July 2nd, 2024

Fiwix: Unix-like kernel for the i386 architecture

The Fiwix operating system kernel, a UNIX-based system, emphasizes POSIX compatibility. It offers preemptive multitasking, POSIX compliance, virtual memory management, and supports various filesystems and hardware platforms. Fiwix serves as an educational tool with simple kernel code for students and enthusiasts. Installation is feasible from CD-ROM or floppy disk with minimal hardware requirements. Users are cautioned about potential bugs and incomplete features due to its early development stage. More details are available on the Fiwix GitHub Repository or website.

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Fiwix: Unix-like kernel for the i386 architecture

The Fiwix operating system kernel is a UNIX-based system designed from scratch with a focus on POSIX compatibility. It serves as a hobby OS and educational tool, offering simple kernel code for students and enthusiasts. Key features include preemptive multitasking, POSIX compliance, virtual memory management, and support for various filesystems and hardware platforms. Fiwix can be compiled using specific commands and configured through dedicated files. FiwixOS provides a UNIX-like user-space environment for kernel testing. Installation is possible from CD-ROM or floppy disk with minimal hardware requirements. Users are advised that Fiwix is still in its early stages, potentially containing bugs and incomplete features, so caution is recommended when using it. Additional information can be found on the Fiwix GitHub Repository or the Fiwix website.

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By @kragen - 5 months
fiwix is a crucial part of bootstrapping the modern software environment from a small enough 'seed' binary that you can hand-verify the binary; it's a kernel that you can compile without a kernel to run the compiler on. as such, its importance goes far beyond the hobby project its unassuming readme paints it as
By @rurban - 5 months
I wonder why you want POSIX compatibility when you start a new OS from scratch. All this broken and weird stuff, like signals, buffered synchronous IO, strings, locale, ... can be written in a functional, safe and modern way, enabling safety and performance, which is just not possible with POSIX.
By @dlachausse - 5 months
Very cool hobby OS project! MIT license and an impressive list of software that is supported…

https://www.fiwix.org/packages.html

By @justanother - 5 months
Not sure if this was intended, but in Belizean creole, "Fi Wi" (pronounced "fee wee", not like WiFi) means "ours" or "for us." Good name for an MIT-licensed kernel project.
By @userbinator - 5 months
"Unix-like kernel for the i386 architecture" is exactly what Linux started out as. Good to see others following in Torvalds' footsteps.
By @chriscappuccio - 5 months
Similar to early/mid 90s Linux or BSD
By @notorandit - 5 months
Looks somehow similar to Minix.

I like the idea of people tinkering with os stuff.

By @giantrobot - 5 months
...it won't be big and professional like HURD.
By @dajtxx - 5 months
Very impressive!