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Commodore OS (full name: Commodore OS Vision) is a community driven free-to-download Linux distribution for Commodore enthusiasts purchasing Commodore licensed computer equipment. First developed by Commodore USA, it was intended for use on their range of PCs, particularly the Commodore 64x and Vic Slim computers. The first public beta version was released on 11 November 2011.[2] It was based on Linux Mint, and used the GNOME 2 desktop environment. The company became defunct in 2013 before version 1.0 of the OS could officially come out of beta.
 Commodore OS Beta 9 Desktop | |
| Developer | Commodore USA, Leo Nigro |
|---|---|
| OS family | Linux (Unix-like) |
| Working state | Current |
| Source model | Open source |
| Latest release | 2.0 / 13 December 2023 [1] |
| Update method | APT |
| Package manager | dpkg |
| Platforms | x86-64 |
| Kernel type | Monolithic (Linux) |
| Userland | GNU |
| Default user interface | GNOME 2 |
| License | GNU General Public License, others |
| Official website | Commodore OS Vision |
In 2021, Commodore USA's spiritual successor, My Retro Computer Ltd. announced a Kickstarter campaign to bring back the Commodore 64x. The following year, it was announced by Leo Nigro, former CTO of Commodore USA and who is originally responsible for the OS, that a new release would be made for the return of the Commodore 64x. Version 2.0 officially came out of beta and was released on the 13 December 2023. Available to download via a Torrent file on the Commodore OS official website,[3] it is based on Debian and is an unofficial MX Linux re-spin using the Compiz window manager.
There is also an online forum, dedicated to the OS itself and to the new C64x, where people can read the latest news/updates, request help with issues they are encountering, and discuss many things Commodore.[4]
History
editVersion 1.0
editThe first beta of the OS was released on 12 November 2011 by Commodore USA, announced as an operating system for "pre-installation on all future Commodore USA hardware".[5] Version 1.0 never officially came out of the beta phase as Commodore USA went defunct in 2013. The company's website hosting the OS shutdown, and its last release was beta 9 on 9 July 2012.
However, it continued to have small community support - with an unofficial 32 bit version of the operating system released on 22 February 2012. The software and drivers have continued to be available through a page set up by ex-Commodore USA employees who run the still active Commodore USA Facebook page.[6]
Version 2.0
editFollowing the demise of Commodore USA, My Retro Computer Ltd. purchased the company's domain name and C64x molds/stock. On December 21 of 2021, it was announced on My Retro Computer's YouTube channel that a Kickstarter campaign was going to launch to bring back the Commodore 64x in all new colors and case designs.[7]
In May 2022 Leo Nigro, former CTO of Commodore USA, who was responsible for the OS announced he would make a new release in time for the return of the Commodore 64x.[8] Version 2.0 officially came out of beta and was released on the 13 December 2023. It is currently available to download via a Torrent file on the Commodore OS official website.[3] Unlike Version 1.0, Version 2.0 is based on Debian and is an unofficial MX Linux re-spin using the Compiz window manager.
Compatibility
editCommodore OS was not compatible with Commodore 64 software. However, it did contain VICE, an open-source program which emulates Commodore systems.
Design
editCommodore OS was designed as a way to imitate the look and feel of Commodore's legacy systems, and as a complement to the all-in-one-keyboard style of the personal computer. Commodore OS includes a collection of software intended to imitate classic Commodore software.
References
edit- ^ "Commodore OS 2.0 Released". Leo Nigro. Retrieved 4 January 2023.
- ^ "Commodore OS Vision". DistroWatch. 11 November 2011. Retrieved 12 November 2011.
- ^ a b "Commodore OS". www.commodoreos.net. Retrieved 4 January 2024.
- ^ "Commodore OS Vision 2.0 Forum - Index page". forum.commodoreos.net. Retrieved 4 January 2024.
- ^ "Commodore USA". Archived from the original on 7 November 2011. Retrieved 9 April 2012.
- ^ ""Commodore USA Product Support Page"". Retrieved 15 July 2022.
- ^ "Commodore 64 is back!". Retrieved 4 January 2023.
- ^ ""Watch our new Commodore OS vision trailer!"". Retrieved 15 January 2022.