC
- graphic extension SCP-GX by GIOS (graphics input/output system) and GDOS (graphic device operating
system)
MUTOS 1700
- Time-sharing operating system- UNIX derivated
- / root file system structure
- powerfull Shell with programming similar statements
- for different computer platforms
- writte mostly in C
- utility programs like cp (copies), cmp (compare), mkdir (creates directory), rm (deletes files or directories)
- field of application was the development of software or scientific computing
BOS 1810
- real time operating system

- multitasking with priority control
- modular design
- object oriented design
- field of application is the development of software
- contains already necessary device drivers
- included file access control with right assignment
- error treatment by validity tests
- condition controls with rule definition of exceptions
- dynamic RAM assignment
- interactive adaptation to the user with configuration profiles
Object types:
- Task (active individual program)
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- Jobs (passive, separate of single applications to others)

- mailboxes (information exchange between tasks)
- semaphores (integer, affected the status of tasks to active/inactive)
- segments
- Connections
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Palm Computing Palm Computing can be defined as a pioneer in the market of mobile and cordless
small computersWith the self developed operating system PalmOS® for handhelds it is possible to having
permanently important data handily and mobile available. PalmOS works as a personal assistant for the
information management. From more than 7,000 applications in April 2001 the number has increased to more
than 18,000 in July 2003. The combination of PalmOS with a handheld makes the intuitive and simple
operation possible at high battery runtime. Because PalmOS resides in a ROM, the hardware reset puts the
PDA into the origin status, all modifications and after installed applications are removed from that battery
buffered non-persistent memory. PalmOS has a flexible, open architecture, the maximum resolution on the
monochrome LCD are only 160x160 pixels.
Palm was bought in June 1996 of U.S.-Robotics. A year later took 3Com US-Robotics with Palm Computing.
Palm OS was hived off to the subsidiary firm PalmSource in October 2003. PalmOS was ready for further
device manufacturers for independently licensing. The device manufacturer Palm Solutions announced in June
2003 to take over the company Handspring. Palm had completed the take-over of Handspring in August 2003
and renamed for the area of hardware to PalmOne and for software and PalmOS to PalmSource. Main
investor at PalmSource is Sony.
Important business and technology partners are for example Handspring, IBM, Kyocera, Sony, Samsung and
Symbol Technologies. Handheld models with DragonBall or ARM CPUs (supported since PalmOS 4.0) are the
Palm IIIe, IIIx, IIIxe, IIIc, V, Vx and m100.
Update: July 2003

Till now, Palm OS was sold almost 30 million times, more than 260,000 developers support PalmOS and
applications. New handheld models are the Zire 71, Tungsten C and Tungsten T with an ARM9 CPU.
Number of Developers (rounded)1998, Dec.3.5001999, June13.7002000, March41.0002000, April65.0002000,

Sept.100.0002001, Jan.140.0002001,170.0002003,260.0002004,300.000
(a) Button for contrast control

(b) On-/Off button and Lighting
(c)Display
(d) Holder for the pen
(e) Write range with the system symbols,
Application Launcher, Menu, Calculator and Search
(f) Key field and scroll button
The Palm computer had a sensitive display area which serves at the same time for the representation. By the
key field the direct access to the calendar, adress book, task list and nbotices is possible. To install new
programs (file format *.prc) a PC with installed Palm desktop software is required, which is used to install the
programs about the Hotsync process. The synchronisation of the notes and dates for example between the PC
and Palm happens the same time, the deinstallation of programs can be done directly in PalmOS.
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Plan 9 Plan 9 was developed into the AT&T Bell Laboratories since 1985. In 1989 it had achieved the
stability to replace UNIX into the Bell Labs. Ken Thompson which had played a part years before in the
development of UNIX also worked on this project. With project 9 the disadvantages of Unix should be
eliminated and put a new measure of accuracy, economy and efficiency. Normal microcomputers serve as
hardware base. It was programmed in strict ISO/ANSI C. Plan 9 was ported for the Intel 386 (or higher), MIPS,
Alpha, and PowerPC architecture.
The concept intends to delegate functions on the computers in the network efficiently. Office tasks are solved
so on modest terminals, the resources for this come from a central server in the network. Even the subdivision
can go so far that a server for the file sharing (FileStorage), one for the printers, one for applications and one is
delegated for the computer performance (Computing Power).
Plan9 is a progressive multi-user operating system which is developed further as open source and does not
build up on UNIX source code. It is optimized for the use in networks and is suitable for particularly all sorts of
hardware platforms in distributed networks. By the isolation of the services on different servers a higher
accuracy is given opposite to all-in-one solutions. The store of files on a File server is possible but not the
execute of possible harming programs.
The Plan 9 Logo represents a rabbit which was drawn by Renée French. The name was elected from the
science fiction movie "Plan 9 From Outer Space".
In Plan 9 useful schemes were taken by UNIX. This includes the organisation of the file system and the access
to devices within the file structure. The file system and connection protocol "9 P" makes the access to
resources of other computer systems possible. User defined views of the resource structure (Name Space) are
possible. Project 9 got new compilers, library files (Libraries) and applications programmed. Older UNIX tools
are or completely new programmed or has been omitted. Followed the bash Shell, Rc is used as specified
command line interpreter. The portability as well as the file and access rights from Unix were revised and taken
in project 9. One of the special abilities from the GUI 8 1/2 is a provided text-based and graphical interface for
the local and remote login.
You can download Plan 9 from the Plan 9 website of Bell Labs afer after the accept of the licence as an 60
mbyte file archive together with a special boot disk. The disadvantage of Plan 9 is the limited hardware
support. Project 9 is a trademark of Lucent Technologies, a subsidiary enterprise of AT&T.
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QNX QNX is a real time operating system designed for critical tasks. Developed by QNX Software Systems
it has a structure similar to UNIX and is compatible to POSIX. With an API Wrapper it supports software for
Linux, the source code was opened by QNX partly. His strengths are the development of software, control of
industrial roboters and embedded devices. By the real time ability of QNX the Neutrino Kernel allows with a
pentium III the controlled reaction time (interrupt processing) of 0.55 µ sec in which events can be registered.
For comparison purposes: Windows NT 4.0 and other time-sharing operating systems react to events only
after approx. 10 ms. The GUI with the name photon was introduced for the first time in version QNX 4.x.
Before the window manager was named "QNX Windows" and "X Windows". Among other things the reaction
behaviour of the GUI was improved.
With the error tolerance, preemptive multitasking and the runtime memory protection it forms a stable base for
many application purposes. Up till now the internet access with an ISDN card or a software modem is not
supported yet. The simple user interface and low hardware requirements makes QNX interesting also for
private use. For the private use QNX is free of charge usable and is ready for download on the QNX website.
The also available QNX Moment Development Suite made it possible to develop applications for QNX.
QNX provided the Momentics Development Suite 2.2.0 with the operating system release 6.3.0 for the
evaluation on the website on June, 03. 2004. Till now, the new operating system can not downloaded
separately. The use of the development software Momentics is restricted to a 30 day trial version. There also is
a version for the installation of the Momentics IDE under Windows, Linux and Solaris. It contains a Clustering
framework for the development of network based applications for transparent distributed processing. The
software tools also were improved, Eclipse 2.1.2 and the GCC 3.3.1 are contained currently. QNX Neutrino
supports now per default the representation of 3D pictures, multi-layer user interfaces and the view of the
desktop on several monitors. The QNX Voyager Web browser supports SSL 3.0, HTML 4.01, XHTML 1.1,
WAP 2.0, WML 1.3 and CSS now. This browser can scale and specify the website for small displays
automatically. Now includet are the SCTP (stream control transmission Protocol), IP Filtering and NAT for
networks.
Field of application
- Embedded systems
- network area, internet client
- Development of applications with Photon Application Builder (PhAB)
- Engine control, Measuring data evaluation in real time
- Settop boxes
- POSIX support
- Neutrino microkernel
- Protected memory areas
- Photon microGUI
System environment
- x86 processors, SMP up to 8 CPUs
- fs-QNX file system as image file on a FAT or own partition
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RISC OS The Reduced Instruction Set Computer operating system was first used in Acorn Archimedes
computers in 1987. Acorn Computers Ltd. developed her own 32-bit RISC processor, the Acorn Risc Machine
(ARM), to fulfil her needings. ARM processors do not need an active fan because they have a very little power
assumption in opposite to x86 processors and a much lower thermal heating.
RISC OS needs only a ROM and is protected from data damage (e.g. by viruses) reliably. Compared with most
other operating systems this is an special feature. To upgrade the operating system the OS ROMs got simply
replaced, newer RISC OS Computers have FlashROMs and can be upgraded to the newest stand without
hardware interaction.
Pace Micro Technology plc is owner of RISC OS latest since 1999 and has handed over the further
development to the company RISCOS Ltd. by now. This firm develops new software releases. Within the last
13 years RISC OS was developed intensively and is used in leading computer models of Castle Technology,
RiscStation and MicroDigital.
The fields of application of RISC OS lie obviously in the graphic industry, word processing and the education
market. Numerous ported programming languages are available for the development of new applications. An
ambitious project pursues www.explan.co.uk with high economic computers and RISC OS for use in
developing countries.
Update: 07-04-2003
Castle Technology Ltd. takes over Pace Micro Technology plc. with the whole RISC OS technology. In
addition, Castle came in a joint venture with Tematic Ltd. to develop an embedded version of RISC OS.
System Features RISC OS is a special and efficient operating system. Many hardware and software
functions became differently in comparison with Mac OS/Apple Mac or Windows/IBM PC, however, this does
not derive direct disadvantages. Driver software for extensions are integrated in the ROM and can be tied by
Plug & play in the operating system. In the daily usage it behaves very stably since it was tested extensively
and has proved itself worldwide. Not at least the narrow coupling of the operating system to the computer
provides the perfect cooperation. If nevertheless once an application should crash, it can be removed from
memory without complete system crash.
The source code was written manually in large parts and optimized for the ARM. RISC OS needs only 4 MB of
storage in the ROM, the extension with a fixed disk as well as creating of virtual RAM disks is possible.
Moreover, to protect the system, the CMOS RAM and the fixed disk can be protected by a password to avoid
changes. The booting procedure after a cold start takes fewer than 30 seconds. You can select between the
BBC BASIC mode, desktop mode and command line as Shell.
RISC OS is modularized and supports software modules which can be added to the system. The multitasking
GUI has been standard for the RISC OS for 13 years because of the very user friendly and effectively in this
daily use. With the-bitmap optimized printing manager makes very good print results, character fonts are
smoothed with anti-aliasing. Standard applications on every RISC OS are Edit for word processing, Paint
for-bitmap pcitures and Draw for vector pictures which are based on up to 24-bit color resolution.
16-bit Sound support are included as well as the native support of long file names. The file management allows
storing of arbitrary many files in directories. Special character like "/ ! $ Dollar %" are useable for file names
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without restrictions. With a 3-key mouse they can be made versatile interactions on the desktop possible, so
e.g. menus are invoked comfortably with the middle mouse button in all windows. The windows and the
desktop supports general Drag & Drop just like the clipboard applies to the complete system. RISC OS os is
flexible, the complete system configurations can be done on the command line.
Compact applications like EasiWriter Professional+, comparably with Microsoft Word, needs only 1,101 Kbyte
of storage and 860 Kbyte of RAM. Temporary files are never needed and created. Moreover, RISC OS
supports DPMS (Display Power Management Signalling) and offers with the built-in programming language
BBC BASIC the own ARM assembler. The simple TCP/IP support opens the Internet to the user.
Characteristics
- Browser with HTML 3.2, CSS, SVG, JavaScript, Flash
- Supports FAT, ADFS, ISO9660, further FS are reloadable
- 26-bit addressing prevents the use of newer 32-bit CPUs
- Virtual memory addressing only by additional software
- dynamic storage management
- Microkernel, modularized code blocks
- only cooperative multitasking
- manages files after type not after extension
- no multithreading possible
- only few games available
- no Unicode support
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Solaris 8 Solaris is the UNIX-based operating system of Sun Microsystems with roots in the BSD
operating system family. Up to the version 3.x this operating system was called SunOS, this name was kept
into the internal release information of current Solaris versions. The first version of SunOS was published in
1982. With the version 4.0 the new product name Solaris was introduced for SunOS releases as of 1989. The
operating system Solaris 2.0 (SunOS 5.0) basing on the UNIX system V release 4 was published in July 1992.
The installation package of Solaris 8 (SunOS 5.8) is delivered on several CDs which include the operating
system, applications and the documentation. With the Solaris Webstart 3.0 Installer Solaris can be installed
comfortably on a prepared harddisk partition with at least 2 gbyte of free space. The Installer divides the
partition into one boot partition (10 mbyte of size) and the Solaris System area inclusive swap area.
The Primary boot subsystem VSN 2.0 proceeds after the Installation as a booting manager. After the booting
procedure the CDE or optionally OpenWindow system is available as a GUI. Solaris fulfils the Open Group
Unix98 specification. With the available Solaris Security Toolkit application it is possible to made specific
protection settings for Solaris.
- CAD (computer aided design) applications
- Stable system for databases, data centre
- Intranet server as well as Internet or file server, Internet client
- Multi-processor capable of up to 8 CPUs (Kernel limited to 21 CPUs)
- UNIX derivat
- Realtime OS (timing up to 1 nanosecond)
- 64-bit operating system (UltraSparc), 32-bit on x86, (Intel)
- Monolithic Kernel
System Environment
- Optional CDE 1.4 or OpenWindows 6.4.1
- SPARC platform and Intel processors, PowerPC
- supports new hardware technologies like USB, FireWire, SCSI, Hot Plug, ACPI
- Scalability: more than of 4 gbyte RAM, max. 64 CPUs
- File system: UFS (0x83), logging of all writing processes, protection against inconsistencies
- Read/Write: FAT, FAT32, ISO9660
- Java support, Perl integrated for CGI programming among others
Strength
- Support LDAP authentification and NDS
- Supports automatic and dynamic reconfiguration of hardware devices
- Cover various Internet and intranet applications like DNA, Senmail, IPv6, IPsec
- High Internet Security
Solaris 9 The supported languages (39) and local special features (162) were refined in this operating
system release. At first the projects of Sun intended only to deliver new operating system releases for SPARC
platform of their own. Because of the resistance from the public Sun supports x86 architecture now anyway
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furthermore. The download of the SPARC variant was possible at first, the x86 variant followed later. At first
the download of Solaris/x86 was bounded with a small fee and since December 2003 without charge.
The compatibility was improved to Linux in Solaris 9, standard libraries for Linux applications are installed now
too. Security characteristic became extended, the new Resource manager tool with CLI and GUI as well as
one new directory server where added. The file system was improved and extended with the SVM (Solaris
Volume manager). New libraries were added for multithreading and the installation and configuration got
improved. The execution of java applications with the Java Virtual Machine is accelerated by the new libraries
now. As a desktop you can choose between the CDE (Common Desktop Environment) or Gnome 2.0 desktop
.
Wit hthe Live Upgrade Software patches or system modifications can be done without interruption of the
running Solaris or his applications. To this the modifications are made in a second partition and Solaris
installation and taken over at the next reboot in the main installation. After Solaris 9 8/03 this integration
happens automatically.
In Solaris 9 4/03 the maximum file size was increased from 1 tbyte to up to 16 tbytes. The system
administration tool of SunMC 3.5 was revised, as a Web browser Netscape 7.0 is contained.
Solaris 10 On 16-11-2004 became officially Solaris 10 for the x86 and SPARC architecture introduced
and was ready for download on January 31st, 2005. It is delivered with programs for autodiagnostic and
self-healing tasks. Programs for Solaris 9 can further be used in this new release. The operating system was
changed to 64-bit and supports NFS 4.0 now, the IP-Stack was improved and improved with a new threading
procedure. The effective forwarding of network traffic for 10 gbit and beyond per second is possible. Executing
several instances of an operating system by virtualization on a common hardware base can be done with the
technology Solaris Zones. In the project Janus the ability was developed for this operating system to be able
to execute Linux applications after the recommends of the Linux standard base without new compiling.
Planned for this release, this feature is not activated yet for Solaris.
The new file system ZFS (Zeta file system) contains an integrated volume manager and support for logical
Volumes which can be greater than 1 terabyte, however, this feature is not available in this Solaris release yet.
The 128-bit file system called Dynamic File System (DFS) has self-healing and self-managing files with a
maximum size of 2'128 bytes. The data files are mirrored permanently, checks all data blocks to faults by hash
sums and repairs the copy or the original as well as if necessary the data storage. This happens transparently
in second fractions without disrupted application software in the productive working mode.
The service DTrace (Dynamic Tracing) tracks down performance bottlenecks at the execution of network
applications, the fault manager provides a better stability and is part of the foresight and self healing concept
which analyse errors in ahead and perhaps even clear the fault. To this the data are checked in the Kernel at
30,000 test points and a report created at negative signs for the administrator within less minutes. With this
powerful tool it is possible to recognize problems earlier which was often before not or only heavily to trace
back.
With the technology Grid Container the administrator can set up disk partitions for every user so as if he
works with an operating system of his own. Several users can share the system without disturb of the running
applications. The system utilization is used considerably better and thousands of services/applications are
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managed better without large additional processor expenses. If necessary, services or applications can be
provided to other users also about a network and separated from each other.
The project Open Solaris was started officially in January 2005, a part of the source code was published. The
work was started with support of Sun in a working group with 140 international subscribers for the disclosure of
Solaris source code already in September 2004. The Solaris kernel as well as the system libraries followed in
June 2005. In the course of the next months larger parts of the distribution followed under the CDDL (Common
Development and Distribution License). The necessary patents also were provided to the Community under
the CDDL. OpenSolaris does not see itself as a ready ready final user product or complete distribution. It
rather offers the code base with developer tools for an operating system as well as the infrastructure for the
communications under the developers.
Shortly after the publication of OpenSolaris Jörg Schilling announced his own distribution SchilliX 0.1 on
17-6-2005 for the download. It consists entirely of Open source software and was supplemented with the GCC.
The live CD offers the installation on USB-sticks or fixed disk. A graphical interface shall be integrated later in
a next release of this developer related distribution. SchilliX 0.5.1 which contains for the first time a graphical
interface and based on OpenSolaris Nevada build 35 was published on March 2nd, 2006.
Solaris express 6/05 (Nevada build 15) was published on June 21st, 2005. Sun provides under the concept of
the Software Express program new monthly public Solaris releases for the Community. Furthermore the use of
this operating system is free for private users, the commercial use is charged with $ 99 for a year. The Solaris
Express releases for x86/SPARC almost based on the latest OpenSolaris release, special worth is attached to
a stable release. About a web interface bugs can be reported and bug fixes followed up. JDS can alternatively
be used as GUI.
The BeleniX distribution was derived from the OpenSolaris project as a live CD. The source of the choosen
name BeleniX is the sungod Belenos from Celtic mythology. The first public release of this Community
developed project was BeleniX 0.1 in 4-10-2005. The version 0.3 was published on 18-12-2005, as a user
interface Xfce 4.2.0 is used.
The operating system NexentaOS consists of the OpenSolaris Kernel and Solaris runtime files. The unusual
feature lies in the connection of Solaris with Linux technology. For this operating system only free software is
used from the GNU Debian project. Gnome is the preferred GUI, further software like the Apache HTTP
server, mySQL and the Mozilla Firefox browser are also contained. On 22-2-2006 the 3rd alpha version of
NexentaOS (code name elatte) was published.
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SuSE SuSE GmbH (society for software and system development) is a daughter enterprise of SuSE Linux
AG. SuSE was founded on 2-9-1992 of Burchard Steinbild, Hubert Mantel, Thomas Fehr and Roland Dyroff
and offers a Linux distribution of its own in the European area. Additional Programs and IT services like
support and trainings are offered. SuSE cooperates closely with other IT companies, SuSE Linux was certified
for the Oracle 9 I database already in 2001. A green chameleon serves as symbol figure. The SuSE Linux
distribution defines itself from the current Linux kernel, the X Window system and the KDE interface as
standard GUI. Software can be installed over precompiled packages in the .RPM format. Driver software and
applications are permanently renewed and kept on the newest stand.
SuSE Linux has taken a high value in Germany/Europe. The first distribution was published in 1996 and the
latest published versions can be used in the private area, or commercial area for servers. Support and
services are offered for companies and private users. There are additional special software products like
firewall and mail servers von SuSE.
- SuSE Linux Personal

