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Commodore OS Vision 3.0 Linux-based OS arrives to spruce up retro builds
Quoting: Commodore OS Vision 3.0 Linux-based OS arrives to spruce up retro builds —
Fans of retro computing rejoice! Commodore OS Vision 3.0 has officially been released and is ready to install on your Commodore 64x today. This fan-made Linux-based operating system is designed specifically for Commodore branded devices—particularly ones found through websites like My Retro Computer, which have recreated the old school experience of computing by putting modern PC hardware inside retro cases.
The new OS version debuted earlier this week and is backed with plenty of tools and resources to help bring the old school experience back for a modern age. It has a variety of new things like games and even tools that can be used to develop custom apps from scratch. One of the new features is what the developer calls a "resource hub" known as Commodore OS Central. The intention is for this to be a launching pad for critical apps and tools.
Commodore OS Vision 3.0 also has a brand new Settings Manager. This will allow users to add a new level of customization to their retro computing experience. You can adjust things like the wallpaper, add animations and customize the music you hear for various OS functions. It also has the ability to configure system options for startup protocols and can handle emulator settings, as well.
Update
Liam follows up:
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Commodore OS 3 is the loudest Linux yet
What is more interesting to The Reg FOSS desk, though, is that this machine has its own OS – a Linux distribution called Commodore OS. Developer Leo Nigro of Commodore USA just released version 3.0. Internally, it describes itself as COMMODORE OS VISION 3.0 (Beta 8).
Commodore OS 3 is based on MX Linux 23.4, but it's been extensively customized. In fact, in some 30 years of experimenting with Linux, this vulture can say he has never seen a distro this tricked out with visual and sound effects. We suggest closely reading the installation instructions and following them. It's also seriously big: the ISO file is 37.85 GB in size. Part of this is because of the 204 Linux games that are preinstalled, but there is also a large assortment of emulators, covering ten models of Commodore kit from the PET via the C16, C64, and Plus 4, to several models of Amiga, and about 30 other platforms besides.
The Register:
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Commodore OS 3 is the loudest Linux yet
A Commodore-themed talking Linux desktop, complete with hundreds of games, makes for the biggest distro we've seen yet.
In the halcyon days of 2011, The Register reported on a plan to make a modern PC clone in the classic form factor of the Commodore 64 after CEO Barry Altman had some troubles licensing the Commodore name (eventually resolved). The product did in fact launch, although sadly Altman died the following year. Now MyRetroComputer owns the rights and the design, and you can still buy the case.