What is Tunes ?

(Last modified Friday January 20th 1995)


The Tunes Identity FAQ

Here is a list of frequently asked questions (with answers) about the identity the Tunes project.

This FAQ, as all of the Tunes project, is currently under active construction...

Please note that this mini-FAQ only addresses general questions about the nature of the Tunes project. Specific questions about Subprojects are dealt with in documents from those subprojects.

As usual, any kind of feedback is welcome; Please do participate by asking questions to the maintainer, Faré (rideau@clipper.ens.fr). That's also how I know which questions are frequently asked ! But of course, do not ask again some existing question, unless you're sure the answer is not satisfactory (-8.


Index of Questions


Section 1: Project Goals

  • computing system, based upon a paradigm of total computing freedom. These words are to be taken in their fullest sense (see the Tunes Glossary).

    Assuming the above, we must also define the context in which we stand, besides computing liberalism
    So we believe that such freedom is reachable only by providing the finest possible grain in software and hardware modularity. though we have little grasp on hardware modularity.
    We believe that such modularity means that modules should depend only on other modules they actually need, so that the best module adaptation shall be achieved.
    We also believe that no reliable modularity is possible without security, and that the most secure software frame should be use, including total security through formal proof of software specification when possible.
    Finally, we believe that to express and manipulate this modularity, we need unified extensible language, that could specialize to any need, from the low-level control of computer hardware, to the highest level interaction with humans and the external world.

    Of course, none of the beliefs above is an absolute one, and anything should be reconsidered (including the project itself) if ever convincing counter-arguments would appear, and new beliefs may be added if proper arguments show them.


  • What does the name "Tunes" stand for ?


  • What are more specific goals for the Tunes project ?


    Section 2: Project organization

  • What are existing structures ?


  • How can I participate to the Tunes project ?


  • What about copyright and property issues ?



    Section 3: Project motivation and history

  • Why such a project ?


  • How did it begin ?


  • What will it bring that other systems don't ?


  • What won't it bring that other systems do ?



  • Section 4: Project Advancement


  • What are supported hardware architectures ?


  • What are supported software standards ?



  • Section 5: More about the project

  • Where to find more information about Tunes ?


  • What are other related works and projects ?



    To Do on this page

  • Fill the glossary entries
  • Wait for feedback, as usual


    Page Maintainer:
    Faré -- rideau@clipper.ens.fr