- SuSE Linux Professional
- SuSE Office Desktop
- SuSE Enterprise Server
Other services
- SuSE Linux Business Solutions
- SuSE Linux Enterprise Platform
- SuSE Linux eMail Server II
- SuSE Linux Groupware Server with Lotus Domino
- SuSE Linux Enterprise Server for S/390
This list does not lay any claim to completeness
Novell announced the take-over of the company SuSE Linux on 4-11-2003.
Version 7.1
Split up into a client and server installation by own Personal and Professional Edition. The Personal Edition is
aimed to beginners and home users, the Professional Edition with 2,000 optional programs and server
applications rather for advanced and professional users. The SuSE operating system is available besides x86
CPUs also for PowerPC and Alpha. SuSE Linux can be installed by 6 CDs or 1 DVD, about 1,800 programs
are contained for an wide field of application. The complete full installation takes about 6.5 gbyte harddisk
storage space.
Server operating system, Internet server, firewall, web server, mail server, database server, from embedded
systems up to large computers and cluster systems usable USB, PCMCIA, IEEE 1394, AGP and DVD are
better supported now; SCSI was programmed partly new
Monolithic kernel, capable for modules
Hardware is used through symbolic interfaces
Read/Write access: FAT, FAT32, UFS, (FreeBSD, only read), HPFS, NTFS read only
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System Environment
Intel (x86), PowerPC, Alpha, Motorola 68 K, SPARC, UltraSparc, ARM, MIPS, SuperH (RISC CPU of Hitachi)
Till now 32-bit on Intel, 64-bit on UltraSparc and Alpha systems as well as Intel 64-bit architectur
- Time sharing system
- RAM support: up to 64 gbyte
- Partition size: up to 2 tbyte
- File size is theoretically 16 tbyte
- Graphical interfaces like KDE2 and Gnome
- Real multi-user ability
Strengths
- faultless run time behavior
- Support for LDAP authentification and NDS
- High stability and performance in networks
- network features, fulfilled as first operating system completely the valid standards IPv4/IPv6
- Ported databases of Oracle, Informix, Sybase, IBM, Inprise, SAP
- High security by file system and access restrictions
- Large number of Users, extensive documentation
- Very high customization ability and hardware optimization
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UNICOS UNICOS is the standard operating system for VSMP (Cray Vector Symmetric multi-processor)
computers and established since 1985. It was derived from the UNIX System V, a far common and well ported
operating system programmed in C. The UNICOS system also was affected by the 4th generation of BSD and
extended by super computing abilities to provide high performance to support the science and development
market. UNICOS is the first 64 bit implementation of UNIX and a UNIX similar file system. UNICOS system
offers a stable base from small servers up to gigantic computer plants.
Photos: Cray Inc.
Characteristics
The UNICOS system makes extremely flexible and robust calculating machines with support of the following
hard and software characteristics possible:
Parallel processing
The UNICOS system is the first high performance UNIX based operating system which supports SMP.
Multi-processor and multi-threading operating system

The UNICOS system is scalable on more than 32 processors. Cray aims at a small CPU percentage for the
consumption of system processes, also in the greatest and the most extensive configuration.
High performance I/O bandwidth and capacity.

UNICOS I/O scales with the number of processors in the system. The standard UNIX was modified around a
file system for up to 8 tbyte to support large files. The support of several devices in a system, multiple types of
fixed disks and memory devices in a file system (for build in memory solutions) and the file storage strategy
with the used algorithm were specified. Cache support is availably for physical devices in addition to the file
system. Through this a high efficiency is made possible for some devices and file systems. The UNICOS
system allows combining of buffered and direct access to I/O devices without integrity loss of the data which
are not natural for the devices of other systems. For Cray is performance not acceptable without data integrity
Low waiting times for I/O processes

The I\'/O path by the UNICOS system is high optimized. As much as possible user data transmittings are
finished directly to reduce the need for temporary buffering and copying actions. The UNICOS system created
asynchronous I/O for UNIX systems. Many interfaces are designed for the flexible programming to check I/O
processes. The UNICOS system contains an optimized path for asynchronous I/O to avoid extra controls or
background processes which reduce the total performance. The UNICOS system facilitates I/O in the direct
access for the user in most cases as a standard.
Great product extensions

The Batch support is made possible by the NQE/NQS subsystem which is designed completely as a
multi-system for the evaluation and control of the jobs. The interaction of many users jobs and processes of a
mixed batch and interactive system is protected by job and processing limitations. These limits are made
possible by an easy to use administration menu with the name User Database (UDB). Together with the file
system and Quotas it allowas the flexible control over users and user groups.
The fairly configured usage planner ensured the safe allocation of resources for users and processes in the
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two areas batch and interaction mode is possible. Previous planned dates of the mixed processing, that is
Batch and interactive mode, is supported by administrative control possibilities .
Extension for the system availability around the processing (for example, checkpoint and restart) can be
executed automatically for the support of batch and interactive process recovery. Redundand devices like
mirrored fixed harddisks and alternative ways guarantee the fault-tolerant operation. Online diagnoses and
ability allowing the control of development problems as CPU error detection and speed reductions.
Multilevel Security (MLS) features like security logging, ACL control, security level and classifications ensure
the privacy without influencing of the performance. Settings for the restriction of operator and administrator
privileges are possible. Both is a necessary for MLS security and solves a deficit which was recognized by the
community.
User accounts were improved for the UNICOS system to guarantee the correctness. On a UNIX system a user
can pay for computing time that he has not consumed and is not usual for him. UNICOS system accounts
create very detailed recordings for requirements like cost control for computing time and performance
analyses.
UNICOS contains an excellent support for tape drives and everything necessary for large systems with
multi-volumes and control abilities which are base requirements in a computing centre. Products like the
REELlibrarian (CRL) Band Library Management Package and the Cray Data Migration Facility (DMF) are in
addition supported for completely transparently data backup to tapes and for automatic or manual recovery.
UNICOS supports the execution of a program on several processors by multitasking. It is the first that contains
several function-related interfaces for multitasking and also supports the standard POSIX to protect previous
investments in software applications. The UNICOS system supports also the high speed control of thread
changes under an application and planned controls to ensure the defined CPU time and resources by the
administrator.
The UNIX-based development environment contains a number of applications like Compiler, Loader,
Debugger and performance tools.
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Unix Open Group Open Group resulted from the association of X/Open Company Ltd. and Open
Source Foundation in 1996. It is a neutral, international Consortium with more than 200 members. The IT
DialTone initiative worries about to guarantee that the Internet remains open in the core to save the worldwide
security and reliability. Open Group cooperated in the field of research and development in open technologies
and specifications to guarantee the compatibility to commercial products by individual tests and new
proceedings.
UNIX is a registered trademark of Open Group since 1994.

The nine sponsors of Open Group are Digital Equipment Corporation, Hewlett Packard, Siemens Nixdorf,
Fujitsu Limited Inc., Hitachi Limited, IBM Corporation, NCR Corporation, Novell Inc. and Sun Microsystems Inc.
Open Group certifies the UNIX system variants of manufacturers, whether this are UNIX 95 respectively UNIX
98 compatible. Per default included are Java VM support, 64-bit code, CDE GUI, conformal Threads, network
support, standard protocols and services.
Unix family As 1965 was, the 3rd generation of the calculating machines with integrated circuits in use
were, at first offline mutli program program operating systems (e.g. IBM system/360) are used. This generation
was later replaced by improved online time-sharing operating systems. Important tasks were the automated
batch processing of jobs in the spooler which replaced the batch based systems as of 1969. One of the first
Time-sharing representative was CTTS from the MIT, which was reprogrammed together with Bell Labs and
general Electric to MULTICS. MULTICS was built up to complexly and programmed in the language PL/1 so it
was given up later. Ken Thompson developed in 1971 (Bell Labs) an assembler version slimmed down of
MULTICS, which was named first UNICS (1969) and later UNIX (plural is Unices). Dennis Ritchie pleased
UNIX, but only not the assembler programming. Thompson developed from BCPL (a simplification of CPL) the
programming language B which was reprogrammed of Ritchie to the language C. Thompson and Ritchie then
programmed together UNIX newly in C in 1974.
The mother company of Bell Labs, AT&T was not allowed to get in into the computer business because of
monopoly regulations, at first the source code of UNIX was distributed free of charge because of this. For the
derivatives another name had to be used as UNIX because of the protected trademark. After a restructuring
this changed and AT&T offered the UNIX System III as of 1981 itself. UNIX was developed further by Bell
Laboratorien and Westerns Electric and achieved increasing popularity by his high customization ability on
microcomputers of the upper performance category. It had more than 200 console commands and extensive
utility programs in C. With the high portability programs are portable to different calculating machine types like
m86k architecture without many modifications.
In meanwhile the Berkeley university and DARPA had accepted the UNIX concept and it fundamentally
changed and separated in 1978 to BSD-UNIX. BSD-UNIX supports unlike the AT&T-UNIX paging, TCP/IP and
a huge number of standard software tools. The POSIX standard was created to prevent the split up of this two
UNIX variants. But IBM, DEC and HP thought, AT&T would come off with it too well and founded a own
standard named OSF. After that AT&T also answered with a standard UI of its own. The companies finally
decided to develop a UNIX version of their own for himself.
A. Tanenbaum criticized the increasing complexity of UNIX and designed a UNIX derivative of his own named
MINIX in 1984 which can be used as a teaching system. Inspired by Minix the student Linus Torvalds
developed an operating system of his own as of August 1991. He programmed from scratch the Kernel, later
with strongly growing number of programmers an extensive operating environment with the name Linux. By the
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more than 30 years constant further development operating systems related to UNIX can count on high
technological progress as well as the proved performance, stability and security. Different companies have
created a own UNIX related operating system according to her needs. These are Solaris of Sun Microsystems,
HP-UX of Hewlett-Packard, AIX of IBM and Tru64 UNIX (formerly digital UNIX of DEC) of Compaq.
Characteristics
Things in common can be stated at all UNIX versions and derivatives. These are listed in detail followingly but
do not have to apply to all varations in the full range.
- File structure, device files, mount points

- Absolute multi tasking
- Absolute multi user abilities
- Portability to other platforms
- Many (portable) UNIX programs
- Common library files for application software (shared, static)
- Microkernel
- CLI (Command Line Interface) with a very high number of programs
- The high technical stand of the operating system design, the network implementation
- High support by companies, the Internet Comunity for further development, bug fixes
- Several operation interfaces (CDE, OpenLook, KDE, Gnome, FVWM 95 )
- High market share in science, research, development and education area
- Support by software manufacturers or external support companies
- High configuring, individual depending on the field of application
Weakens
- No uniform general instruction syntax for the console
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UnixWare 7 UnixWare has a monolithic kernel and stands out for reliability, stability and scalability.
Depending on application purpose gives installations and licences for the Data Center, Enterprise,
Departmental, Business, Messaging and Base Edition. Servers with UnixWare were offered by Compaq
Computer Corp. in 1997. In the same year UnixWare 7.0.1 on the CeBIT got a prize as the best operating
system.
With SCO Merge of PLATINUM Solutions, Inc. brings UnixWare a virtual environment for DOS and Windows
3.11/95. Periphery devices are only restrictedly available for Host system in SCO Merge. Windows is
supported in version 95 and higher in the current version. Extensive tools, the enclosed Fasttrack web server
and Webtop make UnixWare interesting also for a Cluster system. Visionfs is part of Tarantella by Caldera
since the take-over of SCO.
SCO started the SCO Free UNIX action with a free licence for not commercial users in August 1996.
OpenServer 5.0.4 and UnixWare 2.1.2 operating system were offered at delivery costs, the action was stopped
after UnixWare 7.1.1 at the end of 1999.
Update: The OpenServer and UnixWare technology has been part of Caldera since February 2001 which
renamed this business division in SCO Group.
Update June 2004: UnixWare version 7.1.4 is published, primarily smaller and middle enterprises are target
group. Server applications are File and Print services, mail server, DHCP, web server, firewall, proxy server as
well as relational databases.
Hardware support
- Intel Xeon Hyperthreading architecture
- improved USB and USB 2.0 printer support
- improved PCI serial and IDE driver software support for ATA devices with more than 128 gbyte
Extended security and network services

- VPN support, IPsec (secure IP) Protokoll
- updated Network Time Protocol (NTP) server
- pluggable Authentication moduls (Pam) & Name Service Switch (NSS) support
- updated SSL and SSH components
New supported application

- Java 2 SE version 1.4.2 runtime environment
- MySQL 3.23.49 and PostgreSQL 7.4.2
- Soap & XML toolkits for the development of web services
- native UnixWare version of the Mozilla 1.2.1 browser
SCOx of web services Components

- Apache 2.0.49 web server
- Tomcat App server 4.1.30
- Perl 5.8.3
- PHP 4.3.5
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Network, email and administration

- Samba 3.0
- sendmail 8.12.9
- Emergency Recovery support for IDE, USB and SCSI writer
- improved SCOAdmin DNS manager
- improved SCOAdmin Storage management
Standard components
- SCO Adv. File & Print Server 4.0.1
- SCO VisionFS 3.0, integration in Windows network, access to shares
- SCO TermLite 1.0.7
- Java Developer Kit 1.1.7b
- SCO Merge 4.1.1, virtual environment for DOS and Windows 95
- SCO online help
- Netscape Fasttrack Web server and Netscape browser 4.61
- Novell NetWare services 4.10 a
- The Webtop package 1.3, remote administration of the system
- LKP (Linux Kernel Personality Technology), use of Linux programs possible
- LAE (Linux application emulator)
- SCO "Skunkware"
Installation
- textbased and menu controlled installation
- different HBA (host bus adapter), IDE, SCSI, RAID, Hot Plug
- fine grained licensed program
- IPX/SPX, TCP/IP, NFS
- CDE desktop
- scoadmin (administration)
- X11 graphic server
- pkgadd for a manual installation
- /etc/vfstab for Mount points
- Online help about http://localhost: 8458/ reachable
- Remote administration about http://localhost/webtop/ possible
System environment
- dynamic Kernel
- Intel 32-bit, 64-bit
- 64-bit of operating system
- vxfs, Veritas advanced journaling file system
- 128 gbyte to 1 tbyte partitions
- up to 64 gbyte RAM
- SMP to 32 CPUs
- about 32 HBAs (bus systems) possible
EAFS, Extended Acer® fast file system, standard file system
AFS, Acer fast file system, was Standard file system of UnixWare until 1991
HTFS, High Throughput file system up to 1 tbyte partition
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DTFS, Compression file system

