AROS

What does AROS mean?

AROS (Amiga Research Operating System) is an open-source, preemptive multitasking, multithreaded operating system originally designed for legacy Amiga hardware. It has since been ported to other architectures, including x86, PowerPC, and ARM. The operating system is similar to AmigaOS in terms of its graphical user Interface, functionality, and Application compatibility.

AROS offers various features, including a modular architecture, native multitasking, memory protection, and a comprehensive Set of APIs for hardware and software development. The operating system also supports a wide range of file systems, including FAT, NTFS, and Amiga File System (AFS), and provides networking capabilities through TCP/IP.

Applications

AROS has gained popularity as an alternative operating system for users seeking a classic Amiga experience on modern hardware. It offers a familiar graphical user interface, runs classic Amiga applications, and supports various hardware devices, such as graphics cards, Sound cards, and USB peripherals.

Beyond its use as a retro gaming platform, AROS has also been adopted by developers for embedded systems, microcontrollers, and custom hardware. The operating system’s modular design, low resource requirements, and open-source nature make it suitable for a variety of embedded applications.

History

The development of AROS began in the late 1990s as a modernization effort for AmigaOS. The original project, known as “AROS Vision,” aimed to create a source-compatible replacement for AmigaOS. However, due to copyright issues, the project was renamed to AROS and shifted to a clean-room implementation.

Over the years, AROS has undergone significant development, with various versions released, including the current stable release, AROS 68K 3.1.1. The community-driven project continues to receive active support and contributions from developers and enthusiasts worldwide.