96 lines
6.2 KiB
Markdown
96 lines
6.2 KiB
Markdown
+++
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title = 'Frequently Asked Questions'
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date = 2024-06-16T12:33:36+02:00
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draft = true
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#### What is ExectOS?
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ExectOS is an open-source, general purpose operating system written from scratch and based on new XT architecture.
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It aims to be modular, maintainable and compatible with existing software.
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#### What does ExectOS mean? What is the origin of this name?
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The name 'ExectOS' doesn’t have a specific historical origin, as it appears to be a unique creation for this
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Operating System. The term 'Exec' within ExectOS directly relates to execution - the act of carrying out tasks,
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processes, and instructions. In the context of operating system, execution involves managing programs, resources,
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and system operations. Users should associate ExectOS with streamlined performance and reliability.
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#### What does the ExectOS logo present and what is the relation between the logo and the OS name?
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The three wavy lines in the ExectOS logo evoke a sense of fluidity and movement. Their arrangement, forms a shape
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reminiscent of the capital letter ‘E,’ directly corresponding to the initial letter of ExectOS. The flowing waves
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symbolize dynamism, progress, and forward motion. The smooth curves suggest a seamless user experience, while gradient
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colors represent diversity and adaptability. All of this convey a message of innovation, user-friendliness, and
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adaptability. It invites users to explore a new operating system that promises a seamless computing experience.
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#### What architectures does ExectOS support?
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ExectOS supports the x86_64 (sometimes called AMD64 or EM64T), as well as i686 CPU architectures. However, it requires
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a modern EFI enabled hardware, thus it is not possible currently to boot ExectOS on a legacy BIOS.
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#### Is ExectOS a Windows replacement?
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No. ExectOS is a brand new, modern system designed to run applications written for many different types of Operating
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Systems. This allows to implement any environment subsystem to support applications that are strictly written to the
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corresponding standard (eg. DOS, or POSIX). This means that running Windows applications might be as well possible at
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some time. However development is mostly focused on providing system core at the moment.
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#### Is ExectOS another Unix based OS?
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No. ExectOS implements the XT architecture which derives from NT architecture. It is modular, and consists of two main
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layers: microkernel and user mode. Its' kernel mode has full access to the hardware and system resources and runs code
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in a protected memory area. It consists of executive services, which is itself made up on many modules that do specific
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tasks, a kernel and drivers. Unlike the NT, system does not feature a separate Hardware Abstraction Layer (HAL) between
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the physical hardware and the rest of the OS. Instead, XT architecture integrates a hardware specific code with the
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kernel.
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#### Does ExectOS allow to use Windows drivers?
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This is one of our goals. Thanks to the NT drivers compatibility layer provided by ExectOS, you should be able to install
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and use the same drivers as you can on Windows.
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#### Can I install ExectOS on a pendrive / USB stick?
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Yes. This is how it is tested on a bare metal (real hardware).
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#### Program X does not work when I launch it. When can I except things to change?
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It depends. ExectOS is in early development stage and it is not recommended for everyday usage. At this point we cannot
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guarantee anything.
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#### When will feature X get added?
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If you think an idea has merit, you may choose to discuss it on [Discord Server](https://discord.com/invite/zBzJ5qMGX7).
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However, the best way to get a feature added to ExectOS is to implement it yourself.
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#### When will the project be finished?
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Writing an Operating System is a complex task that requires time. Other popular Operating Systems, such as Linux, are
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also constantly being developed to meet the everyday users requirements.
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#### Where can I obtain the source code?
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ExectOS source code can be obtained from GIT repository available [here](https://git.codingworkshop.eu.org/xt-sys/exectos).
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It can be also found on [GitHub](https://github.com/xt-sys/exectos) and [GitLab](https://gitlab.com/xt-sys/exectos) mirrors.
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#### Where can I download ExectOS?
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Each ExectOS build, including binaries, disk image, libraries and debug symbols are available [here](https://artifacts.codingworkshop.eu.org/ExectOS/).
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#### How can I contribute to ExectOS?
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We are looking for C and Assembler developers for core OS development as well as testers. If you are willing to help,
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please join our [Discord server](https://discord.com/invite/zBzJ5qMGX7) and contact one of ExectOS developers.
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#### Why don't you use GCC?
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Because GCC is a crap.
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#### Do you have any kind of tests to check if the code is working as expected?
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We don't need tests. If it compiles, it is good enough; if it boots up, then it is perfect.
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#### Why don't you help Wine?
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Wine implements Win32Api only, while ExectOS is a featureful Operating System, that implements a compatibility layer with NT.
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This means, ExectOS will be able to run NT drivers as well, not only Windows software. However, thanks to its modular design,
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it will be possible to implement Win32 subsystem as well at some point, based on Wine.
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#### Why don't you help ReactOS?
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ExectOS goals are very different from ReactOS, and contrast the project's core philosophy as being quite on different paths.
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While ReactOS aims to replicate Windows NT, ExectOS is a completely new Operating System implementing the XT architecture
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which derives from NT. Although both projects share the goal of being NT compatible, they intend to achieve it in different
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ways. What ReactOS tries to replicate, ExectOS only implements as a compatibility layer. Thanks to that, ExectOS does not
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need to strictly follow NT architecture and is capable of providing modern features.
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#### Do you intend to cooperate with ReactOS to achieve common goals?
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No. We share Wine's opinion on the inappropriate reverse-engineering methods used in the ReactOS project, as well as its
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association with the TinyKrnl project, which used every possible method of achieving the end result of having a 100%
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compatible results. This especially applies to the so-called ‘dirty’ way.
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#### Which license does ExectOS use?
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ExectOS is licensed under the GNU General Public License v3.
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