- Read/Write: s5, ufs, sfs (Secure file system), FAT, ISO9660
/
/bck
/bin
/ccs
/CD-ROM_1
/config
/dev
/dev/swap
/dev/dump
/Disk_A
/etc
/export
/home
/home2
/install
/lib
/mnt
/opt
/proc
/sbin
/share
/shlib
/stand
/system
/tmp
/u95
/unix
/usr
/varroot directory
mount point for CD-ROM
device files
paging area
dump of the RAM at system crash
mount point for floppy
User directory for user account
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Boot file system
Directory for temporary files
Installation and administration data
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Windows 2000 Windows 2000 (Windows version 5.0) unites defined roughly the usability of Windows
98 and the accuracy and stability of the Windows NT family. New feature programmes and many
improvements arrive besides the complete revision. Depending on version the application area reaches from
the use as network client up to a server in a computing centre. The Registry consists of the system files
Default, Sam, Security, Software and System furthermore. Windows 2000 professional is installed by default
with the following services.
Furthermore standard file system is NTFS in the new version 5 which first makes as in the previous versions
the features of user right for files and directories, file compression in real time, Quotas and encryption possible.
- Internet Explorer 5.0 integrated
- System File Protection: Protection of system files and DLL\'s
- Various possible user rights like Quotas
- Complete ACPI Support, Suspend to Disk
- APM, mobile use by an effective use possible
- Intelli Mirror: worldwide access to own files (settings, programs, etc.)
System environment
- Intel x86 architecture
- Real time encryption of the file system with Encrypting File System
- NTFS v5 file system, through this automatic compression and Active directory services
Features
- Stability, reliability
- Network features like IPsec, VPN
- needs relatively high resources
- only restricted support of Windows 9.x software
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Windows 3.11 Windows 3.0 came onto the market in May 1990. It is a 16-bit operating system that
needs for funciton a preinstalled DOS like MS DOS and supports now the computer mouse as an input device.
Unlike DOS the user could apparently work with several applications in the cooperative multitasking
proceedings at the same time now. It has a GDI (Graphics Display Interface), an API (Application Program
Interface) for programmer and supports DDE (Dynamic Data Exchange) as well as OLE (Object Linking and
Embedding). Next after Windows 3.10 was the last version published with Windows 3.11 for Workgroups
(WfW). WfW extended Windows by network abilities for use as a client in an network. WFW could combine
and show up to 25 computers in a working group. The Windows 3.x programs are compatible to each other
Windows 3.x version. DOS drivers remains resistant after the Windows start. The system can be specified over
the following configuration files: WIN.INI, SYSTEM.INI and PROGMAN.INI, the Registry has no great
importance and only a minor meaning.
With the extension Win32s published later, also few 32-bit applications designed for Windows 95 could be
executed now, last version of Win32s was 1.30c of February 1996. With "Video for Windows" (VfW) the
multimedia ability got updated. The minimum hardware requirements for use of Windows 3.x are 2 mbyte
RAM and 15 mbyte free harddisk storage.
Area of application
- private users
- Office use
- network client
- cooperative multitasking
- 32-bit adressing in protected mode (with 386 CPU or better)
- File size up to 2 gbyte
- File system is FAT16
Features
- high compatibility to DOS
- low ressource requiered
- difficult network configuration
- limited security
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Windows 95 Windows 95 (internal version 4.0) is the successor of Windows 3.11 and brings a
completely new design of the interface and of the operating system with it. 32-bit applications are supported
fully, DOS applications can also virtually be used now in a DOS box, furthermore 16-bits of programs are
supported. Windows 95 to ME still needs DOS for the loading up program and for the DOS box. New hardware
is comfortably recognized by plug and play, the memory management was developed further considerably.
Important part of Windows 95 is the Registry now, which is responsible for the system behaviour like file
assoziation, program parameter, driver software, system configuration and others. The Registry consists of the
files system.dat and user.dat, these are located in the Windows directory. The files system.ini and win.ini are
less important but are necessary for the system start furthermore. For user profiles one user.dat is placed in
each user directory and loaded upon login of the user for the individual user settings.
DOS driver software are no longer necessary in compare to Windows 3.x by now, the driver software model
was changed and the hardware is used through virtual device drivers (*.VxD) directly under Windows.
Area of application
- private users
- PC Games
- Office application
- network client
- 32-bit operating system, with 16-bit code
- up to 512 mbyte RAM adressable
- file size up to 4 gbyte
System environment
- Minimal hardware requierements: 4 mbyte RAM, 50 mbyte harddisk storage
- Integration of the Internet Explorer 3.0
- supports now FAT32 (since Version B), FAT16, VFAT
- preemptive multitasking for 32-bit programs
- cooperative multitasking for 16-bit programs
- ACPI Power save mode partly supported (except suspend to disk)
- x86 and compatible processors
Features
- plug and play, high number of device drivers
- high compatibility to DOS, Windows 3.x
- high number of software
- no multiprocessing
- low local/network security
- old system architecture (16-bit software compatibility)
- badly scalable
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Windows 98 Windows 98 (internal version 4.10) is the successor and revised version of Windows 95 and
contains mainly improvements and bug fixes. For Hardware devices the USB support got improved and the
use of several monitors is possible now.
Features
- extended support for the connection to networks
- integrated IE 5.0
- web optimized, networking through VPN
- Internet Connection Sharing (ICS)
Area of application
- home user
- PC Games
- Office use
- network client
Structure informations
- 32-bit operating system, with 16 Bit Code
- File size up to 4 gbyte
System environment
- Minimum Hardware Requierements: 16 mbyte RAM, 300 mbyte harddisk storage
- Active Desktop for the Web integration in Windows
- New driver model WDM (Win32 Driver Model), developed for the same driver base for Windows NT and 98 in
1996
- Task planer, time controlled start from programs
- Maintenance assistant, harddisk maintains
- Integration of the Internet Explorer 4.0, web based (browser abilities)
- multi monitoring Support (up to 4)
- File system FAT16, better use FAT32
- preemptive multitasking for 32-bit applications cooperative multitasking for 16-bit programs
- ACPI Power save mode partly supported (except of Suspend to Disk)
- x86 CPUs and cmpatible
Features
- integrated ICM (Image Color Management)
- Plug and play, support for modern hardware like USB, Firewire IEEE 1394
- high compatibility to DOS, Windows 3.x and limited NT
- very high number of software and device drivers
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Windows CE Windows CE takes the known Windows user interface slimmed to small computers. At
present, it supports only TCP/IP as network protocol. Windows CE 3.0 is called Pocket PC2002 now and is
only available for ARM processors. As an innovation the Bluetooth support was introduced. Pocket PC 2003
has a real time Kernel with Windows CE .NET 4.1 technology, uses the features of the XScale CPU completely
and takes advance of the extended instructions of the ARM v5-architecture. The Pocket Media player can play
videos in the Windows-Media 9 format now. A WLAN-Stack was added and the connection settings simplified.
Update March, 25. 2004 Windows Mobile 2003 SE for Pocket PCs can switch over the display contents
between the portrait and landscape format and displays up to 480 × 640 pixels. The start menu was changed
light and the handwriting recognizer software Transcriber is controllable with Shortcuts now. The Internet
Explorer converts web pages to a adapted format for better view on small displays.
Windows mobile 5.0 was finished on May 5th, 2005. It is used in Pocket PCs, Smartphones and compact
Media Players. Important innovations in this release are the support of Persistant Storage to prevent a data
loss at a low battery usage and the revised mobile Office with Word, Excel and Powerpoint. The Windows
Media player was updated to version 10 and the sync software ActiveSync to version 4.0. With Direct3Dmobile
a new standard API was created for a simplified programming of 3D applications and games for PDAs.
Anwendungsgebiet
- Für Handhelds und ähnliche mobile Geräte
- Datenaustausch zwischen Fest- und Mobilstation
- Mobil Termine, Aufgaben und Kontakte verwalten
Strukturinformationen
- Monolithischer Kernel
Systemumgebung
- 32-Bit Betriebssystem
- SH3, MIPS 39xx und 4xxx, 486, Pentium, Motorola, PowerPC, ARM/Strong ARM
- 2,5 MB im ROM
Besonderheiten
- stromsparendes System für mobile Handheld- und Palmtop Computer
- komplexer Aufbau
- komplexe Anwendungen
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Windows® Family Microsoft has began at 1981 with MSDOS 1.0 to develop operating systems for
computers. One year ahead Microsoft has worked in cooperation on the Unix derivative operating system
XENIX OS for different computer platforms, this OS field however was transferred to SCO in 1984. With
Windows 1.0 were added in 1985 beside DOS a second OS line, which was meant first for single workplaces
for Consumer (Home edition) and later with added network support.
The third OS line (Professional Edition) for applications of servers and network clients began in 1987 with MS
OS/2 1.0, which were continued with Windows NT (NT = new Technology) 3.1 in the year 1993. The
development time for it extended from October 1988 to July 1993. For the successor Windows 2000 the
development time has taken roughly 3 years, the development costs amounts to approximately 1 billion dollar.
With Windows CE 1.0 1996 a new product line for miniature devices (PDAs) were added.
The former splitting into Consumer and Business Windows Edition is to be united with Windows XP (alias
Whistler) again and continued in this product line. Thus is void for the first time the condition of MSDOS, which
need even Windows 95 to ME for the system start. Directly with all Windows versions so far the drive assembly
marking with the letters [A to Z] whereby the maximally managable number on 26 is limited, exluded mounted
network directorys.
Driver models MSDOS contains simplest hardware drivers for the access to harddisks, floppy disk
drives, file system, serial and parallel interfaces, which do not correspond to todays modern hardware. As
example color printers can be used to print text by commandline instruction but aren`t controllable in print
quality or color. Hardware drivers can be loaded only statically and are active also without use loaded up to the
restart.
- only 16-bit material mode driver

- only direct hardware access possible (caused by the single tasking system)
With Windows 3.x uniform interfaces were made available for the first time for applications and drivers. Driver
formats of Windows 3.x are 386, drv and dll files.
Under Windows 95 to ME are a large amount of drivers from Windows 3.11 applicable, however that slows
down the 16-bit driver by the frequent access changes between real mode into the protected mode for 32-bit
driver.
In addition the new driver format vxd, which runs completely in the protect mode, cames with the ability to be
loaded dynamic at requirement, depending on the driver type. New function for Windows is the Plug&Play
support of hardware devices, standard drivers are attached to the operating system. The WDM driver model is
provided for the standardization of drivers for Windows 98 and following operating systems, so far only for
devices at the USB or Firewire channel.
Windows NT makes the setup of device services possible, alternatively with manual or automatic start or the
complete deactivation of the service. The driver format vdd (Virtual DEVICE Driver\'s) is available since
Windows NT. The drivers are depending upon type separated in the user mode, in the Kernel mode with direct
hardware access or also as virtual device drivers (VDD) of the operating system core.
2006 should be the next Windows Version Vista with the code name "Longhorn" avaiable. All Windows
Editions should be based on the same core and were extended by specific modules depending on the field of
application, language and hardware.
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Windows ME Windows ME (Millennium Edition) is the successor of Windows 98 SE with some selected
features of Windows 2000. The system core consists of a few parts of source code from Windows 2000.
MS-DOS is furthermore necessary for the system start, DOS driver software are not used under Windows any
more. In opposite with the predecessor Windows 98 new features were added. Now it is possible to create
compressed folders who moreover let themselves be encoded (screenshots 3-4). The search function from
Windows 2000 was integrated into the Windows ME Explorer, the stability was improved. The Windows
Registry was extended by 1 file for performance reasons. The Registry file Classes.dat is loaded only on
demand, System.dat and User.dat are loaded statically. For any loged in user the respective User.dat is
loaded from the profile directory like since Windows 95. Benchmarks betweenWindows ME and Windows 2000
with current games has shown that Windows ME has with suitably hardware and driver software a slightly
higher benchmark result. The sales started on September 14th, 2000.
Area of application
- PC Games
- private users
- network client, Internet connection sharing
- supports ACPI, Idle states for computer
- integrated Internet Explorer 5.5
- monolithic kernel
- System file protection and system recovery
- automated system processes
- universal Plug and Play (UPnP)
System Environment
- Minimum Hardware requirements: 32 mbyte RAM, 500 mbyte of free harddisk storage
- FAT-16 or FAT-32 File system
- x86 and compatible processors
Features
- simplified network setup in opposition to the predecessor
- increased Stability with system recovery and system file protection
- no 16-bit program code
- Compatibility problems with software for Win9x and driver software
- no common use of Windows 2000 WDM driver software with Windows ME
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Windows NT 3.1 The first version of Windows NT 3.1 (New Technology) came on the market for the
first time in May 1993. It is the indirect successor of Windows 3.0 and OS/2 2.0 in the new NT product line and
fulfils the requests for a stable operating system for reliable use of applications in networks. It is suitable as
network client and for applications in the Office area. The system structure build on a microkernel, can address
at most 64 mbyte RAM and supports NTFS and FAT 16 file systems. The protected memory area secures the
stable application system, a weakness is the bad integration of new hardware in this Windows version because
no Plug and Play is supported.
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Windows NT 4.0 Windows NT (New technology) in the current version 4.0 of July 1996 was developed
further considerably to the predecessor NT 3.51. The user interface of Windows 95 was united and revised
with the stability and accuracy of Windows NT and integrated into this new version. The complete graphic
engine, user, GDI and graphic driver software were transferred by the user mode into the kernel mode.
Through this an improvement in the performance has happen opposite the earlier versions. Standards from the
UNIX world like TCP/IP protocols and Posix Guidelines are also includet. Windows NT does not allow direct
access to the hardware and controls all accesses. Only with special graphics boards and specified driver
software approximately the overlay mode is possible for the faster playback of videos.
Windows NT is availably in a Server Edition (up to 4 CPUs) in a Workstation Version (up to 2 CPUs) and
Enterprise Server Edition (up to 8 CPUs). There in addition are the Windows NT Server 4.0 Terminal Edition.
The Registry is fully responsible for the user settings, system configuration, hardware and software settings
and others. Other configuration files plays only a minor roll opposite to previous NT versions and of course
Windows 9x. The Registry is therefore far bigger. The files used for the Registry are NTUSER.DAT from the
respective user directory, default (standard user profile), system (hardware configuration), software (installed
programs), Security (control of the access list) and Sam (user account and passwords), in the directory
"C:Winntsystem32config".
Update: August, 23. 1997 With the Internet Explorer 4.0 the Active Desktop is offered as an extension for the
installation. It is possible with that to act like in a browser in the Windows Explorer and the desktop can display
web objects. The start bar is extended by the integration of own tool bars for the quick start. The user interface
looks through this more modern like in Windows 98.
Update: August, 07. 1998 Last DirectX release in the version 6.0 for Windows NT. Direct3D and DirectSound
are supported only emulated.
Update: November, 19. 1999 With the 35 mbyte great Service Pack 6.0 Windows NT 4.0 is taken to the
newest stand. All bug fixes were integrated in relation with the turn of the year 2000, euro currency support
and security updates. The NTFS driver software was revised and supports now except for EFS and Quotas,
NTFS 5.0 harddisk storages from Windows 2000. There are no updates for the MDAC and Internet Explorer
includet.
Update: July, 26. 2001 The 14.5 mbyte great and last Security Rollup Package (SRP) is published. All
Patches are contained that was released since the Service Pack 6a.
Area of application
- Network Client
- Server
- Office use for office programs
- Microkernel
- Platforms: Intel x86, Alpha, on MIPS and PowerPC only very little common
- multi-processor capable (up to 4 CPUs)
- good port to other platforms by a changed HAL
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System environment
- Time-Sharing system
- File systems: NTFS, FAT-16
- Protocols: NetBEUI, TCP/IP, IPX/SPX, DLC, AppleTalk
Features
- stable system
- Systemlog for events
- High performance at Office applications
- High security with current Service Packs
- bad integration of newest hardware
- no Plug and Play
- no ACPI or direct USB support
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Windows Server 2003 Windows Server 2003 is the successor of Windows Server 2000. The 32-bit
version of the Datacenter Edition of Windows Server 2003 can use up to 32 processors and 64 GByte RAM in
a server. This operating system is for example used on IBM servers of the lines x445 and x455. Windows
Server 2003 is installed by default with these services.
Windows Server 2003 has the internal version 5.2. The at the end of March published Service Pack 1 (SP1)
improved the reliability and security.
- Recommended minimal configuration: 550 mhz of processor, 256 mbyte RAM, 2 gbyte harddisk storage
- For Itanium architecture at least 733 mhz CPU, 1 gbyte RAM, 4 gbyte harddisk storage
- High number of command line tools
- central server administration
- Windows Media Player 9
- System resources manager
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Windows Vista Microsoft published the new product name Vista for this new Windows Version on an
event in the USA/Atlanta on 21-07-2005. This Windows Version was known under the development name
Longhorn before. The installation of Vista is based on WIM (Windows Imaging format), a file-based Image
Format. It compresses the contained files and can be used for the installation on several platforms from the
same Image. Windows Vista contains DRM technology for the playback of protected multimedia files.
Windows Vista (Windows version 6.0) contains the new user interface Aero. The start menu has a round start
button without text now. New characteristics are three-dimensional effects, the transparent representation and
freely scalable symbols. To see all visual features a graphiccard with DirectX 9.0 support is required. The
known interface of Windows XP can be activated alternatively. The PC should at least contain a processor with
2 ghz, 512 mbyte RAM and at least 10 GByte of free harddisk storage.
Developer take advance from the new graphic interface WPF (Windows Presentation Foundation) for the
component-based development of 2D and 3D applications, WPF was designed under the code name Avalon.
This framework supports the use of vector graphic for better scaling of applications on the display screen.
For better Security Microsoft has integrated useful functions. The automatic update of the operating system
provides the installation of new patches. When required the function UAC (User Account Control) asks the
user whether it shall unlock unlimited user rights for the execution of a program. InfoCards makes the
automated log-on and register of login informations for web pages possible. Windows Defender extends
Windows by an spyware/malware protection, the Windows Firewall monitors connections which are incoming
and outgoing.
The Performance is improved for a a shorter reactivation time of Windows and running programs after a cold
start of the PC by SuperFetch.
Preinstalled Programs by Microsoft were updated. The Internet Explorer 7 contains a Phishing Filter opposite
to the previous version and supports Tabbed Browsing. The navigation in the Windows Explorer was revised,
the address bar is equipped with single-line option fields displays for faster navigation in the directories on the
file system. The search after files is possible with the use of many filters. Outlook Express was renamed in
Windows Mail and got version 7.0 now. The functions of the Windows Media Player 11 and Windows Movie
Maker were refined.
Windows Vista for 32-bit and 64-bit CPUs is available as for the Windows XP predecessor in different variants.
Windows Vista Home Basic contains only the older user interface and reduced functions. Windows Vista Home
Premium contains more functions. In contrast, the Windows Vista Ultimate Version is delivered with all
available functions and features of all Vista versions and needs more harddisk space. The new WinFS file
system is not integrated in Windows Vista at the market launch.
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Windows XP Windows XP (eXPerience) home and professional edition are similar suitable for the use
on Client/Standalone PCs. The home edition is suitable for user which worked with Windows 9x/ME till now
and don\'t need special network or security features in theire environment. If the user have used Windows
NT/2000 private, in business or both, the Professional Edition is not only with a view of the administration
optimally.
The Professional Edition of Windows XP has more network features than the Home Edition. An update of
Windows 9 x/ME is possible, with Windows NT/2000 only the Professional Edition can be used for update.
Optional FAT32 and NTFS are available as a file system for the installation partition.
Windows XP (Windows version 5.1) becomes a predecessor of Windows 9x/ME as well as Windows NT/2000
and is available for 32-bits CPUs in the following versions:
- Embedded
- Home Edition (1 CPU) for private user (Oct. 2001)
- Professional Edition (2 CPU) for business user (Oct. 2001)
- Media Center (1 CPU) especially for multimedia devices (Nov. 2002)
- Tablet PC Edition especially for Tablet PCs (Nov. 2002)
- Server Edition (4 CPU)
- Advanced Server (8 CPU), also 64-bit Intel CPUs
- Microsoft Windows Fundamentals for Legacy PCs (July 2007)
A 64-bit version of Windows XP was announced officially of Microsoft in April 2003. The RC2 was available in
February 2005. Windows XP Professional x64 was published in April 2005. At most 16 gbyte RAM are
utilizably with that, the virtual address range enlarges to 16 tbyte.
Same will be the product activation at all versions, which is needed at every new installation or extensive
upgrade of the PC devices. Company customers can use an so-called Corporated version by a special
licensing option without this product activation.
As the most visual innovation the revised Windows interface with the new design is well done, the design
called Luna (as of beta 2428) can display window elements in high colour. The return to the interface as of
Windows 2000 is further possible. The representation and organisation of the central registry is quit the same
as used in Windows 2000.
Standard features of Windows XP - Home and Professional

Fast user switching
Network assistant
Remote control for the diagnosis (Remote assistant)
Simplified user interface
Windows Media Player
Internet Explorer 6.0
Windows Movie Maker
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Special features of Windows XP - Professional Edition

