FreeDOS; Free Open Source Operating System

With MS-DOS and PC-DOS no longer around, one would assume that one can no longer DOS programs. With FreeDOS, this is not true. FreeDOS is not only a clone of either but it has also been updated. It is free to download and share.

'FreeDOS is a complete, free, DOS-compatible operating system that you can use to play classic DOS games, run legacy business software, or develop embedded systems. Any program that works on MS-DOS should also run on FreeDOS.

It doesn’t cost anything to download and use FreeDOS. You can also share FreeDOS for others to enjoy! And you can view and edit our source code, because all FreeDOS programs are distributed under the GNU General Public License or a similar open source software license.'

(from the FreeDOS site).

I have installed it on older laptops. I was able to install where other operating systems would not install. I was able to install it with an USB optical drive and with the optical drive that was built into the laptop. I have downloaded and installed DOS games. 

It seems some newer laptops don't have optical drives but one can still buy an USB optical drive. The laptops that I have tried it on do have USB slots. I believe there is a trend where one can install from an USB flash drive. 

With FreeDOS, one can install and use older DOS games and software. There are still sites where one can find DOS games and software. Sites like Dos Games Archives, and Dos Games. 

As of 12/29/2016, the latest version is 1.2 and the latest news is 12/29/2016. 

BigGoofyGuy.

ReactOS: Free Open Source Clone of Windows?

I have been watching / monitoring ReactOS. It is an open source clone of Microsoft's Windows. It is still being developed but many are using and testing it. As the site indicates, it is in deep alpha mode. One can install it but some have limited success. I am hoping to one day use it instead of Windows.

There is a forum there is informative and helpful to anyone who is trying / testing ReactOS. One can report any problems and find help. One can also find information on development and assist - if one can - in doing programming. 

The download page is where one can download the source code, the installation and live version. One can use the ISO files to create / burn a CD with it. One can also download the source code. 

I have downloaded different versions - each one newer one than the previous - but have yet to get it to work. There are others that have gotten it to work. I am hoping to do the same. I have some older laptops that I have tried it on. It seems it needs to be installed by - currently but they are working on it - via an optical drive but one that is not attached via USB. They are working on USB drivers. 

BigGoofyGuy.

AT-ACT Play Den?

I saw this on Geeky Gadgets. It is a 'play den' made to look like an AT-ACT from Star Wars. I think it is not only way cool but also very nerdy. There are some videos at the site. It indicates the source is CF. In one of the video's, it shows how one gets into it and what is inside it. I think Star Wars fans of all ages would really like this.

(photo from Geeky-Gadgets).

Videos from the site.

Building a huge AT-AT.

Giant Stars AT-ACT Play Den.

I wonder if one could build it a little bigger and create a 'tiny house' or perhaps a 'nerd cave' for adults as well as kids? I like to think out loud on possible variations on the same theme. 

BigGoofyGuy.