Echo #07 31 октября 2000

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NeOS - The operating system is a new generation of ZX Spectrum compatible computers NeOS.

   The operating system is a new generation
for ZX Spectrum - compatible computers

                  NeOS



  CONTENTS:


  1 .................. General Information

  2 ................. The concept of OS NeOS

  3 ............. Filesystem NeOS

  4 .. Console and user interface

  5 ............ Hardware interface

  6 ......... Programming under NeOS

  7 ....... Perspective and gratitude



           1. General Information


   Operating System (OS on) - is
program designed to control
computer resources, ensuring the work of external programs and 
provides user interface to

with the system and program - interface to
interaction with devices that are within
of the computer.

   Such a definition, though not claim to absolute 
completeness, but still fairly accurate, fairly exactly 
describes the essence of the concept of OS NeOS. From the 
above, you can also get an idea that is the OS in general and 
what it is needed, what is important.


   Speculate here on what is already
Operating System on the Spectrum and that
They do not have, would be repeated many times. Let me just say 
that on the Spectrum there is only one operating system - it 
iS-DOS, in comparison with which all previous and subsequent 
attempts to create a complete operating system can be assumed 
to fail miserably. This is a fairly well thought out and 
well-developed system, which has a number of original solutions 
and stable, the whole concept of due

what it is, in many cases irreplaceable (for example - HDD).

   Speaking about the operating system, it is important
remember that the most important part of
OS is not the code and interface, and its
concept and positioning in a particular
family of machines for which it is intended. The reason for the 
failure of many good zadumok was precisely the authors' attitude

the concept of the OS as something abstract and
far from reality that it is wrong.
Conversely, when the right approach, taking into account the 
subtleties of a particular platform (not schematic and 
architectural - should reflect on this as a last resort) 
including the scope and footprint platform for a niche in the 
world of information technology, the system, if not doomed to 
success, at least not without chances survive and develop.


   It is this concept-oriented approach used in the development
OS NeOS. We did not aim to embrace
immense as to kill a flock of birds with one stone will be 
difficult. We just makes it convenient and reliable operating

system that would satisfy the most modern requirements for 
operating systems, while being sufficiently simple to use and 
minimally Depending on the configuration computer.




           2. The concept of OS NeOS


  ■ System for Spectrum (rather than the Spectrum

    for the system - [1])

  ■ Focus on the ordinary user

    Spectrum (not lamer - [2])

  ■ The most comprehensive use of resources
    coincides with the computer, with an emphasis on feasibility
    difference (resource for the resource - [3])

  ■ Focusing on computer use

    network (LAN, Fidonet, Internet - [4])

  ■ Total orienirovannost on HDD OS

    the diskette does not make sense (the standard
    LIMITED controller - [5])



  [1] This means that the OS is developed
to work on any Spectrum and does not require
hardware modifications beyond what is already
available.


  [2] Since the Spectrum is not a massive computer, the 
orientation of the OS on lamer impossible for the lack thereof. 
To install the OS and work with it will require some level of 
knowledge, which is at most podavlyayuschego6 spektrumistov. 
This not Microsoft Windows (r).



  [3] A common mistake many spektrumistov (not only) 
mashinopoklonnichestvo ((c) Nemo). Unhealthy attitude of the 
public to the hardware generates refinements Fetish, to which 
all look with admiration, not realizing that by itself it is 
meaningless no. Support the bells and whistles, no "consumer 
content" - it means create yourself a lot of problems as a 
result - no benefit. Therefore supports will be the instrument 
that can be realistically and usefully used system or 
application programs. 


  [4] On the Spectrum is still no n / a for
Work on the Internet - and this is a direct consequence of the 
lack of OS. 


  [5] Using the operating system on diskette does not make 
sense - slow speeds, the impossibility of its virtual memory 
and File sharing is meaningless organization

File System (FS) on a floppy disk to reduce
all the advantages of the operating system.
Example - the same iS-DOS. Therefore, when developing NeOS we 
initially focus on HDD. Pro Connection HDD - see below.