ASR - Automated System Recovery
Create of offline files
Backup/recovery function
User guidelines (Policies)
User administration (limited in Home Edition)
File system encrypting (only for NTFS)
Integration of the PC in a domain
Integration of dynamic data storage
Use as a terminal service client
Use as a NetWare-Client
Remote connection (desktop sharing)
Use of multiple monitors
EFS support in the file system
Send and received Fax support
SMP (use of more than one processor)
The graphic device interface (GDI) in the version GDI+ can take advance of gamma correction and 3D
interfaces in high colour depth. Windows XP is more based on HTML than previous versions. The system
control was designed complete in HTML. With the new CD-R/CD-RW software It is it is possible to create easy
and simple CDs. The Windows terminal service makes the access to an shared Windows XP desktop with an
terminal client like the VNC solution.
With the new introduced multi-user function, user are now be able to run her applications in the background
even if the user signs off and another user is logging on to Windows. If the previous user returns he can
continue his work after that without having to once more start the recent documents or applications.
The Service Pack 2 (SP2) for Windows XP needs about 900 mbyte of free storage space. Another system
modification is the Security Center, which shows the status and settings of the firewall, automatic updates and
one additional anti virus program. The new memory function "data execution prevention" protects software
code in the memory in front of manipulation like the insert of malicious program code to be executed (also
called No Execute or NX), the protection works only with 64-bit processors. The improved firewall now can
detect waitign ports for connections and the defination of exception rules for various network services.
The browser was extended by an pop-up blocker, the file execution protection (as well for Outlook Express)
with informations about the used download zone was revised generally. Downloaded programs inherit the zone
information of the browser and warn before the execution from Internet files as well as with the NTFS file
system also before executing on local partitions.
Microsoft showed the naming for a Windows without Windows Media player on March 28, 2005. It is called
Windows XP Home Edition N and Windows XP Professional Edition N on the market. Microsoft followed
with this change the demands of to the EU-Kommision for a better competition between further software
houses which offers a own media player like Realplayer, QuickTime and Winamp. There is no price difference
to the standard Windows versions.
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Apple Company Apple computer was founded by Steve Jobs with 21 years and Stephen G. Wozniak
with 26 years in Palo Alto/California in 1976. As many other company legends in the USA everything started in
a garage where the technique freaks developed and produced the first operating Apple I computer circuit
board. The first buyer of 50 Apple I circuit boards was Paul Terrel, owner of the Byte shop for computer
systems. The Apple I stood for 666.66 dollars in the Byte shops for sale as of May 1976. With "Byte into an
Apple" (an explanation: "Byte" is 8-bits which sounds like-bite) the sales advertisement advertised "the first
cheap microcomputer system with display screen port and 8 kilobytes of RAM on one single PC board". With
this sales advertisement, such an statement, the layout was also born for today\'s Apple logo, the rainbow
colored apple with-bite. The further development Apple II came in 1977, the Apple III 1980 to the shops. Apple
was one of the first commercial pioneers which offered with Lisa Computer and Lisa OS an operating system
with a graphical user interface together with symbols and menus in 1983. This computer already offered
everything which was later set as standard, a graphical user interface this one can be used with a mouse. On
January 24th, 1984 the success started with the Macintosh\'s computers at his market preview by Steve Jobs
. The synthetic voice output of a text was euphorically taken by the audience at the public preview of the
performance features. With the provocative commercial spot "1984" the leader position of IBM is
symbolically be broken by an athletic women through a throwed hammer. Within three months over 70,000
systems were sold. The continual improvements of the operating system by Apple increased the superiority in
the area of graphic and simple user interface.
After an internal controversy over the enterprise leadership of Apple Steve left the company and founded with
other employees the company NeXT in 1985. In 1986 NeXT took the company Pixar Animation Studios which
was specialized in computer animations. Animated cartoons like Toy Story (1995), A Bug\'s Life Life (1998)
and Toy Story 2 (1999) were made come true. In 1987 the extended Mac II was presented which was sold in a
month 50,000 times. Mac OS was in competition by the market presence of Windows 3.0. Apple introduced
new technologies like multitasking and added functions in the areas of multimedia, communications, speech
recognition and video as well as fax/modem. Apple published his first PowerBook notebook computer with high
market success in 1991. The product Newton, a personal digitally assistant was published in 1993 which did
not really gain acceptance on the market.
Companies like AT&T and Kodak were visited with the offer to buy Apple without success in 1993. A offer for
the take-over by IBM and later Sun failed. Soon afterwards Apple went to an alliance with IBM and Motorola
and published for the first time the PowerPC processor in 1994. The platform was switched over from Motorola
to PowerPC processors and used for the Macintosh. The improved efficiency was rewarded by high market
acceptance. In 1995 there was a hard time for Apple when Microsoft Windows 95 was released. The profits
declined drastically in 1996 and Apple wrote red numbers for a short time, but could recover soon afterwards.
Apple surprised the public with the take-over of NeXT for 400 million dollars in winter 1996. Steve Jobs
returned to Apple.
In the first quarter of 1997 Apple had to accept losses again, this time about 720 million dollars. Steve Jobs got
temporary appointed as CEO again and improved the market situation. On the MacWorld in Boston Jobs
spokes about his plans to make Apple successfully again. It started an aggressive advertising campaign with
the same company Chiat/Day which had already produced the film "1984". Apple started the operating system
project Rhapsody which was possible by the purchase of NeXT software Inc. including NeXTSTEP. Steve
Jobs agreed to an alliance with Microsoft which brought 150 million dollars (for voiceless Apple shares) and
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provided the development of programs by Microsoft within the next 5 years such as Office. Apple accepted the
Internet Explorer as a standard in Mac OS os as well as Microsofts Java implementation instead of Suns
original.
Apple has recovered again and presented the new Power Mac G3 in 1997. This is like his predecessor faster
than comparable Intel processors. Soon afterwards followed the PowerBook G3 and versions of the exotic
iMac with transparent cases and compact form. With the new design for computers and the case style Apple
disclosed himself new customers for which a normal grey colored PC with all the wires doesn\'t fits in the living
room. Apple continued the work on Rhapsody and united it with Mac OS into Mac OS X. It has a high
technology stand and is extremely stable and efficient. The BSD related kernel Darwin was integrated
smoothly and provides standard UNIX applications as well. Apple changed his enterprise strategy by the
official Open Source support in 1999 which has become an essential part of Apple by now.
Update 06-01-2004 On the Macworld EXPO in San Francisco Steve Jobs in his opening speech public that
Mac OS X is used by 9.3 million users which are altogether 40 percent of all installed Mac OS operating
systems. In meanwhile 10,000 native applications are for Mac OS X available.
In January 2005 Apple released the Mac mini to the market. The computer system is offered without display
screen, keyboard or mouse depending on the system model starting from € 489. The particularly small
dimensions of 16.51 cm x 5.08 cm x 16.51 cm (WxHxD) and his low weight of less than 1.4 kg are an unusual
feature. Furthermore are included: G4 CPU with 1.25 ghz, DVD ROM/CD-RW drive, 256 mbyte DDR-SDRAM,
ATI Radeon 9200 graphic board, 10/100 base-T ethernet, 56-K modem, DVI/VGA port, USB 2.0, FireWire 400,
audio output, Mac OS X 10.3 and other software.
At the beginning of the WWDC (Worldwide Developers Conference) 2005 Steve Jobs published the change
to the Intel x86 platform. Reasons for the change was that Apple is dissatisfied with IBM as a supplier for
PowerPC CPUs because these are not available in 3 ghz and faster variants. The change is started in the
middle of 2006 and shall be completed by the end of 2007. At this time Intel x86 CPUs surpass the processor
performance per watt the one of PowerPC CPUs by lengths.
An interesting detail in the talk of Steve Jobs was that since the introduction of Mac OS X in the year 2000 a
x86 version was compiled by Apple internally parallel to every release. Apple provides the software XCode
2.1 for the porting of PowerPC applications to the new platform for developer. With XCode created Mac
software have a large part of the available software. For applications these could be ported not or only heavily,
the emulator Rosetta helps at the execution of PowerPC applications on the x86 architecture. Of course this
has losses in the execution speed as consequence.
So no one whith an x86 PC can use Mac OS X in future, this operating system shall be only operational with
mainboards and chip sets of Apple mentioned as Mactel systems. Mac computers and Mac OS shall remain
inseparable. Mac OS X 10.3 is used by approx. 14 million users. Mac OS X 10.5 (leopard) shall appear at the
end of 2006.
- Newton PDA and Newton Betriebssystem (1993, abandoned)

- PageMaker (Publisher Software)
- Apple Quicktime
- iTunes
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- iDVD
- iMovie2
- AppleWorks
- DVD Studio Pro
- Final Cut Pro
- iPod (Okt. 2005)
This list does not lay any claim to completeness. Thumbnail pictures are not true to scale. Source: Apple
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AT&T Company History AT&T can look back at a long history and numerous innovations. Named
as American Telephone & Telegraph Corporation developed the founders Alexander Graham Bell the
telephone in 1875. Gardiner Hubbard and Thomas Sander financed the enterprise. They founded Bell
Telephone company together in 1879. AT&T has his business fields in the complete previous company history
in the communication and electronic industry. The computer business line joined later. Since they reached a
monopoly, they had to open the market opposite other providers. The number of the telephone companies of 1
climbed through this to about 6,000 between 1894 and 1904. The number of the telephones rose on 3,317,000
from 285,000. 1984 became the AT&T group by the U.S Department of Justice split up. The enterprise shrank
to 1/3 of his original size with that. The name Bell only still was allowed to be used by Bell Labs and AT&T
International. It formed:
- AT & T Communications Division, market area for Telephone connections

- Western Electric Co., production of telephones, telecommunication equipment, new electrical products
- Bell Laboratories, research and development in the telecommunication and computer area
- AT&T information Systems, before American Bell, marketing
- AT&T International, for worldwide activities of the group outside the the USA
Different researches and developments were advanced to Bell Labs in 1969. Dennis Ritchie developed the
programming language C and later Bjarne Stroustrup C++ these have a high value up to this day. Another
project with Ken Thompson and Dennis Ritchie dealt with the development of one single user system which
can take standalone tasks after the time sharing principle. Starting out from the multiuser operating system
Multix resulted UNICS respectively UNIX which had at least a considerable technology lead in the field of the
operating systems for the next 30 years. Advantage of the single user system is, that UNIX is used on usual
microcomputers, PCs and on the Internet. The first UNIX version was published under the name UNIX time
sharing system V1 in November 1971.
A restructuring which provided 3 separate companies took place at AT&T on September 20th, 1995.
- NCR, computer manufacturer, independent as of January 1st, 1997

- AT&T, communication & services with AT&T WorldNet® service
- Lucent Technologies, before Bell Laboratories, systems and accessories, Network Systems
Lucent Technologies proceeded independently as of end Spetember 1996 and provided the sale of public
switching equipment, software for network operators and cable TV enterprises. The enterprise devision of
Business Communications Systems (till now Global Business Communications Systems), the division
Consumer Products for communication equipment for final consumers was taken over too.
A renewed restructuring was announced in October 2000 into 4 separate companies: AT&T Broadband, AT&T
Wireless, AT&T Business and AT&T Consumer.
Products
- Invention of the telephone
- Invention the solar battery
- Development of C (Dennis Ritchie) & C++ (Bjarne Stroustrup)
- Development of UNIX®
Development
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- 1882take-over of Western Electric Company for a improved production

- 1899AT&T took Bell System and built up the telephone network
- 1913for the first time are Transatlantic connections possible
- 1913AT&T were obligated to open the telephone network for other companys
- 1950development of the solar cell by Bell Labs
- 1969development of C and UNIX
- 1974AT&T (American Telephone and Telegraph Co.) and her daughter companies Western Electric Co. and
Bell Telephone Laboratories, worldwide installation of 300 million telephones
- 1983AT&T developer Bjarne Stroustrup develops the first version of C++. OOP (object oriented
programming)
- Agreement on the common further development of the operating system "UNIX System V" with Intel Corp.,
Motorola Inc. and National Semiconductor, standard operating system for microprocessors created
- 1991AT&T takes computer manufacturer NCR for 7.3 billion dollars
- 1994AT&T takes McCaw Cellular for 11.5 billion dollars
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Company Be Inc. The company Be Incorporated was founded of Jean-Louis Gassée with a couple of
developers after his work in the Apple development department in 1990.
The BeBox was the first product of the new company, which was introduced officially in 1995 but did not bring
the desired success. The BeBox was not compatible to the existing computing system types such as the IBM
PC. It was operated with 2 PowerPC processors. In 1996 a BeOS version was for the first time introduced for
the Mac which should serve as an innovation source for Apple. But the negotiations turned into nothing and
Apple decided in favour of NeXT. The BeBox was abandoned because of the low sales at the beginning of
1997 so that as of now the work concentrated on BeOS for the x86 architecture. It was the reason for the
development of BeOS to create a modern and efficient multimedia platform which is not based on an old
system structure and completely new.
BeOS was used primarily in the area of multimedia by software developer and users whereupon the first PC
version was introduced for the first time for x86 processors in August 1997, few times later for the Mac too.
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BSD Development BSD stands for Berkeley Software Distribution and was developed by the
University of California at Berkeley. BSD is one of the main branches shared from the AT&T UNIX. The code
was developed further and partly replaced. In the course of the time BSD forked in 4 distributions. The first
BSD starting out from UNIX v6 was created in 1978 at the University of California at Berkeley.
The splitting-off took place to the second BSD line (3 BSD) between 1979 and 1980. From this BSD Net/2 in
1991 and from this the first BSDi in 1992 where formed. The second fork was to 386-BSD in 1992 which
became finally to FreeBSD 1.0 in 1993. Direct successor of BSD Net/2 was NetBSD in April 1993. OpenBSD
was created of NetBSD in 1995.
As Maskotchen a BSD Daemon got chosen, drawn by Marshall Kirk McKusick. Walnut Creek is the main
supplier of CDROM distributions with FreeBSD and has established for the Daemon the name Chuck, beastie
is another name and shall represent not a devil but an daemon.
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Cray Company history Cray Research, Inc. was founded in 1972 by Seymour Cray (28-9-1925 to
5-9-1996) at the age of 47 years. Since 1951 he was mainly and with great engagement engaged in the
development of high performance calculating machines. The main emphasis is on the development of such
complex systems on the integration of new technology, the physical construction and continuous increase of
the performance.
In 1989 Cray leaves the research institute Cray Research and founds the Cray Computer Corp. in Colorado.
There he developed another Cray supercomputers like the Cray C90. Cray started again a company named
with his initials as SRC Computer where his last project Cray 5 is developed. Seymour Cray went into history
as "father of supercomputing". Jim Rottsolk led now this company as president and CEO. He had co-founded
the Tera company in 1987. Peter J. Ungaro led the company Cray since 2005.
The field of applications for supercomputer is enormous. It is be the simulation of productional processes,
vehicles, research of material deformations, the observation of global climate changes, bio chemical reactions
and process, computing of molecules or complex data structures - everywherewhere in science and
development all of the available performance is needed.
Each new Cray supercomputer generation was developed further. So a own cooling system with the name
Freon was designed in order to derive the high thermal power of the components. The development of the
design of Cray supercomputers is just as noteworthy. Some models are built up like a ring and almost are
enclosed in the outer ring of a seat group. With the Cray XMS system Cray has designed her first
mini-supercomputer which was taken off by the more powerfull Cray J90 later. The Cray Y-MP system has
reached a total performance of up to 2.3 GFLOP together with several CPUs and each 333 MFLOP in 1988. In
1993 Cray Research introduces her first massive parallel system (MPP), the Cray T3D supercomputer. The
first cordless supercomputer was introduced with Cray T90 in 1994.
SGI bought the company Cray Research for 740 million dollars in February 1996. SGI hived off the Cray
Research enterprise division in August 1999. This enterprise division was sold from SGI to Tera under heavy
financial loss in March 2000. Cray research was renamed in Cray Inc. Some patents of Cray remain at SGI.
In 2004 the startup enterprise OctigaBay Systems Corp. with experiences in High performance computing was
bought by Cray. The design is optimized on MPP and does not have any performance bottlenecks like typical
in other systems. With the take-over the Cray XD1 system was published later with the new technique.
Operating Systems
- UNICOS: scalable Microkernel operating system for small servers up to supercomputers
- UNICOS/mk: scalable Microkernel operating system for strongly parallel computer systems like Cluster
- UNICOS/lc: developed for complex applications, can scale up to 30,000 processors, consists of a Microkernel
for the computing nodes and an operating system for the service nodes, cluster file system with transfer rates
of up to 100 gbyte/s
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Digital Research Gary Kildall founded the company Digital Research (DR) in 1976. Many hardware
manufacturers licensed CP/M for her computers a year later. In 1981 IBM contact DR to license a suitable
operating system. Because of an wrong decision it did not came to a contract so IBM consulted Bill Gates.
CP/M failed in the competition with the DOS variant of Microsoft. Digital Research reacted to the market
situation and released an MS-DOS compatible CP/M version in 1988. But the business income decreased.
Gary Kildall sold Digital Research to Novell for 120 million dollars in July 1991, DR-DOS was renamed to
Novell DOS. Gary Kildall dies on July 11th, 1994.
In 1983 Gary Kildall developed thes graphical operating system interface GEM (Graphics Environment
Manager) which stood in the beginning in competition to Microsoft Windows 3.x. However, Windows gained
more and more acceptance on the market.
In July 1996 Caldera buys the DRI technology of Novell with all rights, Novell DOS is called OpenDOS now.
Caldera published the source code for DR-DOS in September 1996 and GEM, Caldera hived off the operating
system division in 1998 to the subsidiary firm Lineo which was called Caldera Thin Clients Inc. before. The
marketed embedded Linux Embedix which is based on OpenLinux. DeviceLogics takes on all DR-DOS
sources and rights in October 2002.
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HP Company Bill Hewlett and Dave Packard founded HP (Hewlett-Packard) in 1939. At the beginning
oscillographs were produced and commercialized. HP became a share company in August 1947 and achieved
851,287 dollars sales volume in the same financial year with 111 employees. It was already 5.5 million dollars
sales volume 215 employees in 1951, 20.3 million dollars sales volume and 901 employees in 1956. Motivated
by the success HP went to stock exchange in 1957. Hewlett-Packard consists of 4 main business fields and
one research facilitie, the HP Labs. This Lab is available for all business fields and advances the development.
- Enterprise Systems Group (ESG)

