| 0,0 → 1,52 |
|---|
| |
| %h*** Why would I want to use SvarDOS instead of FreeDOS? *** |
| |
| The FreeDOS project is a free, open-source operating system that aims to be |
| 100%% compatible with MS-DOS. And it is awesome. So why would I want to use |
| SvarDOS instead? |
| |
| %hLong release cycles |
| |
| The FreeDOS project began 29 June 1994. Version 1.0 came around in 2006. |
| Version 1.1 has been released in 2012, and the version 1.2 followed in |
| December 2016. This translates roughly to a 5-years release cycle. Granted, |
| the DOS scene is not as active as it used to be, but still, many things happen |
| during a few years. Such version-centric approach also requires users to |
| perform full-system upgrades every now and then. |
| |
| SvarDOS is very different in this regard: there are no versions at all. |
| Whenever a new program is included into or updated within the distribution, it |
| becomes immediately available through the SvarDOS reposoitory and may be |
| pulled either through the SvarDOS website or SvarDOS' pkgnet tool. Already |
| installed systems can be easily kept up-to-date using the distribution's |
| package manager. |
| |
| %hConstraints of legal nature |
| |
| The FreeDOS project mimicks a proprietary operating system, with all its APIs |
| and peculiarities. For this reason, the project always had to be extremely |
| careful about what can and what cannot be included within the FreeDOS |
| distribution. As a result, only "free software" (as in freedom, think GPL, |
| BSD, and so on) can make its way into the official distribution. While such |
| cautious approach is sane and legally safe, it is far from practical for |
| users. Allowing exclusively free software means that a high number of useful |
| programs, tools and games are left behind. For example "freeware" tools (as in |
| "gratis but no source included") are a no-go. Even open-source programs can be |
| rejected, if they do not clearly state that they comply with an OSI-approved |
| license. |
| |
| SvarDOS, on the other hand, is much more liberal about including packages. |
| Basically, anything that is objectively useful, of reasonable quality, |
| free/gratis and can be legally distributed in the form of a package, can be |
| included in SvarDOS. The only exception is for the "core" system (ie. the |
| operating system itself), which must be based exclusively on free/libre |
| software. Read more about %lpkgrules.ama:SvarDOS package inclusion rules%t. |
| |
| %hFreeDOS included! |
| |
| It must be noted, that altough the goals of SvarDOS and FreeDOS may be |
| slightly different, SvarDOS wouldn't exist without FreeDOS. Indeed, SvarDOS |
| uses the excellent FreeDOS kernel, as well as a few other utilities borrowed |
| from the FreeDOS ecosystem. |
| |
| Read also: %lhistory.ama:SvarDOS history |