Why Not Linux

(This is about why NedOS will not be a Linux clone)

There are three main operating systems today: Windows, Linux, and MacOS.

Windows is just terrible in every way, and getting worse. It used to be that Windows had the best support for hardware. I believe Linux is better now and can only get better, and Windows will get worse. This is because Microsoft has taken to enjoying changing their driver model periodically, and that breaks old stuff. I do most development on Windows under Cygwin, and I would very much like to stop using Windows entirely.

MacOS is a non-starter. I'm not going to give Apple more money (long story). Also, MacOS is basically BSD (a Unix derivative), plus some stuff.

That leaves Linux. Linux is really very good. But it is a Unix derivative. Some say Unix is bad because it is old. Being old is not necessarily bad, but you must re-examine the assumptions, circumstances, and goals that went into the old design. Where there are changes, it may necessitate a new design.

1. Unix was designed as a simplified alternative to Multics (hence the pun in the name). That no one is making Multics clones today tells you this was probably a good move. That Unix is considered complex hints at how complex Multics must of been (I have no idea)
2. Unix was meant to be run on multi-user computers. You would have one computer for possibly a dozen people to use at the same time. There might be dozens of accounts, some of whom are total strangers (paid accounts).
3. Unix was created for hackers, by hackers. As much as possible, it is intended that users should be able to write their own programs, and those programs should be able to access only the resources available to that user - and no more. Thus we see all the jockeying for "root shells" and counter security practices to prevent that.
4. Unix was meant to run on different types of machines. Linux has done really well here. You can run Linux on a "wall wart" (computer in a power plug), laptop, or supercomputer. In every case, you get the most out of your computer.
   

#1 - Simplicity. This was key to Unix's success. It will have to be a main stay for NedOS. Complexity leads directly to effort, and effort is going to be a key bottleneck.

#2 - Multi-user. This is a source of some complexity that I will be able to avoid. NedOS will be largely single user, with the possibility of some user specific configuration (a family likely has multiple computers, but different people may be on different boxes at any given time).

#3 - Software development. This will be the biggest change. All software functionality will be set at boot time. This should make things simpler, and more secure. I am considering some level of user scripting, but I'm not sure about that.

#4 - Multi-platform. This is a sore spot. I would love to run on all the hardware that Linux supports. But this is a source of complexity (and a huge effort sink). I will be forced to stick to Bochs (which should transition to Qemu for speed). I might be able to run on some real hardware at some point. But consider that my developing a 64 bit kernel means only 64 bit hardware support. 32 bit would double most of my effort.