Key technology, components for enterprise IT infrastructure, storage systems, servers, management software
and special solutions
- Imaging and Printing Group (IPG)
Printer and graphic solutions for enterprises and private users, printer devices, all in one devices, digital picture
equipment like cameras and scanners with accessories
- Hewlett-Packard Services (HPS)
worldwide active IT service team for a comprehensive support
- Personal Systems Group (PSG)
economic PC solutions as well as equipment for enterprises and private users, desktop systems, notebook
computers, workstation, thin clients, handhelds and PDAs
Product names
- HP-UX
- HP server
- DeskJet devices (ink printers), LaserJet devices, (laser printer)
- HP OpenView
Since beginning of the year 2000 Carleton S. Fiorina leads in the position as CEO and executive board
chairmen the company Hewlett-Packard. The perhaps biggest process in the company history was when HP
merged with the Compaq computer Corp. at the beginning of May 2002. The former managing director Michael
Capellas of the Compaq Corp. is new president at HP. The operating system HP-UX shall profit from the
operating system Tru64. HP agrees to a contract with Red Flag Linux, the dominating Linux distributor in the
Chinese language area, for development and evaluation of software in China in September 2003.
Carly Fiorina withdrawn from her position as CEO on 9-2-2005. As reason she indicated differences in the top
management about the further strategy of the enterprise. For example already before the take-over of Compaq
there were differences with Walter Hewlett. As a successor Mark Hurd was elected on 30-3-2005. He was the
head of the board of the company NCR Corp. before it. HP announced the sale of the 1 millionth Linux server
since 1998 in the middle of June 2005. HP still placed itself as market leader at the sales volume since already
7 years in front of IBM.
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IBM Company History IBM Corp. was founded with the name Computing Tabulating Recording
Co.(CTR) in New York on June 15th, 1911 after the union of the companies Tabulating Machine Corp.,
Computing Scale Corp. and the International Time Recording Company. CTR was then renamed in
International Business Machines in 1924. IBM developed Sequek in 1974 and got renamed 2 years later to
SQL (Structured Query Language), the publications about the Relation model of E. F. Codds was the basis for
this development. In 1975 IBM had for the first time produced a PC (personal computer), the model was called
5100 and introduced the term PC. At the end of 1981 the PC was successful with IBM DOS / MS-DOS on the
market, becomes a industry standard and made computers for a broad range of customers interesting for
purchase. IBM introduced the PC-AT (advanced technology) standard in 1984, the further developed PC-ATX
standard followed soon. The own developed database management system is named DB2 and was used by
many millions of users worldwide in August 2000.
The cost for the development of the operating system OS/360 was 50 million dollars and it has more than
220,000 lines of code. The operating system OS/400 were renamed since release V5R3 to i5/OS. E.g. This
OS is used for example on the eServer i5 with PowerPC processors. The new IBM System /360 is a more
efficient computer system as previous IBM computers which is different built up. The hardware components
(like the card reader) were interchangeable and the software can operate on all models of the product family.
The development of System 360 cost 5 billion dollars and employed in record times over 50,000 employees.
This computer was manufactured for the first time with an assembly line.
The biggest IT company of the world is IBM and shows not only with an 1 billion U.S. dollar financing his great
engagement in Linux technology. IBM splits up to the main enterprises IBM Corporation (USA) and IBM
Deutschland GmbH, branch offices can be found around the world. Because of the blue IBM logo it gets
synonymous for IBM as "big blue".
Business fields
- Global Financing (IT financing institute)
- Global Services (business and technology consulting)
- Microelectronic and hard disks, storage systems
- Pervasive computing (cordless computer technology )
- Research and development (patent) more than 24 development labs in the world, 115.000 employees in this
field
- Notebook computer & server market, incl. mainframes
- IBM ThinkPad notebook computer
- eServer series, ASCI White supercomputer
(Accelerated Strategic computing initiative)
- AS/400 and S/390 servers series
- more than 65 strategy partners (Baan, SAP)
Software products
- WebSphere application server
- DB2 universal database
- WebSphere personalization for Multiplatforms
- content manager for Multiplatforms
- WebSphere home page builder
- Small business suite for Linux
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- e-collaboration
- e-learning
- e-Knowledge management
- ViaVoice speech recognition
- VisualAge for Java
- Lotus ASP Solution Pack
- MVS/370 - OS/360, OS/390, OS/400
- z/OS (formerly OS/390 )
- i5/OS (formerly OS/400 )
- OS/2 operating system (Operating system 2)
This list does not lay any claim to completeness. Updated: January 2001, photo source: IBM
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Microsoft Company Paul Allen and Bill of Gate went to the same school before they founded
Micro-Soft in 1975. In 1974 they already presented the programming language BASIC for the Altair 8080 as
Lakeside Programmers Group. They got a contract at MITS (Micro Instrumentation and Telemetry Systems)
after that they should provide BASIC as supplement software for the Altair. At first Allen and Gates
programmed Fortran and COBOL into assembler for the Altair 8080 and ported the BASIC interpreter for the
TRS 80 of Tandy. In 1978 Microsoft licensed a development licence for UNIX from AT&T. Because AT&T had
protected the name of the operating system UNIX, Microsoft named the UNIX variant of her own as Xenix.
1980 the enterprise moves with now 38 employees to Seattle and reaches 8 million U.S. dollars sales volume.
IBM searched for his microcomputers for an operating system which fits for the mass market. At first IBM
consulted Digital Research without success and after that to Microsoft which had been strengthened by Steve
Ballmer in meanwhile in organisation and finances. But Microsoft had no own operating system and bought
therefore Q-DOS from Seattle Computer Products for 50,000 U.S. dollars. IBM licensed it under the name
MS-DOS. The IBM PC became an overwhelming success. The sales volume and profit of Microsoft increased
further in consequence this one. Bill Gates got a contract with SCO to bring out a UNIX variant for the IBM
PCs. First with publication of 80286 processor this turned out well and Xenix was possible. Microsoft cared
primarily about the OEM business and SCO was responsible for the customization and improvement of the
UNIX derivative. In July 1987 Microsoft bought the company Forethought and integrated the software under
the name Powerpoint into the own office applications. Since 1994 the slogan "Where Do You Want to Go
Today?" was spread by advertizing.
Originally Windows used a monolithic kernel but was later changed to the micro kernel. Comparable under the
different Windows versions is the uniform program interface in Visual C with largely uniform usability. Windows
profits from an enormously high number of free and shareware of other developers. The Windows and general
software development is controlled by Microsoft and follows one defined roadmap, the product life cycle is
limited and updates as well as support for one fix time period availably. The support is realized directly by
Microsoft or certified partner companies. The successful enterprise has the primary objective to offer operating
systems in the form of Windows for customers(end-user), professional and server area (enterprise). The
business model of Microsoft offers the same platform for end-users and enterprises with standard
implementations for software developer.
At the final release the Windows .NET servers (Windows Server 2003) shall be available as a Web server
version, standard server, enterprise as well as data center version. The enterprise and data center version
being also designed for 64 bit on the Intel Itanium. For the information exchange the open standards XML
(Extensible Markup Language), SOAP (XML based protocol of information in the web which is for the
exchange structured and standardized) and UDDI (Universal Discovery Description and Integration) are
included. In January 2002 Bill Gates announced in an internal mail the start of the "Trustworthy Computing"
initiative. The central concept of Peter Biddle imagines a combination from hardware and software which
provides a new security architecture with the project name palladium (renamed in NGSCB later). Well known
manufacturers like Intel and AMD already support this initiative and work on the realization together. Important
points are the secure communication between all hardware components, an integrated firewall, hidden
memory areas for applications, encrypted files, proved signatures as well as different authorization and
authentification services and DRM (Digital Rights Management). This concept needs a completely different
computer design, the encoding and decoding shall be guaranteed by a co-processor. Windows with the code
name Longhorn shall contain this technology and approximately come on the market in 2004. Microsoft gained
about 7.8 billion dollars profit at a sales volume of 28.4 billion dollars in 2002. Microsoft has at the end of the
year 2003 more than 49 billion dollars in cash plus company shares and investments.
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Software titles
- Visual BASIC, programming language
- Visual-C++, programming language
- Visual-J ++, programming language
- Visual FoxPro, programming language
- Office 2000 with the individual applications Word, Excel, Access, Powerpoint
- Project 2000, planning of projects
- Exchange server, e-mail service
- SQL server, database service
- Front page, HTML program
- Publisher, Website manager
- PhotoDraw, pixel based image processing
- Encarta 2000, knowledge dictionary
- Internet Explorer, Internet browser
- DirectX, software interface for 3D games
- Host integration server 2000
- Site server 3.0
- BackOffice server 4.5
- ODBC 3.0
- Proxy server 2.0
- Internet Security and Acceleration (ISA) server
- Systems Management server
- SNA server
- Internet Information server (IIS)
- Microsoft Bob (1992)
- Services for UNIX (SFU)
History of Microsoft
April 4th, 1975 foundation of Micro-Soft corporation by William H. Gates III and Paul G. Allen in New Mexico.
Novembers 26th, 1976 the term Microsoft is registered as a brand name.
Novembers 29th, 1979 in Belgium the first branch office in Europe is founded, the main business place was
transferred to Washington.
June 25th, 1981 foundation of Microsoft Inc. with Bill Gates as presidents and Paul Allen as an Executive
vice-president. Microsoft employs 128 employees and reached a sales volume of 16 million dollars in the year.
August 12th, 1981 IBM released the first PC and delivers it with Microsoft\'s 16 bit operating system MS-DOS
1.0.
September 29th 1983 subscribers of the professional journal "PCWorld" get a free disk with the demo version
of Microsoft Word.
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November 10th, 1983 announcement of Microsoft Windows, the extension of MS DOS with a graphical user
interface.
January 24th, 1984 market introduction of the Macintosh by Apple. Microsoft becomes one of the leading
providers of software for the Macintosh.
Novembers 20th, 1985 Microsoft Windows is released to the market . By the few available software, the
market acceptance remains little at first.
February 26th, 1986 moving of the main business place to Redmond in Washington.
March 13th, 1986 stock exchange start of Microsoft. The first quotation amounts to 21 dollars and reaches 28
dollars at the end of the first trading day.
May 22nd, 1990 Windows 3.0 is published.
July 25th, 1990 Microsoft celebrates the 15-year existence and the reaching of the first sales billion.
August 30th, 1990 the Microsoft Consulting Services is founded to support important global customers at the
use of Microsoft software.
May 24th, 1993 introduction of Windows NT.
Novembers 14th, 1994 start of an international advertising campaign with this slogan: "Where do you want to
go today?".
August 24th, 1995 worldwide introduction of Windows 95. Within the first 4 days Windows 95 is sold to about
one million times.
November 27th, 1995 publication of the Internet Explorer 2.0 for Windows 95.
Decembers 7th, 1995 Bill Gates commits Microsoft to strengthened engagement in the Internet area.
June 25th, 1998 worldwide introduction of Windows 98.
13.01.2000 in the evening showed Bill Gates his resignation from the executive board chairmanship of the
company Microsoft. Steve Ballmer who has a position as a president since 1998 takes his job as a Chief
Executive Officer (CEO). Gates remains active and is working as Chief Software Architect further in the
chairmanship of the supervisory board.
February 17th, 2000 worldwide introduction of Windows 2000.
June 22nd, 2000 Microsoft introduces the concept of the Microsoft .NET platform, a new generation of Internet
software and services. With the support of XML new and dynamic networking possibilities are created and data
can be converted arbitrarily into other formats and layout\'s.
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25-10-2001 publication of Windows XP operating system.
7-11-2002 publication of the Tablet PC.
June 24th, 2002 "Trustworthy Computing" initiative is started , security concept palladium (later NGSCB) is
introduced
April 2003 Windows .NET servers are ready.
Source: Microsoft
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Novell Company Novell has his roots in the a computer manufacturer Novell Data Systems in 1979. In
January 1983, this company was renamed to Novell Inc. with the new target to develop and commercialize
software and hardware for use in networks. Raymond J. Noorda and the company Safeguard Scientific were
involved in this process. The operating system NetWare was for the first time introduced in 1983. Novell
developed his own network protocol IPX/SPX. In January 1993 Novell purchases UNIX system technology with
the take over of the UNIX Systems Laboratories (USL) of AT&T, in 1995 Novell sells UNIX rights and source
code to SCO and introduces UnixWare 2 as well as WordPerfect 6.1 for Windows. Once, Novell had planned
to create a common base with SuperNOS from UnixWare and NetWare.
4,500 employees worldwide work for Novell, meanwhile a worldwide leading provider of infrastructure products
for the eBusiness. Novell can refer to an installed basis of about 4.5 million NetWare servers and approx. 90
million users in the year 2005. Novell GroupWise has an installed base of about 22 million users worldwide.
More than 68 million users use the NDS eDirectory. More than 27,000 specialized service partners and more
than 400,000 certified technicians provide the product sales and customer services.
In April 2003 Novell published the plan also to provide all previous Netware services for Linux with complete
technical support worldwide. Netware and Linux Kernel then support the same Network services. Novell
purchased the company Ximian in August 2003 which one provided a Linux distribution of the same name and
has developed the open source software Mono and Red Carpet. Ximian was founded in 1999. Novell
announced the take-over of the company SuSE Linux on 4th November 2003. For 210 million U.S. dollars the
SuSE Linux distribution as well as the service supply is part of the new portfolio. Both enterprises shall be
integrated completely in January 2004, the support contracts existing between IBM and SuSE Linux for SuSE
Linux on IBM\'s eServer products and others are taken over. Netware will continue to exist besides SuSE
Linux and get developed further. Novell started with his engagement for Linux already in the year 2000 and
ported the eDirectory technology for Linux. Novell announced the publication of the Open Enterprise Server
1.0 at the Brainshare meeting in March 2004. This operating system combines the SuSE Linux Enterprise
Server 9 and Netware 7. Further news was the migration of all desktop installations in the company to Linux
until the end of the year. Open Office shall from now on be used as main application. The setup tool YaST and
iFolder technology are declared together to free software now.
Novell published in March 2005 the message that 75% of the company computers have been switched over to
Linux and Open Office till now. The Linux Desktop 10 planned for the next year shall represent a clear
simplification for the users and an alternative to Windows and other Linux distributions.
Partner Firms AOL, Cisco, Compaq, Dell, Fujitsu, Siemens, HP, IBM, Intel, NAI, Atos Origin, Sun
This enumeration does not lay any claim to completeness.
Software
- Novell NDS eDirectory
-- leading directory service worldwide
-- platform independently
-- manages more than 1 billion objects
- Novell DirXML
-- solution for the synchronization of information
-- process triggering by events
- Novell iChain
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-- security and administration infrastructure for eBusiness

-- controlled and authorized access to network resources
-- fine grained access controls
-- integrated cache
-- central logon and service server
- Novell Portal Services
-- portal provides the data after the login
-- individual design of the virtual work place
- Novell Account Management
-- based on NDS eDirectory
-- eliminates redundant authorization for the use of different platforms
-- central administration by administrator
- Novell Single Sign-on
-- protected applications with a password
-- automated process for the password input in the background
- Novell Bordermanager Enterprise Edition
-- comprehensive security in the Internet/intranet area
-- central control and administration of the internet access
-- firewall services, VPN functionality, authentification services, Caching
- Novell GroupWise
-- universal mailbox
-- supports default browsers
-- supports important standards like SMTP/MIME, POP3, LDAP, NNTP, IMAP
-- RemoteClient or WebAccess for independent access
- ZENworks for Desktops
-- desktop management
-- construction of user and group policies
-- software distribution
-- Helpdesk function
-- extensive hard and software inventory
- ZENworks for Servers
-- server administration
-- central directory based administration
-- B2B data sharing
-- management console
-- control by defined rules
This list does not lay any claim to completeness.
Source: Information from the CeBIT in 2001 (Novell)
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PDA, Personal Digital Assistant PDAs are small portable computers which can accomplish
quite certain tasks and take on the role of a personal assistant. They usually consist of a ROM for the
operating system and RAM from 2 to 32 mbyte and above, a docking station to power loading and the data
synchronization as well as pen and/or keyboard for the character input. Other expressions for PDAs are
handheld, pen computer or palmtop. Market leader is PalmOS with the greatest market share (75% according
to IDC, June 2000), EPOC and Windows CE with the smallest market share. There also are models like the
PowerPlay III PDA with Linux as operating system.
Typical task fields for PDAs are e-mail, WAP, text writing, date manager, calculating machines and the access
to the world wide web alternatively with IrDA or special modem. The data synchronization is particularly
important with the PC to load new software serially, by USB or infrared.
Apple had released his own first PDA model Newton in 1991 on the market with NewtonOS as operating
system. But the great market success failed to appear and the device was abandoned. Hewelett Packard His
published her first PDA model named HP 95 LX on April 23rd, 1991. As software MS DOS 3.22 and Lotus
Notes 1-2-3 was used. The memory was equipped with 512 kbytes RAM and 1 mbyte ROM. The LCD display
was 248 x 128 pixel in size. HP released the PDA model 620 LX in 1998 which is equipped with Windows CE
2.0 and 16 mbyte of RAM. The LCD display makes 256 colours possible and features a microphone and
soundspeaker.
Apple Macintosh owners can exchange data with the Palm. Office documents of a PC must be converted into
a compatible format at the PDA before the use.
PowerPlay III PDA

(2001, Linux DA O/S)
Palm m100
(2000, Palm OS 3.5)
HP Jornada 545
(2001, Windows CE 3.0)
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SCO Company HistorySCO (Santa Cruz Operation) was founded in 1979 of the both brothers Doug
and Larry Michels who developed the UNIX derivative SCO UNIX for Intel computers. The enterprise went to
stock exchange 1993 under the name SCOC. SCO bought all rights at the AT&T UNIX source code as well as
UnixWare 2 of Novell in 1995 which purchased the UNIX source code together with the technology and rights
by AT&T at the operating system UnixWare before. 1999 had SCO sales offices in approximately 80 countries.
SCO showed the next company plan at the "Forum 2000" after the sale of the UNIX business to the Linux
company Caldera. The left bussiness division of SCO was renamed in Tarantella Incorporated. The line of
business is aligned to the development and sale of the web middleware Tarantella. Caldera split up into the
SCO Group for the complete UnixWare and Open Server operating system business. Caldera purchases all
rights by the take-over at the operating system UnixWare and the associated applications with exclusive right
for sale of the older Open Server system. SCO ensured further the license income which flow in the Tarantella
division. About 800 employees of SCO shall change to Caldera Inc. As a selling price 7 million dollars cash as
well as 28 percent of the shares, which are about 17.5 million share certificates, from this are 2 million share
certificates from a reserve for employee options. In addition, the Caldera investor "The Canopy Group" has
agreed to grant a credit of another 18 million dollars for SCO.
Caldera plans the disclosure of the source code of UnixWare. But copyrights of AT&T, Novell, Tandem,
Compaq and SCO are still parts of it. The time for the release isn\'t published yet. Currently (July 2003) is the
SCO Open Server 5.0.7 with enhanced hardware support and USB 2.0 support the latest release.
The SCO Group took the company IBM to court for 3 billion dollars compensation in March 2003 because of
injury of an intellectual property from the former common project Monterey. It is all about more exactly that
SCO has basic rights at the UNIX source code and Linux relies on UNIX architecture and APIs own copyright
claims are injured. SCO wants to prove this by facts of the source code transfer between UNIX and Linux. In
August 2003 IBM answered with a countersuit for reason, SCO has hurt the GPL by the Linux distribution of
her own and loosed possible copyright claims through this. SCO has taken licence fees for the use of Linux
which is forbidden by GPL.
Several companies were included in this court process as plaintiff or defendants. The legal discussion lasts
without a clearing judgement in meanwhile for more than 3 years.
Software Products
- SCO Open desktop 3.0
- SCO Linux 4.0 Client & Server, LSB 1.2, Kernel 2.4.19 (Jan. 2003)
- Tarantella
- UnixWare
- Open Server (with JavaT of Virtual Machine)
- Enterprise System, Host System, Internet FastStart System, Desktop System
Company History
Short info 1979 - 1986
1979 SCO is founded by Doug and Larry Michels to port UNIX® and offer consulting.
1983 SCO delivers the first UNIX system (called SCO XENIX system V) for Intel 8086 and 8088 CPUs. It
makes the reliable use in enterprises possible and is designed for critical enterprise applications.
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1984 SCO has created himself an two ways sales model to be able to offer his operating systems worldwide.
SCO works together with computer manufacturers, resellers and application developers to serve the market
with SCO server software for intel CPU systems.
1985 SCO delivers SCO XENIX 286 for Intel CPU 80286 systems. SCO XENIX 286 is compatible to older
applications of the pre-versions.
1986 SCO purchases parts of Logica Ltd. in England, the first European headquarters is founded.
Short info 1987

