MenuetOS: Bringing Old PCs Back to Life
MenuetOS: Bringing Old PCs Back to Life
MenuetOS is an extremely obscure operating system. It has a very low system requirement, and is mostly only used for outdated computers. It can run smoothly on a 50MHz processor with only 32MB of RAM (MenuetOS, 2010). MenuetOS also has desktop effects, such as transparent windows and three dimensional previews while switching programs.
While MenuetOS is designed to run on older hardware, it’s a new operating system compared to others in existence. Linux has been around since 1991, while Microsoft Windows was first developed in 1981. The other operating systems stated previously are old in comparison, as MenuetOS was first released in 2000. MenuetOS was built completely from scratch, deriving no source code from any other operating system (MenuetOS, 2010). Apart from being built from scratch, it was also programmed with FASM, or flat assembly language. FASM is not the easiest of languages to program with, but most definitely one of the fastest in respect to program execution. Since its release in 2000, it has included numerous hardware compatibility fixes, as well as multi-core support. Throughout the years of development it has also included 64-bit CPU compatibility.
MenuetOS still doesn’t come without disadvantage. Since it is an operating system coded from scratch, compatibility for newer hardware is scarce, and file system implementation is limited to FAT32 (Computerra, 2005). If a user wants to play games, they’re limited to what has been programmed for the operating system; this means games programmed for Microsoft Windows will simply not work. MenuetOS is also limited by resolution. The operating system only supports up to 1280x1...
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...ing Menuet is limited to installed applications and drivers. Menuet is a great operating system if a user is going to revive a seemingly dead and or outdated computer for use as an HTPC, or for casual web surfing. Menuet is also nearly childproof, with configuration options all being handled within files. It’s an easily overlooked operating system that only serves a small demographic, but serves that demographic particularly well.
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I was very interested in computers and technology as a child, both playing games and building fake parts for them. Still in elementary school, I was fascinated by these computing machines, spending hours on end working with DOS to satisfy my curiosity. Around my middle school years, Windows became graphical, and I found interest in even more computer games with even greater experiences and capabilities. Windows was the dominant operating system at the time, but I was soon to find there was a whole different world out there of operating systems. While out on vacation in Washington, DC, my Dad and I were able to meet with the local Tech Fanatics group, HackDC. It was here where I discovered Linux. Linux, an alternative to Windows, immediately grabbed my attention when I saw it in use. It appeared to me as something that only the extreme computer users even heard of. Upon my return home,
The Linux operating system is the catchall term for the dozens of software stacks built around the free and open source Linux kernel. Clumped into distribution...
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...ctioned, communicated, and performed their daily activities. In doing this however, they must stay on top of other competitors by creating new innovative ways to attract the consumers. Some had a long history while others had a short one. Some were provided great feature while others didn’t do so well in this area. One thing is for certain, each operating system provided a use for many consumers that helped not only in the personal lives of many but also within the business world. As we see the history shows that once upon a time what began as a way to for businesses to operate has now turned into a way that people communicate. Technology continues to grow and advance and with that waiting to see what the future holds is a mystery but I’m certain that it will be world of amazement especially seeing where operating systems have come from to where they are currently.
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Then came Linus Benedict Torvalds. At the time he was a sophomore majoring in Computer Science at the University of Helsinki, his hobby also included computer programming. At 21 he found himself spending most of his time toying with computer systems, trying to see what he could do in order to push their limits and increase their functionality. The key missing in his tests was an operating system that had the flexibility craved for by professionals. MINIX was available, though it was still just a stu...
Linux has long been one of many operating systems that have been out to prove its worth in all types of environment. It is currently being considered for enterprise network purposes as well as data centers where it implies servers, workstations and any mainframes as needed. Choosing what operating system to use, whether it is open source or not, can be difficult, though. This paper projects the advantages and concerns of choosing an open source solution like Linux as administrators and users are becoming more aware of Linux running on both server and desktop systems. It is quickly being adopted in an ever increasing number of global corporations and government agencies.
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Their main goal toward this futuristic project is to create a power computer, running Linux operating system, that is lightweight, unobtrusive, reliable, and always doing its job. The MIThril design is based on the use of one or more low power computing cores, each of which is capable or running a full-blown operating system. It is going to be there whenever a user needs. There is no need to carry a compatible, but a simple display vision on the user class. The military is looking forward to have a full combat package for their trained soldiers. The soldiers will have advantage with high tech in the field.
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