         3. Filesystem NeOS


   In the process of technology development
it was decided that NeOS will have its own filesystem. Here are 
its main distinguishing signs:



   - Structuring (nested subcategory
     Taloga)

   - Partition size is limited to the volume of the mouth
     REFER

   - Names of files and directories in the standard

     unicode

   - The file name is 16 characters

   - Lack of dedicated extensions

   - No restrictions on use of a
     check in a file name

   - Ability to create logical time
     Delov

   - Ability to mount devices

     Other FS

   - Segmented Files

   - Neogranichannoe number of files on

     CD

   - File size is limited to the volume of the mouth
     REFER

   - Ability to create logical bound
     bonds (simlink)


   Access to devices other FS (TR-DOS,
iS-DOS, MS-DOS, NTFS, HPFS, ..) is carried out by mounting the 
corresponding partition to the mount point in the root

directory of the device NeOS. The mount point is a 
subdirectory. For mount the filesystem other than NeOS,

necessary to handle the corresponding
PSI has been installed in the system. Format Descriptor FS 
standardized and will be published later. Thus, it becomes 
possible to easily use network resources by mounting, for 
example, FTP or network drive. 



    4. Console and user interface


   The user interface in a "clean" NeOS
a TTY terminal, or a character input / output device. Console
independent of the screen and keyboard - virtual console can be 
directed to modem, or even exist only virtually. This 
facilitates the creation of a graphical environment, in 
particular, creating a window system console. Command processor

NeOS has a set of standardized commands (currently not fully 
developed), as well as the macro language system scripts, in 
essence resembling shellscript or msdos batch, but provides a 
more complete utilization of system resources. 

   TTY console works with the screen via
driver, so it is possible to use additional graphics modes for 
more convenient presentation of information. 



        5. Hardware interface


   Each of the known system, device
has a unique identifier. Length
ID is not defined yet. Identifiers are of two types: character 
and numeric. The symbolic identifier of the device is used to 
refer to the device through the console, for numerical 
circulation to the interface module (since the core and kernal 
system will be closed this is the only way to work with devices 
except a direct appeal to the ports). Devices are grouped by 
type. Working with devices directly allowed only

in the case of substitution of the application of standard
Driver NeOS - for example, the use of any unknown system 
resources. In other cases, work with equipment made through the 
interface module of the system. 



       6. Programming under NeOS


   OS NeOS conceived and developed as
completely open to the programmer at the architectural level, 
and will be supported by full documentation of all necessary 
information, the programmer. Style of programming under NeOS - 
mashinnonezavisimy because the program uses only function of 
the OS. This is a standard way of programming the operating 
system. Thus, the program is machine-independent, which is 
convenient. 



      7. Perspective and gratitude


   At the moment, willing the general concept
OS, a command language interpreter developed system scripts. 
Being Preparation of low-level modules,

in particular the interface disk drives. Actively developing 
web applications - they planned to make integrated into the 
system. Most likely, it will be a HTML browser and an emulator 
Telnet, through which services will be available FTP, POP3, 
SMTP, IRC. Since the basic network Services will also be 
integrated into the system, writing a more convenient online 
applications will not be easy. 

   NeOS project development at the moment
engaged Insanity ^ Syndrome Projects Associacion (Bratsk). We 
thank all subscribers for ehokonferentsii ZX.SPECTRUM useful 
information concerning the equipment, constructive criticism 
and helpful advice / suggestions. 

   A special thanks goes to announce
those who have agreed to cover the process of working on a 
project NeOS in the media information and participate in the 
development of system. IT'S:



   - Denis Tsigancov

   - Pawel Kislyak (Real Software)

   - Alexander Kandaurov (KACuK)

   - Alexei Zyryanov (LdAbOrC)

   - And others.


   We are grateful to Ivan for Roshchin
useful idea of ​​publishing information and NeOS.


You can contact us as follows:


  email: neos@zx.ru


  fido: 2:5071 / 1999 To: Nikolay Shpilchin


  phone: +7-395-315-3045

             time 17:00-19:00 MSK


  mail: 665,601 Russia

  Irkutsk region, Bratsk reg

  Vikhorevka city street. Mishka 7-68

  Shpilchinu Nicholas


 Information about NeOS can also search for:


      ftp://zx-museum.org.ru/Ns/NeOS


   We invite you to cooperate with those who
there is a reasonable proposal, and any
ideas for NeOS, as well as free
programmers and artists who are ready to cooperate in the work 
on NeOS.