SCO invits computer manufactures and software developer to the "386 summit" in San Francisco, the first
meeting of these people for insights into the new Era of the 32-bit Intel platform. In the same year SCO
released XENIX 386, the first UNIX and 32-bit operating system for x86 systems with GUI.
Short info 1989

SCO publishes SCO UNIX system V/386, the first product which one was licensed from AT&T to use the UNIX
system trademark. The SCO Open Desktop is coming out too.
Short info 1990 - 1996

SCO purchases HCR, foundation of a branch office in Canada. SCO delivers SCO MPX the first software
package for the new Intel multi-processor architecture
1992 SCO publishes the SCO OpenServer family of the operating system. SCO version 4 (UNIX System V
release 3.2) for computer with 386s or 486s CPU by Intel is released. The multi-processor extension SCO
MPG allows the use of up to 30 CPUs in a system now.
1993 SCO takes IXI Limited, an established development centre.
1994 SCO purchases Visionware
1995 SCO provides the first commercial Web browser IXI Mosaic which was licensed from NCSA too. SCO
purchases the UNIX technology of Novell and also takes over the UnixWare 2 operating system.
1996 SCO founds first initiative of computer sellers to establish a standard UNIX system for Intel systems in
enterprises. The campaign was called "Big E initiative".
Short info 1997

SCO published the network software Tarantella which supports the central administration and guide
server-based applications about the network. SCO delivers the first Cluster solution for Intel-based servers.
Short info 1998

SCO delivers the UnixWare 7 operating system, a progressive server operating system for Intel CPUs. It
consists of parts of the two UNIX derivatives UnixWare and Open Server. Altogether 4 variants are offered:
Enterprise, Application/Database, Mail/Messaging and Intranet. SCO founded the "Data Center Initiative" to
create a standard UNIX system for in data centre environments.
SCO and IBM developed a high performance UNIX system for the Intel IA-32 and IA-64 architecture in Project
Monterey with the support of Intel. As a result a single production line arises for IA-32, IA-64 and IBM CPU
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systems from entry server up to large enterprise environments. SCO delivers UnixWare for intel "Merced"
(BL2) CPU, the first stable UNIX system developer platform for Intel IA-64 CPU "Itanium".
Short info 1999

SCO publishes UnixWare 7.1 with the Webtop software (Tarantella Technology) and a new enterprise and
data-centre version. UnixWare 7 of NonStop® Cluster software for Intel CPUs is released. SMP systems also
can contain at most 8 CPUs, max. 64 gbyte RAM are addressably. Clusters can consist of a combine of up to
six computer machines. SCO publishes different open source initiatives. SCO announces Tarantella Enterprise
II which allows the high-speed network access to Windows 2000 and Windows NT 4.0 applications also about
the Internet. The Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) of Microsoft will be used.
(Source: SCO)
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SGI Company History Silicon Graphics, Inc. is founded by 8 persons in 1982. SGI is manufacturer
of workstations, servers and also sells supercomputers and clusters for effortful graphical computing. SGI has
his headquarters in Mountain View, California and is leaded by Rick Beluzzo as CEO. Specialized in virtual 3D
representation and animation with it was possible with SGI technique and IRIX to create movies like Jurassic
Park, Final Fantasy - The Spirits Within and Ice Age.
The Altix series was introduced in 2003 and shall be able to manage up to 2048 CPUs and 16 tbyte main
memory in a cluster in the maximum upgrade stage. As an operating system can beside IRIX also be used the
SUSE Linux Enterprise Server for servers and super cluster systems. For example SGI sells Altix 3000 servers
with 64 Itanium 2 64-bit processors of Intel. The full equipped system costs about 1.1 million U.S. dollars. Altix
350 servers with 4 to 16 Itanium 2 64-bit processors are new from the factory to have for a amount of about
21,000 U.S. dollars. Altix systems can be integrated by the NUMA architecture as nodes in Cluster or as single
devices modular extended. Soon, a model with up to 128 CPUs also shall be available.
Company Timeline1982 Silicon Graphics is founded

1983 First graphical terminal solution (IRIS® 1000 )
1984 First workstation
1986 Start on the stock exchange of Silicon Graphics
1991 IRIX 4.0 operating system published
1992 MIPS Computer Systems Inc. was taken over for 200 million dollars and separated to the subsidiary
company MIPS Technologies
1993 Contract with Time Warner for the development of new technologies, completion of a contract with
Nintendo for the development of the N64 game console
1994 Foundation of Silicon Studio, Inc. for the digital and interactive media market
1995 Take-over of Alias Research Inc. and Wavefront Inc. which are summarized to the subsidiary company
Alias/Wavefront
1996 Fusion with Cray Research (supercomputer), new SGI product is the visualization computer Onyx 2 with
SMP. Establishment of VRML 2.0 as a 3D-Internet standard
1997 Release of the Octane POWER workstation, purchase of the company ParaGraph International (3D
internet software), sales volume of 3.7 billion dollars, 79 million dollars profit, approx. 10,500 employees (of
this 7,700 in the USA) and 42 branch offices worldwide. Manufacturing facilities in Mountain View and
Sunnyvale (California), Chippewa Falls (Wisconsin) as well as Cortaillod (Switzerland).
1998 IRIX 6.5 published
Short info of 1999

- Bob Bishop becomes Chief Executive Officer
- SGI separates from MIPS
- Silicon Graphics names himself in SGI
- SGI installs Linux Cluster with 128 CPUs
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- SGI builds Linux Cluster with intel IA-64 processors
Short info of 2000

- SGI cooperates with VA Linux and Nvidia
- SGI separates from Cray
- Compiler for IA 64 as open source
- Linux Cluster with SMP servers
Short info of 2001

- Internet server for e-commerce published
- SGI Origin 3800 system supercomputer with 1,024 CPUs and 512 CPUs is used for the clima research by
NASA
- SGI released his developed XFS file system
Short info of 2004

SGI sells the company Alia with the 3D-Software Maya
Short info of 2005

- dropping sales and profits
- SGI shares are taken out from the stock exchange
Memo slip 2006

- Dennis McKenna becomes the new CEO
- SGI applies for creditor protection
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Sun Company Sun Microsystems, Inc. was founded by Andreas of Bechtolsheim, Vinod Khosla, Bill Joy
and Scott McNealy in the Californian Silicon Valley in 1982. Sun Microsystems GmbH was set up in 1984 in
Munich, sales offices are established in Ratingen, Berlin, Hamburg and Stuttgart. The first workstation of Sun
is the Sun-1 with SunOS as operating system. The Motorola CPU was clocked with 6 MHz, the RAM was 1
mbyte and the hard disk was equipped with 60 mbyte. In 1983 the successor Sun-2 appeared with 10 MHz
CPU, up to 7 mbyte RAM and supported one large hard disk up to 380 mbyte . In 1985 the Sun-3 serie was
equipped with CPUs of up to 25 MHz and up to 32 mbyte of RAM. The first Sun-4 models were published with
the own SPARC V7 RISC architecture in 1987. In 1989 Sun\'s SPARC station 1 was available for less than
9,000 dollars and overhauled the performance of previous desktop systems with 12.5 MIPS. Solaris 2 of
SunSoft was published in 1991, the first revised version based on UNIX SVR4 and for Intel x86 systems.
AOL and Sun form 1998 a strategic partnership, Sun introduces the specification for embedded Java 1.0.
Solaris 7 is published as new 64-bit operating system environment for network computing. A renewed
benchmark record is obtained for SAP System R/3 on Sun enterprise 10000 servers. Sun is a worldwide
leading UNIX server provider after sold quantities, the HPC 10000 server has a top position in
supercomputing. A cooperation between BULL AG and Sun Microsystems GmbH is agreed. Sun announces
extensive educational consulting services and created a new competence centre for network computing
technologies.
Sun gives the specification for the Jiro platform for a platform independent memory management free in 1999,
Novells NDS eDirectory is availabe for the Sun platform now. Sun Solaris runs on 64-bit Itanium processor of
Intel and Sun reached an new world record at the TPC-C benchmark. Sun gets the SAP Award of Excellence
1999 and got the 100th order for the Sun enterprise 10000 high performance server in Germany.
In the year 2000 Sun is confirmed as a market leader in the UNIX server market, Sun Cluster 3.0 sets
standards in the management of complex networks. The StarOffice source code with about 9,000,000 lines of
code is now freely accessibly. The Solaris 8 source code is also available under a restrictive licence for
research and development. The Sun StorEdge T3 system scales up to 169 terabyte of hard disk storage, Sun
delivers the fastest Java platform for Linux. The first workstation with Ultra SPARC III CPU is released. Sun
takes the company Cobalt Networks. A new version of the Java 2 platform is introduced and Solaris 8 is
worldwide available now.
With an annual sales volume of 18.3 billion U.S. dollars Sun is already 2001 represented in over 170 countries
with about 37,500 employees worldwide. Sun Microsystems GmbH with approx. 1,800 employees achieved a
sales volume of 2.338 billion DM unlike the previous year with only 1.766 billion DM in this financial year. Sun
is the leading manufacturer of UNIX workstation and servers (sources: Dataquest, IDC). Sun Systems are the
most successful platform for relational databases under UNIX as well as for use of SAP R/3 under UNIX. Sun
is a leading provider of technologies in numerous application areas like in the development of electronic, the
mechanical construction, in the software engineering, at the print and online media as well as in the
telecommunication sector and the finance economy. According to the numbers published by Gartner
Dataquest (Q1/2001) Sun Microsystems is the no.1 in the U.S. UNIX server market and worldwide no. 2 in the
total market for servers of all operating systems. Sun increased his market share by 19 percent this year and
keeps a market share of 32 percent now. Sun workstation reached worldwide with estimated 432 million
dollars sales volume 20 percent market share (Q1/2001) of all saled workstations including NT and UNIX
systems (IDC 05/01). Sun announced the new clustering solution for supercomputing environments and
reached a benchmark record result for midframe systems. Sun sponsers 8 million lines of source code for
SunSource.net, Sun introduces JXTA. The new Sun Fire product line with UltraSPARC-III processors is
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starting from the Sun Fire 3800 (up to 8 CPUs and 64 gbyte RAM) to the Sun Fire 6800 (up to 24 CPUs and
192 gbyte RAM) available. The new Sun Fire server obtains a benchmark record with the Oracle e-business
suite. The Sun Blade 100 is the first 64 bit UNIX workstation for DM 3,000, Sun ONE Webtop becomes
establishedly as technology for open web services.
In response to the .NET strategy of Microsoft Sun puts in 2002 on the ONE (Open Network environment)
strategy. With the LX50 server you can use Sun Linux 5.0 based on Red Hat Linux and Solaris 8.0 as an
operating system. On booth operating systems mySQL, the Java 2 Standard Edition (J2SE), the Apache Web
server, Sun Grid Engine and further components are usably.
In March 2003 Sun announced the cancel of the own Linux distribution, but for this Sun supports selected
standard Linux distributions. The "Orion" initiative which shall guarantee the faultless execution of Linux
programs for Solaris was started at the same time. Sun and Microsoft announced a better cooperation at the
beginning of April 2004. The settlement of all legal disputes is included. In return Microsoft pays 1.95 billion
U.S. dollars to Sun. Scott McNealy and Steve Ballmer met each other to spoke around the further common
approach. They assured themselves of the mutual payment of licence fees for the use of patents and
techniques. Target shall be the lowering of the development and research costs. This agreement shall not
have influence on the competition of the two enterprises in the economy. Sun showed the take-over of the
company Tarantella for about 25 million U.S. dollars on May 10th, 2005. The transaction shall be completed in
the 1st quarter 2006. Tt the beginning of July 2005 the plan became known to publish the own Java Desktop
System (JDS) in source code also. It is based on the gnome desktop and the SuSE Linux distribution. JDS
shall become the standard interface for Solaris and shall replace the meanwhile out-dated CDE user interface
in the further course. Sun differs with that from his Linux/JDS initiative for an alternative to Windows and
concentrates his resources on OpenSolaris/JDS now.
2005 Sun publishes the 128-bit file system ZFS for Solaris, the processor UltraSPARC T1 also is introduced.
The Solaris kernel and important libraries are published as open source for the OpenSolaris project. Solaris 10
is licensed within 2 months about 1 million times for x86 and SPARC systems, Sun presents the 3D desktop
Looking Glass on the CeBIT in 2005.
2006 the x86 server systems Fire X4600 with Opteron processors, the Storage server X4500 and Sun Blade
8000 are introduced. The mySAP business suite and SAP NetWeaver for x64 Sun Solaris 10 operating system
are available now. Sun publishes completely the design documents for UltraSPARC architecture. The dual
processor workstation Ultra 40 with Opteron CPUs as well as Ultra 45 with UltraSPARC-III CPUs hit the
market now.
Business fields
- Network Computing (network computer systems)
- Sun workstation, Ultra workstation
- Sun Ray Thin client, Sun Ray product familiy
- Sun enterprise server, server family
- Network Storage, Sun StorEdge storage systems
- NetraT Internet server
- Chip components, periphery devices
- Network components
Software products & services
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- JavaOS
- Java desktop system (Linux distribution)
- Java technology, "Write Once, run Anywhere"
- Java 2 Standard Edition (J2SE)
- Jini Technology, "The network is the computer"
- Sun ONE (Open Network Environment)
- Sun ONE Forte for Java and Forte fusion
- Sun ONE Webtop
- Firewall SunScreen
- Sun Chilli!Soft ASP web server
- Star Office 7.0 as a complete office suit
- Open Office 1.1 as a complete office suit
- Sun Solaris operating system
- Sun system availability service
- Sun professional services
- Internet security solutions
- 8 million lines of source code released on SunSource.net
- Forte for Java Release 3.0
- Sun Cluster 3.0 software (for Oracle 9i real application cluster)
This list does not lay any claim to completeness.
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Term explanation Here you find the term explanation supplementing to the most important terms
related with operating systems.
ACPI Advanced Configuration Power Interface stands for energy functions to make it at example possible to
connect or remove a laptop computer to the docking station without restart. The OnNow energy saving function
can shift an ACPI compatible computer to sleep mode and back to normal mode. Suspend to disk is another
mode which awakes the computer from the sleep mode in short time to recover the last running operating
system state. Modern mainboards supports the power on of the computer about keyboard input and other
interfaces in the BIOS.
The API, Application Program Interface serves as standardized programming interface between operating
systems and programs. Example is the Win32c API in Windows 95 and Windows 98 SE which is partly also
compatible with 32-bit Windows programs of Windows NT.
AppleTalk is the standard network protocol of Macintosh computers for the common access to files and
printers.
BASIC The Beginner\'s All-purpose Symbolic Instruction Code is a simple programming language for realtime
interpreted programs by the BASIC interpreter.
The Desktop is the essential component of a graphical user interface of a operating position for the function as
work desk. The user has comparatively as well access to his documents and tools like on a real work desk.
GUI The Graphical User Interface was invented as method by research and publications of Dr. V. Bush in 1945
and described as simply access to informations with a graphical interface on computers. At that time, the
design model Memex could not be built. With the development of the mouse in the sixties as a pointing
equipment for computer it was for the first time possible to use graphical user interfaces efficiently. PARC
(Palo Alto Research Centre) started with the first developments of this technique with personal computers at
Xerox in the seventies. In the same time period Xerox published the first personal computer with graphical
interface and overlaid windows, Xerox Alto was mainly used in education facilities. With the Xerox Star type
8010 the first computer came onto the market with graphical user interface and ethernet connection for the
commercial use in 1981. In 1985 the Star technology became transfered into the project Elixir Desktop, a GUI
for the PC. Apple used a GUI with the computer system "Lisa" in 1983. The GUI Visi On was released by Visi
Corp PC especially for the IBM PC in 1984, Digital Research offered at the same time GEM for Intel/DOS
systems. Few time later the X Window System was born at the MIT for UNIX related operating systems
IPX/SPX (Internetwork Packet eXchange, Sequenced Packet Exchange) is needed for the communication with
older Novell NetWare servers up to version 4.x, after that as optional protocol for data transmission. It is a
particularly efficient network protocol and designed for smaller networks.
Multi-Tasking serves for the almost parallel and time limited execute of program parts in an arbitrary number.
This happens by the management of the operating system with the grant and revoke of system resources.
Inside fast time switches in milli-seconds or with real time operating systems in nano-seconds the access is
regulated.
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Computer systems with multi-processors contains at least 2 CPUs. Through this the computer power rises
almost proportionally with the number of processors. A part of the performance is needed for the management
of the process allocation to coordinate the simultaneous access at shared memory. The operating system is
able to distribute the computing load on several processors, named as SMP (symmetrical multi-processing).
These processes can be executed parallel at the same time. Condition is the use of especially SMP optimized
software. Examples of supporting operating systems are BeOS, Linux and Windows NT/2000 in the
corresponding version depending on supported processor number.
The multi-user ability of a operating system makes it possible to let login and work several users at one
computer at the same time. The ressoruces of a multi-user system can be used fully.
NetBEUI (NetBIOS Extended User Interface) is a network protocol developed by Microsoft which stands out
primarily due to his performance for small networks but cannot be routed in networks.
PDA The Personal Digital Assistent as a small, handy digitally equipment takes over the functions of a memo
pad and also for Internet services like WAP and e-mail. Even word processing and other applications are
mobile usable.
POSIX The Portable Operating System for unIX specification serves the uniform use of the API and the
development of compatible programs under different operating systems. It made it easier to port and run UNIX
applications on different operating systems like Windows NT and others. Also under the different UNIX
derivatives a uniform standard was created to protect in-house developments of individually companies. In
addition, it guarantees the protection of done investments because applications remain transferably.
The Protected Mode is supported by all x86 processors since Intel 286. With this mode memory can be
addressed up to 4 gbyte. The processing bandwith is 32-Bit, for compatibility reasons 16-Bit programs can be
executed furthermore too. For this a virtual engine is required for the use of real mode programs like MS DOS
programs under Windows 9 x/NT, which provides a exclusive 16-Bit environment.
Real mode is an operating mode which was supported before the Intel 286 CPU as the only available mode. It
makes the absolute access to working memory and hardware possible. This mode can address up to 1 mbyte
RAM, teh processing bandwith is 16-Bit. Example of one real mode operating system is MS-DOS without an
Extender. With the Intel 286 CPU the protected mode become introduced, which makes a controlled access to
the resources and memory protection possible.
The TCP/IP (Transmission Control Protocol, Internet Protocol) is the standard network protocol for the internet
and large companies. Since 1982 it has replaced the previous protocol NCP (Network Control Protocol). At the
moment with version 4 it supports a 32-Bit address range and in the near future with TCP/IP version 6 a bigger
address range with 128-Bit address range.
Thread To accelerate programs on normal computers and multi-processor systems parallizable program code
is distributed in so-called Threads, which can be passed on several CPUs or executed with little deferred time
on one CPU. Through this the simultaneous write and printing of one or different documents within an
application is made possible.
A Driver is a software which is allocated as software layer between the hardware layer and the application or
operating system. Besides the communication between driver software as in the case of a file system
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encryption these can also be purely virtual. File systems, network protocols, RAM disk and the DOS box are
such virtual devices under Windows. As a rule, driver software are primarily developed further with improved
efficiency over the time often seen for mainboard chipsets. New characteristics like TwinView for graphics
cards or a lower processor load for hard disks operations in the DMA mode are practicable.
So that an application can access the hardware about the API a call is send to the operating system. After
check after permission of the request to the hardware driver the connection to the driver software is made. The
direct communication between application and driver software to the hardware is considerably faster than
indirect about system calls but carried out without supervisory authority or special protection. About the indirect
call to the operating system and interfaces bugs are heavily to trace for the user. Unclear remains most
whether the bug was caused itself by the application, the operating system or the driver software. Applications
are usable by the uniform driver software interface with considerably lower overhead on a broader hardware
basis. The applications has not t oinclude self programmed device drivers to use the hardware equipment.
Driver software developers for hardware procducts can just do concentrate her work to the hardware
communication under compliance of the operating system to driver software interface communication without
the need of special adaptation to single programs. By the different interfaces of driver software for a platform
like PowerPC to x86 cannot be ported without adapted source code to another operating systems (like
Windows 9x driver for Windows NT), except the source code supports the same mechanism. It remains
supplementary to mention that the special customization of applications to single hardware components further
is made and definitely makes sense in some areas to reduce the bug vulnerability, obtain the highest possible
performance or simply increase the stability. Examples are the optimize of older programs for the Pentium 4
instruction set support or the MacOS with closely developed applications by the same company as Apple. [
Also see Windows device driver models ]
WDM The Win32 Driver model was designed in 1996 of Microsoft to create a uniform standard for all future
Windows driver software. Hardware manufacturers use these interface between application and kernel around
to develop compatible driver software for the hardware, graphic card drivers excepted. As advantages have to
be called new extensions like plug & play and the energy management for Windows NT 4.0. The uniform driver
software for Windows 98 and Windows 2000 as well as a near system imbedding provide better performance
and stability. The development overhead is lowered by the standard.
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File systems File systems are needed to store files and directories organized to any data storage media.
Read and write accesses on the file system are realized by the driver software. Worldwide exists more than
100 different file systems and partition types with different features. Additionally are network file systems which
exist only within net environments and make the data access independent from the platform on protocol layer
possible. The file systems for parallel computing also belong to the network field. Examples of such are GPFS
(General Parallel File System) of IBM for the operating system AIX, PVFS (Parallel Virtual File System) for
Linux Cluster or also the GFS (Global File System) to name only a few.
BFS | ext2 | FAT 12,16,32 | HFS | HPFS | ReiserFS | NFS | NTFS

