Operating Systems Programmers Flock to BeOS
April 1st, 2008 by Pawn Showers
A disturbing trend in modern OSes is to abandon optimization code for multiple processors. Most operating system are optimized for the i686 platform by default, and 64bit compiles are becoming more common. What are the users of tried and true processors like the 486 or Pentium I supposed to do? Enter BeOS.
BeOS is an operating system designed to run on a wide variety of processors. And since it was created the early 90's, you can bet the code runs smooth even the 386 processor. Got a 286? No
problem.
In a recent discussion about BeOS, Gadget Guy Shawn Powers said, "I'm thrilled about BeOS! I didn't think my old 286 laptop would ever be useful again. Now, with BeOS, not only am I surfin' the web at 2400 baud, but I can sync with my Palm III again!"
Shawn also gives us a list of the advantages BeOS offers over other, more bloated operating systems:
* Low hard disk demands
* Miniscule RAM requirements
* Compatible with TONS of legacy hardware
* Full VGA & CGA support!
* Carrying around a 286 laptop is great exercise
* Floppy disk support
* 9 & 25 pin serial port support
In the end, it really boils down to what you want in an operating system. If you're looking for something optimized for the i386 platform, with the ability to run on any x86 CPU -- BeOS is the OS for you. Don't let the high demands of Vista, Ubuntu, or even Windows 98 get you down. BeOS levels the playing field, and makes your antiquated hardware scream.
__________________________
Special Magazine Offer -- Free Gift with Subscription
Receive a free digital copy of Linux Journal's System Administration Special Edition as well as instant online access to current and past issues. CLICK HERE for offer
Linux Journal: delivering readers the advice and inspiration they need to get the most out of their Linux systems since 1994.
Subscribe now!
The Latest
Newsletter
Tech Tip Videos
- Nov-19-09
- Nov-04-09
Recently Popular
From the Magazine
December 2009, #188
If last month's Infrastrucuture issue was too "big" for you then try on this month's Embedded issue. Find out how to use Player for programming mobile robots, build a humidity controller for your root cellar, find out how to reduce the boot time of your embedded system, and if you're new to embedded systems find out the basics that go into one. You can also read about the Beagle Board, the Mesh Potato and a spate of other interestingly named items. And along with our regular columns don't miss our new monthly column: Economy Size Geek.
Delicious
Digg
StumbleUpon
Reddit
Facebook








Post new comment