fs-QNX | iFS | NFS | SMB |
BFS Be file system The Be file system (BFS) is a 64-Bit file system which was also like BeOS designed for
the multithread ability. With the journaling function all file system accesses are stored in a kind of database
which offers high performance for the access to attributes of files and directories. If a error occured,
inconsistencies can be avoided or cleared. Even incomplete data storage processes can be undone. A great
unusual feature is the file type identification. It is not fixed on the file extension but about the MIME attribute
which is used also for the marking of e-mails. About the definition of the MIME type with an application the file
can be opened in BeOS. If the file type is not assigned, BeOS fetches the file extension and signed it to an
MIME type.
- Partition size max. 2 64 bytes (approx. 18 trillions gbyte)
ext2-fs Extended filesystem ext2 is the extended file system of Rémy Card. It can be described as the
standard file system for the Linux operating system. The file names can contain up to 255 characters, the
maximum size for a partition with kernel 2.2 are at 2 gbyte.
This file system is organized that to each file exists an information file (inode) which contains evertything
except for the filename. So the access rights, file size, position and the occupied file blocks are notized.
In meanwhile the 3th version of the ext file system is used with many improvements in the area of design and
performance.
FAT 12/16/32 File Allocation Table FAT file systems are built up with a simply structure and include an
additional copy of the file allocation table in the first mbyte on the data storage media. At damage to the main
table this can be corrected by the second copy, on condition that the first mbyte starting at sector 0 was not
deleted. The access to FAT partitions is supported by most operating systems as a standard. This file system
uses only very low resources, only the high slack space with to big cluster of formated storage devices is a
disadvantage. File names are generally stored in capital letters, a differentiation distinction of small and capital
letters is not made under Windows operating systems. FAT file systems supports only few attributes. These
are R, H, S, A: Read-only, Hidden, System and Archive.
The number of at most addressable Clusters in bit with the FAT file system is described by the 2-digit number.
From this the following details are shown:
FeaturesFAT 12FAT 16FAT 32max. file size:32 mbyte2,048 mbyte4,096 mbytemax. partition size:32 mbyte
2,048 mbyte (DOS)
4,096 mbyte (NT)8,192 gbytemax. number of files:409665,536approx. 4.2 mio.
FAT 12 Was used for the first time for 180 kbytes floppy disks in 1976. The idea and basics for this file system
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origin from Tim Patterson, the technique was bought up 1976 of Bill Gates. For the file name at most 8
characters and 3 characters for the extension are possible.
FAT 32 is the successor of FAT 12 for hard disks. This revised version allowes partition sizes of up to 8
terabytes now. Formatting more than 32 gbyte big FAT32 partitions is not possible in Windows 2000 and
Windows XP directly. Opposite to FAT 16 FAT 32 uses smaller clusters which leads to a better use of storage
and less slack space. By the a little risen administration overhead it is usable with at least 90 mhz at the
approximately same performance at the same combatibiliy. File names are not restricted to the 8.3 scheme
any more.
HFS Hierarchical Filesystem HFS is the standard file system for Macintosh computer. It is the successor of
the MFS (Macintosh file system) file system. A partition can be formatted with up to 65,535 Cluster (16 bit), the
cluster size varies according to the size of the partition. File names can consist of up to 31 characters, the
maximum file size is 2 gbyte. The successor is called HFS+ and records all accesses to the file system in a
journal for a higher data security. The file name can consist of up to 255 unicode character now. The file
system can address clusters with 32-Bit and supports a maximum file size of 8 exabyte (263 byte).
HPFS High Performance File System This file system was developed together by IBM and Microsoft around
the year 1985. At first it was used in OS/2 1.2 and Microsoft LAN Server. The idea arose from the insufficient
abilities of the FAT file system for use on servers and networks, like missing file access rights. HPFS has a
considerably more progressive method to manage files and directories and avoid the fragmentation largely. By
the order in B-trees objects can be located much faster. The object table is in addition also located in the
middle of the partition to increase the data security and minimise the seek time. Own attributes like
informations about the origin of a file can be defined. In 1991 the cooperation on OS/2 by Microsoft was quit
which led between IBM and Microsoft to a break. New sales partner for OS/2 since then was Apple.
ReiserFS ReiserFS belongs to the journaling file systems. With his administration structure built up like a
database any logged change can be undone. All accesses to the file system are included and provides
moreover the consistency of data also at a sudden power failure. The check on file consistency is very fast.
Linux, HP-UX, AIX and OS/2 used this file system it optional and take advance of the high performance,
reliability and fast access time speed at the storage of large amounts of data. It cooperates also reliably with
the different RAID levels in the software mode.
NTFS New Technology File System This file system is used since the first Windows NT version. It has
design concepts of HPFS inherited. The administration takes place directly at sectors area and makes a better
storage usage possible. To the administration of the sectors and files the MFT (Master File Table) comes to
use. It belongs to the journaling file systems which take down and supervise every modification. If a process is
not finished completely, the original status is restored. With NTFS single files and folders can be signed with
rights. The partition size can be up to 2 64 byte, file names with up to 255 unicode characters are possible. A
transparent compression of files and directories is supported and offers a transaction administration of every
access by indizies. Attributes of stored objects are Read, Write, Execute, Delete, Owner, Permission and
Compressed.
NTFS features (since Windows XP)

- Revised functions of the pre-version
- Encryption of the file system with EFS
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- Data storage quotas (taken by UNIX, disk quotas)

- Provision points (taken by UNIX, mount points)
- Supervision of the path of distributed links
- Transparent compression of files with a low data density
- Modification journal for file operations
fs-QNX QNX Filesystem This file system is very efficient and has an extremely robust design. The file
allocation table is a bitmap which prevents data losses and simplifies a recovery by signatures (control
structures). It is like the QNX 4 file system, contains POSIX features and supports multi-threading. File names
can consist of up to 48 characters.
iFS Internet File System The Oracle iFS stores files in an Oracle 9i database, but can manage also external
files and include it in the general use and administration of files in the network as well as the extensive search
function. The access is also possible over different protocols like HTTP, SMB, FTP and SMTP. All functions
can be used only over the special Oracle software. Additional features like management of different file
versions and XML support counts to the strengths of this file system. The customization ability and conversion
of documents as well as e-mails are also noteworthy. The read and write of files within the database is
generally slower than at pure file servers. In return the search function leads considerably faster at great
archives to a result.
NFS Network Filesystem Sun Microsystems developed this file system to make the file access over several
computers possible. With this network file system directory entries of different computers can be exchanged in
the local network. It is the standard file system of computers in UNIX networks for the data access.
SMB Server Message Block This network file system or protocol make it possible to access the exported
directories of a computer with NetBIOS and TCP/IP support. Windows for example offers this functionality as
of the version 3.11 (Workgroups) if a TCP/IP-stack is installed. Homogeneous Windows networks but also
heterogeneous networks which consist of UNIX or related operating systems and Windows computers are
main fields of use.
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Company web sites The screenshots of the firm web sites can be viewed on this page for the years
2001 to 2003. The full screenshot of the older web sites can be viewed by click on the thumbnail pictures. The
hyperlink under the thumbnail picture opens the current web appearance of the appropriate company which
does not belong to this project.
Hyperlinks & Screenshots: 35 x 3 (2001, 2002, 2003)
apple
be
windriver
caldera
cray
freebsd
ibm
microsoft
netbsd
novell
openbsd
palm
qnx
redhat
sgi
sun
suse
symbian
amiga
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belllabs
freedos
minix
multics
riscos
atheos
newdeal
plan9
att
menuetos
lindows
hp
lfs
reactos
windows ce
v2os
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Operating system core

Microkernel A microkernel is generally built up strongly modularized. The actual system core cares about the
communication channels (message passing) between the user mode modules for the functional tasks. The
kernel contains the most important functions like the process administration (tasks and threads), scheduler,
virtual memory management and interprocess communication (IPC). The kernel is programmed most in the
standard languages like C or C++. Another advantage is the porting to other platforms such as small
embedded devices. Particularly his scaling ability makes it to the first choice for massive parallel designed
systems. This core structure is typical of BeOS and Minix for example. Real time operating systems have to be
easily realized with a microkernel because it is relatively kept small by the only most necessary functions.
Example of it is the QNX operating system.
Summarized the advantages lie in the flexibility, compact size, clear organisation and easier scalability. The
disadvantages have an effect on a slight delay by the additional overhead for the system calls and effortful
programming of the communication channels.
The Carnegie Mellon University developed one microkernel from 1985 to 1994, this one is find in many
operating systems up to this day. The project Mach created this reference core design. The concept was used
in NeXT OS, OSF/1, OS/2 and many others more. Most implementations differ from the typical Mach kernel
design. The kernel in NeXTStep provides different extensions. IBM already uses the version 3.0 of the Mach
microkernel for her Workplace OS. Another abstraction of the reference is the Windows NT kernel, the
so-called Executive who represents a mixture of microkernel architecture and the layer model.
Monolithic kernel The monolithic kernel represents one single executable file with all close system
components united. Drivers, process-, memory- and file system management are located together in one great
kernel. Driver modules can be loaded dynamically in a limited way such as network or SCSI driver software.
Typical operating systems are MS-DOS, Multics, UNIX and Linux. The kernel runs in privileged kernel mode of
the CPU, single components can be paged into modules such as driver software like in the Linux operating
system.
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Platforms There exists different hardware platforms on which operating systems are only useable if they
are ported or designed for the especially platform. Depending on processor architecture there are designed
after the RISC or CISC scheme. Even both architectures are united in some CPU types as hybrids.
RISC systems are optimized on a small instruction set for the processing of machine code and can execute
different applications faster than CISC based systems. Programs can be designed only in assembler, but can
be accelerated with instruction reduction because many code lines are needed for simple procedures. CISC
systems have a complex instruction set to cover a broad application field as possible. Programs for the CISC
design can be developed in higher programming languages but often can be accelerated with faster
processors or special instruction sets such as 3DNow!, MMX, ISSE, ISSE2 in the CPU. Programs can be
developed with fewer instruction lines.
RISC (Reduced Instrucion Set Computer)

Alpha DIGITAL (DEC, Digital Equipment Corporation) developed the alpha architecture inspired from the
MIPS and ARM design. From the beginning high value was attached to highest performance and 64-Bit
processing breadth. Before DIGITAL gain experience with the CVAX, Rigel and NVAX chips. More than 1,000
alpha systems had DIGITAL delivered to software developer in September 1992. On February 25th, 1992
DIGITAL introduced worldwide the first 64-Bit architecture, the AlphaChip and DECchip 21064 with 150 mhz
clock frequency. A new computer line of Alpha AXP systems with workstations, mainframes and server models
were announced in November 1992.
The bus protocol EV-6 of Alpha was licensed for the K7 processor (Slot A) of AMD. Functionalities also are
from the alpha architecture taken and united with the Intel architecture for Intel 64-Bit processors.
ARM The ARM (Acorn RISC Machine) RISC processor reference was designed by the company Acorn Ltd. in
1983. The first ready reference design was called ARM v1 and manufactured with less than 25,000 transistors
in 1985. The first RISC processor fit for use with the ARM v2 design followed in 1986. He was designed so
clearly that only 30,000 integrated transistors were needed. Advantage of a small number of transistors are a
less electric assumption (less than 1 watt), less energy dissipation and thus less thermal heat than CISC
based processors. The company Advanced RISC Machines Ltd. was found by a joint venture of Acorn, Apple
and VLSI Tech with one common development team in Novembers 1990. A professed target is to develop new
and more efficient RISC processors. The cooperation is was so successfully that in consequence ARM is
translated with Advanced RISC Machine. DEC licensed the ARM design and released the StrongARM
processor with 233 mhz and a electric assumption of 1 watt on the market. ARM CPUs are used in most
electronic equipment and embedded systems but also in full-function computer systems like RISC OS.
Currently since October 2001 the 32-bit ARM v6 design with 35,000 transistors is used with downward
compatibly to ARM v5, contains a SIMD extension and has a considerably more efficient instruction
processing. The ARM v10 was the reference design with one FPU from 1998. The ARM11 architecture is
applied on the ARM v6 design and is used in the wide field of wireless technique in equipment for final
consumers, networks and motorcars. The ARM11 is designed for a clock frequency of 350 mhz to more than 1
ghz. (July 2005)
MIPS The first MIPS processor was developed by researchers at the Stanford University in 1984, the basics
for it were already created in 1981. Basic idea is to execute instructions within the instruction line if possible
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without breaks. Per executed instruction only one clock frequency shall be necessary.
MIPS architecture was commercialized of MIPS Computers Systems Inc. MIPS is the acronym for
Microprocessor without Interlocked Pipeline Stages. These processors are used in embedded devices,
handhelds, Internet routers or also in sgi workstations. MIPS CPUs have a 5-stage instruction line to execute
several instructions at the same time. In 1992 MIPS Computer Systems was taken by SGI, the MIPS
architecture is developed further.
MIPS CPU - VersionsDateVersions1985R2000, supports up to 4 Co-CPUs1988R3000, 32 kbyte cache each

for Instructions and Data, SMP support1991R4000, 64-Bit CPU, FPU is integral part of the CPU now, only
8-kbyte Cache each for Instructions and Data1993R4400, 16-kbyte Cache each for Instructions and Data,
optional with 1 mbyte external L2-cache supported199?R5000, 32-kbyte cache each for Instructions and Data,
optimized graphic and FPU performance1994R8000, works with two R4000+ ALU units superscalar on a chip,
FPU external1995R10000, works with two R8000 ALU units and two simplified FPU units on a chip199?
R12000199?R14000, up to 600 mhz, 200 mhz front side bus199?R16000, up to 700 mhz, 64-kbyte cache
each for Instructions and Data, up to 8 mbyte L2-cache
PowerPC In 1928 the Galvin Manufacturing Corporation was founded by Paul V. Galvin. At first radios were
produced, for the first time also with electrical power connection. With the brand name Motorola car radios
were sold at first, because of the high commercial success the whole company renamed in Motorola Inc. in
1947. In 1959 his son Robert W. Galvin took the company which was market leader in the area of electronics
and communication meanwhile. In the middle of the seventies the company aligned her business field to high
tech electronics and became market leader in mobile telephones at the end of the eighties. After the take-over
of General Instrument Corporation Motorola also got market leader for cable modems and settop terminals.
The business field extends last to cordless equipment, broadband accesses for the Internet and the
development of embedded computer chips for network communication devices, individual solutions, working
groups, car and house applications. Motorola established his RISC CPU 68000 (also called m68k, 68k) and
the 88000 (also called m88k, 88k). The cooperation between Apple, IBM and Motorola results in the common
processor MCP601 on the market in 1992. The PowerPC processor was used in the Apple Macintosh, IBM
computers, and embedded devices. With the MPC620 a 64-Bit variant also appeared for the first time. Apple
uses currently the MPC970 as G5 for the Macintosh computer. PowerPC CPUs are used by IBM for example
in system/370, system/390 and since short time in z/series computer systems.
SPARC Dave Patterson designed the draft for the RISC architecture and prepared the way for the SPARC
architecture (Scalable Processor ARChitecture). Technicians of Sun Microsystems defined in derivation of the
RISC conceptthe SPARC architecture in 1984. The first SPARC processor was shown the world in 1986, it
was an 32-Bit SPARC 86900 "Sunrise" processor with 16 mhz and operated a Sun-4/260 workstation. In 1989
the potential of this technique was recognized and the company SPARC International was created. The
defined Goal was to supervise the success of SPARC and to advance the development. SPARC International
published the SPARC v7 design in 1986 and introduced it to the software developers. SPARC v8 was
extended by hardware computings for multiplication and division in 1990. As well around MMU functions and
for 128-Bit Floating point computations. In 1990 over 35 SPARC implementations of companies like Ross
Technology with HyperSPARC, Fujitsu with SPARClite and Sun with SuperSPARC and microSPARC are
available. SPARC v9 was published in 1993, the support of 64-Bit addressing and data types was new.
Processors of Sun with UltraSPARC and Fujitsu with SPARC64 were references.
SPARC processors became an industry standard and are used on a broad range of systems. Included are
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Servers, workstations, laptop computers, storage systems, network switches, settop boxes and digital
cameras. Already at the development a high value was attached to scalability. There are SPARC systems with
more than 100 CPUs per system today available.
CISC = Complex Instruction Set Computer

Intel processors Intel (Integrated Electronics) was founded by Gordon E. Moore and Robert Noyce in 1968.
Intel also produces beside of processors network components and mainboards with a chip set of her own. USB
(Universal Serial Bus) was introduced for the first time on the Comdex in 1996. The number of transistors
"doubles" every 18 to 24 months after an statement from Gordon E. Moore, till now it always made come true.
The first Intel processor was the 4004 followed by the 8088. First with the 286 the x86 architecture achieve a
breakthrough. Before operating systems like MS-DOS worked only in real mode, were at the max. 1 mbyte
RAM without Extender got addressed. Since the 386 the protected mode was possible which makes the
addressing of up to 4 gbyte RAM on the side of the hardware possible. Booth CPU modes are not compatible
to each other, for real mode programs like MS DOS programs a virtual engine is loaded under protected mode
operating systems like Windows 9x/NT. With the Pentium MMX a special instruction unit was integrated for the
first time, followed by ISSE with Pentium 2 and ISSE2 with Pentium 4 especially for the acceleration of
multimedia applications.
Discount for Intel CPUsCPU12/199712/1998DiscountPentium MMX, 233 MHz660,- DM220,- DM-67 %Pentium
II, 266 MHz1.150,- DM360,- DM-69 %Pentium II, 300 MHz1.700,- DM380,- DM-78 %CPU11/199911/2000
DiscountPentium MMX, 233 MHz119,- DM129,- DM+8 %Pentium III, 500 MHz509,- DM399,- DM-21 %
Pentium III, 700 MHz1.699,- DM519,- DM-69 %CPU11/2001*11/2002DiscountCeleron, 1,2 GHz153,- EUR60,-
EUR-61 %Pentium III, 1,2 GHz383,- EUR154,- EUR-60 %Pentium IV, 2,0 GHz613,- EUR209,- EUR-66 %
*Final consumer prices converted for better comparison in euro
Intel sold in 2003 his 1 Billionth processor and employs about 78,000 people in 40 countries. Intel leads in the
area of processors for PC with approx. 80% market share. Intel introduced a new name scheme for his
processors in June 2004. Intel is now moving from the sales argument of processor frequency like AMD too. A
three-digit number is classifying the performance now. The pentium M with Dothan core as well as the Pentium
4 Extreme Edition counts to the 700s class. The 500s class contains the Mobil and desktop version of the
Pentium 4, the 300s class belongs to the Celeron M and Celeron D processors. The Performace can be
compared only within a class but not generally over all classes.
Further companies like Cyrix, Rise and IDT built x86 compatible processors for the PC market. VIA took the
company Cyrix Technology and were with AMD and Transmeta the only competitiors in the year 2003. Main
share in the x86 market has Intel, followed by AMD, VIA and Transmeta with the particularly power saving
Crusoe CPU for mobile devices.
Intel processorsDateVersion1972400419798086, 29,100 trans.198180881982186, 55,000 trans.1982286,

134,100 trans.1985386, 275,000 trans., 1,5 µm - 1,0 µm Manufacturing1989486, 1.2 Mio. trans., 1,0 µm - 0,6
µm Manufacturing1993Pentium was released, 3.2 Mio. trans., 0,8 µm - 0,35 µm Manufacturing1997Pentium,
4.5 Mio. trans. including MMX1997Pentium II, 512 kbyte L2-cache, 38.5 Mio. trans., 0,35 µm - 0,25 µm
Manufacturing1999Pentium III, 40.5 Mio. trans., including MMX, SSE2002Pentium 4, 55 Mio. Trans., 0,18 µm -
0,13 µm Manufacturing, 2005 Successor Pentium D with MMX, SSE, SSE2, SSE3, EM64T
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AMD processors AMD (Advanced Micro Devices) was founded in 1969 and developed at first flash memory.
In 1979 AMD got into the microprocessor market and licensed the 8088 and 8086 CPU design from Intel. In
1986 Intel terminated the licence agreement with AMD whereupon the 80386 and 80486 design was rebuild
and sold as a cheap alternative. In 1995 AMD purchased the company NexGen Inc. and the Nx586 CPU
design which was like that one of the Intel Pentium. This technology flowed into the AMD K5 for the socket 7.
With the AMD-K6 the extension 3DNow! was introduced especially for multimedia applications and the MMX
instruction set was licensed from Intel. With the AMD K7 (Athlon) the Die size was been extended by ISSE.
The AMD K8 is a 64-Bit CPU with own integrated memory controller.
AMD processorsDateVersion1997K61998K6-2 3DNow!, 9.3 Mio. trans.1999K6-3 3DNow!, with 400 and 450
mhz, 256 kbyte L2 cache, 21.3 Mio. trans.1999K7, Athlon, MMX, 3Dnow!, 22 Mio. trans., since 2001 Athlon XP
with SSE2003K8, Athlon 64, Cool and Quiet, NX-Bit
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References
News released from IBM "The Open Group announces availability of UNIX 98 product standards", May 1998
OSI Position Paper on the SCO vs. IBM Complaint

Hyperlink: opensource.org/sco-vs-ibm.xml
VAX, OpenVMS at 20, Nothing Stops It! (1977–1997... and beyond), from digital (.pdf)
Hyperlink: Download
OSEK/VDX Operating System Specification 2.2.1 from January, 16. 2003 (.pdf)
QuickSpecs hp Tru64 UNIX Operating System Version V5.1B from January, 22. 2003 (.pdf)
CALDERA, INC. (Plaintiff) vs. MICROSOFT CORP. (Defendant),

paper sheets from June, 28. 1999
Weblink: Mirror
News archiv from Computerwoche, for reconstruction of the operating systems and companies within the
years 1979-94 (CP/M, MS-DOS, OS/2)
Buch von Microsoft Press: ISBN 3-86063-521-2

Titel: Microsoft Windows Server 2003 - Die Neuerungen im Überblick
www.byte.com Byte archiv 1994 - 1998
HP-UX 11i Overview Brochure - FINAL May, 14. 2003 (.pdf)
Book about Linus Torvalds, David Diamond: ISBN 3-446-21684-7

Titel: Just for Fun - Wie ein Freak die Computerwelt revolutionierte
perso.wanadoo.fr Timeline with release dates from Unix and Windows.
memalpha.cx and kernel.org Infos about the Linux Kernel releases.
Informations about AIX 5L from IBM and JFS

AIX 5L- Technical Preview, AIX Product Marketing Nov. 16, 2000
The Filesystems HOWTO, ©1999 Martin Hinner,Version 0.7.5, 22 August 2000
United States of America v. Microsoft - Civil Action No. 98-1232 (CKK)
Tribut on Seymour Cray - Publikation, ©Nov.1997, ETH Zürich - Input Issue 9
productsdb.riscos.com, RISC OS Informations
Seite 134 von 138

AIX® "From Strength to Strength" - A summary of upgrade benefits '99, AIX Versions Informations
edv aspekte 01/87 (GDR)

Workstation computer A7100 with BOS 1810, Mutos 1700 or SCP 1700
Website from Heise Zeitschriften Verlag GmbH & Co. KG

(formerly Heinz HEISE Verlag), among others publisher of c\'t, IX und Telepolis
IX12/98 "Der große Sprung" Solaris 7: die 64-Bit-Ausgabe
IX05/00 "Novell zieht mit" NetWare 5.1: Im Zeichen der Verzeichnisdienste
c\'t20/98 "Bevolution - BeOS 3.2: bessere Hardware-Unterstützung, [...]"
c\'t21/99 "Apples Neunte: MacOS 9"
c\'t13/00 "[...], Die Microsoft Saga, das Urteil und die Folgen"
"Welches Windows für wen? Auswahlhilfe für die aktuellen Windows-Versionen"
c\'t24/00 "Anpfiff- Whistler - der Nachfolger für Windows ME und 2000"
"Multimedia in der Hand - Kaufberatung: Welcher Personal Digital Assistant für wen?"
c\'t21/01 "Mac OS X 10.1"
c\'t21/02 "Desktop Offensive (Redhat 8.0 und SuSE Linux 8.1)"
Ziff-Davis Verlag, publisher of PC professional, PC Direkt, u.a.

PC professionell 02/95 Special Betriebssysteme
PC professionell09/99 "Hoffnungsvolle Konkurrenz"
PC professionell01/00 "Das beste Desktop-Betriebssystem (Windows 2000)"
PC professionell11/01 "Special: Windows illegal" (Anm.: Review aktueller BS)
PC professionell02/02 Novell NetWare 6.0
PC professionell11/03 Novell Netware 6.5
PC Direkt07/98 "Windows 98- das ist neu!"
Vogel Verlag, publisher of CHIP, u.a.
CHIP5/99 "Alternativen zu Windows"
CHIP 11/99 "Der Linux Test- 7 Pakete auf dem Prüfstand"
DATA Becker Verlag, publisher of PC INTERN, PC Praxis, u.a.

PC INTERN1/00 "Windows vs. Windows"
PC Praxis7/98 "Windows 98: Richtig Umsteigen!"
PC Praxis 4/99 "Linux für Einsteiger"
WEKA Verlag, publisher of PC Magazin, PCgo!, Go!Linux, u.a.

PC Magazin04/99 Basic knowledge: Driver architecture
PC Magazin 10/99 "Unter die Lupe genommen" Basic knowledge: Windows 98 SE
PC Magazin 01/01 "NeueTricks Für Spezialisten" file system NTFS 5.0
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Base knowledge To understand better how a an operating system linked between the hardware and
the application programs the following layer model is helpful. Since the time-sharing era of the operating
systems the process and the resource allocation become controlled themselves. The general structure of an
operating system is appropriate described as follows: "The more software layers of the hardware surround, the
better the application variety and interface can be optimized to the user. By these abstraction layers a
computer gets only right useable for the user."
This model is built up purely schematically, for comparison purposes the following operating system models
are compareable:
BeOS | JavaOS | Linux | OS/2 | Solaris

Windows 98 | Windows CE | Windows NT | Windows XP
Windows Server 2003
Hardware Depending on design concept programs the hardware access is allowed directly or only over
additional layers. Over additional layers the performance is reduced a little and in contrast in the context of
direct access the performance arised.
Layer 1: HAL (Hardware Abstraction Layer) The Hal makes the use on a hardware platform possible for
which the especially processor architecture is designed. Architectures are the x86, alpha, PowerPC or SPARC.
If the porting of the operating system for other platforms is in the foreground, the Hal has a central role for the
porting.
Layer 2: File system, drivers Important tasks of the operating system is the representation of several file
systems which is practicable realized virtually over corresponding driver. Additional functions like encrypting or
compression are also included. Driver software for standard components like keyboard, LPT or COM
interfaces are supported directly by the operating system rudimentarily like in DOS for example. Modern
operating systems have standard driver software included for most hardware components. The manufacturers
provide driver software of their own for extended functions and optimal performance for her hardware.
Layer 3: Management The management layer provides the smooth process of system processes by
cooperative, präemptives or real time multitasking. Depending on priority the operating system assigns CPU
time, memory and I/O accesses to the process.
Layer 4: System interface (kernel) The system interface separates the operating system core of the API,
frequently it serves also as separation mark of the CPU mode of the privileged ring 0 of the kernel.
Layer 5: API (Application Program Interface) With software interfaces like the Win32 API different programs
use unlocked operating system functions like copy or open dialog for file transfers. These are provided to all
programs uniformly with parameters about standard application instructions. Remote data transmission
services for example.
Libraries Libraries provides the operating system and applications ready to use program parts for simplified
access to different functions. By libraries (.dll, .OCX, ...) developers can use frequently required functions
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without having to invent these for the application newly.
Applications Application programs use the resources and device time allocated by the operating system for
use. The user interacts with the computer over appropriate input and output devices.
Executable programs Files that contain by operating systems executable program code can be
recognized by the file ending (Windows) and under some operating systems directly by the file format (UNIX
and derivatives). Files with the file extension *.com are obviously for DOS, *.exe applications can be 16-bit,
32-bit or also for 64-bit Windows operating systems be applicable. Before Windows 95 there are only 16-bit
applications (with a Win32 extension also few 32-bit applications), since Windows 95 for booth 16-bit and and
32-bit programs. There then still is the newer *.msi file format of Microsoft which contains the program and the
assisting installation script in especially packed text form. Parts of the program code are paged out also in *.dll
files, the depending "part of the application" takes advance of it and execute in the context of the application
the code from the DLL file. Under Windows the Visual BASIC files and the .NET framework are example of it.
Behind the file format *.rpm for Linux, an established standard by Red Hat for software with an integrated
installation routine, can contain only the source code of an application or in compiled form especially for a
distribution. This can be recognized on abbreviations like "src" for source code or "mdk" for a Mandrake Linux
distribution. The applications are ELF-Binaries without file extension, about the file header and the file attribute
"executably" a runable application for the user depending on assigned file rights.
The *.pkg format is used under BeOS for files with one own installation routine.
Market shares of the operating systems To obtain a summary of the market shares in the
server and desktop area of the operating systems different market research firms accomplished analyses. The
results are presented in the public media and afterwards only to the client or the paying customer. From the
following sources informations about the market shares of operating systems can be gathered. The market
researchers based up her results on interviews and sales numbers by the manufacturer, the number of
operating systems that are can freely copied are not ascertainable thereby. Only the sales figures of the
commercial Linux distributors are taken into the reports. It has to be examined if multiple installations on a
desktop PC and virtual operating system installations on servers were counted too. So the studies are based
upon estimated values. Studys of IDC and Gartner which have the same topic often differs from each other
depending on the used method at the elevation of the numbers.
The company IDC (International Data Corporation) with headquarter in the USA is a daughter enterprise of the
IDG (International Data Group Inc.) and was founded in 1964 and has worldwide offices. IDC creates reports
for current numbers of market shares by operating systems and about many other information fields. IDC
creates forecasts about the future development and determines current market numbers from the sales figures
of the manufacturer and interviews. Since 1979 exists the enterprise Gartner which has also his headquarter in
the USA and is represented worldwide. Gartner creates market analyses especially for the IT area and
supports his customers at the decision finding in special questions by the making of detailed reports. There still
is the company Netcraft since 1995 next to the formerly named two enterprises with headquarters in England
which is especially specialized in the Internet area. Netcraft provides publicly information about the used
operating systems on servers besides to other information areas on the Internet. It has to considered that
Netcraft taken into account only the first checked URL of a web site for the operating system determination.
Entry pages can run in enterprises on another server like for load balancing as the interlinked enterprise web
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site and differs often in the operating system. Maybe one server is counted multiple times because it is hosting
several web presences with that operating system. For security reasons maybe the operating system
identification is different fro mthe real used operating system to cover the correct operating system up and
provide false information to a possible attacker.
Netcraft has pointed out the portions of Linux distributions in a news of 12/05/2005 on web servers. Red Hat
reached up to 34% followed by Debian with 25% and the greatest growth, Fedora 16%, SuSE 11%, cobalt 7%,
gentoo 3%, Mandriva and Centos comes with 3 % each.
IDC published the proportionate sales of the servers operating systems for the 1st quarter 2005 in a press
release on 26-5-2005. In the total turnover of 12.1 billion U.S. dollars 4.2 billion U.S. dollars are assigned to
Windows and UNIX servers each, with Linux servers were had a turnover of 1.2 billion U.S. dollars. 2.5 billion
U.S. dollars are assigned to other servers operating systems.
IDC has published a study (PDF for download) which was accomplished in the job of the OSDL. Examined
was the development of the operating system Linux in the desktop and server market. As a result it came out
that Linux has established itself and the sales volume related to Linux will increase to 2008 in the software
market to about 35.7 billion U.S. dollars and obtain approximately a share of 28% in the server market. The
sold number shall reach 17 million Linux installations at new and upgraded PCs in the desktop market in the
year 2008. Altogether it shall reach in the desktop and server area 42.6 million Linux installations at all.
Netcraft had released a news on 12-7-2004 with the current numbers of the Linux distributions on web
servers. The number of active web sites for Linux amounted to 2,944.979 in the sum, Linux Red Hat comes up
to about 49.8%, Cobalt on 20.3%, Debian 15.9%, SuSE 11.8%, Mandrake 1.3% and gentoo on 1.0%.
heise online published the report on 8-10-2003 Microsoft-Betriebssysteme dominieren weiter (Microsoft
operating systems are dominate further) with the following information. In the year 2002 121 million licences
were sold in the desktop area. These divide Windows with estimated 93.8 %, Mac OS with 2,9 %, Linux with
2,8 % and other operating systems with 0,5 %. On the 5.7 million server operating systems sold 55.1 % been
allotted to Windows operating systems, to Linux 23.1 %, Unix with 11 % and Novell Netware 9.9 %.
IDC published the figures of the market shares for the year 2001. The Microsoft Windows operating systems
came os 2.2%, Linux on 2.1%, up to 93.2%, Mac in the sales figures in the desktop market. Microsoft obtained
a quota of 49%, Linux 22.4%, NetWare 11.7%, UNIX 11.6%, in the server market.
IDC published the figures of the market shares in March 2001 for the year 2000. The Microsoft Windows
operating systems (95/98/NT/2000/ME) came in the sales numbers in the desktop market up to 93,2%, Mac
OS to 4%, Linux on about 2%. Microsoft obtained a share in the server market of 42%, Linux 27%.
With the determination of the operating systems on which a Website and not only the hostname is really
hostet, Netcraft released in one news of June 2000 the following numbers. The number of active web sites
amounted to 7,727.817, Linux 29.99%, Microsoft 28.32%, other operating systems 23.59%, Solaris 16.33%,
1.76% unknown.
IDC published the figures of the operating systems sold in the market for the current year in December 1998.
In the server market Windows NT achieved 36%, Linux 17%, Novell Netware 24%, UNIX derivatives 23%.
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eBook - Informations about Operating Systems

Version: August 15, 2006 | Download: www.operating-system.org

AIX Internet: AIX

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Windows NT 3.1 Internet: Windows NT 3.1

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during the high load assigned.

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Characteristics- simplified the patching of system functions

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Update: August 2001

Update: March 2002

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- Operating system for 32-bit and 64-bit systems

- PA-RISC and Alpha Systeme

File structure of HP-UX

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Mount directory (temporary)

- 64-bit operating system

File structure of Tru64 Unix

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Mount directory (temporary)

- SMP, multitasking, multiprocessing, multi-user

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- till now only for the 32-bit x86 architecture

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Update: November 2001

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File structure (first level) of Linux and derivatives

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/home - user directory

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- open source development

Update: 17. June 2003

Update: 30. May 2002

Slackware Linux: date / version

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1997 Apr. / Slackware 3.2,

1998: Partnerships with Intel and Netscape

Red Hat Linux: date / version

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1998 Mai / Red Hat Linux 5.1 (manhattan), Kernel 2.0.34

Test: July 2003

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Mandrake Linux: date / version